Eyeshadow finishes refer to the texture and appearance of the eyeshadow once applied to the eyelids. There are several different finishes available, including matte, shimmer, satin, and metallic. Matte eyeshadows have a flat, non-reflective finish and provide a smooth and velvety look. Shimmer eyeshadows contain tiny specks of glitter or shimmer particles, adding a subtle sparkle to the eyes. Satin finishes offer a soft sheen and a slightly luminous effect, providing a balance between matte and shimmer. Metallic finishes are highly pigmented and have a reflective, metallic shine, creating a bold and eye-catching look.
Choosing the right eyeshadow finish is essential to achieve the desired eye makeup look. The finish can greatly impact the overall appearance and effect of the eyes. Matte finishes are ideal for creating a natural and everyday look, as they provide a subtle and soft effect. Shimmer finishes are perfect for adding dimension and a touch of sparkle to the eyes, making them suitable for special occasions or evening looks. Satin finishes offer a versatile option that can be used for both day and night looks, providing a soft glow to the eyes. Metallic finishes are bold and intense, making them perfect for creating dramatic and statement eye makeup looks. By selecting the appropriate finish, you can enhance your eye shape, highlight your features, and express your personal style.
Matte eyeshadow finish refers to an eyeshadow with a flat, non-shiny texture. It lacks any shimmer or sparkle, providing a velvety smooth appearance. Matte finishes are known for their intense pigmentation and opacity, making them perfect for creating depth and dimension on the eyelids. Unlike other finishes, matte eyeshadows do not reflect light, resulting in a more natural and muted look. They are ideal for creating a soft, everyday eye makeup look or for adding depth to a smokey eye.
When applying matte eyeshadow, it’s important to start with a well-prepped eyelid. Begin by applying an eyeshadow primer to ensure the color stays vibrant and crease-free throughout the day. For a seamless application, use a fluffy blending brush to blend the matte shadow into the crease or outer corner of the eye. Build up the intensity gradually, layering the shadow until you achieve the desired effect. To add dimension, use a slightly darker shade in the outer corner and blend it towards the center of the lid. Remember to blend well to avoid any harsh lines. Finish the look with a coat of mascara to define the lashes and complete the matte eyeshadow look.
Shimmer eyeshadows are characterized by their light-reflecting particles that create a subtle sparkle on the eyelids. These shadows have a soft metallic sheen that adds dimension and luminosity to the eyes. The shimmer finish is perfect for those who want to enhance their eye makeup with a touch of glamour. The particles in shimmer eyeshadows are finely milled, resulting in a smooth and blendable texture. They can be applied dry for a more sheer look or wet for a more intense metallic effect. Shimmer finishes come in a variety of shades, from pale golds and pinks to rich bronzes and purples. They are an excellent choice for evening or special occasion makeup, as they catch the light and create an alluring effect.
To create a shimmering eye look, start by applying a matte eyeshadow as a base color to the eyelid. This will provide a smooth canvas for the shimmer shadow to adhere to. Next, choose a shimmer eyeshadow in a shade that complements your eye color and desired look. Using an eyeshadow brush, gently pat the shimmer shadow onto the center of the eyelid, focusing on the area where you want the most intensity. Blend the color outwards towards the outer corner of the eye for a gradient effect. To further enhance the shimmer, apply a lighter shade to the inner corner of the eye and along the brow bone. Finish the look with a few coats of mascara to define the lashes. The result will be a mesmerizing and eye-catching shimmering eye look.
Satin eyeshadow finish is characterized by its smooth and silky texture with a subtle sheen. Unlike matte or shimmer finishes, satin eyeshadows offer a delicate balance between the two, providing a soft and luminous effect on the eyelids. The satin finish adds dimension to the eyes without being too overpowering, making it suitable for both day and evening looks. Satin eyeshadows are often highly pigmented, allowing for buildable coverage and effortless blending. The finish is known for its long-lasting formula, ensuring that your eyeshadow stays in place throughout the day. Whether you prefer neutral shades for a natural look or bold colors for a statement eye, satin finishes can cater to any style and preference.
There are various ways to incorporate satin eyeshadow into your makeup routine for a polished and versatile look. One popular technique is to use a satin shade as a transition color in the crease to add depth and dimension to your eye makeup. The satin finish will create a seamless blend between different eyeshadow colors, giving your eyes a professional and well-blended appearance. Another way to utilize satin eyeshadow is by applying it to the inner corners of the eyes to brighten and highlight the area. This technique can make your eyes appear more awake and youthful. For a subtle and sophisticated look, you can also use a satin eyeshadow as a wash of color all over the lid, paired with a thin line of eyeliner and mascara. This will create a soft and effortless eye makeup look suitable for any occasion.
Metallic eyeshadow is a type of eyeshadow finish that adds a lustrous and shimmery effect to your eye makeup. It contains fine particles of shimmer that reflect light, giving your eyes a captivating and luminous appearance. Unlike matte or satin finishes, metallic eyeshadows have a high sheen and a smooth, almost wet-looking texture.
One of the key characteristics of metallic eyeshadow is its intense pigmentation. It delivers a bold and vibrant color payoff that instantly draws attention to your eyes. The metallic finish also adds depth and dimension to your eye makeup, making your eyes appear more captivating and alluring.
Another advantage of metallic eyeshadows is their versatility. Whether you want to create a dramatic smoky eye or a subtle pop of shimmer, metallic finishes can be easily blended and layered to achieve the desired effect. They can be used on their own or combined with other finishes, such as matte or satin, to add an extra touch of glamour and sparkle to your overall eye look.
If you want to make a statement with your eye makeup, metallic eyeshadows are your go-to choice. Their reflective properties and vibrant pigments make them perfect for creating bold and glamorous looks. Here are some tips to achieve a stunning metallic eyeshadow look:1. Prep your eyelids: Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to ensure that the metallic eyeshadow adheres well and stays in place throughout the day. This step also helps to intensify the color payoff.2. Choose the right shades: Metallic eyeshadows come in a wide range of shades, from gold and silver to vibrant blues and purples. Select shades that complement your eye color and skin tone to enhance your natural features.3. Layer and blend: To create dimension and depth, apply a lighter metallic shade on the inner corner of your eyes and a darker shade on the outer corner. Use a blending brush to seamlessly blend the colors together for a seamless transition.4. Add eyeliner and mascara: To complete the bold and glamorous look, apply a black or dark-colored eyeliner along your lash line. Finish off with a few coats of volumizing mascara to add definition and volume to your lashes.
Remember, metallic eyeshadow is all about making a statement, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and techniques. Whether you’re attending a special event or just want to add a touch of glamour to your everyday makeup, metallic eyeshadows are sure to make your eyes sparkle and shine.
When it comes to eyeshadow, the finish plays a significant role in determining the overall look. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each finish – matte, shimmer, satin, and metallic – so that you can make an informed decision.
Matte eyeshadows are known for their smooth, non-reflective texture. They are perfect for creating a soft and sophisticated look, ideal for everyday wear. The pros of matte finishes are that they can help to minimize the appearance of oily eyelids and are great for creating depth and dimension. However, matte eyeshadows can be more challenging to blend, and they may lack the eye-catching sparkle of other finishes.
Shimmer eyeshadows, on the other hand, are all about adding a touch of radiance to your eyes. They contain tiny light-reflecting particles that catch the light and create a beautiful glimmer effect. Shimmer finishes are perfect for achieving a glamorous and festive look. The downside is that shimmer eyeshadows may accentuate any fine lines or wrinkles on the eyelids.
Satin finishes offer the best of both worlds – they have a soft sheen that provides a subtle glow without being overly shimmery. Satin eyeshadows are versatile and can be used for both daytime and evening looks. They are generally easier to blend than matte finishes and offer a more forgiving application.
Metallic finishes are the epitome of boldness and intensity. They provide a high-shine, reflective effect that instantly draws attention to the eyes. Metallic eyeshadows are perfect for special occasions or when you want to make a statement. However, they can be more challenging to work with and may require some practice to achieve a seamless blend.
When selecting an eyeshadow finish, it’s essential to consider your eye shape and skin tone to enhance your natural features. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right finish for your unique characteristics.
For those with hooded or monolid eyes, matte finishes work wonders. They can help create the illusion of depth and dimension, making the eyes appear larger and more defined. Shimmery or metallic finishes may emphasize the hooded area, so it’s best to use them sparingly or focus on the inner corners of the eyes for a subtle pop.
If you have deep-set eyes, satin and shimmer finishes are your best friends. These finishes add a touch of brightness and help to bring the eyes forward. Avoid using excessive metallic finishes as they can make your eyes appear even deeper set.
For those blessed with almond-shaped eyes, you have the freedom to experiment with various finishes. Matte, shimmer, satin, or metallic – all of them complement this eye shape beautifully. Play around with different finishes to create different looks for various occasions.
When it comes to skin tones, fair to light skin tones can rock both matte and shimmer finishes effortlessly. However, metallic finishes may appear more dramatic and should be used sparingly for a more balanced look.
On the other hand, medium to deep skin tones can embrace the vibrancy of metallic finishes. Shimmer and satin finishes are also great choices to enhance the natural glow of these skin tones. However, matte finishes may sometimes appear too stark, so it’s best to incorporate them as transition shades or for contouring.
In conclusion, understanding the pros and cons of each eyeshadow finish and considering your specific eye shape and skin tone will help you choose the perfect finish to achieve your desired look. Whether it’s a matte, shimmer, satin, or metallic finish, embrace your creativity and have fun experimenting with different eyeshadow finishes.
Guest Blogger: Elise Marquam-Jahns
Are you a cream or stick eye shadow formula kind of woman or a fan of powder eyeshadows? All formulas definitely have their pros and cons. I’ll provide a rundown of all of the different formulas so you’ll know which formula fits you, your lifestyle and your specific eyeshadow needs the best. And I’ll also cover the best way to prepare your eyes before applying shadow to prevent creasing and smudging and the all-important (and sometimes controversial) matte vs. shimmer question for women 45+.
But before taking a look at each formula, let’s talk about how to best prepare your eyes for eye shadow. Do you remember putting on eye shadow back in the 80s or 90s and a few hours later looking in the mirror and realizing that your eye shadow was badly creased or smudged? Back then, it was just a fact of life—especially if you had oily eye lids.
Now, however, we’re fortunate to have eye shadow primer (also called eye shadow base) available to us; which alleviates any smudging or creasing issues. Our eyelids produce oil and eye shadow primer absorbs oil and provides the perfect “canvas” on which to apply your eye shadow. If your eyelids are not very oily, you may be able to get away with using concealer on your eyelids as a primer. But if, like me, your eyelids can sometimes look like an oil slick, skip the concealer and go directly to an eye shadow primer.
Once you’ve determined if you need to use eye shadow primer or can get away with using concealer, there is one more question you need to consider: how much discoloration (veins, dark spots, etc.) do you have on your eyelids?
If you don’t have much discoloration, pick a clear eye shadow primer. But if you do have some discoloration, look for an eye shadow primer that will match the skin tone color of your eyelids. Using a skin-tone colored primer is like priming a wall before painting it. The primer allows the paint color to go on evenly and smoothly. Primer for your eyes accomplishes the same feat. Sans primer, the eyeshadow on your lids could look darker in some spots and lighter in others depending on how much discoloration you have in different areas of your eyelids. By applying an eye shadow primer, you will create an even skin tone across your eyelid that will ensure that the eye shadow color will look flawless.
Now that you know which eye shadow primer is best for you, let’s check out the various eye shadow formulas.
Cream Eyeshadow
Cream eyeshadows usually come in a small, round jar, tube or stick—which makes them travel friendly—and they can be applied with a finger or a brush. They blend easily and provide a quick wash of color. So if you need to be out the door in a hurry, they’re definitely a good choice. However, they’re not long-wearing or waterproof and are more likely to crease or move, so they’re not a particularly good choice to wear on hot, humid days. In addition, they come in small containers so are quickly used up and don’t lend themselves to more precise applications.
Stick and Crayon Eyeshadow
The biggest plus with stick or crayon eyeshadows is that they’re a breeze to apply: simply swipe across the lid and you’re ready to go. And, they’re definitely travel friendly, and come in an array of vibrant, light to full coverage color. Some, however, glide on more easily than others and since you don’t want to tug or pull that delicate eye area, it’s definitely worth it to choose a formula that glides on easily. However, be aware that a creamier eye shadow also ups the possibility of eyeshadow that creases more easily and often you don’t have much time to blend in these eyeshadows before they become budge proof.
Check out the upcoming Part 2 of this article where we’ll cover the ins and outs of loose and pressed powder eyeshadows and liquid eyeshadow. We’ll also dive into the all-important question of matte vs. metallic finishes and how to ensure that your eyeshadow looks as fresh at the end of your day as when you applied it.
Since these articles on beauty are specifically meant to meet your needs, I’d love to hear from you directly about the makeup topics you’d like to learn more about in upcoming articles. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] with suggested topics. I can’t promise to cover all of them, but I’ll give it my best shot! Thanks, Elise
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About The Author:
Elise Marquam-Jahns is an author, speaker, radio host and makeup artist. As a makeup artist, her passion is helping women 45+ get their glow back. In addition to her work as a makeup artist for a major cosmetics line, she founded Boomer and Beyond Beauty which offers makeup consultations, applications, classes and makeup parties. As host of Normandale Community College’s monthly Learning Well Blog Talk Radio Show, she interviews a wide cross section of health and wellness experts.