Project Increase Storage Space- Pressing Minerals

I'd been meaning to try pressing loose mineral shadows for some time. I finally gave it a go, and am so happy with the result! I decided for my first attempt that I would just use dark colours that I could use as liners, these are colours that I'd never used, so if they didn't work out, I wasn't going to be too upset.

After some research, I decided to press with isopropyl alcohol (I bought from Bunnings) and fractionated coconut oil (ebay). You can use jojoba, but coconut oil keeps longer. 

Using a small container, I mixed enough alcohol to dampen the loose shadow. I then doubled that amount of the coconut oil so that I would get a clay or cookie dough consistency. To mix I used the end of a floss stick.

Next step is to scrape the mixture into a shadow pan. 

Using a one dollar coin, I then pressed the shadow, making sure to sandwich paper towel between the shadow and the coin. This absorbs any excess moisture.

I then left to dry overnight. (You can speed up this process by heating an oven, switching it off and placing the palette inside)

I found that a small eye shadow jar, often sold as a full size, is enough shadow to fill one pan. For smaller amounts of shadow, I just filled a pan with more than one colour, as you'll probably notice in the pic.

The final result?

Initially I was concerned that the shadows might lose their vibrancy, but, I am happy to note that most of the pressed minerals swatched the same as when loose. I found the matte shades don't swatch as well, but I'll still find use for them.
I am certainly going to press more minerals. Although a little messy, I found it fun. I will be sure to post pics of any other palettes that I create :)