Application Review: Using Mixing Medium On Regular Potted Eyeshadows

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.

The damage isn't as visible with MAC Gleam, which is a lustre finish MAC eyeshadow, but it can also be due to the color already being on the light side.

As you can see in the rest of these pictures, it is very evident as to the location of where I placed my brush. The bristles leave their mark and I'm left with a section of my eyeshadow that will no longer be the same.

How do you minimize ruining the entire eyeshadow pot if you DO want to use a potted eyeshadow with mixing medium?
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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