Not All Eye Shadow Is Created Equal
Affordable eye shadow from the drugstore can be a great addition to your makeup collection, but keep in mind that it doesn't mean you should expect poor quality. Cheaply made formulas are difficult to apply, uncomfortable to wear, and disappointing in appearance. Here are five red flags to look out for.
1. The Formula Is Extremely Powdery
A little powderiness is normal, but if the eyeshadow is literally coming out of the pan just from a single touch, it's poorly formulated. The product should never be flying everywhere, and you know it's cheap if there's significant fallout during application.
2. The Color Has Very Little Pigment
Good eye shadow should provide noticeable color with just one swipe. If a shade looks vibrant in the pan but appears barely visible on your eyelid, the formula clearly contains too little pigment. Constantly building the color just makes the process too time-consuming.
3. It Blends Unevenly
A good eye shadow will always make blending feel effortless. If certain parts are grabbing onto patches on your eyelid or simply refuse to mix with other colors, you've got a cheap formula on your hands. And if several attempts still leave the finish looking uneven, the product may simply lack the quality you need.
4. It Fades Very Quickly
Even inexpensive eye shadow should be able to remain presentable for a reasonable amount of time. If the color disappears, becomes noticeably dull, or collects in the crease shortly after application, its staying power is far too poor.
5. The Packaging Feels Flimsy
Don't focus on just the product, packaging matters too. It doesn't need to be luxurious, but it should be able to at least protect the eye shadow properly. Loose pans, weak hinges, cracked cases, or closures that do not stay shut can make a product inconvenient to use and store.
