3.15.2016

Make Cheap Eyeshadows Look Expensive



Have you ever purchased an eye shadow only to be disappointed? Waste of money, right? I've found my disappointments to come mostly from drugstore shadows, but I've had my share of duds in the pricey department as well.

Recently I did a huge review of new drugstore eye shadow palettes, and I discussed how I had to make them work, due to their quality. Cheaper shadows can sometimes be chalky and not as pigmented. You can barely see them on the lid! Luckily, I'm sharing some of my go-to methods to help. Here are 4 ways to make eye shadows pop:


1--Flat Shader Brush:
  • As I've said before in my Beginner Eyeshadow Under $5 Tutorial, you don't need an expensive brush for this. Use one that is flat, similar to the one pictured. ELF works. Pat on the shadow. If you brush it on, you won't get as much pigmentation. You'll get fall out--you know where you end up with shadow on your lashes and face.
2--Pat Finger
  • Just like the method above, but use a clean finger to pat on the shadow.


3--White Primer
  • Many of us use a primer already for lids, and depending on the primer, sometimes those only help shadows stay put. 
  • Try a white primer--I really like them on dark skin too. They are a must if you are going for super bright colors. The same concept exists for mascara primers--they are usually white too!
  • Then pat your shadows on top using a brush or clean finger. Here, I used the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. You can get it online, ULTA, CVS, and sometimes Target. They have it in a pot version as well. Maybelline Color Tattoos has a white pot version.
4--Wet Brush
  • I mentioned this technique on my new drugstore eye shadow palettes post, and many of you asked for clarification. Take distilled water and spray a small amount on the brush. I used MAC Fix + here, but I've used makeup setting sprays in a pinch. You can keep distilled water in a small spray bottle for this purpose. If your brush is dripping, it's too wet. Then dip the brush into the shadow. If the shadow now has a pool of water in it, your brush is too wet. Pat the brush onto the lid. Your shimmer shadow will be intensified and metallic.














On your left I used the wet brush with a cheap gold shimmer shadow--see how more intense it is when next to the gold shadow that I patted on?

On your left, I brushed on a shimmery champagne shadow using a regular fluffy brush. You can't really see it! On the right, I used the flat shader brush to pat it on. The flash shows it better but it is definitely more noticeable in person.

Remember, I gave you 4 options, not 4 steps. Just pick the one that works for you.

And here's the final look with the drugstore shadows.

What's your favorite eye shadow palette?

Extra Elle:

52 comments:

  1. This is so helpful! I've tried the wet brush before but I think I might be getting it too wet. I've used Hello Fresh in the past and really like them. What a bummer about your windshield! Glad it's already fixed!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  2. I love using a white primer to make my eye shadow pop a little more! I haven't used the wet brush technique in awhile but I need to try that again! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  3. I've never tried the wet brush idea but it seems super smart - I'll definitely need to try that as I have a drugstore palette (I think it's Rimmel) that I quite like but never seems to go on as well or as vibrantly as I'd prefer.

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  4. I've never seen white primer before, now I must try it! So glad you got your windshield fixed, that can be scary!

    Xoxo,

    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

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  5. Good advice that I need. I use primer but have never heard of white primer.

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  6. great tips girl - i had no idea you could kinda up the ante on shadows like that! and that's wild about your windshield!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  7. Le sigh...this is such a perfect tutorial, Elle - absolutely loving it! I need to start using my white primer - I have one, but hardly ever use it! :P

    xx

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  8. Very impressive girl!! I think the brush and primer are so important in the application - they can make everything better lol! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  9. The final look looks amazing!! I need to try that white primer!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  10. These are awesome tips! I have a few colors from NYX that are terrible and I hate that I've bought them and now I feel like I can use them instead of being angry that I wasted money.

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  11. I am obsessed with this post - I read it twice.
    I really need shadow to stay on my eyes & I'm not a big spender on it because nothing really works better... so I need to try these tips. White primer - I'm on the hunt now for that!

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  12. I am not sure if it's be subject appropriate, but in the good old days I used Chanel, Bobbi Brown and some Bourjois, and also found anything in gold cases very tempting! :) These days I pick something organic, just don't like the thought of talc. But I am very-very primitive make-up-wise, compared to your skills and vast knowledge! x

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  13. The finished look is fabulous! I will definitely have to check out this white primer. I use regular primer on my lids, but your right, it just keeps the shadow on. Great tutorial, Elle!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

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  14. Wow the final look is amazing, well done! Thanks for the tips, I saved this for future reference! :)

    Yiota
    Pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com.cy

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  15. I never thought of using a wet brush before but it's actually a really brilliant idea!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  16. I think one of the best flat brushes our there for packing on color is the one from Sonia Kushuk- it's called a flat shader brush. That brush lays it on so nice! Because it is truly a flat, synthetic brush it doesn't kick up much dust either.

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  17. I love using white eyeshadow primer to make my eyeshadow pop! It really helps! Great post Elle!

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  18. Great post Elle! I use a lot of these methods myself!

    Drea
    naturalledrea.blogspot.com

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  19. ahhh can you come over and do my makeup everyday?! xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  20. I need to get a new primer. Thanks for the tips - the flat brush looks great!

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  21. OOh that shadow looks so great on you in that last pic! Great tips, as always! You are a wealth of knowledge. Eek on the windshield, that happened once to me in college and it freaked me out!

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  22. Awesome tips gurlie! White primer is the perfect way to make your eyeshadow pop for more of a wow factor <3
    Green Fashionista

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  23. amazing colors..i like this make up..so chic
    kisses

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  24. I never got the hype behind Fix+ then I bought some and totally understand. It's a must have for me!

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  25. These are great tips!Using shadows wet makes a huge difference. My favorite palette is the Morphe Jaclyn Hill Favorites and 35O palette!

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  26. I am so sorry about your windshield. That sounds traumatic! These are great tips, and I will be sure to at least do the first one!

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  27. I didn't know there was a white primer! What a difference all your tips make! Thanks for sharing these. I was about to throw out some shadows I had, but I am going to try your advice now!

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  28. Considering all I buy is cheap eyeshadow, this was perfect for me! I usually just use a brush and brush it on, but I'm going to try patting it on from now on. I might try the wet brush trick too! Thanks Elle!

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  29. Great tip on using the Fix+ to make the shadows more pigmented- a great trick, Elle! :)

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  30. Oh my goodness - that stinks about your windshield! I definitely need to try this wet brush - sound like a great way to use my cheaper shadows.

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  31. Those are such great tutorials on how to make drugstore makeup look more expensive! I never would have thought about adding water onto my brush first!

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  32. Yikes about your windshield, though totally been there done that. Ugg. Adult life. I love applying shadows wet. When I get cheapos though, I tend to toss or give them away though, so currently I have nothing to try with these methods. I did find that the Tartlette in Bloom palette was awful my first few tries. Applying wet worked really well and now I actually really like how they look when applied wet. (:

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  33. I tried Hello Fresh once and loved it, just can't afford it every week. Send the discount code my way (if it works for those that have already tried it once!). You always have such great makeup tips, why I keep coming back for more!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  34. These are all some wonderful tips, Elle! I often use some shadows wet, the intensity is so much better!

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  35. I love all these tips. I find myself using a wet brush the most, even with some shadows that are pigmented already, I just like how much more pigmented the wet brush makes them!

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  36. I love that you gave us four ways of achieving this. I always hear about how different shadows can be when used wet. I really like NARS eyeshadows.

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  37. I always use drugstore eyeshadows! but I do use mac shadows as eye liner, I find they stay put the best. there's something about a subtle yet shimmery nude eye that is year-round perfection.
    xx, lauren @ laurensparkle.com

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  38. I love using a wet brush; it really makes a difference!

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  39. I never thought about a white primer, love that idea. Your tutorials always make me smile, just so real and beauty tips we real women can relate to.

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  40. I need to try out some of these tips! i've been disappointed with a lot of eyeshadows that I have purchased lately from drugstores.

    xo,
    Angela

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  41. I've never tried the white primer or wet brush technique but are you surprised? I always come to you to find out these must-try beauty tips.

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  42. I find a great primer and/or wetting them is always a great option - per usual, an amazing post!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

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  43. What a great, informative post!! Saving this down!

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  44. I've actually be quite impressed with drugstore shadows lately. The brands have definitely stepped up their game.

    Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Etsy

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  45. These are great tips! I don't have many eyeshadows but I'll have to remember the wet brush tip I really noticed the difference in the before and afters!

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  46. so going o have to remember this. I love my naked 2 pallets.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home

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  47. Awesome tips, Elle! I definitely always recommend to use a good eyeshadow base before applying eyeshadow because not only does it intensify the look but it also helps with staying power.

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  48. I use the wet brush technique, but I don't usually use eye primer. But, recently I have. Great tips Elle.
    Eco-Chic Spring

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  49. I was going to ask about the wet technique so I'm glad you covered it! I've got a ELF palette I received for Christmas but it's just not pigmented enough so I will definitely be trying these!

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  50. I've used all of these methods at one point, but the one I use the most is patting on an eyeshadow with my finger.

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  51. Love the way the final step looks!!!! I use UD primer and have for years. Never heard of white primer though and now I am intrigued!!!

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