Technique: Shadow Foiling

Instructions & Tips on Wet-Foiling and Eyelining with Loose Minerals

We're really high on hygenics around here, so we are going to start off this article with a little instruction on sanitation. With regards to wet-foiling minerals, it is best to never introduce moisture into your powders. While powders have an incredibly long shelf-life, introducing a wet brush into them will dramatically shorten it, not to mention be a hazard to you. When moisture is allowed into them, the powders can and will harbor any number of various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (a really big baddie). This can cause irritation and infection, which you don't want. With all that said, please use caution with foiling and use a separate clean container - not the lid - and use only dry accessories to introduce the minerals into the liquid.

OK. We're done preaching now.  Here are the supplies we're using:

Step 1: In your clean container, start with 1 or 2 drops of your mixing medium (we recommend our own Foiled Again! medium).

Step 2: Using a clean DRY brush (Wet/Dry Shadow or Taklon are best) or small spatula, dip into minerals (let's use Blueberry Glitterz) and swirl into mixing medium. You don't want the shadow to be too runny or too thick, but a nice, creamy consistency. If the mixture is too thin, the color thins out and will not be even or vibrant. If it is too thick, the shadow will clump, flake and crease. If you find your mixture is too wet, add a little more powder. If too thick, add another drop of liquid. It is best to introduce the liquid a drop at a time. Not much is needed at all.

Step 3: Once you get the shadow to the proper consistency, apply immediately. The mixture will dry quicker than you think!  Take a look at the difference.  On the left, the Blueberry Glitterz is applied with a dry brush, with no primer or anything - just naked skin. On the right is the Blueberry Glitterz wet-foiled.  It's an amazing difference!  Once foiled, these shadows will be darn-near waterproof and smudgeproof.

Step 4: Thoroughly clean your brush and container when you're done.

Application Tips:

When the shadow dries, blend lightly with a clean, dry brush to correct any streaking or uneven areas, and to create a seamless blend with other colors.

For an even more dramatic look or different effects, apply a dry coat of shadow (either the same shade or a different one) and blend.

Don't wet-line your eyes at the waterline. Not only can it look too harsh, you also run the risk of irritation and damage to the tear ducts and cornea. If you must color the waterline, a soft pencil is the recommended route. On a slightly gross and funnier note, wet-lining the waterline also increases the risk of really colorful eye-boogers!