Isabella Flores
There are several differences between eyeshadows and pressed pigments. Firstly, eyeshadows are made from synthetic substances and usually contain binders, fillers, and preservatives, while pressed pigments are made from natural minerals without any added ingredients. Eyeshadows are also designed specifically for use on the eyes and may not be safe for use on other areas of the face, whereas pigments can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. In terms of application, eyeshadows are typically applied in layers and blended, while pigments require a primer or concealer and are applied with a dense packing brush using a tapping motion. Additionally, eyeshadows are composed of FDA-approved ingredients, while pigments may not be approved by the FDA for use near the eyes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Eyeshadow is made from modern synthetic substances, combined with metallic and carbon substances. Pressed pigments are made from natural minerals. |
| Texture | Eyeshadow has a creamy, smooth texture. Pressed pigments have a loose texture. |
| Application | Eyeshadow is easy to apply and blend. Pressed pigments require a primer or concealer and a dense packing brush for application. |
| Effect | Eyeshadow provides a "wash" of colour. Pressed pigments provide full pigmentation. |
| Safety | Eyeshadow is composed of FDA-approved ingredients. Pressed pigments are not approved by the FDA for application near the eyes. |
| Longevity | Eyeshadow does not last forever and needs frequent re-touching. Pressed pigments feel light on the skin and stay longer. |
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What You'll Learn
Eyeshadow ingredients
The use of eyeshadow dates back to Ancient Egypt, when it was known as 'Khol'. In the modern day, eyeshadow is a crucial part of enhancing, changing, and detailing the eyes. The global eyeshadow market was worth USD 2.73 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow. Therefore, understanding the ingredients used in eyeshadows is critical for wholesalers and eyeshadow brand owners.
Eyeshadow is made from modern synthetic substances that are combined with metallic and carbon substances. These include cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron oxide, clay earth, lead, mercury, titanium, ultramarine, and zinc. Eyeshadow also contains a mixture of pigments, micas, binders, and preservatives to create a creamy smooth formula that is easy to blend. Binders help the eyeshadow adhere to the skin and can be dry or liquid. Fillers are also added to eyeshadow to give it texture and bulk, as well as to absorb moisture, make the product opaque, and add shine. Common fillers include talc, kaolin clay, and boron nitride. Silicone is another ingredient that gives eyeshadow a primer effect, filling in imperfections and helping the product stick to the skin. Mineral or white oil is often used in eyeshadow for its moisturizing properties and to seal the makeup. Nylon powders, such as nylon-12, give eyeshadow a lightweight and silky texture, allowing for smooth application and even colour distribution.
It is important to note that eyeshadows that are red, pink, or purple may contain an ingredient called carmine, which is made from crushed beetles. Vegan brands cannot use this pigment and instead use dyes to create these shades. However, the FDA restricts the use of certain dyes around the immediate eye area.
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Pressed pigment ingredients
Pressed pigments are made from natural minerals without any added ingredients. These include iron oxides, ocher, and charcoal. Pressed pigments do not contain many "filler" ingredients, resulting in a more vibrant colour payoff compared to eyeshadows.
Pressed pigments are not approved by the FDA for application near the eyes. This is because red, pink, and purple pigments may irritate and stain the eyelids, especially for those with sensitive skin. Carmine, a colourant made from crushed beetles, is commonly used in eyeshadows, but it is not vegan. Vegan brands, therefore, use synthetic dyes to create similar colours, which may also cause staining.
In contrast, eyeshadows are composed of FDA-approved ingredients, including pigments, micas, binders, and preservatives, which create a creamy and smooth formula that blends easily. The binders in eyeshadows dull the colour, so multiple layers are often needed to achieve full pigmentation.
When applying eyeshadow, blending is essential to avoid harsh lines on the eyelids. On the other hand, pressed pigments require a different application technique, typically using a dense packing brush with a tapping motion.
While pressed pigments can be considered eye-safe in the EU, they are not yet approved in the USA. Therefore, it is recommended to use eyeshadows and proceed with caution when using pressed pigments near the eyes.
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Application techniques
Eyeshadows are typically made of synthetic substances, combined with metallic and carbon substances, and are easy to apply. They are a one-stop, easy-step product to apply to the eyes. They come in powder form and can be applied in layers to build up to full pigmentation. Blending is key when applying eyeshadow, and a fluffy brush can be used to diffuse the product. Eyeshadow does not require a primer, but it is recommended to help the product last longer.
Pressed pigments, on the other hand, are natural minerals without added ingredients. They have a loose texture and require a primer or concealer for the pigment to adhere to the skin. A dense packing brush should be used to apply the product carefully with a tapping motion. A fluffy brush is not ideal for this type of product.
It is important to note that pressed pigments are not approved by the FDA for application near the eyes, and some colours may irritate and stain the eyelids. Therefore, it is recommended to use eyeshadow for eye makeup looks and add some Bioglitter™ to create a sparkly look.
When applying any eye makeup, it is important to use clean brushes and ensure that the products are not expired to avoid any irritation. It is also essential to consider the eye shape and the desired look when applying eyeshadow or pigments to enhance the eyes effectively.
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Safety considerations
While face painting and eyeshadow application can be fun activities, it is important to keep safety and hygiene in mind. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when using face paint or eyeshadow:
Face Paint Safety Considerations:
- Use only professional face paint products that are specifically designed for use on the skin. Avoid using acrylic paints labelled as "non-toxic," as they are not meant to be applied to the skin.
- Face paint has a shelf life of approximately 18-24 months after opening. Keep track of when you first open the product and dispose of it after it reaches its expiration date.
- Maintain a clean environment and clean equipment. Do not allow children or adults to touch the face paint directly, as this can spread germs to brushes and then to the skin.
- Avoid getting water into the face paint. Spray sponges with water instead of spraying the face paint directly to reduce moisture.
- Store face paint properly. Leave the lids off between uses to allow the paint to air dry, or store it in a case that keeps the paint uncovered. Do not store face paint in a refrigerator, as it can be contaminated by food allergens and odours.
- Avoid using fuzzy cloths or chemical products to clean the surface of your face paints. Instead, use a clean, damp sponge specifically designed for face painting.
- Do not speed-dry face paints in a microwave, as it can destroy them. Instead, consider using a food dehydrator or placing them near a heat source to allow the moisture to evaporate.
- Be cautious when painting near the eye area. Avoid getting face paint into the eyes, as it can cause mild irritation. Some brands may also advise against using certain colours around the eyes due to staining concerns.
Eyeshadow Safety Considerations:
- Always read labels and warnings on eyeshadow products. Some eyeshadows may not be intended for use in the immediate eye area due to the risk of staining or irritation.
- Pay attention to your skin's reaction when using new eyeshadow products, especially if you have sensitive skin or eyes, or if you are prone to allergic reactions.
- Discontinue use immediately if a product causes itching, redness, puffiness, or other signs of irritation.
- Practice good hygiene when applying eyeshadow. Ensure brushes and sponges are clean and dry to prevent the spread of germs.
- Consider using a primer specifically designed for the eye area to make the eyeshadow application last longer and reduce the need for multiple layers of product.
- Be cautious when using pressed pigments, as they may contain higher concentrations of certain pigments that can increase the risk of staining or irritation, especially around the eyes.
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Longevity and finish
The longevity and finish of eyeshadows and pressed pigments differ in several ways. Firstly, eyeshadows are typically made with synthetic substances, fillers, and binders, which give them their form and colour. They are designed to be built up in layers to achieve full pigmentation, and while a primer is not necessary, it is recommended to make the colour last longer. Eyeshadows can be easily blended and diffused using a fluffy brush, and they offer a range of finishes, from a natural wash of colour to a dramatic, smoky eye. However, due to their synthetic nature, eyeshadows may not last as long on the skin and may require frequent re-touching.
On the other hand, pressed pigments are made of natural minerals without added fillers, resulting in a more intense and vibrant colour payoff. They usually require a primer or concealer base for the pigment to adhere to the skin and may need a different application technique, such as using a dense packing brush with a tapping motion. While pressed pigments can create a natural look, they are more finicky to use and may require practice to master. Unlike eyeshadows, they are not approved by the FDA for application near the eyes, and certain colours, such as red, pink, and purple, may irritate or stain the eyelids, especially for those with sensitive skin.
In terms of longevity, pigments have an advantage over eyeshadows. When exposed to sunlight, pigments can transform their colour and create a natural look that lasts for hours. They feel lighter on the skin and provide deeper colour with a small amount of product. However, pigments have limited colours and are primarily intended for eye use, whereas eyeshadows can be used to create a variety of looks on the eyes and can be blended with other products like Bioglitter™ to enhance their finish and longevity.
It's worth noting that while eyeshadows are generally considered safer due to their FDA-approved ingredients, pressed pigments labelled as "`pressed`" in the EU are also considered eye-safe. However, it is recommended to proceed with caution when using pressed pigments near the eyes, especially those with colours that are not approved for the immediate eye area by the FDA. Additionally, when using eyeshadow as a dry brush pigment for projects like miniature painting, it is advisable to mix it with a proper painting medium to ensure permanence and prevent smearing or decay.
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Frequently asked questions
Pressed pigments are made from natural minerals like iron oxides, ocher, and charcoal, while eyeshadows are made from synthetic substances combined with metallic and carbon substances like cadmium, chromium, and cobalt. Pressed pigments are highly pigmented and usually require a primer or concealer for the pigment to stick to the skin, whereas eyeshadows are easy to apply and do not need a primer.
Pressed pigments are considered eye-safe in the EU, but they have not been approved by the FDA in the USA. It is recommended to proceed with caution and use eyeshadows instead.
Yes, red, pink, and purple pigments may contain an ingredient called carmine, which can irritate and stain the eyelids, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Pressed pigments usually require a dense packing brush for application, using a tapping motion. Eyeshadows, on the other hand, require blending for a seamless look, and harsh demarcation lines should be avoided.
