If you have always been a strictly blush-and-gloss kind of person, you may be puzzled by eyeshadow. Rightly so, it is a difficult issue! One of the first things you need to explore as a new eyeshadow wearer is touch and finish. Especially matte eyeshadow or shimmer eyeshadow, which should you choose?
Matte Eyeshadow
Matte eyeshadow is the type of eyeshadow that does not comprise shimmer or glitter. It does not change when the light hits it and has a “flat” texture. There are different variants of matte, as some eyeshadows have very fine shimmer particles that create a satin-like surface. On the other hand, true matte is shimmer-free and smooth.
The thing is, you can wear matte and shimmer any time you want. But, they both offer different functions. For example, matte is excellent because:
- Matte eyeshadow particularly in neutral tones of bone, taupe, bronze, chocolate, charcoal, and tan is ideal for creating a base and building depth in the crease.
- Matte eyeshadow in deep shades can be pressed into the eyelash line to create the effect of thicker eyelashes.
- Matte eyeshadows offer opaque, rich, saturated colors great for creative artistry and bright looks.
Therefore matte shadows are best applied with a brush, as they tend to turn patchy if applied with a finger, not like shimmer shadows. You always need to tap your brush after loading it with matte shadow, as the ultra-pigmented shades are often very dusty. Always be prepared to blend particularly with cool-toned shadows in purple or black tones.
Shimmer Eyeshadow
Shimmer eyeshadow contains tiny glitter particles that catch the light and sparkle as you move. The shiny pigments are often so excellently milled that the shadows gleam and glimmer as opposed to glitter. Frequently, when the shadows move, the color can change as the undertone (often darker and more matte) is visible. A second later and the blinding shimmer catches the light. Some shimmer shadows even have two colors at once, this is called duo-chrome.
Advantages
- Shimmer eyeshadow can be used for creating dimensions. Pop a shimmery champagne shade in the center of the lid, giving the lid a more energetic, lively look.
- Catch the light and celebrate the structure of the eye. Pop pearly shimmer onto the brow bone and inner corner for a fresh, youthful gleam.
- Get glow in the evening! The shimmer looks stunning under low lighting.
- Shimmer shadows are usually easy to blend and can be finished onto the entire lid to create a wash of sheeny color.
- Shimmer eyeshadows are often able be applied with a finger for direct placement and saturated color.
Which One to Choose Between both Eyeshadows:
Honestly? There are no hard-and-fast rules. Give it a try! For starters, try this:
- Skin-matching matte color over the entire lid.
- A cool-toned, deeper matte shade buffed into the crease.
- A deep shade pressed into the upper and lower lash lines.
- Champagne or bronze depending on skin tone shadow pressed into the center of the lid and buffed along the lower lash.
- Gold or pearl shimmer pressed into the inner corner and along the brow bone.
- Viola, classic shimmer-and-matte Smokey eye.
Play around with different brushes and fingers to learn how different textures perform in the pan versus on the eye. Give yourself time to experiment, you’ll be a pro in no time.
