Do your eyeshadows seem to crease within a few hours of applying them? This can be really frustrating, especially when you’ve taken the time to apply them carefully.
In this post, we will discuss the reasons why eyeshadow creases and how to prevent them from happening again!
We’ll also look at some tips for making eyeshadow last all day long!
#1 You are not using an eye primer
If you don’t use an eye primer, your eyeshadow will crease because it won’t have a solid base to stick to. This will cause the shadow to fade and wear off throughout the day. To fix this, use an eye primer before applying your eyeshadow. This will create a smooth surface for your shadow to cling to and will help it last all day long.
#2 You are using a bad eye primer
If you use a bad eye primer, your eyeshadow will crease because the primer won’t hold the eyeshadow in place, OR it’s not compatible with your skin type and it ends up ruining your eyeshadows.
This can be fixed by using a good eye primer that will keep your eyeshadow in place all day.
If you have oily eyelids, the best eye primer is:
#3 You are not setting your eye primer with powder
If you don’t set your eye primer with powder, your eyeshadow will crease because the primer mixed with your natural oils and the shadows can create a mixture that eventually might crease.
The shadow will just slide right off. To fix this, use a translucent setting powder to set your eye primer. This will give the primer something to grab onto and will keep your eyeshadow from creasing during the day.
Eyeshadow creasing even with eye primer?
If your eyeshadows are creasing even when you apply eye primer, the reason might be that you are using either the wrong eye primer for you, you are not setting your eye primer, or you are using a thick eye cream under.
There are hydrating and mattifying or oil-absorb eye primers, and your skin type, specifically talking of the skin type if your eyelids, will define which one you should use.
The best eye primer I can recommend that works almost for every type of skin is this one.
But another thing you can try is wearing a mattifying, long-lasting concealer. The only concealer that I use as an eye primer is this one here. It’s matte, long-lasting, full coverage, and super lightweight, so it really prevents my eyeshadow from creasing.
#4 You are using the wrong eye cream
If you’re using an eye cream that is too thick, it can cause your eyeshadow to crease.
This is because the cream will act as a barrier between your skin and the shadow, causing the shadow to slip and slide around.
To fix this, use a lighter eye cream or no eye cream at all before applying your eyeshadow.
Pro tip: Wear your eye cream only at night or wait at least 30-60 minutes before applying your makeup. So the cream has time to absorb into your skin.
#5 you are using the wrong type of eyeshadow
One of the main reasons eyeshadow creases is because you are using the wrong type of eyeshadow.
If you use a cream eyeshadow, it is more likely to crease than a powder shadow.
This is because cream shadows are heavier, and they don’t have the same staying power as powder shadows.
To prevent this, wear powder or even liquid eyeshadows instead.
You can still wear cream eyeshadows but follow the tips below in this article.
#6 You are applying foundation or concealer before eyeshadow
Applying foundation or concealer before eyeshadow can cause your shadow to crease because it creates a barrier between the shadow and your skin.
The shadow won’t be able to adhere to your skin properly, and it will eventually start to fade and crease.
To fix this, apply your foundation only on the rest of your face, and avoid touching the eyelid area.
Same with concealer. Not all concealers can be used as an eye primer.
Check this article where I touch more on using concealer as an eye primer.
#7 More moisture means creasing
If you reading this post about eyeshadows creasing, it’s most likely you have oily eyelids.
If you have oily eyelids, chances are that your eyeshadows will crease more easily.
This is because the natural oils on your eyelids can cause the shadow to slip and slide around.
To prevent this, use a mattifying primer or even a setting powder on your eyelids before applying shadow.
This will help to absorb any excess oils and helps to prevent your shadows from creasing.
How to stop eyeshadows from creasing: Step-by-step tutorial
If you’re sick of your eyeshadow creasing, then this tutorial is for you! Keep reading to learn how to stop eyeshadows from creasing, step-by-step.
#1 Apply your eye primer
The first step is to prime your eyelids.
This will create a barrier between your skin and the eyeshadow and will help your eyeshadows to stick to your skin all day.
An eye primer helps to create a smooth canvas for your eyeshadow and also makes the shadows more vibrant and long-lasting.
There are many different primers on the market, so pick one that suits your needs.
If you have oily eyelids, then choose a mattifying primer like this one
If you have dry eyelids, then choose a primer with hydrating properties. This one here is my favorite for dry skin/mature eyes.
Once you’ve chosen your primer, apply it to your eyelids, covering the entire area from the inner corner to the brow bone and outer corners.
You can use a brush or your fingers perfectly clean.
#2 Set your eye primer
There are different ways to set your eye primer. If you are going to use powder eyeshadow.
Set your eye primer with a translucent powder. It’s important to wear a translucent powder and not a powder foundation.
We don’t want to add extra layers of products on the eyelids because this can leads to creased eyeshadows.
A lightweight translucent powder like this one without any color is what we need to set our eye primer.
Another way is by applying a mattifying setting spray.
You can do both, first the translucent powder and, after that, the setting spray.
The Non-creasing eye baking technique
Have you ever heard about the under-eye baking trick? Well, this time, we are doing it to perfectly set our eye primer.
The Non-creasing eye baking technique consists on applying your eye primer, let it sit for 2-3 minutes, removing the excess with a clean makeup sponge, and immediately apply a generous amount of a mattefying translucent powder all over the eyelid area. Leave it there “baking” for at least 3-5 minutes, and then remove the excess with a powder brush.
– by Valeria H.
If you have been struggling with creased eyeshadows, the Non–creasing eye baking technique will be life-changing. This is the exact step that I use for extremely problematic oily eyelids and works phenomenally.
If you have dry skin, dry eyelids, or mature eyes, avoid this trick.
#3 Apply your eyeshadows with makeup brushes
Now that your eyelids are primed and set, it’s time to apply the eyeshadows.
The best way to apply eyeshadow is with brushes, not with your fingers. When you use your fingers, the natural oils from your skin can transfer to the eyeshadow, and this will make them more likely to crease during the day.
There are many different types of eyeshadow brushes, but you don’t need to have a complete set. Just start with a few basic brushes and build up your collection as you go.
The three essential eyeshadow brushes are:
A flat shader brush: This brush is perfect for packing on color
blending brush: A blending brush is a makeup brush that is used to blend eyeshadow and create a smooth, gradient effect.
There are many different types of blending brushes, but they all have the same basic purpose. They are usually fluffy and have a tapered shape, which makes them perfect for diffusing color and creating soft edges.
If you are just starting out with makeup, I would recommend investing in a good-quality blending brush. This will be one of your most-used brushes and will help you create beautiful eye looks.
Precision brush:
This is a small, pointed brush that is perfect for applying shadow in the crease or outer corner of the eye.
How to stop cream eyeshadows from creasing
Cream eyeshadows are beautiful but can be tricky to work with. They have a tendency to crease and can be difficult to set.
The best way to prevent your cream eyeshadows from creasing is by wearing the right eye cream, a good eye primer, setting your eye primer, applying your eyeshadows with a brush and applying a powder shade of the same color on top.
So, as with powder eyeshadows, follow these tips to prevent creased cream eyeshadow:
- Applying a primer or setting powder to your eyelids before the shadow will help to prevent creasing. (use the non-eyeshadow baking technique I show above)
- Using an eye primer creates a smooth canvas for your shadow and makes the colors more vibrant and long-lasting.
- The best way to apply eyeshadow is with brushes, not with your fingers.
Applying cream eyeshadows can be tricky – if you don’t do it right, they can crease and ruin your whole look. But with a few simple tips, you can avoid this.
My favorite cream eyeshadow formula are the e.l.f no smudge cream eyeshadows
Here’s how to do it:
First, make sure your eyelids are clean and free of any oil or makeup residue.
This will help the shadow adhere better.
Next, apply a thin layer of primer to your lids. This will again help the shadow to stay in place.
When you’re ready to apply the shadow, use a brush to dab it on in light layers.
Start in the middle of your eyelid and work outwards.
And finally, set the cream eyeshadow with powder eyeshadow of the same or similar color.
This will help it to stay in place all day long.
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful, crease-free cream eyeshadow!
Conclusion on how to stop eyeshadows from creasing
Applying eyeshadow can be tricky, but with the right tips, you can prevent your shadows from creasing. By using a primer, setting powder, and light layers of eyeshadow, you can create a beautiful look that lasts all day long.
Experiment with different eyeshadow shades and techniques to find what works best for you. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time!
Now that you know how to prevent eyeshadow creasing go forth and experiment with all the beautiful colors and looks out there!
There’s no limit to what you can create.
What’s Next? Check these eyeshadow posts:
- How to Apply your Eyeshadow like a Pro (Definitive Guide!)
- How to Stop Concealer from Creasing Under eyes (13 effective ways!)
- How to properly Sanitize your Eyeshadow Palettes! (YES, you should be doing this…)
- Makeup Beginner? Start here: MAKEUP 101 Complete Guide