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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,895
Registered: ‎10-01-2010

Using eye shadow as eyeliner?

As I get older I think pencil eyeliner is starting to look harsh, even lighter shades. I've been experimenting with using eye shadow as liner.  It takes a light hand. I won't go without some type of liner. Do any of you beauty experts have tips on using eye shadow this way?  Help!

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Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,424
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Using eye shadow as eyeliner?

Use a stiff brush like an eyebrow brush. Dab it onto the pan of powder shadow, tap off excess. Apply close to lash line. I also sometimes use a crayon type shadow, Doll 10 or Bobbi Brown, in a taupe or brown shade, along the lash line. Both methods give a softly enhanced look to the eye. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 41,920
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Using eye shadow as eyeliner?

i agree about using a stiff brush. it is much easier to apply as a liner that way. i also like squeezing a drop of visine (or your favorite eye drop) onto the eye shadow or onto the brush to wet it just a bit. it takes the color up better and makes it easier to lay it down and keep it down on that area.

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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,050
Registered: ‎03-15-2021

Re: Using eye shadow as eyeliner?

I use a flat brush that is stiffer than shadow brushes. Load the brush with powder eyeshadow. Put the eyeshadow along the base of your lashes. It defines the eye without leaving a harsh line. A makeup artist showed me how. She also used powder eyeshadow on thin areas of customer's brows.

 

The makeup artist would put water on the brush to pick up the shadow and make a more distinct line. I do not like the crusty spot it leaves on my powder shadows so I never do that one.

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,500
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

Re: Using eye shadow as eyeliner?

[ Edited ]

@MoJoV  I've tried it and applied it as others have suggested, with a stiff brush.  Looked great, for a few hours.  Did not last the day.  My liquid liner, applied very thinly on the bottom, is with me from early early morning until late at night when I take it off.  I'll stick with that.

Good luck with trying the shadow.  Just didn't work for me.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 37,770
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

Re: Using eye shadow as eyeliner?

[ Edited ]

I use this flat-eye definer brush. I dampen it with water first then swipe it across some of my shadows. I press, press, press it into my lash line (tightline) and it looks great that way. You have to find the right kind of shadows to use them wet.

 

This brush is $9 on amazon.

 

Bdellium Tools Professional Makeup Brush Green Bambu Series - Flat Eye Definer 714

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,050
Registered: ‎03-15-2021

Re: Using eye shadow as eyeliner?

@SilleeMee That is the brush I was trying to describe.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,754
Registered: ‎01-25-2023

Re: Using eye shadow as eyeliner?

@MoJoV I've done this for years, because of the reason you stated-it's softer looking. I have an eyebrown powder applicator that I use and often I will soften or smudge with a q-tip.

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 37,770
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

Re: Using eye shadow as eyeliner?

[ Edited ]

Maybelline's Expert Wear eyeshadows in Made For Mocha and Navy Night can be used wet with that flat brush. 

 

Not all of the Maybelline Expert Wear shadows work when wet. I tried a few different ones and they just didn't go on smoothly and they were so faint. The Plum and the Taupe didn't work out.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,354
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Using eye shadow as eyeliner?

I have used my Bare Minerals shadows wet with a stiff, brush with great results. The press technique works for me as well.