I love that they’re versatile and can be used either way but so often they have to be used wet to work well, so then they’re less versatile and more extra effort.
— Christine
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Wet/Dry is code for “gotta use my Fix+” for me! I seriously don’t mind using them like that though. But likely will never apply them dry, because I’m thinking they’ll go on too sheer or have massive fallout if I attempt to use them dry!
I stay away from shades that must be used wet in order for it to perform. I have too many shadows and won’t remember and I don’t appreciate the required extra step. If I like the shade dry, then I’ll get it and use it dry. I typically apply my eye makeup on my commuter train so the extra step won’t work in my routine.
I love the intensity of wet eye shadows but I’m always worried that I’ll ruin the formula or cause hard pan. I find using my finger to apply eye shadow often works as much as using it wet. Fix+, Setting sprays and Mixing mediums all work great to increase longevity and color intensity. I usually pick up the shadow with my brush and then spray it wet instead of wetting the eye shadow.
I just don’t like wet/dry eyeshadow formulas at all. The thought of dampening my brush to apply eyeshadow would annoy me and personally I don’t buy those kinds of eyeshadows at all.
RANT: Most of them seem pretty sheer when used dry, and I’m not really into sheer colors. Sheer mattes and satins are pretty useless to me.
RAVE: I don’t mind using sparkly shadows wet to get the effect i want. Sheerer shimmers and sparkles used dry can work well over other shadows as a topper, or patted in the center of the lid with a fingertip. More matte or satiny shades make good eyeliners when wet.
I usually just use my finger to apply any shimmer/metallic/foiled eyeshadow so I don’t have to worry about it being a wet/dry formula. That is what has always worked best for me.