Mixing medium is a liquid or gel substance which allows you to transform powder or liquid makeup into an alternate form of coverage. For example, one could dampen their makeup brush with mixing medium and convert color eye pigment (loose powder makeup) into a more liquefied form revealing an even more vibrant version of the pigment itself. This particular technique is coined as "foiling". Doing this also allows you to easily apply the color to your eyelids, instead of dealing with messy fallout in its dry/loose form, where it can act as an eyeshadow base or a more intense eyeshadow itself.
Powder and liquid. It's almost a given that those two forms can work well together, right? But can you use mixing medium on already potted (pressed) eyeshadows?
In this world you can do just about ANYTHING and get away with it. What is considered suggestable is really at your discretion. But like many others, I've taken the plunge and dampened an angle brush like the MAC 266 and MAC 208 with mixing medium in the attempt to use my regular potted eyeshadow colors as eyeliners. No Blacktrack Fluidline? Can I offer you some of my Carbon eyeshadow?
Gripes have been raised that doing this can ruin the eyeshadow pot. But before we go there, first things first....
How is the color payoff when using mixing medium on potted MAC eyeshadows?
The color payoff is incredibly more vibrant and intense than trying to apply the eyeshadows dry. I also noticed that I could see the finishes better than when using them dry.
...pretty, eh?
Does foiling with potted eyeshadows ruin the eyeshadow pot?
It does leave a distinct presence no matter the finish of the eyeshadow. Whether it's veluxe pearl or matte, chances are you'll know exactly which part of the pot your brush got in to.
Pick an area of the pot you are okay with sacrificing for the great good of the eyeliner. And by this area, I mean the outer edge of the pan. For some odd reason, we as humans like to gravitate towards the middle of the pan. It's the most commonly used area of the eyeshadow that will always hollow out first whether its to load our eyeshadow brush with color or to swatch an eyeshadow color.
Final word: For the sake of preserving these precious gems (and to avoid future makeup tantrums), please use mixing medium on potted eyeshadows responsibly.
Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne
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12 makeovers:
LOL @ your final word. I love it. I reallly like the vibrancy of these colors. I need to try this!
Love the detailed article. since i don't have MAC's mixing medium i use my urban decay transforming potion. ans same as you, i choose the outer part since that is what usually is left behind after we have used up our e/s. :)
wow, thanks so much for this post!! the mixing medium does make the shadows so much more brilliant! however, i don't to risk ruining my precious shadows (especially those LE ones) so probably i'll only try this when they're about to turn rancid! hahaha :P
Just be careful Britt! Hah.
Good call Shen! Wouldn't want to mess up our precious $14 eyeshadows now, would we? ;)
I'm definitely hesitant when it comes to "purposely" ruining my makeup Jenn, hah. But I normally only do this with Carbon.
Are you enjoying any new (*ahem* old) collection releases?
thanks for this, i have been wondering this exact thing for forever!!
lol Lynne!! i shouldn't be complaining when i was back in Malaysia... here's WORSE! haha! COC will only be launched end of this month. when i was here, they're still stuck at Neo Sci-Fi (can we say, HELLO?!!!)!! haha!! my latest haul was from Electroflash, Sonic chic and the starflash eyeshadows! ;) how about you?? did any makeup shopping lately??
What color/shade did you use on the Matte2? I really want to get this one...
You're welcome, justme!
Hi J,
Suprisingly enough, I HAVEN'T shopped at MAC for any of the latest collections. Call it my MAC diet :) The only thing I have bought is just more brush cleaner and another brush, but as far as colors go, I'm starving myself - and not liking it very much!! *stomps feet*
I'm trying to track down Smoke & Diamonds though. It's sold out everywhere and now I want it, haha!
How are you enjoying your new loot?
Hi Rebecca,
The Matte2 color I used was Signed, Sealed. It's THE PERFECT color and I use it all the time to add depth in my crease and to line my eyes. You should definitely get it!!! :D
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