Easy Tips to Make Your Eyeshadow Last Longer [2023]

Whether you’ve spent hours creating a bold and dynamic look or opted for something a little simpler – there’s nothing more frustrating than your eyeshadow ‘disappearing’ before you’ve even thought about reaching for the makeup wipe.

Unfortunately, there are many reasons why your eyeshadow may not last as long as you’d like it to. For example, you may be using poor-quality products with no real, lasting powder or using too much product and not blending it properly.

Thankfully, you can use many expert tips and tricks to make your eyeshadow last longer – so you’re always camera (or selfie) ready.

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Start With a Clean Canvas

One of the easiest ways to ensure that your eyeshadow will stand the test of time is to avoid applying it on dirty eyelids. A gentle cleanser can remove excess oil, makeup, and dirt, giving you the perfect base to work with.

The cleaner your skin, the longer your makeup will last. This will make it much easier to apply makeup, and everything will look much better in the end.

Apply a Primer

Primers are your eyeshadow best friend. They create a ‘sticky’ base for the eye makeup to stick to, making for a smoother application and a longer-lasting look overall.

Primers are also a great way to make your shadows stay on oily eyelids, as they often contain unique ingredients which absorb excess oil.

However, it’s essential that you invest in a good-quality eye primer instead of using your concealer, which is a common makeup ‘hack’.

While a concealer seems like a great way to cancel any discoloration on your eyelids and create a smooth base for your makeup, it does not provide you with a high-quality primer to work with when applying eyeshadow.

Concealers tend to have a thicker formula, which might not always work well with your eyeshadow and might cause creasing.

For better results, avoid using face primers on your eyelids.

Face primers are different than eye primers, too, as eye primers have a lightweight formula that works well with eyeshadow.

Set the Primer or Use a Cream Eyeshadow as a Base

Applying a lightweight setting powder can give your primer lasting power, which means your eyeshadow lasts longer.

You can apply a small amount of loose or pressed powder to keep the primer in place and help the eyeshadow blend easily.

Alternatively, make your eyeshadow last all day by creating a base using cream eyeshadow before applying any powders.

Using cream shadows as a base makes it easier to build up the color and get a bold look.

This cream eyeshadow, for example, is a great, long-lasting option that will keep your eyeshadow in place all day. I’ve been using it for years, and it stays put, no matter what.

Choose Good-Quality Eyeshadows

Like any artistry, the better tools you have, the easier it will be to create quality art.

As such, it’s essential that you invest in high-quality eyeshadows. While they may be more expensive, they are often made from better-quality ingredients and highly pigmented, which gives them greater lasting power when compared to cheaper, lower-quality products.

As a result, they are worth the extra investment.

Not all expensive eyeshadow palettes are good, and I’ve used many nonexpensive palettes that have worked just as well.

This palette, for example, is very affordable and has intense pigments lasting for hours.

It’s also important that you do not use old or expired products. While this is something that many makeup users are guilty of, the older a product is, the less effective it will be.

Using expired makeup can also lead to various skin problems, such as breakouts and irritation.

Therefore, checking the expiration date before using any makeup product is best. Eyeshadow palettes can last for up to two years, so make sure that you keep an eye on the dates.

Use a Glitter Glue for Glitter Eyeshadows

Adding a touch of glitter or sparkle is an easy (yet practical) way to elevate any look, whether heading on a night out or to a party.

However, glitter is prone to fall out, so apply glitter glue or a liquid converter first.

This product is similar to primer but specifically designed to be used with glitter and sparkle eyeshadows. It creates a sticky base for the glitter to cling to, which prevents it from falling out during application.

However, you should apply glitter glue sparingly, as a little goes a long way.

Spray Your Brush With a Setting Spray

Don’t believe your setting spray should only be used when you finish your makeup. It is a valuable product that you can use throughout various steps of the process – such as when it comes to prepping your brushes before applying eyeshadow.

A light spritz of setting spray on your brushes can help make your eyeshadow last longer and reduce fallout.

It also helps your eyeshadow look bold and creates a smoother application, which could help your eyeshadow blend quickly.

Choose the Right Brushes

Your choice of eyeshadow brushes can also impact the longevity of your eyeshadow. For example, you should always start by using a flat brush when applying eyeshadows, as it will ensure that you apply the product evenly to the eyelids.

This gives you a stronger base to work with, and you can use other brushes to deepen your crease or introduce a pop of color to the center of the eyelids.

A good application technique is to swipe and tap the eyeshadow gently onto your eyelids instead of rubbing it.

After that, you can use a soft blending brush to diffuse the edges.

Blend the Eyeshadow Properly

By now, you know blending your eyeshadow is essential, especially if applying different shades.

Avoid dragging or rubbing the shadow during the blending process and instead move the brush in soft circular motions.

Blending quickly can cause your eyeshadow to look muddy, so working in gentle motions and focusing on the edges is essential.

Some eyeshadows fade during blending, indicating the need to choose pigmented products instead of sheer ones.

Build up the Colors

Whether you’re opting for a smokey eye or something a little bolder, your hard work must pay off, and your eyeshadow lasts all day instead of fading within a few hours.

You can achieve this goal by applying a thin layer of eyeshadow and gradually adding more layers to achieve the color payoff you are looking for.

Applying too much at once makes it harder for you to blend your eyeshadow and could also create a ‘harsh’ look.

Finish With a Setting Spray

Applying setting spray is the most obvious solution to finding a way to ensure your eyeshadow (and the rest of your makeup) last.

Setting sprays create a thin, protective layer on the top of your skin, locking makeup in place. This can prevent fallout while also stopping sweat from wiping your makeup away.

Hold the bottle 6 to 8 inches away from your face, close your eyes, and spritz a small amount to make your eyeshadow last all day.

Avoid Touching Your Eyes During the Day

According to a recent study, the average person touches their face 23 times an hour. I know it’s a hard habit to break, and I am guilty of this too.

Touching your eyes throughout the day could cause the eyeshadow to smudge or fade away, so you should try to keep your hands away.

It may be not easy, but avoid touching your eyes and face to ensure your makeup remains in place.

Final Thoughts

By taking on the advice above and updating your eyeshadow routine accordingly, you’ll soon find that your eyeshadow begins to stand the test of time.

From using good quality eyeshadows to blending your eye makeup correctly and finishing with a setting spray, these steps will help you achieve the most long-wearing look.

Do you have any tips of your own when it comes to making your eyeshadow last longer? Please share them in the comments section below!

How to Make Your Eyeshadow Last Longer