a close-up of a stainless steel makeup mixing palette with grease paint inside of it

Do you love to create a creative makeup look, but are tired of makeup mess? Maybe you are a professional makeup artist or beauty blogger who needs to invent a brand-new lipstick shade or mix some foundation? Makeup mixing palettes aren't just for pros (although bloggers and makeup artists will love it). Whether you're a creative makeup enthusiast or just want to ditch the messy back-of-the-hand mixing, this paw palette is purr-fect for you!

a close-up of a stainless steel makeup mixing palette with grease paint inside of it

What Is Mixing Makeup Palette?


A makeup mixing palette is a must-have makeup tool for every mua and enthusiast and considered a classic for a very long time. Whether you are working with a client, or friend or applying your makeup, a stainless steel palette is always helpful. You can use it to mix liquid makeup products such as foundation, eyeliner, and lipstick, or to mix a dry texture – eyeshadows and powders. Basically, it is possible to use all types of products (even the special makeup effects) as well as corrosive products.

When you are working with a client or a model sanitary and safety come before everything else, even your skills. Even the cleanest hands contain a large number of bacteria. That's why using the back of your own hand is unhealthful and looks unprofessional. A clean stainless steel makeup palette provides the perfect sanitary working surface for blending makeup products.

a close-up of a stainless steel makeup mixing palette with grease paint inside of it

How to Use Makeup Mixing Palette Like a Pro?


The humble mixing palette is a powerful tool for any makeup enthusiast or artist. It unlocks a world of customization, allowing you to create bespoke shades, adjust the intensity, and achieve a flawless application. Here's a breakdown of how to use a mixing palette effectively:

  • Step 1: Choosing Your Products


The possibilities are endless! Mixing palettes can be used with cream blushes, foundations, concealers, eyeshadows, lipsticks, and even gel liners. Consider the textures you want to combine; for example, cream products mix best with creams, while liquids can be mixed with both creams and liquids.

  • Step 2: Measure and Mix


Start with small amounts of each product. A good rule of thumb is a pea-sized dollop for each color. Use a clean spatula to scoop and transfer the product onto the palette. Gently scrape and fold the products together until they are fully homogenized. Remember, you can always add more, but taking away is trickier!

  • Step 3: Tool Time!


Spatulas are your best friends for mixing. They allow for precise control and prevent cross-contamination between products. However, the final application depends on the desired effect. Brushes are ideal for blending out cream blushes and eyeshadows, while a damp sponge works well for sheer, foundation-like applications.

a close-up of a stainless steel makeup mixing palette with grease paint inside of it

Popular Types Of Makeup Mixing Palettes


There is a huge variety of makeup mixing palettes on a beauty market and every artist can find a palette that will fit their needs. Some of the palettes are solid and come with a special 'ring' or a ‘bracelet’ that helps you place a pallet on your finger or wrist.  Other palettes come with a thumb hole and special wells where you can mix the liquid textures. The sizes and shapes of the palettes vary from brand to brand, but the main idea is the same – all of the palettes have a smooth surface, it are easy to clean and maintain.

  • Stainless Steel Palettes: These are the workhorses of mixing palettes. Durable and easy to clean, they offer a smooth, non-porous surface for mixing creams, liquids, and powders. Often lightweight and magnetic, they can hold metal makeup pans for easy access.

  • Silicone Palettes: Offering both flexibility and portability, silicone palettes are ideal for travel. They're lightweight, easy to wipe clean, and some even fold for compact storage. While not ideal for heavy-duty mixing, they're perfect for creating custom cream or liquid products like highlighters or lip tints.

  • Acrylic Palettes:  A step up from plastic, acrylic palettes offer a clear and sturdy option. They're perfect for creating custom palettes by allowing you to see the colors underneath. While not as durable as stainless steel, they're often more affordable and easier to find with individual wells for separating products. 

  • Clay Palettes: For the eco-conscious makeup lover, clay palettes are a unique option. Made from natural clay, they offer a luxurious feel and a non-porous surface for mixing. However, they require special care as they're more delicate than other materials.

types of Makeup Mixing Palettes

  • How to Clean a Stainless Steel Mixing Palette?


It is very simple to use and maintain a stainless steel mixing palette. They are very durable and don't require special storage conditions. You can take it right in your makeup case to a photoshoot; it's lightweight and doesn't take up much space.

Before and after each use, clean the surface with rubbing alcohol or simply wash it with antibacterial soap. To remove grease, use dish detergent, but remember to sterilize it afterward: most dish detergents don't kill germs. 

The Stainless Steel Palette by Born Pretty is a full-sized mixing palette, measuring 15 cm (5.9 inches) long and 10 cm (3.9 inches) wide. It's big enough to use liquid and powder textures simultaneously, eliminating the need to clean the surface constantly. Even though this palette is quite large, it's lightweight and comfortable to use.

The steel makeup palette features a thumb hole and five separate mixing areas for your products. It also comes with a dual-ended mixing spatula (15 cm long). One side of the spatula is pointy with a slightly curved end, while the other side is rectangular with rounded edges.

Final Thoughts...


Forget an annoying habit of using the back of your hand for makeup mixing, no matter if you are a professional makeup artist, makeup lover, or just a learner, a stainless steel makeup palette is a must-have for everyone who likes makeup.

Lots of love,
Liz