How To Use Pigment Powder To Color Eyeshadow

Making your own makeup is a great way to create the exact shades of colors you want, especially with eyeshadow. There are several ways you can make your own eyeshadow, either as a loose powder, pressed powder, or cream eyeshadow. Keep reading to learn how to use pigment powder to color eyeshadow.

Loose Powder Eyeshadow

Loose powder eyeshadow is exactly what its name suggests: a loose powder that you can apply to your lids as an eyeshadow. You should make this eyeshadow if you’re looking for an exact color for a specific event and don’t want to buy a brand-new product for it. It’s easy to make and only requires a few basic supplies that most makeup enthusiasts already have on hand. These supplies are easy to find even if you don’t already have everything you need. You’ll need:

• Mica powder
• A small, clean empty container
• A mixing utensil
• A measuring device and application brush (these are optional)

Set out your small, clean, empty container and get out your mica powder. Please note that we use mica powder and pigment powder interchangeably because we use pigmented mica powder. If you aren’t buying your powder from us, these powders may be different and may not be safe for you to use in body products. Always check that something is safe before applying it to your skin.

You can use as many powder colors as you want, but it’ll be easiest to start with one or two. Pinch the powder out of its original container with your fingers. Alternatively, you can measure out the desired amount of mica powder and deposit it into the container for more exact measurements. Use a mixing utensil that’s an appropriate size for the container, then mix the different colors together. If you’re only using one color, mix the powder around the container to ensure that there are no clumps. Dip your finger or an application brush into the powder and apply it to your eyelid. To make this type of eyeshadow stay on your eyelid longer, you can apply a primer before the shadow or spray with a setting spray after.

Pressed Powder Eyeshadow

Pressed powder is like loose powder eyeshadow, except there are a few extra supplies and steps involved. If you start with loose powder but want to make it last longer or prevent it from spilling out of the container, you can easily turn it into pressed powder. Or you can make pressed powder from the start. Either way, pressed powder is a good idea for people who fall in love with a specific color but are either allergic to the ingredients used in store-bought options or want to use cleaner ingredients. You’ll need:

• Mica powder
• A small, clean, empty container
• A mixing utensil
• A powder binder or face primer
• A paper towel or tissue
• A coin or button
• A measuring device and application brush (these are optional)

Set out your small, clean container and get out your mica powder. Either pinch or measure your mica powder into the empty container. Add several drops of powder binder or liquid face primer to the mica powder in the new container and mix until thoroughly combined. Once you have a wet paste, you should place a dry paper towel over the top of the paste and press down with the coin or button. This will compact the powder and prevent it from spilling out of the container. You can use the eyeshadow immediately, applying with a brush or your finger, or allow it to dry and use it later.

Due to the addition of the binder or primer in the mixing process, this type of eyeshadow will last longer than loose powder eyeshadow. While you can still apply primer beforehand or setting spray after, it’s not necessary to make the eyeshadow stay on your lid. The exceptions are if you have oily skin or will be in an environment that causes you to sweat.

Cream Eyeshadow

Cream eyeshadow is the most complicated of the eyeshadow variations to make, but it’s also the longest lasting, both on your eyelid and in the container. You should make your own cream eyeshadow if you want a specific long-lasting color without the chemical ingredients in store-bought cream shadows. There are several ways to make cream eyeshadow using various ingredients. However, the safest uses clean, all-natural ingredients like shea butter and beeswax. You’ll need:

• Mica powder
• Beeswax pellets
• Shea butter
• Glycerin
• A skin-safe oil such as jojoba or vitamin E
• A microwave-safe mixing container
• A mixing utensil
• A small, clean storage container
• A measuring device (this is optional)

Start by melting your beeswax pellets with the shea butter in the microwave-safe mixing container. Once they have melted together, stir in the glycerin and skin-safe oil. Pinch or measure the desired amount of mica powder out of its original container and deposit it into the mixing container. Stir until thoroughly combined, adding more powder as needed for the desired color. Pour the mixture into the clean storage container. Finally, allow it to dry overnight before applying with your finger, a sponge, or a brush.

Cream eyeshadow is the longest-lasting eyeshadow, and you shouldn’t need to use primer or setting spray to keep it on your lids. However, if your skin produces lots of oil, or you’re expecting to sweat a lot at the event you’re attending, then either primer, setting spray, or a combination of the two is a good idea. These makeup products shouldn’t interfere with the shine of the mica powder or the quality of your homemade eyeshadow.

Now you know how to use pigment powder to color your homemade eyeshadow. You may want a specific color with loose powder, a quick particular color with a pressed powder, or a unique and long-lasting color with cream eyeshadow. In every case, you can create what you desire with the right ingredients and pigmented mica powder. If you’re struggling to create a specific eyeshadow color, make sure you’re using ultra-fine, pure powder. Using powder that doesn’t have ultra-fine purity can mess up your color, especially with hues that easily shift, such as red. If you’re looking for pure red mica powder, head to Eye Candy Pigments. We have various shades you can pick from to find the perfect fit.