DIY: Eyeshadow Palette / Z Palette

I like makeup. Probably too much, actually. I've curbed most of my impulse purchases thanks both to my deep-seated love of tireless research, and the need to see the approval of at least five internet strangers before hitting the checkout. I've amassed quite a bit of eyeshadow over the years, though, and aside from my larger palettes, I have a lot of eyeshadow singles and small palettes that don't get as much use because they're easily overlooked or perhaps I only like a shade or two within the palette. I needed to fix this!

The time had come to de-pot my eyeshadows: remove them from their original packaging to compile them all into one, easy-to-use palette. That way I'd have the colors I like, toss the ones I don't love, and then could find them all in once place. I know I could buy an expensive Z Palette, but honestly you should by now that this is not my style! Curious how to revamp your collection? Read on!

WHAT YOU NEED

+ Eyeshadows

+ Watercolor Palette 

(or other slim, clear case)

+ E6000 Glue

+ Scissors & Pen

+ Magnet Sheet

+ Small Magnets

+ Duct Tape Sheet (optional)

HOW TO MAKE IT

First things first: remove the plastic paint insets from the palette. They're not attached in any way in this particular palette so they pop right out. Set those aside and get back into watercoloring painting like you're in second grade again! You're welcome.

There will be some plastic prongs in the middle of the palette, but the brittle plastic breaks easily. I used some wire cutters to snip them, but a number of tools could accomplish this.

Now, we're off to the races! Trace the palette on your magnetic sheet and cut it out. You may need to trim and adjust for a perfect fit so play around with it.

This step is optional, but it adds a lil' somethin' somethin' to the overall look. I think it might also lessen the magnetic force a little bit, so don't feel too bad if you skip it. I stuck the magnetic cut-out to a sheet of duct tape, trimmed off the excess, and tucked the edges behind neatly. Use some glue to secure it to the palette.

Now comes the ~scary~ part: de-potting your eyeshadows! 

My stakes were pretty low since I'm working with drugstore shadows, and, admittedly, I made kind of a mess, but after trial and error I think this is the most foolproof way to handle this:

Put one palette or eyeshadow single on a baking sheet (I recommend covering the sheet in foil to prevent a potential mess) and place it in an oven which is preheated to 200 degrees F.

Use a timer and leave it in for about two minutes. The heat is warm enough to loosen to glue keeping your metal pans attached to the base/palette, but not so hot that it should melt any plastic in such a short time. Plastic in heat is not ideal, but this was the gentlest way I found to do this, and I experienced no melting or terrible fumes. Use your best judgement though!

Use a metal tool to pry and pop those pans right out! If they don't come out easily, place the whole thing back in the oven in 30 second bursts and try again.

Once all of your eyeshadows are free, secure a magnet (or even a piece of the magnetic sheet) to the back of the pan. I used self-adhesive magnets, but you can just glue them too.

Put all of your eyeshadows into your new palette and marvel at your handy result!

Obviously, some of my eyeshadows received a little damage in the process, mostly while I was trying to determine the best way to remove them from their respective palettes. I fixed them by spritzing some alcohol and pressing over them with a paper towel, but they're not perfect. This is about real life DIY though - I really don't care about looking Pinterest perfect, honestly! This is a useful project that solved an everyday issue for me and I couldn't be happier!

What's your biggest issue with your makeup stash? Have you ever made a DIY palette or other storage? What on earth should I paint with those watercolors?!