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13 Tips To Help Make Eyeshadow Creasing A Thing Of The Past – Glam

Are you tired of spending plenty of time perfecting your eyeshadow look, only to have it crease and smudge within a few short hours? We feel your pain. Little is more frustrating than seeing your carefully crafted makeup move around. While there are numerous tricks out there to help you achieve long-lasting makeup, today our sole focus is on tackling the dreaded creasing issue.

So how do you achieve that crease-free nirvana? It’s all about mastering the right techniques, selecting the perfect products, and adding a sprinkle of makeup magic. We will guide you through each step, offering tips and approaches that will make your eyeshadow last longer than you could have ever imagined. From prepping your eyelids properly to choosing the right eyeshadow formula and application techniques, we’ve got you covered. So buckle up, grab your favorite eyeshadow palette, and let’s embark on this glamorous crease-free journey together.

Start with a clean canvas and use clean brushes

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When it comes to creating an eyeshadow look, starting with a clean canvas is essential. If you want your eyeshadow to stay put and avoid any unwanted creasing, it’s time to prioritize a squeaky-clean eyelid and those trusty brushes of yours. Our skin naturally produces oils to keep itself hydrated and healthy (via Medical News Today), but an excess of these oils can make your eyeshadow slip and slide. Imagine spending precious time crafting the perfect blend of colors, only to have it melt away like a popsicle on a scorching summer day. No, thank you! Keeping your skin clean and free from excess oils sets the stage for a crease-free eyeshadow look. Use a gentle cleanser for the eye area, and always pat it dry before diving into your eyeshadow adventure.

Now, you can clean your canvas, but if your brushes are dirty with oil residue, your eyeshadow might still slide around. Your brushes don’t need to be visibly dirty to have picked up some of the oil from your skin the last time you used them. The oils and remnants of old makeup can transfer onto your fresh eyeshadow, causing it to slip, slide, and crease super fast. Regularly cleaning your brushes is an absolute game-changer for achieving long-lasting, non-creasing eyeshadow looks. Grab a gentle brush cleanser or use a mixture of mild shampoo and warm water, and give those bristles a good swirl. Rinse, reshape, and let them dry entirely before your next makeup rendezvous. Trust us, your eyeshadow will thank you!

Don’t use oily eye creams

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Eye creams can work wonders for banishing dark circles and puffiness, but they can also be an obstacle when it comes to preserving your eyeshadow masterpiece. “Eye creams contain more oil than a regular facial lotion and are usually more hydrating,” dermatologist Dr. Veenu Jindal told Vogue India. While this can be great for hydration, it can wreak havoc on your eyeshadow by causing smearing and smudging.

When searching for the perfect eye cream, look for keywords like “oil-free,” “non-comedogenic,” or “gel-based.” These magical potions are formulated to hydrate and nourish without causing your eyeshadow to slide off your lids quickly. And here’s a little bonus tip for you: apply your eye cream sparingly — especially if you’re about to put on eyeshadow. A pea-sized amount is all you need to moisturize the area around your eyes, so there’s really no need to go overboard.

Use an eyeshadow primer

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If you’ve been skipping the step of using an eyeshadow primer, you should know that it changes the creasing game forever. Not only does it create a smooth canvas for your eyeshadow colors to adhere to, but it also locks them in place until you’re ready to take your makeup off. 

Eyeshadow primers work their magic by creating a slightly tacky base on your eyelids. This texture provides a super gripping surface for your eyeshadow, preventing it from wandering off into the creases of your eyelids or even giving you fallout. Now, not all eyeshadow primers are created equal, so when choosing the perfect one for yourself, make sure that it suits your particular needs and your eyelids. Some primers offer additional benefits like color correction or enhanced vibrancy, while others focus only on ensuring crease-free longevity. 

Those with oily eyelids definitely need a primer, but even if the skin around your eyes tends to be dry, you can still benefit from this makeup product. “Those with dry eyelids tend to struggle with even application of their eye makeup as well as the accentuation of fine lines,” makeup artist Savannah St. Jean explained to Byrdie. “Adding eyeshadow powder (a naturally dry product) on top of already-dry skin can look aging, especially if you are working with anything even slightly shimmery.”

Consider setting your eyeshadow primer with powder

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While eyeshadow primers are great at keeping your colors in place, adding a lightweight translucent powder on top of them can give you an extra boost of staying power. However, it’s important to select the right powder for the job. When it setting your eyeshadow primer, opt for a lightweight translucent powder and use a large, fluffy, and soft brush to apply it. This ensures that the powder is delicately and evenly distributed across your lids, covering every inch. Take a small amount of the translucent powder onto your brush, give it a little tap to remove any excess, and then gently dab it onto your primed lids.

Now, if you’re planning on using bright colors on your lids, it’s best to skip this step. While setting your eyeshadow primer with powder works wonders for most looks, it can have a dulling effect on bold, eye-catching hues, muting their intensity and vibrancy. “I would use a generic loose setting powder on top of an eyeshadow primer if the look is a natural skin tone finish,” makeup artist Andrew Velazquez suggested to Makeup.com.

Use matte or satin eyeshadows instead of glittery ones

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Swapping glittery eyeshadows for matte or satin options is a simple tweak that can make a significant difference when it comes to achieving crease-free looks. The glitzy particles in glitter eyeshadow have a sneaky tendency to migrate and cause fallout and creasing throughout the day, which can quickly leave your makeup looking messy. In contrast, matte or satin eyeshadows provide a smooth, crease-resistant finish that tends to last much longer, especially when combined with a primer. When choosing your matte or satin eyeshadows, pay attention to their pigmentation and formula. Look for ones that are rich, buildable, and blend well. A high-quality eyeshadow will ensure a vibrant color payoff without the risk of creasing.

With that said, don’t completely dismiss glitter. After all, life is too short to skip the sparkle altogether! If you’re craving a touch of shimmer, opt for subtle accents and use glitter as a complementary element rather than all over your lid. By strategically placing a hint of glitter on top of your matte or satin eyeshadows or in your inner corners, you can achieve a tasteful pop of sparkle without having to worry about the glitter creasing.

Apply eyeshadow in thin layers and don’t forget to blend

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A commonly forgotten key to eyeshadow longevity is layering and blending. Building up your eyeshadow in thin layers allows each shade to adhere to the previous one, resulting in a seamless blend of colors that stays put. To achieve this effect, lightly dip your brushes into the eyeshadow and apply them to your eyelids with a feather-light touch. Gradually build up the intensity, allowing each layer to settle before adding the next one. Remember to gently blend the edges of each shade to create a seamless transition from one color to the next. 

Often, creasing occurs when too much product is applied at once. Before applying the eyeshadow to your eyelid, tap off any excess shadow from your brush. This will prevent overloading your eyelids with too much product and minimize the risk of fallout throughout the day.

Consider wetting your brush with some setting spray

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One of the best-kept makeup secrets in the world of eyeshadow application is wetting your brush with a touch of setting spray before dipping it into your chosen shades. Trust us, this simple step will make any eyeshadow look a million times better and help it last longer too. 

Just how does it work, you ask? Well, wetting your brush with setting spray intensifies the pigmentation of the eyeshadow, allowing the colors to appear way more vibrant. While you can use regular water, setting spray is a much better choice as it is formulated to last long. Remember not to soak your brush; a gentle mist will do the trick. As you apply the eyeshadow onto your lids, you’ll notice the difference immediately. The wet brush picks up the pigment effortlessly, allowing for smooth and seamless application. The colors will appear more intense and vibrant, giving your eyeshadow a completely new life.

As a bonus, wetting your brush with setting spray doesn’t just amp up the color payoff; it also enhances the longevity of your eyeshadow. The moisture from the setting spray helps the eyeshadow adhere better to your lids, preventing creasing and ensuring that your eye look stays intact throughout the day or night.

Set your eyeshadow with powder and setting spray

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Setting your eyeshadow with both powder and setting spray is a one-two punch that ensures your eye look stays in place, no matter what the day throws at you. After applying your eyeshadow and achieving a seamless blend of colors, lightly dust a lightweight translucent powder over your lids using a fluffy brush. This step helps absorb any excess oils and adds an extra layer of protection to your eyeshadow.

Like a primer, setting spray is also one of those makeup items that may seem unnecessary at first, but once you give it a chance, you’ll realize how much better your makeup looks with it. Hold the bottle at arm’s length, give it a gentle shake, and mist it over your closed eyes. Setting spray not only seals in the powdery products you use but also adds a refreshing burst of hydration, giving your eyeshadow a dewy, just-applied look. “Setting sprays absolutely make a difference in the wear of your makeup,” celebrity makeup artist Gloria Elias-Foeillet told Byrdie. “They prolong the life of your makeup application.”

Use long-wearing or waterproof formulas

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You can apply the best primers and setting sprays in the world, but if you really want your eyeshadow to stay put, look for products that are specifically designed for that purpose. Long-wearing and waterproof eyeshadows (yes, they do exist!) are made to withstand the test of time, remaining vibrant and, more importantly, in place for hours on end.

Long-wearing and waterproof formulas contain special ingredients that adhere to the skin and lock in eyeshadow particles much better than your average drugstore find. Whether you’re dancing in the rain or shedding tears (hopefully of joy), your eyeshadow won’t move, let alone crease. While natural oils and moisture might be a problem for regular eyeshadows, this type is unaffected. So, the next time you’re shopping for a new eyeshadow palette, keep an eye out for those magical labels that claim long-wearing or waterproof properties.

Avoid cream or liquid eyeshadows

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Cream and liquid eyeshadows may seem enticing due to their smooth textures and easy application. However, many of them don’t last all day and are prone to creasing and sliding around. While these formulas have their merits, they are not known for being long-lasting.

As the day progresses, the natural oils on your eyelids can cause these creamy formulas to settle into fine lines and creases, resulting in an uneven appearance. In addition, cream and liquid eyeshadows have a higher likelihood of smudging or transferring throughout the day. The creamy texture of these eyeshadows tends to have a higher moisture content, making them more prone to movement on the skin. “Powders are less likely to crease, as well as cream-to-powder formulas, but with just a straight-up cream eyeshadow product, you will definitely have creasing,” celebrity makeup artist Renée Loiz explained to Byrdie. Of course, using primers and setting sprays always helps. So, if you are a huge fan of the consistency of cream or liquid eyeshadow, make sure you add those products to your routine.’

Avoid touching your eyelids

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Touching your eyes may seem like a harmless habit, but it can easily disrupt the fresh appearance of your eye makeup. Believe it or not, we touch our faces more than 16 times an hour on average, according to Healthline. This constant contact transfers natural oils, dirt, and bacteria from your fingers onto your face and often your eyelids, which can lead to potential smudging and creasing of your eyeshadow.

By being aware of this tendency and consciously avoiding touching your eyelids, you can ensure your eyeshadow stays in place and looks fresh throughout the day. Remember, each time you touch your face, you risk shifting your eyeshadow. If you need to alleviate any discomfort or itchiness around your eyes, opt for gentle blotting or patting motions instead of rubbing or touching directly, as these are less likely to cause your eyeshadow to smudge.

Bring a blending brush for touch-ups

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Even with the best primers, eyeshadows, and setting sprays, sometimes our eye makeup has a mind of its own and decides to move around throughout the day. It can be frustrating to discover creases or uneven patches on your eyes, especially when you’ve taken all the necessary steps to prevent it. However, keep in mind that factors beyond our control, such as natural facial movements, humidity, or accidental rubbing of the eyes, can cause eyeshadow to shift or settle into creases.

Fortunately, you can quickly touch up your eyeshadow. Having a small blending brush in your on-the-go makeup bag allows you to easily address any areas of concern. A blending brush is like a magic wand, helping you get rid of any creased or uneven spots. The key is to choose a small, compact brush with soft bristles for precise blending without disturbing the rest of your eyeshadow. A brush with a tapered shape works best, allowing for controlled blending of targeted areas — you don’t want to blend all over. Use small circular motions to diffuse the product and blend it back into place. So, next time you’re heading out for a long day or a special event, don’t forget to bring this secret weapon with you!

Embrace a cut crease look

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The beauty of a cut crease lies in its ability to strategically place a defined line on the eyelid, making any creases that may appear throughout the day less noticeable. While this technique does not prevent creasing altogether, it certainly minimizes its appearance, which is a plus. By carefully carving out a sharp line along the natural crease of your eye, you create a contrast that draws attention away from any creasing that may occur.

Don’t worry if your first attempt looks a bit strange — a cut crease eyeshadow technique takes a bit of practice to perfect. Since everyone’s eyes are different, it may require some trial and error to find a style that you like. Our best advice is to not be afraid to experiment with different shades, intensities, and shapes to find the look that suits your eye shape and personal preference.