Standard eyeshadow typically comes in small palette sizes or in individual colors. You can choose cream, metallic, and matte eyeshadow, but the options don’t stop there! Is eyeshadow forever resigned to just your eyelids? We don’t think so!
Can eyeshadow be used as a blush? Absolutely. Using eyeshadow as blush makes your makeup options flexible. Eyeshadow offers a wide selection of colors and has similar formulas as some blushes. However, you need to pick the right type and shade of eyeshadow that matches your skin. If you do that, you will pull it off perfectly.
If you prefer party makeup, opt for a shimmer shadow. It will look great but won’t appear very natural. If you want a more natural look, utilize matte shadows. Cream eyeshadow is perfect for dry skin and offers long-lasting results. Power eyeshadow makes a great choice for oily skin.
Also, it looks more natural than cream eyeshadow. In this article, we will discuss eyeshadow finishes and types, how to apply different eyeshadow as blush, etc.
Is It Okay To Use Eyeshadow As Blush?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of makeup – you can always utilize different beauty items in different ways. Eyeshadows can be utilized as both highlighters and blushes.
Typically, most eyeshadows have more pigment than blushes. Meaning you need to be gentler with the makeup brush.
If you’re utilizing eyeshadow as blush, ensure it’s either a satin finish or matte finish. Just dip your brush in the eyeshadow. Once you get enough amount, tap it to take off any excess.
Then apply as you usually apply blush. I highly recommend applying blush in circular motions and taking the color upwards to your ears.
Opt for a glittery or shimmer eyeshadow as a highlighter. Again, dip your highlighter brush in the eyeshadow and apply over the blush lightly.
This video by Bridget Kat is a wonderful tutorial on how to use eyeshadow as highlighter. Enjoy!
Types and Finishes of Eyeshadow
Once you dive into the eyeshadow world, you will discover that there are more than one type and finish of eyeshadow. That said, let’s discuss some of the types and finishes.
| Type of eyeshadow | Final result |
| Pressed powder | Bold color payoff, excellent for oily skin |
| Cream eyeshadow | Long-lasting, natural look, perfect for dry skin |
| Loose powder | Bold color payoff, excellent for normal skin |
| Matte finish | Adds dimension to your face, natural look |
| Shimmer finish | Sparkly look, great for party makeup |
| Satin finish | Gentle gleaming color, subtle sheen |
- Pressed powder
Pressed eyeshadow is the most common type on the market. You can find pressed eyeshadow in singles or palettes. We highly recommend purchasing a palette for versatility.
- Cream eyeshadow
Cream eyeshadows blend easily onto eyelids. They also blend easily onto cheekbones. It’s perfect for dry skin. If you want long-lasting results, opt for cream eyeshadows.
- Loose powder
Loose eyeshadow can pack a lot of punch and can be messy but nothing can’t beat the bold color payoff. It provides excellent results and performs perfectly for oily skin.
- Matte finish
This type of eyeshadow is completely stripped of sheen and shine. It’s perfect for when you want to add definition to your eyes or cheeks and achieve a natural appearance.
- Shimmer finish
Consistent with sparkle, this type of eyeshadow is ideal for bringing out the color in your eyes. It’s great for party makeup. They can be used as both blushes and highlighters.
- Satin finish
These creams and silky powders offer a subtle sheen. They’re somewhere between shimmer and matte effect. They offer a gentle gleaming color. They work well as blushes.
If you’re hungry for more tips, Tina Yong offers 10 unique ways to use your eyeshadow (including blush).
Top 3 Best Eyeshadow You Can Use As Blush
I’ve collected 3 of the best-selling eyeshadow palettes you can use as a blush. Each one is high-quality, affordable, and versatile. Also, check their customer reviews at Amazon.
1. NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette
NYX is one of the most popular makeup brands on the market. This brand is known for its versatility and affordability. This flexible palette features 16 highly-pigmented shadows.
Each color will make both your eyes and cheekbones pop with bold, long-lasting color. If you’re looking for the ultimate eyeshadow, look no further than NYX professional shadow palette.
You will get satin, matte, metallic, and shimmery colors. Just prime your eyelids and build your look. You can pair this palette with NYX setting spray to seal your look for the entire day.
2. Covergirl truNAKED Eyeshadow Palette
COVERGIRL is also known for its flexibility and affordability. If you’re looking for universally flattering and neutral shades, look no further than this palette.
They’re created to be combined nicely. You can use colors from this palette as blush or highlighter. You can even mix and match shades and always look chic and flawless.
The palette includes eight highly-pigmented colors. The possibilities with this palette seem endless. You will get matte, shimmer, and glitter eyeshadow.
3. SHANY Natural Fusion 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette
Last but not least, we have SHANY natural fusion palette. It’s on this list because of the wide selection of colors and finishes. You will get 11 rows of highly-pigmented shades.
This kit has almost every color required for a flawless and gorgeous eye look. The best part? It’s ideal for travel. You can use this palette on-the-go with ease. It’s compact and versatile.
The palette includes 88 colors (59 ultra-shimmer tones and 29 matte shadows). Some of the shades you can use as blush, contour, or highlighter. I especially like the mirror and applicators.
If you buy this palette, you will also get a built-in medium-sized mirror and 2 dual-ended applicators. It’s the perfect gift for makeup junkies, beauty novices, and professionals.
How to Apply Blush Properly
Blush is one of those underappreciated beauty products that we don’t care about. However, we all stand to benefit from a touch of color on the bone cheeks.
And when applied properly, blush helps make your face look more healthy, vibrant, and alive. It provides the illusion of a more youthful appearance.
The best part? It offers a beautiful transitional color between your contour and highlight to add dimension to your look. Follow the next tips on how to apply blush properly.
- Envision your look
Experts suggest starting by determining what finish you’re trying to achieve. Then, pick the appropriate formula (liquid, cream, or powder) and tool (fingertips, sponge, or brush).
- Work some makeup magic
Applying blush is super easy! All you have to do is put out your best smile and apply onto the cheeks in a sweeping motion up toward the center of the ears. Aim for a snatched look.
- Make it last
We recommend using a bit of setting powder over your blush to make it long-lasting. And don’t forget to apply a good setting spray. Urban Decay All Nighter works great for any skin type.
TheMakeupChair has a super simple and helpful video on how to apply blush for both long and round face shapes. If you fall into either of those categories, this is for you!
Tips & Tricks For Using Eyeshadow As Blush
What you don’t know about eyeshadow is that it’s heavier than blush. Therefore, your face could break out if you wear eyeshadow on your cheeks. Always wash your skin after wearing eyeshadow as blush or any makeup, for that matter. This way, you will prevent breakouts.
Eyeshadow palettes or pots aren’t as big as blush pots. They’re too small for a blush brush. Meaning, you can either use a firm eyeshadow brush or small plastic makeup applicator to take the powder out of the container and onto a makeup mirror, clean tissue, or another empty container.
If you’re using a powder eyeshadow as blush, tap your brush into the shadow and gently tap it over your mirror to remove some of the product. Then, apply it on your cheeks. You can also utilize a rose to boost the apples of your cheeks. Then, apply a brown under it to contour your cheeks.
If you opt for a cream eyeshadow, use a highlighter brush or dip a makeup sponge into the shade. Then, blend the eyeshadow onto your cheekbones. Tap for the best results. You may need to blend more with a cream eyeshadow to accomplish a more natural appearance and flawless finish.
If you’re utilizing pink eyeshadow as blush, don’t overdo it. A little goes a long way with this shade. This is great because it will last longer. Just make sure you don’t use too much.
Wrap Up
You can utilize eyeshadow as blush. However, make sure to utilize a matte shade without shine or glitter to it. Otherwise, that might appear too glowy on your cheekbones.
And if you’re after a glittery look, go ahead and utilize a shiny or glittery eyeshadow as blush. Make sure it’s a color that matches your skin tone and blends with the rest of your look.
If you have the time and patience, you can make a cream blush by combining your eyeshadow with your favorite foundation or moisturizer. If you have red spots, you can mix your concealer or foundation with some green eyeshadow. You will get a green concealer to cover the red spots.
Also, you can use a super bright but shimmery color of eyeshadow as a highlighter. As you can see, the makeup world is super-versatile. Feel free to share your comments below.
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