How do you deal with an eyeshadow that won't blend (but you've already applied it)?
Here are my tips… use a smaller brush and take gradual amounts to apply and soften the edge. Use a scratchier brush and really blend it out as much as possible (rougher brushes often move product better than something very soft). Use a better eyeshadow that’s more blendable to lighten the edges or cover the disappointing eyeshadow entirely. Use a sparkly/glittery eyeshadow or top coat on top of it (hiding the evidence).
— Christine
Build up the color in light layers, creating a gradient effect. Then use a lighter shade to soften the edges.
Use a shimmery shade on top. Layer another shade in the crease
Agreed!
I find that using a translucent or colourless face powder (loose or pressed) can really help with shadows that don’t want to blend.
Usually? First I have a bit of a hissy fit for a moment! But then I will follow up with the harsher brush technique in an effort to move it to where I want it. If that doesn’t quite work out for me, then I take a lighter shadow in the same color family to blur the screwy edges.
But your glitter cure is utter genius, Christine! That’s one I don’t believe I ever thought to do.
Ha a hissy fit is more like what I do, too!
I appreciate these tips!
I usually wind up making it into a muddy mess and, depending on how much time I have, I either start over or live with it. But I often test looks out when I don’t have to go anywhere so I can avoid this problem.
If it’s on the lid or lower lash line, I’ll do the glitter fix. For the crease, I’ll use a transition shade or translucent powder and a scratchier brush — and some elbow grease — and blend out the shade. Sometimes, I have to take a couple of lighter shades in the same color and make a gradient to hide the edges.
If the shade is really awful though, and I don’t think any of these quick fixes will work, I just remove it and start over. It saves time in the end.
I tend to do as you have suggested Christine – use a smaller brush and the help of other shades to blend it out properly.
Pat a shimmery creamy shadow over it, smooth out, then add a transition shade in the crease.
It depends on where I am at in my eye makeup application. If I have just started then I will likely wash it off or take a makeup wipe and get rid of it and start over. That seems less frustrating to me. Then I would promptly get rid of that shadow! If I am too far into my application to start over then usually I will go with another shade that I know blends well and try going over the existing shade, completely sealing it under and then blend out the edges of the new shade. When all else fails add glitter or shimmer.
I usually go over it with a goat hair (stiff) blending brush loaded with translucent setting powder (It Bye Bye Pores or Cle de Peau) or my favorite base nude shade (Wet’nWild Creme Brulee or MAC Brule) to try and soften it up. If that doesn’t work I cover the entire thing with a better quality eyeshadow & start over. If that doesn’t work the whole thing comes off with a baby wipe.
1. Panic 2. Grab scratchy brush and get to work 3. If it’s not better really panic and curse 4. Cover it up with something else while cursing the shadow that wouldn’t blend. 5. Convince everyone daytime smokey eyes are my thing.
It has rarely happened though me but I find even better than applying primer what helps me most is apply a thin layer of WtnWild Brûlée or Nutty or whatever of those teeny awesome title squares and then apply eyeshadow. I usually always end up blending everything with aQ-tip. Works great for me.
I wet one and clean up any mascaras specs, smudges with them also. Use them dry or wet Q-tips are my hero’s! 🙂