Did you know that our mineral shadows can be applied in several different ways? You’d think that what you see is what you get, but that’s not true! There are a few different techniques and application methods that all give different looks; these shadows are really super versatile!

1. Dry

This is the most common application method for eyeshadow in general, and ours is no different. For this method, use a clean, dry makeup brush (no q-tips or sponge applicators!). Tap a little shadow out into the lid of the container, then swirl your brush around to work the makeup into the bristles. Tap off any excess back into the lid, then using a stamping motion, apply to your eyelids. The effects range from barely-there color, to intense and rich, depending on how much product you use.

2. Foiled

Foiling eyeshadow gives you a much different look than a dry application method! The color turns out much more saturated and shimmery, and it’s generally a more intense look. You’d be surprised how much different your colors can look when using a foiled color as opposed to dry!

To foil, start by tapping out some shadow into the lid, then dampen your brush with water (not too much; you’re going for a thin paste consistency) and coat your brush with color. Then apply to your lids in a smooth, “painting” motion, keeping your lid closed until the shadow dries.

It’s harder to blend using this technique; the shadow generally stays right where you put it. I typically use this on my lids, then use a darker shadow to blend in my crease, creating a smoky edge between the foiled shadow on my lids and my brow bone highlight. Very glam!

3. Eyeliner

Did you know that any of our dark shadows can be used as eyeliners? You can use them dry for a soft, smudgy, smoky line, or you can apply them wet for a dramatic liquid liner look.

To start, tap out a little of your liner color into the container lid, then for the dry look, swirl your liner brush into the shadow, and be sure to tap off the excess well. Start at the outer corner of your eye with the point of the angled brush toward the corner. Set the brush right above your lashes and just wiggle it back and forth a bit, keeping the brush in contact with your lid. Pick it up, and repeat the little wiggle all across your lid until you reach the point you want to stop your liner. If you are not taking your line all the way into the inner corner of your eye, you’ll want to taper it off softly rather than stop it abruptly. Repeat the same on your lower lids.

For a liquid liner application, you’ll want to dampen your brush slightly before swirling it in your liner color. Don’t get too much water, as this will dilute the color too much and you’ll end up with a faint line instead of richly pigmented line. (Think of turning your shadow into a paste, rather than making colored water in the lid.)

The application technique for liquid liner is basically the same as for dry liner; you just may want to drag your brush a tad rather than wiggle it to create a smooth line. Once you get the hang of it, applying liner with a brush is SO MUCH EASIER than dragging a waxy pencil across your lids, resulting in a crooked or lopsided line.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with color! Matte Black and Rich Earth are the basics, but you can also try Navy Shine, Deep Plum, or even Pure Gold for some real pizzaz! Really, any shadow can be used as a liner… play around!

4. Lip Color

Powdered lip color? You bet! Because our shadows are nothing but minerals, they are completely safe to use as lip color, plus, they mix really well with oil-based lip balms for a smooth, even finish.

All you have to do is apply a colorless lib balm (like our All-Natural Lip Moisturizer to your clean lips, then using our Small All-Over Brush, pick up some of your color, and sweep it onto your lips. The shadow will mix with the balm to create a lipstick-like finish right on your lips.

Technically, you can use any shadow or blush color for this, but if I were you I’d stick with the rosy-hued ones (unless you WANT to look like Kesha, that is! And if you do, hey, I’m not stopping you!).

5. Highlight

In our Contour and Highlight video, I showed you how to use our Champagne Pearl eyeshadow as a cheek highlight. As a recap, all you have to do is dust a little dab of the shadow along the upper ridge of your cheekbones to accentuate your bone structure. You can use our Flat Brush, our Large All-Over Brush, or even your good ol’ fingers!

6. Brow Fill

In my experience, 99% of women need to do at least a little bit of eyebrow shaping and/or filling. This is especially true as we age (sad, I know!), since we tend to lose fullness in our brows. To pick a brow color, you’ll want go just a shade lighter than your actual brows for the most natural look. Apply with our Angled Eyeliner Brush with the grain of hair growth. Following the natural line of the brow, work the color all the way down to the skin; this will ensure your color lasts all day and looks the most natural.

Honorable mention goes to using Matte White as an additive to our fairest foundation colors if you have extremely light skin and even the lightest foundations are still too dark for you. Add in a little Matte White to get just the right shade that works for you skin.

So, you can see how versatile our eyeshadows can be, with just a little bit of creativity! Have you experimented with any of these techniques… or come up with one of your own? Share in the comments or on Facebook!