All About Eyeshadow

By Elisabeth @onecutedoc

Hey, Beauty Lovers! I am going to start doing a fun series which will be posted at least once a month. It will be called the All About series. In these posts, I will take you on a beauty journey. You will learn all about a certain type of product and the history behind each product. Ex: All About Eyeshadow.

I think it is awesome to be informed on what products we use. I will give a brief historical background and information about what the product entails. I will then talk about all the different product forms and give a few tutorials on how to use the products. So without further ado, let’s get onto the next All About post.

We have already learned about eyeliner and mascara (you can check those posts out here)! Next up is…EYESHADOW!

ALL ABOUT EYESHADOW HISTORY:

So where did eye shadow begin?

It all began 12,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt (along with eyeliner and mascara). The used the same substance, kohl, to adorn their eyes. It was first used only by royalty to accentuate the eyes, but later became common practice for worship. Eyeshadow was mainly black in color (1,2,3). Around the 7th and 8th century B.C., eyeshadow made its way into Greece. Here, the eyeshadow was used for beautification purposes (1). Eyeshadow was known as “fucus” and was blue and green in color. Stones (malachite and lapis lazuli) were used to create the pigments.

The Romans also crushed stones and minerals to create more colors and shimmer (1). These products were only for the wealthy and came from India. Romans added more color to the shadows by crushing plants, flowers, and herbs (1). Japanese women also created eyeshadows using flower petals, bird droppings, and rice flower (1).

“In 1909 there was a sudden rise in the sale of eyeshadow when the London Ballet Russes used heavy eyeshadow and mascara on the stage, and after seeing Russian ballerinas on the stage in 1911, Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein began to apply more bold eye makeup on their wealthier clients.” (1)

The fashion revolution during the 1920s brought what we now know as eyeshadow. Harmful effects and ingredients were removed from the process to make better eyeshadows and pigments. (1)

From the 1920s and on, eyeshadow became a staple and an important part of women’s fashion. Sometimes eyeshadow was at the center stage with bold colors and sometimes it took the backstage for the more “natural look.” Now let’s look at some eyeshadow looks through the years!

Did you know that eyeliner was first used only by royalty to accentuate the eyes? Click to learn more!
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EYESHADOW THROUGH THE YEARS:

Here is a look of eye shadow through the years.

ANCIENT EGYPT:

https://sabuloustempest.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/compare-ancient-beauty-beliefs-and-todays-cosmetics-in-search-of-youth-and-beauty/

http://www.tinytouchups.com/ancient-egyptian-eye-makeup-tutorial-10386/

1920’s & 30’s:

http://www.thegloss.com/beauty/eyeshadow-trends-looks-throughout-history-photos/

Smokey eyes created using kohl was popular in film stars.

http://youqueen.com/beauty/makeup/makeup-tips-and-trends-through-the-ages-1920s-makeup/

In the 30’s, eyeshadow became available in more colors including soft pinks and greens.

1940’S and 50’S:

http://vintagedancer.com/1940s/1940s-makeup-guide/

Eyes were kept more natural in the 1940s.

http://vintagemakeupguide.com/1950s-look/

Eyeshadow was used to match outfits in the 1950s.

1960’S:

http://rebloggy.com/post/vintage-sixties-model-1960s-eyeshadow-twiggy/107016300260

https://sites.google.com/site/the60speriod4/fashion/make

It was all about the eyeshadow in the 1960s. White, bright colors and thick black eyeliner in the crease were used to create the mod look.

1970’S:

http://glamourdaze.com/2015/09/the-1970s-makeup-look-5-key-points.html

https://www.pinterest.com/brookeida/1970s/?lp=true

Disco queens enjoyed lots of colored eyeshadow while the hippies preferred natural looks. Rainbow looks could also be seen in the 1970s.

1980’S:

Source: Pinterest

http://www.liketotally80s.com/2006/10/80s-makeup/

The motto for eyeshadow was “more is better.” Blue was a very popular color and could be seen all the up to the brow bone.

1990’S:

Source: Pinterest

http://www.thegloss.com/beauty/eyeshadow-trends-looks-throughout-history-photos/

A more natural look could be seen in the 1990s with browns and taupes being the popular shades.

NOW:

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Now, anything goes! Neutral, smokey, and colorful eyes can be seen everywhere. Cut creases are also a very popular trend right now. There are no limits to what you can do with eyeshadow. Let your creativity and imagination sore. I can’t wait to see what makeup artists come up with next!

TYPES OF EYESHADOW:

Now that you have learned a little about the history of eyeshadow and saw how eyeshadow has changed throughout the years; we will take a look at the different eyeshadow forms (5,6)

Powder Eyeshadow:

Source: Pinterest

This is the most common type of eyeshadow and perfect for beginners. Most powder eyeshadows are compressed into pans which can then be placed into a palette. Powder eyeshadows come in a variety of different finishes (matte, shimmer, satin, etc).

These shadows are fairly easy to apply with a brush or even your finger. They are also cost effective because you can buy large palettes filled with powder eyeshadows.

Cream Eyeshadow:

Source: Pinterest

Cream eyeshadows typically come in a pot. However, you can find cream eyeshadows palettes too. These shadows are mostly shimmery and have a long wearing formula. However, they can tend to crease and are not ideal for hot weather wear.

Blending is very easy with cream shadows and two shades can be blended together to create gorgeous looks. Larger synthetic shader brushes are best to use with cream eyeshadow.

Stick/Crayon Eyeshadow:

Source: Aliexpress.com

Stick eyeshadow is very versatile and is perfect for on-the-go. You don’t even need an applicator with this eyeshadow formula. Stick eyeshadows can work as eyeliners too. They come in a variety of vibrant and natural colors. Long-wearing formula is a great perk to these eyeshadows.

Loose Powder Eyeshadow:

Source: shanycosmetics.com

Loose powder eyeshadow can be more complicated to use and can be very messy. They are highly pigmented shadows and can also be great for oily skin. Glitter and intense shimmer can be seen in these shadows.

You can apply loose powder eyeshadow wet to further intensify the color. It is a good idea to use a base/primer underneath loose powder eyeshadow to help them stay in place.

Liquid Eyeshadow:

Source: MakeupAlley.com

Liquid eyeshadow typically comes with the applicator already installed in the packaging. They are also great for beginners because they are easy to use. However, they do tend to crease. Therefore, they work best as eyeshadow bases. Liquid eyeshadows dry very quickly so you need to work quickly with them.

Baked Eyeshadow:

Source: elfcosmetics.com

These eyeshadows are baked in an oven, not pressed. The formula is ultra-smooth and very blendable. Baked eyeshadows can be used wet or dry. For a more intense/foiled look, use wet. Use dry for adding subtle color to your lids.

EYESHADOW TUTORIAL:

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links for your convenience. CLICK HERE for my full disclaimer.

Below is a tutorial on how I create a quick smokey eye.

Click to see a step-by-step quick and easy smokey eyeshadow tutorial
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Materials Used:

To create a smokey eye, you really only need three eyeshadow shades. A black cream base helps to keep the shadow looking great all day. Simply, apply the cream base messily and blend out with a smudger or your finger. Next, apply a black eyeshadow over top of the base.

A light brown shade is used in the crease to blend out the black and aid in the smokey effect. Finally, apply a shimmery white eyeshadow to the brow bone and inner corner of the eye. Your smokey eye look is now complete.

Step-By-Step Smokey Eye:

Easy Smokey Eye Tutorial – Everythingandnothin.com

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MY FAVORITE EYESHADOW LOOKS:

Now that we have learned all about the history of eye shadow and the different types of eye shadow…let me show you a few of my recent favorite eyeshadow looks that I have created.

Spring Beauty Fun Look

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Date Night Makeup Tutorial eye

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Winter Favorites Makeup Look Collage 3

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What are your favorite eyeshadows and eyeshadow looks? What are your eyeshadow tips and tricks? I would love to hear all your thoughts in the comments below!

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned a little more about our friend Mr. EyeShadow. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for eye shadow and what will be trending in the world of eye shadow.

Thanks for coming along on this eye shadow journey and I hope you come back for the next trip…BROWS!

BONUS: EYESHADOW HACKS (FROM BUZZFEED & FASHIONSY):

I found this list of eye shadow hacks on Buzzfeed & Fashionsy (7,8)! Have you tried any of these hacks? Let me know your favorite eyeshadow hacks in the comments below!

1. Figure out which eye shape you have, so you can learn more about different shading techniques that work best for you…see diagram on reference list (7)

2. Learn the lingo so you know which part of your eye is what (lid, crease, inner corner, outer v, etc)…see diagram on reference list (7)

3. To make eyeshadow more intense, apply a white cream base/white eyeliner

4. Use small patting and dabbing motions to apply your all-over shadow color.

5. Don’t be afraid to make a very defined shape first, then blend it so the edges fade away.

6. The easiest way to both find your crease and control the color? When applying, tilt your head up and look down into the mirror.

7. If you have trouble drawing a neat “outer v”, try starting with a hashtag shape.

8. Use translucent powder under the eyes or tape to remove eyeshadow fallout. 

9.  Use scotch tape or a post-it note to create sharp and edgy eyeshadow look.

10. For a Retro Bold Brow, wet your brush and mix it with eyeshadow the same color as your brow hair, or if you really want to go bold, try one shade darker.

11. Fill in your part with eyeshadow to make your hair look thicker. 

12. If you favorite eyeshadow is broken, don’t be sad! Store the broken pieces in a tiny container, then mix it with some lip balm in a spoon and apply to your lip.

13. Take old shadow you’ve never used and mix it with clear polish for a new nail polish color.

14. You can easily brighten up your eyes by applying shimmery white eyeshadow at the inner corner of the eyes.

15. Eyeshadow makes a great soft-looking eyeliner. Wet a liner brush with a small amount of water. Then, draw on the shadow with a steady hand.

16. If you have a problem with your eyeliner smudging throughout the day, try using some black eyeshadow to keep it in place!

ALL ABOUT EYESHADOW | This history, hacks, tutorials, and everything you could ever want to know – Everythingandnothin.com

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REFERENCE LIST:

(1) http://www.juliehewett.net/the-history-of-eyeshadow/

(2) http://www.historyofcosmetics.net/history-of-makeup/eye-shadow-history/

(3) http://www.essence-of-mineral-makeup.com/eye-shadow-history.html

(4) http://www.thegloss.com/beauty/eyeshadow-trends-looks-throughout-history-photos/

(5) http://www.justmakeupartists.com/articles/which-eyeshadow-type

(6) https://makeuptutorials.com/eyeshadow-makeup-tutorials/

(7) https://www.buzzfeed.com/nataliebrown/useful-tips-for-people-who-struggle-with-eyeshadow?utm_term=.tgGj7yMZwn#.wqD3a1k80D

(8) http://fashionsy.com/15-eyeshadow-hacks-tips-and-tricks-every-girl-should-know-about/



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