Revive Your Forgotten Eyeshadow Palettes by Turning Them Into Eyeliner

Level Up Your Eyeliner By Using Eyeshadow

Using eyeshadow as eyeliner is a timeless makeup trick that’s been used by makeup artists for years. “Eyeshadow offers endless versatility,” explains Ventre. “Unlike traditional liners, it allows for softer definition, customizable color, and buildable intensity. It’s also more forgiving, perfect for beginners or for achieving a lived-in, smoky look.”

To create this look, it’s helpful to choose a highly pigmented eyeshadow. We love the KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY Glazed 2 Go shadows for this. Another great pick is the WANDER BEAUTY In Neutral Eyeshadow Palette.

Tools to Make This Look Easier

You’ll need a few tools to be able to convert your eyeshadow into eyeliner and apply it precisely. First, Ventre says you’ll need to grab a flat angled brush. We’re huge fans of the MODA® BRUSH MŌDA® Pro White Glam Kit that includes a flat angled brush, plus many more, for a multitude of eyeshadow looks.

You might also want to pick up a fine-tipped liner brush if you want to create designs or more detailed looks. Then, you’ll need a setting spray to take a dry eyeshadow into a wet, long-wear eyeliner, says Ventre. Of course, you’ll also need to grab your eyeshadow of choice. Ventre says matte, shimmer, or metallic shades will all work. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Eyeshadow as Eyeliner

1. Choose your eyeshadow shade: If you want a more unique look, pick up a shimmery metallic look. If you want something more natural, reach for a palette with nude or smoky eye shades. 

2. Dampen your angled brush: Ventre says it helps to get your angled shadow brush a little wet to get the shadow to grip to it and turn into a creamy formula that can be spread as an eyeliner. 

3. Apply along lash line: Ventre suggests using “short stamping motions for precision,” but you can experiment with different application methods to find the best one that works for you. 

4. Build gradually: The best thing about using eyeshadow as eyeliner is that you can build up the intensity as you want. 

5. Craft a wing: Of course, this is optional, but if you’d like to create a wing with your shadow, Ventre suggests, “extending [the brush] outward and clean up with concealer for sharpness.” Not going for a defined look? Smudge the shadow for a softer effect.

Staying Power

Setting spray will not only come in handy when turning a powder shadow into a creamy eyeliner, but it will also help to seal the look once you’re finished. Give your eyes a few sprays with setting spray (we just can’t quit the MORPHE Continuous Prep & Set Mist+) to extend the look. 

“To make liner last, always prep lids with primer or concealer first,” says Ventre. “For a diffused smoky effect, smudge with a pencil brush right after applying.” She says you can also add traditional eyeliner on top of your eyeshadow liner look for a “soft, blended edge on top.” One concealer we love is the WINKY LUX Peeper Perfect Under-Eye Concealer, which we bring up onto the lids to help create a priming base for using eyeshadow as eyeliner. 

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never used eyeshadow as eyeliner before, it can help to experiment with a shadow palette you received in your IPSY shipment. That way, you can try out different shades than you’re used to and craft a totally new and unique look. Using eyeshadow as eyeliner is also helpful if you’d like a more subtle eye definition, instead of the bolder look that can come with using traditional liquid liner.

But most importantly? Make sure you’re having fun crafting your custom eyeliner look! Take out those palettes you haven’t used in a while, and find a whole new way to incorporate them into your everyday routine (you already know we have plenty of inspo for achieving any trend you’re eyeing).