The Budge-Proof Eyeshadow Protocol Makeup Artists Swear By

Education

Achieving a long-lasting eyeshadow look is no easy feat. For one, not all eyeshadows are created equal and many don't have a great color payoff or staying power. Eyelids in general don't particularly hold onto makeup very well. Since we're constantly blinking, eyeshadow tends to crease and smudge very easily. And, the eyelids also tend to get oily which can make eyeshadow fade after a few hours of wear. That said, there are a few key things you can do to ensure your eyeshadow lasts all day. Read on for tips on how to achieve long-lasting eyeshadow from celebrity makeup artist Min Min Ma.

“A good eyeshadow should be nicely pigmented, and delivers an even, consistent application without leaving any streaks.”

Let Your Skincare Soak In

To start, Ma says one reason eyeshadow looks lack staying power is that too much skincare like eye cream or heavy face oil, is applied before the makeup. The solution: Do your skincare routine at night and focus only on your basic skin prep (i.e., wash the face and eyelids using a cleanser and follow that with moisturizer and sunscreen) in the morning before makeup application. And for the skincare products that you do apply before makeup application, Ma recommends giving them enough time — at least two to three minutes — to be thoroughly absorbed by the skin before you start putting on eyeshadow.

Apply Primer

Priming the eyelids is another key to make your eyeshadow budge-proof. “Primer helps to even out the skin color and texture for a smooth, uniformed application,” Ma says. “It also helps to keep the makeup in place and [prevents it] from creasing and transferring.” For best results, she recommends a primer that isn’t too drying, chalky or opaque. And when using it, a little bit goes a long way. “Apply a few small dots onto [the] eyelids and blend with fingertips or a small brush,” she says.

Cream-based products work best for dry skin because they help hydrate it.

Use Quality Eyeshadows

The quality of the eyeshadow matters, too, which is why it’s important to invest in ones that will deliver on their promise. Here’s what to look for: “A good eyeshadow should be nicely pigmented and deliver an even, consistent application without leaving any streaks,” Ma says. “The color you see in the compact should reflect what you apply on the lids.”

Rose Inc’s new Satin & Shimmer Duet Eyeshadow Duets house two shadows — one cream, one pressed — perfect for a sheer wash over the lids or layered saturated color for a bolder look. Pressed shimmer shadow delivers diffused illumination when worn alone or pressed on top of the cream base.

Keep Your Skin Type In Mind

Skin types can also affect eyeshadow longevity. Ma says primer is a must for those with oily skin and recommends keeping skin prep products at a minimum. Powder or gel-based eyeshadows tend to give oily skin long-lasting eyeshadow wear.

If you have dry skin, Ma emphasizes the importance of hydrating your skin by adding a thin layer of primer before applying eyeshadows. And cream-based products work best for dry skin because they help hydrate it.

Remember, Less Is More

Contrary to popular belief, packing lots of eyeshadow on the eyelids won’t result in a longer-lasting look. For this reason, Ma recommends following the “keep it simple” rule. That means not overdoing it with how much product you apply. And if you’re still craving an extra pop of color on the eyes, you can always add a few coats of mascara or glittery eyeliner to complete the look. And lastly, misting a setting spray all over the face can help lock the eyeshadow in place and increase longevity.