As a simple and somewhat minimalistic makeup enthusiast, eyeshadow isn’t typically a part of my routine, but all of that changed on a recent trip to Sephora.
I was strolling through the Sephora Collection looking for my go-to eyebrow pencil when I saw a section for liquid eyeshadow. I was today years old when I knew that it existed, but it immediately piqued my interest. I ended up picking up multiple shades.
It’s kind of funny that, as someone who doesn’t even wear eyeshadow, I walked out with a handful of them. Naturally, I had to test them out — which brings us to my new series, Grab It or Pass It.
Are Liquid Eyeshadow Actually Worth It?
Liquid eyeshadow is a highly pigmented eyeshadow that comes in a liquid or cream form. It’s typically applied with a wand applicator to add a long-lasting pop of color to your makeup look.
I decided to try Matte Rose, a soft pop of pink that feels perfect for spring while still keeping the overall look natural and wearable.
The Applicator
The first thing I noticed about these liquid eyeshadows was how simple they looked to use. The applicator is very similar to a lip gloss applicator, just smaller. I had more control and pigment with fewer sweeps.
The applicator makes it easy to place the color exactly where you want it, and from there you can blend it out with your finger or a brush. You can easily wipe it off with a Q-tip if you used too much.
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The Formula
Liquid eyeshadow typically has a creamy texture, but dries down to a matte finish. It dries pretty quickly, so you don’t have to wait long before moving on to the next step in your makeup routine. It also has good transfer control. What I mean is, it wasn’t messy, nor did it transfer all over my lids throughout the day. As someone with hooded eyes, I appreciated that because it’s very easy for most eyeshadows to transfer.
That said, there is a slight adjustment if you’ve never used liquid eyeshadow before. Knowing how much product to use and how quickly it dries can take a little getting used to.
The formula is also buildable, so you can layer it depending on how dramatic or pigmented you want the look to be. You can even add powder eyeshadow on top or above the liquid shadow for a seamless transition, which is what I did.
Wear Test
I wore it for about seven to eight hours, and it held up the entire night. Because the formula dries matte, it stayed in place without creasing or transferring. The color remained intact and didn’t noticeably fade throughout the evening.
One thing I did notice is that liquid eyeshadow is best removed with a makeup remover first. Since the formula sets well, using a remover helps break down the product so you can fully remove your eye makeup without having to rub or irritate the delicate skin around your eyes.
Grab It or Pass It?
After testing it out, here’s my final verdict. Grab it!
The idea of liquid eyeshadow can be intimidating, but it’s actually easy once you get used to applying it.
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Highly pigmented with just a few sweeps
- Long-wearing with minimal creasing or transfer
- Great option for simple makeup routines
The biggest downside to liquid eyeshadows is that you have to purchase them individually, instead of getting a palette of colors. As someone who doesn’t normally wear eyeshadow, having a few individual shades actually works perfectly for me. I rarely use every shade in a palette anyway, so this way I can choose colors I know I’ll actually wear.
If you like simple makeup but still want to experiment with color, liquid eyeshadow is an easy and long-lasting way to add a soft pop without needing pro-level makeup skills.
Disclaimer: The beauty industry is constantly changing; there’s a chance that brands may no longer carry this exact shade or formula online. If you’re able to find it in store or through resellers, it’s still a great option for a soft pop of color.