MAC Cosmetics Resource - depotting MAC eyeshadows without flames

There are a lot of different ways to depot MAC eyeshadows and powder blushes, most of the varying in difficulty or damage. I prefer to avoid anything that involves flames, as in my eyes that requires unnecessary exposure to the carcinogenic fumes put off by burning plastic as well as possibly damaging to the product itself. This is the easiest, quickest way to depot eyeshadows and blushes, as well as having the most risk management (to both the product and yourself) and the least product exposure to unregulated heat. Best of all, with a couple of extra steps this technique can also be used to depot creme blushes, cream colour bases and cream and powder foundation products. Give it a go, and you'll never go back to mucking about with flames ever again. :)
Depotting
	Depotting tools
	- Eyeshadow pot. - hand towel - Small flat-head screwdriver or a similar strong, small blade. - Iron set on hot and with steam turned off (to avoid an accidental steaming of your fingers). - baking paper. - Labeling items (blank magnet, scissors). In case of any unfortunate eyeshadow cracking, keep some surgical spirit or other 95%+ alcohol and some cotton tips on hand for running repairs.
	Removing the shroud
	Using the tip of your screwdriver, carefully work it underneath the lip of the shroud. It's easiest to do this at the front of the pot where the lid latches closed. Apply enough pressure to make the shroud pop clear, then put the pot aside.
	Removing the pans
	Flip the eyeshadow so it lays shadow-side down down onto your hand towel, lay the baking paper over the top and rest a hot iron over that. In thirty seconds or so, lift the iron and check the paper - if the plastic pot underneath is starting to stick slightly to the paper, it's time to remove the eyeshadow. Flip the eyeshadow over and gently work the screwdriver between the eyeshadow pan and the black plastic shroud and give it a wiggle. If the eyeshadow moves with gentle pressure, it's ready to be removed. If you have to force it at all, the glue is still solid and it needs to be heated further. If the glue is suitably melted, gently work the tip of your knife under the pan and wiggle it from side to side until the glue gives way and the eyeshadow pan lifts free. Don't force it in any way, as the pan itself may bend and weaken or shatter the eyeshadow itself. When in doubt, apply more heat.
	Labeling and storing pans
	And now for the label. I prefer to keep the pot sticker attached to the pan itself, as I constantly reorganise my large palettes and I like to keep all the information handy to make answering clients questions a little bit easier. Lay the eyeshadow pot with the domed side down and cover it with baking paper. Apply enough heat with the iron to soften the glue on the sticker without melting the plastic pot. Carefully peel it away and apply it to a blank magnet, then trim to size. Attach the magnet to the existing sticky glue on the underside of the pan and put the pan into your palette of choice. Voilà! One depotted, labeled and stored eyeshadow!
LEGAL: This guide is informational only, I take no responsibility for any results or damage acquired as a result of following this tutorial. Product names and MAC logo remain the copyright of MAC (Make-Up Art Cosmetics), and no infringement is intended. I am not affiliated with MAC in any way. For further information or product details, please visit maccosmetics.com Design by Lara Hill, larahill.com