I do appreciate the utility and what matte eyeshadows bring to the table, but I really, really love shimmery eyeshadow–especially sparkly metallics or smoother, shinier metallic shades. The only time I dislike them are when formulas are too thick/stiff or when they emphasize fine lines/lid texture.
— Christine
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I love that they are visible with glasses. Unfortunately my eyes are hooded and the lid shades travel up over my crease. With any metallic other than a neutral shade, I am constantly having to reblend, which I don’t have to do with a matte shade.
I love metallic eyeshadow. They are more forgiving to blend and look better on my eyes than all matte looks. One thing I don’t like about them is when the formula is too creamy/silicony and it creases on me in a couple of hours. Clionadh and Kristen Leigh cosmetics were the worst offenders in this. I do very well with Natasha Denona and Sydney Grace metallics lasting on me 9+ hours.
I have the same issue with metallic formulas. I absolutely love the Clionadh colors, but my crease area “ate” them. I will have to try SG and ND – I haven’t tried either if those options because lately I have had such poor luck with metallics in general as my eyelids have aged. I used to love me a molten metal eyelook. The intensity of metallic cord can’t be matched by other finishes, IMO.
As you so succinctly put it, it all depends on the formula. Overall, I absolutely love a good metallic on my mobile lids, inner corners and even lower lashline. As long as it doesn’t give me instant crepe-lids, has ease of application and great pigmentation, then I’m down with it.
Like: Swatches of metallic shades usually are so lovely to look at bc this finish catches the light and gleams. The texture of metallics are also more likely to be silky-smooth to the touch (in comparison to some matte formulas).
Dislike: I dislike how different metallics blended next to each other can look like a whole bunch of frost instead of colors differentiating from one another. I also have hooded eyes so I have to think carefully about where I want light to hit (since the hood already brings everything forward). I think matte or shades with a hint of pearl/satin avoid this issue better
Aesthetically I love metallics, in editorial pictures, movies, photoshoots, on others.
For me… I just dislike how anything too metallic or sparkling looks on me. I don’t want to deal with the fallout, with needing to use specific techniques, primers, brushes. I hate texture on my eyelids, and there’s something about metallics that constantly bothers me (not as much as glitters). I personally don’t think metallics blend well. And to add another personal dislike… I have hooded eyes, wearing metallics means either blending up the color in the crease (which looks bad), either putting it just on the lid and looking like I just eyelined my eyes with metallics. And metallics go everywhere, they transfer easily… especially when you have hooded eyes and unconsciously touch your face everyday.
Also, some metallics have tiny particles which just irritate my eyes.
Metallics on my mobile lid and under my lower lash line look great. Otherwise they emphasize the fine lines on my upper lids.
There’s not much I don’t like about metallic eyeshadows – I especially love them in my favourite shades of gold, bronze, olive green and taupe/browns.
I guess it is a matter of the formula – I have loved the SG metallics and Lorac Pro Metals. I haven’t really tried other brands. A good metallic shade does add a colourful lift to an eye look.
I love them! The only con I can think of is if you get too much on rarely happens and then it looks thick.
I love, love, love metallics! The only bad thing I can say is they can emphasize skin texture.