Foiling Pigments and Mineral Shadows

Friday April 17, 2009

When someone talks about foiling pigment or mineral eye shadow, they mean applying them wet.  This method really intensifies the pigment or mineral color, making it more vibrant and also longer lasting.  Foiling can be done on the lid up to the crease, (I wouldn’t do it up to the brow bone unless going disco dancin ) , or as a hilight for a more subtle application.

In order to apply your pigment wet you will need a mixing medium.  There a two types of mixing medium:  creamy, or clear. I found the creamy better for heavier application — try them both and see.  Companies like MAC sell them, but I’ve also heard from other MUA, eye drops such as Visine work great as well.  Water is not recommended as it will make the pigment fall out and crumble eventually out of its placement.

I use, “Lovely Lilly”, a bright pigment.

Take a synthetic soft brush and dip it until you feel it’s evenly coated.  You can also add a drop or two directly on the brush.   If the brush ends up being too wet, rub it back and forth on a tissue to remove excess.  The brush should be damp not soaking wet.

Once the mixing medium is on your brush swirl it in the pigment until it forms a creamy paste.  I like to use the cover of my pigment pot in order to avoid making a great mess.  Pigment can and will get everywhere.

In order to avoid smearing and loosing the glossy effect, do not swipe the product across the lid.  Instead, dab the pigment on the lid until you have a pretty even application.  Repeat application until you have reach a satisfactory shape.

As you can see, a huge difference between the applications.

Live gorgeously.