Makeup Artist | Paris

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How to choose your eyeshadows ?

You miss wearing makeup but have to wear a face mask ?

Go for eye makeup !

With eye-liner, pencil and mascara, eyeshadows are part of the tools to create the most beautiful eye makeup.

When choosing eyeshadows, first thing women think of is the color choice but eyeshadows textures and finish also come in the mix.

While the eyeshadow shade will intensify your eye color, textures and finish will define your style.

Using matte eyeshadows or glitters will definitely change your overall look.

What are the different eyeshadows textures?

Eyeshadow textures 

Eyeshadows exist in different forms, different textures : 

  • Loose powder 

Photo: Mac Cosmetics

These are highly pigmented and have a shiny finish. 

They can be used on eyes and other part of the face when mixed in a medium. 

You can for example use them above your lipstick to give your lips some shine and avoid the use of gloss if you don’t like the stickiness feel of it.



  • Compact / pressed powder 

Photo: Ulta Beauty

Compact eyeshadows are the most common and generally what most women go to.

They are easy to apply and blend when they are good quality products. 

It is always best to use brushes (LIEN) to apply them for a clean and elegant look.




  • Cream 

Photo: Pinterest

Cream eyeshadow comes in different forms, you can find them in pot, pencil, or tube.

It can be applied with fingers for a quick and natural look or with a brush for more precision and a sharper look.

It can also serve as a base before applying your compact eyeshadow.

It will make the colors look more intense and will stay longer.

Due to its consistency, it is prone to creasing especially because the eyelid is the most oily part of the face.

I recommend you apply a translucent powder above the cream to prevent it to budge throughout the day.




Eyeshadow finish 

  • Matte

Photo: Viseart

Matte eyeshadows are a staple in a makeup bag.LIEN

Matte eyeshadows absorb light so they can be used to create contrast, depth and help redefine an eye shape.



  • Shimmer 

Photo : Nars

Contrary to matte eyeshadows, shimmer eyeshadows are light reflective so will give shine to the eyes.

Depending on your eyes shape, shimmer eyeshadows will have to be placed differently.

If you have for example round eyes, it is best to avoid using shimmer eyeshadows on the eyelid because it will make your eyes look fuller.



  • Metallic 

Photo: Charlotte Tilbury

Metallic eyeshadows are as the name states it inspired from metals, like gold, silver, bronze, copper.

They give a rich and sophisticated makeup look and are really intense.

Same as the shimmer, they have to be used carefully to avoid drawing attention to parts of the face or skin texture that we prefer less visible.

For mature women for example, it is best to avoid using them because they can sit in fine lines and make the wrinkles more visible. As a result you might look tired.




  • Glitter 

Photo: Behance

Glitter eyeshadows are real glitter particles and light reflective. 

The easiest way to apply them is to use a base or a cream eyeshadow to make the glitter stick to the eyelidd.




  • Frost 

Photo: Pinterest

Frost eyeshadows are iridescent and usually made of white or silver particles.

They are most suitable for small eye shapes to make them loose bigger.

Except if going for a special look, it does not always complement dark skin women.



  • Glossy

Photo: Danessa Myricks

Gloss eye shadows were a huge hit last season. 

They give a high fashion, editorial look.

The watery look they create are really beautiful however they are of high-maintenance.

Same as cream eye shadow, a glossy eyeshadow will tend to move on the skin.

It is not always the most pleasant feel on the eyes.

For this reason it is not the best choice for an everyday makeup or on a wedding day.

It will definitely look good on pictures but has to be touched up a lot.

How to choose the right eyeshadow texture and finish ?

When choosing your eyeshadow, think of the texture that will be the easier for you to work with. 

Then think about the finish you want, the look you want to create.

Are you looking for something really edgy ? Some discret shine ? 

If you want advice about the texture and finish that will suit you the most, don’t hesitate to contact me.


See you in the next post. 

Yours in beauty, 

Francine O.