I don’t mind if I have to use an eyeshadow with a damp brush, but then the eyeshadow needs to stay intense even when it dries down–if it looks faded, then it’s an extra, unnecessary step! I do prefer eyeshadow that is still semi-opaque dry, though, as it is easier to use and build-up or blend with damp eyeshadow.
— Christine
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Well 99% of the time I apply shadow with a slightly dampened brush anyways so it doesn’t really matter to me if it’s specifically labelled as “wet/dry” 🙂
I much prefer a good,dense powder that doesn’t need the extra help. Regular powder, IMO, is by far the easiest the apply and blend. And ease of application matters!
I have several wet/dry eyeshadows, and as you stated above, Christine, they are great if using them wet makes a noticeable difference and they look just as intense once they dry. Plus, still look good used dry as well. I have found that I do need to use Nars Pasiphae wet in order to make its duochrome really pop, or to make Calisto downright liquid metal.
Calisto is gorgeous!
I love how intense shimmery eyeshadows look wet. So pretty on the lids. Unfortunately, wet shadows don’t really blend. I hate how some wet/dry eyeshadows are really dry and under-pigmented unless they’re used wet. A lot of baked shadows have that issue.
Not a fan of wet/dry shadows. If they apply decently enough dry I’ll put up with them, but if not they’re too much of a hassle as I do not do my makeup near as sink and don’t always have a spray bottle handy.. The texture is usually much more dry than I prefer, and I see no benefit of using a wet/dry shadow over a normal shadow when usually have denser, silkier textures.
1. Many times the formula is hard to blend!
2. Sometimes, it ruins the pan if your brush is too wet!
3. The only way to get any reasonable pigment is wet…
Sorry all rant here.
My issue with wet/dry shadows is that some have poor color payoff or are otherwise hard to work with when they’re dry, and only look good at all when applied wet…but then they don’t blend!
The only particularly good thing I can say about most of them is that some shades are so beautiful and intense when applied wet, but that also applies to just about any shadow not specifically marketed as “wet/dry”
I don’t particularly like wet eye shadows. I think the pigmentation should be good enough so that it doesn’t need a damp brush.
I like having the option of a more subtle or intense application. What I don’t like is if using a shadow damp or wet adversely affects the surface, making it hard to pick up with a dry brush. Fortunately, most of the wet/dry shadows don’t get a hard film on them but even so, I make a point of trying to confine wet usage to one small area of the shadow’s surface, just in case.
I prefer shadows that don’t HAVE to be used wet, but can be. If a shadow is so lackluster that it has to be used wet in order to be opaque, then I’m not going to be using it.
In a lot of cases lunch bag letdown. All pretty and lovely and intense until it dries down and then looks like a faded sadder version of itself. I do not enjoy the application and tend to use as these as spot shadows patted on as a final touch or hit of colour in a very specific spot since they do not tend to play nicely with others or with blending.
I tend to be suspicious of wet/dry eyeshadows… Yes, I know that sounds strange, lol. I don’t (really) doubt that they can be used wet OR dry but not so much wet AND dry. It’s kind of like what you gain on the one hand you lose on the other so pick and choose what matters most to you.
I apply almost all my shadows over a primer and with a damp brush. Usually the color is a bit strong so I use a large dry shadow brush to blend more and soften the color. Most of my shadows are UD from palettes. Obsession of mine.
I never use eyeshadow wet, I just don’t like it. Or I guess I just don’t know how to do it…
Either way, I’m all for dry! And I don’t feel that I get less intensity from using my eyeshadow dry. As long as I use a good base I’m all set.
Sometimes I think that wet/dry formulas are an excuse to make a mediocre eyeshadow. But I can be a touch cynical at the best of times!