How to Stop Eyeshadow from Creasing

Co-authored by Yuka Arora

Last Updated: September 1, 2021 References

Looking in the mirror and seeing that your eyeshadow is creasing can be frustrating, but luckily there are lots of ways you can prevent creasing and fading and keep your eye makeup looking vibrant all day long. Before applying the eyeshadow, apply a primer or translucent powder, and avoid using moisturizers with oil in them on your lids. When you use the eyeshadow, apply it in thin layers using a stiff brush for the best results. If your eyeshadow is creased and you need a quick fix, use your finger to smooth it out evenly without even having to look in the mirror.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Prepping to Prevent Eyeshadow Creasing

1
Wash your eyelids using a cleansing pad before applying products. If you know your eyelids are super oily or may have leftover products on them, use a makeup remover cleansing pad to wash your eyelids before applying additional products. This will help get rid of excess oil and dirt and prepare your lids for the eyeshadow.^{[1]
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- If you don't have makeup remover cleansing pads, wet a washcloth with warm water and wash your eyelids using this.
- Pat your eyelids dry with a soft washcloth before applying any products.
2
Pat a primer onto your eyelids to prepare them for eyeshadow.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 30 August 2018.} Use an eye primer that just goes on your lids, squeezing out a small drop and patting it over your eyelids using your index finger. You can also pat it on under your eyes to reduce puffiness.^{[3]
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- Look for primers that are oil-free.
- If you don’t have eye primer, use a regular face primer instead.
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3
Apply a translucent powder for a matte layer. Translucent powders help soak up any excess oil that’s on your eyelids. Most translucent powders are marketed for the face to get rid of oily cheeks, T-zones, and chins, but they work well on your eyelids too. Use a small makeup brush to apply the powder to your eyelids using soft strokes.^{[4]
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- Visit your local beauty store and ask for an under-eye setting powder, or just a translucent powder for oily skin.
4
Avoid applying moisturizers with oil in them to your eyelids. While they may keep your eyelids hydrated, these only increase the likelihood of your eyeshadow creasing due to the oil. Instead, look for oil-free products to use around your eyes.^{[5]
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- When using moisturizers on your eyelids, be careful not to get them in your eyes.
5
Use cosmetic products made to last longer. When you’re picking out a product, look for important words like “long-lasting,” “water-resistant,” or “waterproof.” These products are more likely to last, helping keep your eyeshadow crease-free.^{[6]
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- If you're not seeing specific words telling you that the product will last longer, go online to read reviews of the product you're thinking about purchasing to see if people think it works well.
- Use a makeup wipe or a dab of petroleum jelly to remove makeup designed to be waterproof or longer lasting.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Eyeshadow

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Use a stiff brush to apply the eyeshadow for better layers. Using a soft brush can make it harder for each layer to stay on top of one another. Apply your eyeshadow with a stiffer brush so it stays in place and doesn't blend together.^{[7]
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- Visit your local beauty store or go online to find a stiff brush for your eyeshadow.
- Wash your brushes each time you use a new eyeshadow color to keep them clean and sanitary.
2
Apply thin layers to build up your eyeshadow slowly. Instead of collecting a large brush full of eyeshadow and putting it on your eyelids in one sweep, build up the layers one at a time. Apply a thin layer of eyeshadow that’s barely visible, and then continue applying only thin layers until you reach the shade you want.^{[8]
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- Using one thick layer can cause the eyeshadow to settle directly into the creases of your eyes.
3
Opt for a cream eyeshadow for a longer-lasting option. Cream eyeshadows tend to hold up better than loose powder ones due to their consistency.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 30 August 2018.} Dab the cream eyeshadow onto your lids using your fingers and then blend it across each eyelid.^{[10]
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- If you still want to use a loose powder eyeshadow, consider using a cream eyeshadow as a base and applying the powder over it.
4
Pick a gel eyeliner that matches your eyeshadow for additional layering. Gel eyeliner stays in place well, and it can be a great base product to keep your eyeshadow from creasing. Draw on your eyelids using the gel liner and quickly blend it across your eyelid evenly using your finger or a stiff brush. Then you can apply your eyeshadow on top of the gel base.^{[11]
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- Be aware that if you use a gel eyeliner that isn’t the same color as your eyeshadow, it may show up underneath.
- You have to work fast when using gel so that you’re able to blend it onto your eyelid evenly.
5
Set your eyeshadow with a setting spray so it doesn’t move. Setting sprays are quick and easy to use, just hold the spray roughly 1 ft (12 in) from your face with your eyes firmly shut and spray once. This will help keep your eyeshadow, and the rest of your makeup, in place.^{[12]
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- Always keep your eyes closed when you use a setting spray on your face.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Fixing Creased or Faded Eyeshadow Fast

1
Dab excess oil away using a blotting paper. Blotting papers wipe up extra oil on your face while keeping your makeup perfectly intact. Use one blotting sheet to dab onto your eyelids, removing excess oil if your eyeshadow is becoming creased.^{[13]
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- This will make it easier to apply additional layers of eyeshadow, if desired.
- Purchase a pack of blotting paper from your local big box store, grocery store, or drugstore.
2
Use your finger to smooth out the eyeshadow if it creases. This is a good tactic because you don’t even need to look at yourself in the mirror. If you think your eyeshadow has creased, just rub your finger along your eyelids gently with your eyes closed to smooth them out.^{[14]
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- If you’d rather see what you’re doing, fix your eyelids with your finger while you’re in a bathroom, or carry a pocket mirror around with you.
3
Apply another thin layer for a quick fix. Brush on a thin layer of eyeshadow to smooth out the creases that formed. If you’re out and about, carry your eyeshadow and brush with you so that you can touch it up in a mirror if needed.^{[15]
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- This is only a temporary fix—it’s likely that your eyeshadow will crease again even with the additional layers.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I prevent my eyeshadow from creasing during the day?

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Yuka Arora is a self-taught makeup artist who specializes in abstract eye art. She has been experimenting with makeup art for over 5 years, and has amassed over 5.6K Instagram followers in just 5 months. Her colorful and abstract looks have been noticed by Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Kat Von D Beauty, Sephora Collection, among others.

Yuka Arora

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Rather than putting the eyeshadow directly on your skin, try using a base layer of primer first to help your makeup hold.