I know most of you that follow my blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc. are not new to the world of indie makeup and loose mineral shadows... However, I've noticed that I've been getting lots of questions from some of my Hi-Fi/makeup newbies. So I thought I'd post a few tips and tricks here on the blog for those who have questions regarding application, etc. (If you're a mineral makeup veteran, you probably already know all or most of this.)
Q: I just received my jar of eyeshadow, but how do I get to the eyeshadow under that plastic thing?
A: Believe it or not, I get this question SO often. When you receive your Hi Fi or Rockstar eyeshadow, you will see that there is a plastic piece inserted into the top. This is called a "sifter". It is primarily used to limit eyeshadow "overflow" and helps eliminate over-saturating your brush. Sifters are also very helpful if you're clumsy (like me), as a jar that is dropped our knocked of the counter without its lid only loses a bit of the product, as opposed to dumping it all out in the floor. Many people do not notice the holes in the sifter, or the sifter "seal", as it is just a clear sticker over the holes, meant to keep it safe and mess-free in transit. Simply find the edges of this clear sticker and peel it off to gain access to the eyeshadow underneath. Ta da! Your eyeshadow is ready to use. Simply turn the jar upside down and tap it a few times on the counter to get some eyeshadow on top of the sifter. If you are traveling or your shadow gets jostled about and ends up with too much in the top, simply replace the lid and tap the jar (rightside up) on the counter to send some of the shadow back down into the bottom of the jar.
Q: My sponge tip applicator doesn't seem to work at all with the eyeshadow. What am I doing wrong?
A: You will find that brushes work a million times better than sponge tip applicators for applying loose shadows. I strongly recommend getting a good set of brushes before proceeding with loose eyeshadow application. The difference in your results will be astounding. MAC brushes are very good, but if you're on a budget, e.l.f. and Sonia Kashuk (both of these can be found at your local Target) make some great inexpensive ones.
Q: Whenever I apply my eyeshadow, I end up in a cloud of sparklies, with hardly any eyeshadow left on my eye. Why?
A: Mineral or loose eyeshadows apply best when patted, not swept, on. Instead of using the typical "sweeping" motion you are probably accustomed to with pressed shadows, try "patting" the eyeshadow on with a flat shader brush. For crease application, where a sweeping motion is almost always necessary to blend, make sure to use a stiffer contouring brush and blend gently. Over blending can make mineral eyeshadows "disappear"...especially if you're not using primer.
Q: ...and I end up with tons of glitter/fallout all over my face by the time all is said and done.
A: With any loose eyeshadow, primer is a must...especially if your eyeshadow contains lots of shimmer or glitter. Some good primers to try are Urban Decay Primer Potion, Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy (specifically designed for shimmery shadows and great for that "foiled" look, without the mess), or Hi-Fi's very own High Impact Shadow Fix (not really a primer, but more of a glittery eyeshadow adhesive...perfect for making eyeshadows more vibrant and making glitter or shimmer adhere to the eye). I've heard our High Impact Shadow Fix is very similar to Fyrinnae's Pixie Epoxy (I've personally never compared them), with the exception of the High Impact being more water resistant...which in turn makes eyeshadow last for as long as 18 hours (yes, I've tested it)...BUT eye makeup remover is necessary for gentle, easy removal. Pixie Epoxy has been reported to be easier to wash off. So I guess it depends on your needs/preferences. :)
Also, even with a good primer, you will probably still get some fallout. I've used many different methods for this, so here are a few:
1. Tap a generous amount of loose powder under the eyes before applying shadow. Any fallout left afterwards can be easily brushed away (along with the powder).
2. Do your foundation AFTER your eye makeup. This way, you can use makeup remover to fix the fallout without ruining the rest of your makeup.
3. If you haven't applied foundation yet, you can put some moisturizer under your eyes to catch the fallout, and then just wipe it away afterwards.
4. Use Shadow Shields (little adhesive "shields" to protect your under-eye and cheek area from fallout). Really convenient if the rest of your face is already done.
Q: My eyeshadow constantly creases every time I use the High Impact Shadow Fix. Am I using it wrong?
A: If the High Impact Shadow Fix is applied too heavily, it WILL crease. My best advice is to use the tiniest amount possible and blend, blend, blend it into the skin. The skin should feel slightly tacky, but not wet or greasy. If you can see a "shine" from the Shadow Fix, you've probably applied too much.
I hope these little pointers help!! If anyone else has any pointers they'd like to share, comment below or send me an email, and I'll add them here (giving you the credit, of course!).
