Trying to blend shadows but wiping them off

[CantAffordMAC]

OKay, so with many of my eye looks, I apply a lighter color on the inner lid, then a darker color on the outer lid. Then I'll apply a lighter color underneath my brow and on top of my outer (dark) color. Then I get to blending. but it seems like once I start blending, the dark starts wiping off. Sometimes I'll use UDPP as a base, but when I use that, its like my shadows won't blend at all. so its either a) have unblended, harsh lines or b) have weak, faded, wiped-off colors


does anyone have any tips? Its not the brushes I'm using, because they're good. I don't have a heavy hand or anything..Maybe I'm just not blending with the right technique??
(if theres already a topic on this, forgive me, but I didn't see it..or perhaps I'm just lazy at 3 AM)

 

[frocher]

......

 

[labellavita7]

I also do the windsheild wiper move for my crease, it works really well. To blend, if I do it really lightly I can use my finger, but I usually end up wiping it off. I take one of my bigger eyeshadow brushes and lightly brush it back and forth and it seems to do a better job.

 

[lil_kismet]

Like Frocher said, I find that buffing very gently in small circular motions works wonders to rid those harsh lines. The windshield technique works well too, but sometimes you need that extra buffing action to speed up the process. A soft blending brush is a must.

Also, are you allowing the UDPP enough time to dry down thoroughly prior to applying your e/s? I find this helps a lot with blendability. Try applying UDPP *before* you do your foundation to give it a little bit of drying time -- it might help

 

[La Ilusion]

Also, applying shadows wet will help. That way, you'll have more on to begin with, the color will be more intense, and you won't lose all of the color when you blend.

 

[aquadisia]

.

 

[n_c]

Maybe u are using too much UDPP.

 

[girlsaidwhat]

I'd try this:

If you're using mattes at /all/... before you do, pat some loose powder on your eyelids first. And even so, you may want to lay a lighter version of the color down before putting on something darker and bolder (like a crease color). That should help the colors to blend easier on top of the udpp.

This isn't quite what I'd suggest for MAC pigments that are matte and don't have a great color payoff. I'd try using them right on the udpp with no powder to buffer.

And if you're using pigments that have any frost or sparkle...using them right on the udpp makes them stick and stay better, I'd not use the powder-on-the-eyelid trick if I were using those. But you can put those on first and then your crease color on top and it should blend well.

Basically, I'm saying if you have a powdery base, you'll have an easier time blending hard-to-blend pigments and e/s's.

 

[shadowaddict]

You guys have some great suggestions. What brushes do you suggest for the best blending in little circles? I try the windshield wiper thing with the 224 and 223 but I have not mastered this very well.

 

[GreekChick]

Are you using the 224? That one is notorious for removing product when trying to blend. Use something stiff like the 217. Other than that, don't be scared to reapply eyeshadow!

 

[mariecinder]

I have that problem when trying to blend black shadows. Usually the black turns really dull after I blend it. Do you girls reapply the black till you get that smokey look? I have many problems with black shadows.

 

[MiCHiE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowaddict You guys have some great suggestions. What brushes do you suggest for the best blending in little circles? I try the windshield wiper thing with the 224 and 223 but I have not mastered this very well.

Depending on the effect you want, lighten your pressure on the 224. If you're trying to blend the edges, use a light touch and circular motions. Also, let the tip of the bristles do the work instead of smashing the whole brush into your crease.

 

[masad]

windsheild wiper motion is a mistake!!
it sweeps the e/s!! i was making the same mistake!!
its always suggested to make on sided motion!!
like at crease if you want dark color and you started to sweep it inside out then continue doing that until you get what you desire, dont sweep it inside out and then outside in..... its one way motion or circular motion that actually keeps the e/s where you want and removes harsh lines!!

windsheild wiper motion might work for some, but if you are having trouble keeping the e/s where you want that means its not for you(windsheild motion)

 

[pahblov]

Quote:

Originally Posted by La Ilusion Also, applying shadows wet will help. That way, you'll have more on to begin with, the color will be more intense, and you won't lose all of the color when you blend.

Just make sure you don't use your MAC shadows wet! if you want a wet shadow effect, load up some shadow on your brush and then spray Fix+ on it.

 

[lethaldesign]

If you are using UDPP, make sure you only use the tiniest amount of it, otherwise it makes the shadows really hard to blend. Also make sure you letting it dry completely before applying the shadows. I usually put mine on &then go do something (like brush my teeth) before applying my shadows or pigments. Personally, I use the 219 to blend in my crease an outer V using small circular motions. To blend anywhere else, I use the 217 or 275. When using the 224, I've always had the problem with shadows "wiping off" instead of blending. I don't know what kind of brushes you use, but try to use something that is soft but still dense, not flimsy.

 

[CantAffordMAC]

Thanks everyone! this has helped me a lot and I'll keep it in mind when I apply my makeup.
Another question...for loose powder shadows, I usually just wet my brush, squeeze out any excess moisture, then dip into a tiny part of the shadow. Is that a bad way to do it? I know ppl say that dipping a wet brush can leave water in the shadow and then get bacteria. But i don't know how else to do it (i don't have Fix+), and dumping shadow onto the lid of the pot would be way too messy...

any advice?

 

[frocher]

.........

 

[nunu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowaddict You guys have some great suggestions. What brushes do you suggest for the best blending in little circles? I try the windshield wiper thing with the 224 and 223 but I have not mastered this very well.

i'd reccomend the 217