Is this confessions of an eyeshadow hoarder? As someone who owns a huge eyeshadow collection, deep down, I know that I’m unlikely to finish all the shadows that I own even with challenges like Pan That Palette or my 20 in 2020 Project Pan. However, over the course of all my project pans, I’ve learned 10 creative ways to use eyeshadow.
1. Eyeshadow as Blush
One of the most obvious, but still creative ways to use eyeshadow is to use it as blush. Whether your eyeshadow provides a soft flush or a ultra-vampy bold pop of color, blush can easily be repurposed as eyeshadow. In fact, using the same eyeshadow on the lids and eyes will create an on-trend, monochromatic look.
Pro Tip: If your eyeshadow pan is too small for a blush brush, try depotting the eyeshadow or repressing the eyeshadow into a larger pan!
2. Eyeshadow as Bronzer & Contour
Using eyeshadow as bronzer and contour is another creative way to use an eyeshadow. Let’s be real, warm bronzed browns and rich chocolate browns are plentiful in most pre-made eyeshadow palettes. With so many repeat shades in a large collection, how is it possible to use them all?
By using eyeshadow as bronzer or contour, you’re able to make use of the neutral browns in your collection with much greater ease. Similar to using eyeshadow as blush, if a pan is too small for a bronzer brush try depotting it or repressing it into a larger pan.
3. Eyeshadow as Brow Powder
Using eyeshadow as brow powder is another unique way to use an eyeshadow. Compared to brow pens and pencils, brow powders provide a much softer, more hairlike finish in the brows.
Having trouble finding your perfect shade match at the store? Whip out an eyeshadow color that matches more closely to your hair color, whether its your natural born color or a bold neon hue.
4. Eyeshadow as Eyeliner
Ok, so this method isn’t that unique. But using eyeshadow as eyeliner is a great way to create winged liner looks. Whether you use unique eyeshadow colors that you cannot find in traditional liners or just turn to your deepest, most matte black, you cannot go wrong. In fact, powder eyeshadow works well to recreate trendy, foxy eye-inspired looks.
5. Eyeshadow as Hair Filler
In addition to its use as a brow powder, eyeshadow can be easily used to help fill sparse spots on the scalp where hair appears thinner. In particular, this is a great option for anyone with a thinning hair line. With so many hues available on the market, it is easy to find shades that will match any hair color – whether natural born or dyed.
6. Eyeshadow as Highlighter
Have a light-toned shade that you just don’t seem to enjoy using on your eyelids? Try using your eyeshadow as highlighter for the inner corner, brow bone, or cheeks. Whether the shadow is matte or metallic, these shadows can make for beautiful highlights.
…. And it goes without saying, highlighter doesn’t need to be natural or to match your skin. Want to rock a frosty blue eyeshadow as highlighter? Go for it!
7. Eyeshadow as Nail Polish
Without a doubt, repurposing eyeshadows as nail polish is an ultra creative way to use eyeshadow!! Rather than explaining the way to do this over text, I’ll let Rebecca Morgan’s video explain how to transform your favorite metallic eyeshadows into nail polish.
Using eyeshadow as nail polish is a great way to get use of products that are too old to put on the eyes.
8. Eyeshadow as Setting Powder
Similar to many of the previously mentioned creative ways to use eyeshadow, a flesh-toned eyeshadow can be easily repurposed as a setting powder. To set your eyeshadow primer or your under eye area, try using a shade that matches to your skin tone or is a shade or two lighter.
Final Thoughts on the 8 Creative Ways to Use Eyeshadow
Unless you feel overwhelmed by the size of your current eyeshadow collection, you may not need to find creative ways to use eyeshadow. However, if you discover that you own too many eyeshadows for comfort, there are creative ways to use eyeshadow on other parts of your face. Additionally, these are great techniques if you want to try Project Panning challenges, but feel anxious about how you’ll get the most use out of your eyeshadows.
Overall, finding ways to multipurpose products is a great way to reduce waste and truly make use of what you own. Also, using products in unconventional ways can unleash creativity.
If you enjoyed this post detailing 8 unique ways to repurpose eyeshadow, you will love reading the Project Panner tag. Read for more tips on loving and using the makeup you already own.
Final Note: Prior to trying any of these techniques, please check the ingredient list and safety warnings of your eyeshadows. Some pigments and ingredients are not safe to use on other parts of the body.
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What did you think about these 8 creative ways to use eyeshadow? Have you tried using eyeshadow like this before? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.