Understanding the following terms will help you in choosing and deciding what products will work best for you.
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadows can come in a variety of forms with various finishes:
- Loose Powder – Highly pigmented loose shadow
- Compact/Pressed Powder – This is the most common type that you can purchase anywhere
- Baked – Shadows are usually dome shaped and can be applied wet or dry. If applied wet, the application will create an intense colour payoff for a more dramatic look. A dry application will yield a softer more natural colour payoff.
- Cream – This can come in a pot, tube, pencil or stick
Eyeshadow Finishes
Eyeshadow finishes vary by brand; some companies have more variety compared to others. The following are most of the finishes available on the market and do not come from any one specific brand of cosmetics.
- Matte – Usually has a high level of pigment with no shimmer, sheen or shine. This is perfect for reshaping and defining the eyes. Matte shadows work well on every age range especially mature skin as it won’t attract attention to fine lines or create a crepe like texture on the lids. Do be careful as matte shadows do sometimes tend to be chalky or patchy but will blend better and work great once an eye shadow base is applied.
- Satin – Has a soft sheen instead of an intense frosty effect. It is a medium between matte and frost and is great on all skin types. Persons with mature skin can use a little of this shadow on the eyes.
- Metallic – Shiny look that resembles actual metal like gold, silver, foil, copper and bronze. This works well on ebony or darker skin tones. Persons with mature skin or with fine lines and wrinkles should avoid this as it will settle into the lines.
- Frost – Iridescent with the most shine. It usually has reflective white or silver particles and can be layered on top of other shadows. This finish can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.
- Shimmer – Sheer coverage with a subtle shine and hint of sparkle.
- Lustre – Similar to frost but contains finely milled glitter particles to give an intense sparkly effect. Persons with mature skin should avoid this type.
- Glitter – This is usually pure glitter particles that may require a tacky base for adhering it to the eyes.
- Marbled – These consist of various colours marbled together in one pan. You can apply the colours individually or swirl your eye shadow brush through and apply to the lids. This creates a unique colour each time you apply.