- Easy
- 20–30 minutes
- No glue
- about 3.3 × 4.5 in (8.3 × 11.4 cm)
This cute pink eyeshadow palette has shimmering rose, peach, lilac, and gold pans plus a sweet smiling face right in the mirror. Download our free makeup paper squishy template to craft your own soft compact—the PDF comes in US Letter and A4 with 3 versions: full color, a coloring page, and a blank outline. Pair it with a lip gloss paper squishy to start a whole beauty bag collection!
What you need
How to make it, step by step
1Print the template
Print your eyeshadow palette template at 100% scale on plain printer paper, making sure “fit to page” is turned off. Check the scale line in the top corner—it should measure exactly 2 inches (50 mm on A4). If you picked the coloring page or blank version, color your custom shadow pans and pink case now, then let any marker ink dry completely before moving on.
2Tape the pieces
Lay strips of wide clear packing tape over just the two palette pieces, rather than covering the whole page. Smooth each strip from the middle outward without pulling or stretching, because stretched tape will wrinkle later. This glossy layer makes the mirror and sparkly shadow pans shine while making the paper strong and extra squishy.
3Cut out both pieces
Cut out the front and back compact shapes right along the solid outer line, keeping the narrow white border intact. Take your time around the rounded corners of the lid and the slight inward curve at the side hinges where the top mirror meets the bottom shadow tray.
4Add a tape border to the back
Place the back palette piece printed side down onto strips of clear tape with the sticky side facing up. Trim the tape so it extends about 1 cm (½ inch) past the paper edge all the way around. Snip this sticky border every 2 cm (1 inch) right up to the paper edge to create neat little flaps that will hold your compact together.
5Join front and back
Set the front piece directly on top of the back piece, white sides together, lining up the mirror lid and bottom tray. Fold the sticky tape flaps over the front edge one by one and press them flat. Leave a 3.5 cm (1½ in) gap open along one side, just like the pink line in the picture shows, so you have room for the stuffing.
6Stuff it
Tear your plastic bags, cotton, or fiberfill into small bits and push them inside through the open side gap. Fill the far corners of the mirror lid and the bottom palette tray first, then work toward the middle hinge area. Stop once the compact feels soft and puffy—packing in too much stuffing can make the taped seams pop open.
7Close the gap
Fold the remaining tape flaps over the open edge and tape the stuffing gap shut with an extra strip of clear tape. Run your finger firmly along the entire outer border, including the curved corners and side hinges, to make sure the tape is pressed down well.
8Squish!
Your kawaii eyeshadow palette is done! Squeeze the puffy compact and watch it puff right back up into shape. If you want a slow-rising squishy, gently prick one tiny pinhole into the back of the palette so the air escapes slowly.
Free Eyeshadow Palette Squishy Template
- Color
- Coloring page
- Blank, design your own
- Step-by-step guide
One free PDF: the template in three versions (pages 1–3) and the step-by-step guide (pages 4–5). Print the template at 100% on plain printer paper.
Tips for the perfect squish
- Split seam at the hinge. If an edge splits open near the curved side hinges, lay a new short strip of clear tape right across the seam, overlapping the old tape.
- Cloudy or wrinkled mirror. If the blue mirror looks wrinkly, the packing tape was pulled too tight while laying it down. Use shorter strips and gently smooth them on without pulling.
- Compact feels too hard. A stiff palette has too much stuffing packed into the tray and lid. Carefully open the gap, pull out a few pinches of filling, and tape the edge shut again.
- Smudged eyeshadow colors. Marker ink on the coloring page can smear under clear tape if it is still damp. Always let your custom shades dry completely before taping, while standard printer ink is fine right away.
Questions
How do I make a DIY makeup and skincare paper squishy set?
This eyeshadow palette is the star of a DIY vanity collection! After you finish it, you can print and stuff our skincare pump bottle squishy using the exact same tape-and-stuff method to create a matching beauty set.
Can I use glue instead of tape on the palette edges?
Not for the edges, because glue does not stick to tape-covered paper and the seams would open. The snipped tape border folded over the edge holds your compact together best.
What paper works best for a makeup paper squishy?
Plain printer paper (80–100 gsm / 20–24 lb) gives you the best squish. Heavy cardstock makes the palette stiff, so it will not squish as nicely.
Can I make the eyeshadow palette bigger?
Yes, you can print the page at a larger scale, such as 120%. Just make sure to print the front and back pieces together on the same sheet so they match up.
Can I make these with a class or party group?
Yes! Print 1 sheet per person and cut the tape strips in advance so kids can color the palette while you help with taping. Plan about 30 minutes for the activity.
More paper squishies to make
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