Eye Shadow Choosing Guide

from makeup

The eye shadows of today have greatly improved from our mother's eye shadows. Some eye shadows now even contain antioxidants and light reflectors. And the color choices are endless! Here's a guide to help you make the right choice for the look you want.

Cream shadow

Cream shadow comes in sheer to opaque colors from natural tones to dark purple and is easy to apply with your fingers as your body heat helps to soften the shadow for a smoother application. It's great to use alone for a natural eye look. Apply cream shadows on bare lids for the best results. If you have oily lids, stick with cream-to-powder shadow.

Loose shadow

Loose shadow usually comes in a shimmery form and can be a little messy at first but it's the best for controlling the amount of color you want. They don't contain any binding agents so they tend to be very light in texture. Use a small brush to apply highlighter loose shadow in white, opal, or gold to the inner corner of your eyes. Use a large brush and shake off excess for a sheer application of pinks, golds, mauves, or pale purples to create an angelic look.

Pressed shadow

Pressed shadows are my favorite type of shadow because they're the best for layering colors, not to mention they come in colors and textures from sheer shimmers to opaque matte black. You can even find some that contain green tea extracts and antioxidants. I prefer finely milled shadows that are silky and soft in texture.

Stick shadow

Stick shadows are basically cream shadows in stick form but some do have a tendency to be a little denser in texture because of the shape they have to hold. I find them to last longer than regular pot shadows (cream shadows usually found in small glass jars). Stick shadows are also great because they can be used as shadow or eyeliner and can be applied very quickly.

Pure pigments

Pure pigments come in loose shadow form and are pure color. They contain very few ingredients other than pigment so they deliver more intense color. They're great for dramatic looks. I like to use them for runway styles or for a fun evening out. Remember to use a small amount and build up from there because a little goes a long way. I prefer dark intense colors like brick, greens, and purples whenever I want a dramatic look.

Gel shadow

Gel shadows are the newest technology of all the shadows. Like stick shadows, gels can be used as a liner or shadow, but gels usually come in more intense colors than creams and are great for highly dramatic looks when used as a shadow. You must work fast though, as once this stuff sets it doesn't move. My favorite is to use dark brown and black as an eyeliner.

Cream to powder

Cream-to-powder shadows are longer lasting than cream shadows. They start as an easy-to-blend cream and set to a powder. These shadows are great for those who have oily lids but want a cream shadow. Apply a powder shadow on top for even longer staying power. Great in soft colors like golds and pinks.