Does Your Eye Makeup Look Muddy? Here’s Why [2023]

If you were to ask someone to describe how your eyeshadow looks, the last thing you’d want to hear is muddy.

However, this is a common problem that even the most skilled makeup artists deal with occasionally, so don’t worry – you’re not alone!

Why Does Your Eye Makeup Look Muddy?

There are many reasons why your eye makeup may look muddy. For example, this could include:

Poor application technique
Low-quality eyeshadows
Poor color/shadow selection

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How to Avoid Muddy Eyeshadow

Start With a Clean Face

One of the easiest ways to avoid ‘muddy’ eyeshadow is to apply your makeup correctly, starting with a fresh face.

Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils. I like this cleanser as it has a lightweight milky formula that doesn’t leave the skin greasy.

Also, choose a cleanser that works well for your skin type and avoid fragranced products if you have sensitive skin.

Use Eye Primer Instead of Concealer

Sometimes we may be tempted to use our regular concealer as a substitute for primer.

After all, when applied directly to the lids, concealer can even out or color-correct any discoloration and give a more even base to work with.

However, many concealers have a thick formula that might not perform well underneath eyeshadow.

On the other hand, Primers are much lighter and create a smooth, even base for your eyeshadow that will reduce the chances of it appearing ‘muddy’ and give your eye makeup a better-lasting power.

This is because they create a slightly sticky base which helps lock eyeshadow in place while allowing for better color payoff.

Choose Good-Quality Eyeshadows

Sometimes, the reason why your makeup looks muddy has nothing to do with your skill and everything to do with the products you use.

As a result, it’s better to invest in high-quality products to get better results. Chalky and powdery shadows can crease and blend out unevenly, so look for eyeshadows with a creamy texture.

On a similar note, avoid using expired products. No matter how much you love your years-old eyeshadow powder, the products lose effectiveness once they’ve reached their expiry date (typically between 1-2 years).

Choose the Best Color Combinations

Choosing the best color (or shadow) combinations is essential to avoid your eyeshadow looking ‘muddy’ once applied.

For example, you should always choose similar shades or colors, as this will ensure they blend nicely.

Here is a quick look I like to create when I want a soft and subtle yet smokey eye look:

I start with a light shimmery champagne eyeshadow on the lid, then apply a dark brown shade on the outer corner of the eye. Then I blend the edges into the crease using a soft light brown transition shade.

To avoid over-applying eyeshadow, you can stick to three colors each time you want to create a bold look. As a general rule, you should :

Apply a light color all over the eyelid.
Use a darker, complementary shade to define the outer corner.
Use a lighter complementary shade for the crease area.

Use Clean Makeup Brushes

According to this study, 60% of women must clean their makeup brushes more.

Bacteria, dirt, and oil can accumulate on brushes which can cause your eyeshadow to look muddy.

To avoid this, you must clean your brushes every week or two, depending on how often you use them.

You can use a gentle baby shampoo or a brush cleanser and then lay the brushes flat on a cloth to dry.

Use the Right Application Technique

When applying eyeshadow, use a flat brush to apply the color all over your eyelids. To ensure it is evenly distributed, swipe the color and gently tap to add the shadow to the eyelids.

After that, you can use a second precise pencil brush to apply the darker shadow to the outer corner of your eye.

Finally, use a soft-domed brush to blend everything, avoiding harsh lines.

Use Precise Small Brushes to Apply Dark Colors

Dark colors are tricky to blend because of their dark pigmentation, so you may need a small and precise brush to apply them correctly.

This will help you avoid over-applying eyeshadow or having it look patchy or muddy.

I like to use this tapered brush for dark colors as it has soft bristles and a sharp tip to help you control how much product you apply.

Apply Less Eyeshadow

While you may be trying to create a look that is bright, bold, and eye-catching, it’s important to remember that less is more when applying eyeshadow.

Use the layering technique when applying any color, which means you can gradually build the intensity of the colors.

After all, adding the shadow is much easier than taking it away. Doing so prevents your makeup from appearing muddy or cakey.

Apply Your Makeup In Natural Lighting.

When applying your eyeshadow, it is essential to do so in natural light. This way, you can ensure that the colors look right and that your makeup looks natural.

Artificial light can sometimes make the colors look different from what would appear in natural daylight.

Natural light will also help you recognize the best color combinations and the areas to blend more.

Wet Your Brushes

Many powder eyeshadows can be tricky to blend, especially if they have a stiff formula.

To make them easier to blend, you can wet your brush with a setting spray to get a creamy and even finish.

Wetting your brush gives a more intense color payoff on the eyelid and can also help you avoid over-applying your eyeshadow.

Use the Right Blending Technique

Knowing exactly how to blend out your transitional shades (and darker outer corners) can also help you to avoid a ‘muddy’ looking eyeshadow.

In most instances, the key is gradually applying the colors and layering up as you go instead of using lots of eyeshadow at once.

TIP: Instead of rubbing the eyeshadow, apply soft circular motions on the edges. Avoid blending the colors all over in a random way and focus on the edges where the colors meet.

Apply Less Pressure

A light touch will help to create a softer, more natural finish. Pressing too hard with your brush can cause it to drag the eyeshadow, resulting in a patchy finish.

To apply your eyeshadow correctly, hold the brush close to the top and not in the middle. This will help you have better control over your brush and use less pressure when blending.

Practice is Key

As with any skill, the more you practice something, the better you will get. As such, the more time you spend trying new products and techniques at your vanity, the more confident you will achieve a beautiful eyeshadow look.

Take your time trying out different looks, and consider the tips mentioned above. You can create your perfect eye makeup looks with some practice and patience.

Conclusion

While there are many reasons why your makeup may look muddy, there are various tips to help you avoid this issue next time you’re getting ready.

Remember to gradually apply the colors, use small and precise brushes for dark colors, wet your brush with a setting spray for a creamy finish, and use the correct blending technique. With some practice and patience, you can create beautiful makeup looks.

Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments section below.

Why Does Your Eyeshadow Look Muddy