WHICH TYPE OF EYESHADOW?

Powder eyeshadows have been used for generations, but cream and crayon eyeshadows are now being made by more and more brands, so it can be hard to decide which to choose. Here we discuss some of the pros and cons of each type.


POWDER EYESHADOW
If you have oily skin it is best to stick to the eyeshadow which is drier and less likely to crease on your skin. Dry eyeshadows also give a natural, soft finish and are easy to build colour with if using more than one eyeshadow. Dry eyeshadows are easy to apply and can have a matte or pearl finish. Colour can be built up from natural to full coverage very easily. Powder eyeshadows can also be cost effective because they often come in duos, trios or quads in which the colours complement each other.

CREAM EYESHADOW
Some people prefer cream eyeshadows for their shimmery texture and because they are generally longer wearing than their powder counterparts. Other people think they crease more easily than powders. Irecommend Estee Lauder's long wear Double Wear Cream Eyeshadows which have exceptional staying power and look fantastic in matte to demi-pearl finishes. Two colours can easily be blended together with cream eyeshadows. Cream shadows are moist on application but dry to leave either a matt powder or shiny reflective look.

STICKS AND CRAYON EYESHADOW
Eyeshadow crayons offer vibrant, light to full coverage colour. They work as shadows or liners as well as full colour eyeshadows. They are also easy to apply because you don't need an applicator.

LOOSE POWDER EYESHADOW
Often shimmery or glittery, loose powder eyeshadows are easy to apply and long lasting, they can also be used for subtle or intense colour. They contain ingredients to help them adhere to the skin which can be ideal for oily skin types. They give a great look for a night out. You can also
use an eyeshadow base to help your loose powder stay in place.

MATTE VERSUS METALLIC TEXTURES
Matte eyeshadows usually come in powder form. Matte shades can create more depth and definition than metallics as they absorb the light. Matte shades are the perfect day time eyeshadows as they can look softer and more natural than shimmery metallics. Two or more matte shades complement each other and can easily be blended together. All eyeshadow types can come in metallic colours. Metallics reflect the light and can be used as highlighters. Metallics are ideal for an evening look. Often ome metallic colour is enough to achieve a stunning look.


MAKING YOUR EYESHADOW LAST LONGER
There are a number of ways to make your eyeshadow last longer. Firstly you could apply some loose or pressed powder to your eyelids before application to help set the eyeshadow (this works particularly well for powder and cream eyeshadows). Some brands sell special cream
makeup bases which can be used to set all types of eyeshadow, such as Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in Place Eyeshadow Base. Another way to make your eyeshadow last longer is to layer it by applying a cream or crayon eyeshadow underneath a powder eyeshadow.