Reader Question: Preventing Fallout

I was thrilled when I received a question in my inbox from an Orange Lipstick reader!  I'm always eager to give my advice so please feel free to email them to me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com.


Here's what she asked:


"I on occasion love to sport a eye shadow with some super sparkle to it but then end up with sparkles littered down my cheeks. NOT so cute when you're no longer in ... middle school? Is there a trick I can use to keep those sparkles on my eyelids where I put them in the first place? Thanks bunches." - H.B.


Here's my response:


Sparkles can be tricky! In makeup lingo, what you're talking about is called fallout. There are some steps to prevent it, though. 

First, are you using an eye primer? If you aren't, you should. I use Urban Decay Primer Potion and think its great. Ulta or Sephora will be glad to give you a sample so you can try before you buy. Other people swear by Too Faced Shadow Insurance, but I haven't tried it. 

Secondly, have you ever tried patting the makeup on rather than sweeping/brushing? Sometimes that can help. 

Also, try applying the shadow wet. Take a sponge tip applicator (I buy cheapie ones from the Dollar Store) and run it under the tap. Then, apply your eyeshadow with it. You'll be AMAZED at how much better the sparkles stay in place. Here's a comparison pic of Urban Decay Midnight Rodeo.

This is a swatch of Midnight Rodeo over NYX primer. The left is dry, the right is wet. Notice how much more glitter sticks around!  I actually blew on this a few times after I took the picture and only about two sparkles were left on the dry swatch.  All the sparkles on the right swatch were still there!

If all that fails, you may just have a bum product. Some shades just don't play nicely no matter what you try. 

Also, wait to apply your powder until after you apply your shadows. That way, you can usually brush off any fallout. 

Hope that helps and thanks for your question!  I love reader questions so don't be shy!


XOXO


-K


Please feel free to email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com or tweet me at orangelipstickk.