help with e/s

[euphrosyne_rose]

Ok. I've really had it. I look at everyone's oh so gorgeous FOTDs and wonder why MY eyeshadow doesn't look like that when I put it on. Here's what I usually do during my routine, so help me out here if you have a suggestion or think I'm doing something wrong. I just can't seem to get the e/s to go on smoothly. It always looks patchy and usually can't seem to get it to adhere to the area right above my lashline. I have dark eyelids so:

After I wash my face, I moisturize of course. I do try to spread some on the eyelids. I then put my concealer under my eyes and on my eyelids to try to cover up that darkness. I don't always use a base, but when I do, I use MAC Beige-ing Shadestick and then apply e/s. Even when I do apply the shadestick, I seem to have problems depositing the color. HELP ME!!! I want to look pretty! It just never seems to look smooth and flawless and of course it wants to disappear by the middle of the day! Any help, suggestions, or CC is welcome.

 

[Brittni]

What brushes do you use? That could be a big problem w/depositing the color the right way.

 

[TDoll]

I really like Beige-ing as a base....but it def. doesn't work for all colors. Just ones like browns, blues, greens, etc. with a frost. It's not going to look right if you want a more matte look. I think it tends to wash out colors unless you are using neutral browns, golds, earth tones.

My biggest suggestion would be to get a primer you can use with any color like Urban Decay Primer Potion. It grabs color like NOTHING else... My e/s never looked as good as I wanted it to until I used this stuff. Your color will literally last ALL DAY with it too, which you also said was a concern. A lot of people have different opinions on it, but I think that when you play with it enough and get the application down, it works wonders. I was hooked after one use. Just don't use too much. I think that's the mistake a lot of people make. It only takes a tid-bit. To me, it feels moisturizing too, so I usually only use eye cream at night. Skipping it in the morning I think, makes my e/s last longer.

Also, get a brush like the 239. It's by far my favorite...can't say enough good things about it. It deposits a lot of color and is very versatile...for the lid, crease, outer v, highlight... It's also good for blending. The 219 is also good for getting close to the lash line and for defining the shape of the outer v. If you're having trouble getting e/s close to the lash line, just get it as close as you can, then line, then use a hard angle brush to go over the line with a similar colored e/s so you can get it super close to the lashes.

Also, be careful using a concealer and an e/s base. Too much product can cause creasing.

 

[euphrosyne_rose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brittni What brushes do you use? That could be a big problem w/depositing the color the right way.

I have the 239 and 224 brushes and one from Victoria's Secret that is called small fluff brush. It kind of looks similar to the 228 Mini Shader Brush from MAC. I try to use either that one or the 239.

 

[knoxydoll]

Are you letting everything dry some before you start adding colour?

 

[euphrosyne_rose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by knoxydoll Are you letting everything dry some before you start adding colour?

I think so. I usually straighten out my hair before I finish my makeup. I think I may need to try that UDPP because I read so many great things about it.

 

[StArCaNdY]

I've noticed when I moisturize my eyes before applying eye makeup for some reason it doesn't last as long as when I don't. Maybe try skipping moisturizer in the morning and the concealer might be contributing to that also. I suggest you use a paint pot instead for the darkness on your lids. And use UDPP under the paint pot. Then try patting the eyeshadow on your lid with the 239 instead of sweeping it across. This works for me, HTH

 

[FiestyFemme]

I would skip the moisturizer on your eyelids if I were you. It seems like it would just make your lids oilier and less prone to the shadow staying. You may also want to try a true base, like UD PP or MAC Paints or Paint Pots. I think those will help a lot. I'd also recommend you take a look at the MAC 242 or 252 brushes, depending on how big your eyes are. I got the 242 because my eyes are smaller. That brush makes just about any eyeshadow show up much more vibrantly on me.

 

[macmistress]

I have never ever used brushes when APPLYING eyeshadow or BLENDING. Only at the end to finish it off. I use my fingers *looks around* - anyone else? I find it easier to apply and lift more colour..hth

 

[glamqueen1]

I agree with not using moisturizer on your lids. The skin around the eyes is very thin and sensitive, and a regular moisturizer could work against you. Eye-moisturizers should be gently pat with a finger along the eye-bone only.
When I started using paint pots, my eye-shadows showed up much better. If you have really dark eyelids, try Painterly (if you're skin has pinkish undertones) or Soft Ochre (for yellow-toned and darker skin-tones). They are both opaque and they will cover the darkness. I use a dome-shaped synthetic brush that I found really cheap at my local arts-supply shop. It gets in every corner of the lid!
I've never used UDPP, paint pots alone works fine for me, just be use to get the e/s on before it dries up.
Use a good brush , like e fluff-brush, and pack the e/s on to the lid, don't sweep or rub. Good luck, girl!

 

[KimmyAnn_678]

I agree with the moisturizer as well... your eyelids usually produce enough oil on their own, so only use an eye moisturizer under your eye and right underneath your brow.

I'm also wondering if using your concealor on your lids may also be a problem?

And good brushes used correctly make applying your eye make up and looking it look wonderful so much easier! I usually use use at 3-4 different brushes (I don't have any MAC eye brushes so I don't know the numbers but a general eyeshadow brush, then a larger, fluffy blending brush and also a "squirrel tail" brush and an angeld eyeshadow brush are my basic must haves along with a smudger or eyeliner brush

 

[euphrosyne_rose]

I bought the UDPP last night and I tried it this morning with no moisturizer and no concealer. I don't have any Paint Pots yet, and I'm not feelin' the Shadestick, so I'll see how it goes. Thanks!

 

[emeraldjewels]

How did you get on with it???

 

[euphrosyne_rose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by emeraldjewels How did you get on with it???

I think it's pretty good so far. I didn't use a really bright or dark e/s this morning for work, so I'm curious to see how it lasts. I patted the e/s on this time instead of sweeping it and it seemed to go on a little better too. The real test will be when I use something brighter or darker.

 

[euphrosyne_rose]

It's official! The UDPP ROCKS! It lasted all day without my e/s creasing or disappearing. I do have to say that I got home about 3:45pm from work and fell into a 2 hour slumber (so tired for some reason) and even though my e/s started to disappear, THERE ARE STILL NO CREASES and you can still see the e/s it's just not as prominent as it was this a.m. but we'll chalk that up to my Sleeping Beauty session.
Thanks, girls, for the recommendations!!