Intensifying Eyeshadow Colours

[Amaranth]

Hi, I'm not sure if this question has been asked yet, but I'm new to Specktra.

I just wanted to know what you guys do to get the maximum colour out of your eyeshadow. I'm currently using Bare Canvas MAC Paint, and this is possibly the problem, but I find that no matter which colour I put on, it goes on looking washed out. When I do my friends' make-up, the same colours look bright on them. Should I just try packing it on, using a different brush, or is there a better base I could be using? Also, what is the best way to make pigments go on bright? I can't seem to find mixing medium anymore, is there something else I could use?

Thanks!

 

[saniyairshad]

Try using shadesticks or paints to intensify your e/s

 

[makeupgal]

Sounds like it gets too dry and doesn't grab the shadow. If the paints are too dry for you, which they are for me, I mix the tiniest (and I mean the tiniest) little dot of MAC Gloss into mine. Here's how I do it. I swatch some Bare Canvas on my hand and then put a dot the size of a pin head in the middle and mix it in with my finger. It will not be as dry and will "catch" the eyeshadow better. Alternatively, you can use "Nude" or "Pearl" creme color base. These go with every shadow you own. Colors like Brill or Digit show up better if you put some "Gesso" shadow on first, then the pastel shadow over it. Let me know which one of these worked best for you. By the way, you can still get Mixing Medium at www.macpro.com. Get the water based one, cuz it doesn't dry as quickly.

 

[Amaranth]

Wow, thank you very much! I don't have gloss or cream colour base yet, and I recently moved a few hours away from the nearest MAC store, so it'll be a few weeks before I can try out the tips. I'll let you know how it goes, thank you very much!

 

[me_jelly]

Definitely give the cream color bases a try the next time you get a chance to stop by MAC. Have you ever trying foiling your shadows? I do that a lot to really intensify the colors and make them look the same on my eyes as they did in the pot

 

[MISSJESS2003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by me_jelly Definitely give the cream color bases a try the next time you get a chance to stop by MAC. Have you ever trying foiling your shadows? I do that a lot to really intensify the colors and make them look the same on my eyes as they did in the pot

what exactly is "foiling" eyeshadows??

 

[Twinkle_Twinkle]

I actually find that the cream color bases tend to crease. Have you tried the Prep + Prime for eyes? It works best if you pat it on rather than rub it in. And the UDPP is always a winner. What about using a shadestick as a base? Good luck.

 

[me_jelly]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MISSJESS2003 what exactly is "foiling" eyeshadows??

Adding moisture - like using them wet

 

[noangel]

for me, i find using shadestick (beiging) helps make the colours more intense

 

[Hilly]

shadesticks and mixing medium (for the piggies) and of course UDPP

 

[Taj]

shadesticks of the same colour family helps intensify the colours !

 

[MAC is love]

Well, sometimes paints only really work as a base for your e/s, but don't intensify the e/s. Making your brush a little damp, then picking up some of the e/s helps brigten it up IMO.

 

[capspock]

I know it is hard to find Artdeco (German brand) products in USA, but maybe in Canada is easier? There is a great e/s base made by Artdeco called just that: Artedeco Eyeshadow Base. You can see it in my pictures at my profile on MUA: http://www.makeupalley.com/p~bordeaux73

 

[MACATTAK]

The same thing happens to me with paints. I was at a Mac store today & the MA told me that you need to use them before they dry & pack on the color. She says if you wait until they dry (which I do) they won't work right.

 

[amethystangel]

Shadesticks ftw!!

 

[VioletB]

I know I will get tomatoes thrown at me for this one...

When I am using a dark or very bright color I put on my paint and then use a (cringe) spongey tip applicator to press the color into the paint.. Don't rub back and forth, just pack it on. The sponge holds the color and lets you get it very bright and/or dark. After you have done that you can blend out with your brush.

 

[MAC_Pixie04]

I agree with wetting SOME shadows. Not all shadows are designed to be used wet. If you wet a mac eyeshadow, you might as well kiss it goodbye. they're not designed to be used wet (which is silly IMO if they're such a "studio" line) unless you load the brush up first THEN wet it. I agree with using something like primer potion under your shadow; a tackier, slow-drying base helps, it gives your shadow something to adhere to, and it gives it something to dry onto, so it lasts longer. Kohl pencils also make excellent bases. Good luck.

 

[capspock]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAC_Pixie04 I agree with wetting SOME shadows. Not all shadows are designed to be used wet. If you wet a mac eyeshadow, you might as well kiss it goodbye. they're not designed to be used wet (which is silly IMO if they're such a "studio" line) unless you load the brush up first THEN wet it. I agree with using something like primer potion under your shadow; a tackier, slow-drying base helps, it gives your shadow something to adhere to, and it gives it something to dry onto, so it lasts longer. Kohl pencils also make excellent bases. Good luck.

Yep!!! I know for sure if you *just moist* a tiny bit of a corner of a Veluxe e/s, that thing turns into a rock and your will never be able to get anything out of there anymore.

 

[Amaranth]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!! In a...somewhat related question, I just got some water-based mixing medium that I haven't tried out yet because I'm not too sure how to use it. Do I put my base on first (I need something to keep my eyeshadows and pigments from creasing...my eyelids are oily or something), then smack on (how much?) mixing medium, then jam on whatever pigment I want?

 

[verdge]

I actually tried experimenting about paints, base and brushes... and my conclusion about the brushes... 217 MAc blending brush picks more pigment than the 224 MAC blending brush... so if you're on a daytime look use 224 and night-out look use 217... HTH!!!