How to Apply Wet Eyeshadow

Co-authored by Daniel Vann

Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Wet eyeshadow can refer to applying eyeshadow while it is wet. It can also mean that it looks wet even after you apply it. Regardless of application, wet eyeshadow is quickly becoming a favorite. It appears brighter and more intense than regular eyeshadow. This article will show you how to apply eyeshadow both ways.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Eyeshadow and Water

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1
Pick the right product. This method involves using water to dampen eyeshadow, and then applying it. Most eyeshadows become hard and unusable when they get wet. Fortunately, there are some eyeshadows that are designed for this "wet" type of application. Most of these types of eyeshadows will say on the package that they can be applied wet. Here is what you should keep in mind when choosing eyeshadow:^{[1]
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- "Wet-to-dry" eyeshadows are the best for this sort of application. "Baked" eyeshadows and loose pigment powders are also suitable.
- Regular eyeshadows are not recommended, because they will get hard and unusable if they get wet. If you must use regular eyeshadow, go for the metallic ones.
- Keep in mind that the eyeshadow will look powdery when it dries. If you want something that always looks wet, click here.
EXPERT TIP

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician

Wet your brush before applying bright colors. Daniel Vann, Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, says: "Bright colors do not appear on or hold to dry skin — they die. You have to prep your skin correctly. Your skin should be dewy so that when you press the shadow on, you see its full potential come out."
Make sure that the brush is dense and thick. If you don't like to use brushes, you can use a foam-tipped eyeshadow applicator instead. Make sure that the brush or applicator are clean.

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Consider applying a base on your eyelids. This base can be an eyeshadow primer, cream eyeshadow, or pressed eyeshadow. Applying wet eyeshadow will work on just about anything.
- Use eyeshadow primer to help the wet eyeshadow go on smoothly.
- Use cream eyeshadow if you want a brighter color.
- Use pressed eyeshadow if you want to get a softer blending.
4
Lightly mist the brush. You can use distilled or filtered water, makeup setting spray, or a makeup mixing medium. Avoid using tap water, as it tends to contain harmful bacteria. Also, do not dip the brush into the water, and don't get the eyeshadow itself wet. You want the brush to be damp, not soaking wet.^{[2]
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- If you are using a foam-tipped applicator, lightly mist just one side. Press the wet side against the back of your hand. This will help saturate the brush.
5
Rub your brush a few times on the eyeshadow palette. Keep your brush moving back and forth in one direction. Don't press too hard. Try to use the damp brush on only one side of the eyeshadow pan. This way, the other side will always stay dry. Even wet-to-dry eyeshadows can harden with too much moisture.
- If you are using a loose pigment powder, shake a small amount into a dish or the cap first. This way, you won't pick up too much and end up with a clumpy mess.
- If you are using a foam-tipped applicator and loose pigment, press the pigmented side against the back of your hand. This presses the pigment into the foam. It will help keep the foam from shedding loose pigment over your face.
Apply it all the way from the lash line to the crease. If you plan on using other colors, such as in the crease and on the brow bone, you will need to let this first color dry.
If you want, you can even use a different color, such as in the crease. For an even brighter look, you can dust some dry eyeshadow onto the wet one.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Eyeshadow and Gloss

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1
Consider priming your eyelids, from lash line to brow, using an eyeshadow primer. This method will show you how to get that wet, glossy look using eyeshadow and a gloss. The primer will keep your eyelids from soaking in the gloss, and help the "wet" look last longer.
- Keep in mind that this wet, glossy look may crease over time. You will need to touch it up when this happens.^{[3]
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2
Choose a metallic eyeshadow. You can use any type of eyeshadow you like, including pressed powder, pigment, wet-to-dry, and cream. The finer the shimmer, the more glossy it will look.
- You can use a matte eyeshadow, but the color may change after you apply the gloss.
3
Apply the eyeshadow like you normally would. This method tends to work best with simpler eyeshadow styles. Consider applying a base color all cover your lid, from lash line to brow bone, and then a second color from lash line to crease. You will be glossing the second color.
- To make the color more vibrant, apply a cream shadow first, then a regular, pressed eyeshadow on top.
This will give your eyeshadow that "wet," glossy look that lasts all day. The best gloss to use is ordinary lip balm, but you can use clear lip gloss if you want something thicker and shinier.^{[4]
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Apply the gloss using a synthetic makeup brush.^{[5]
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- Avoid getting gloss into the crease. Leave a small gap. No one will notice, and it will prevent your lids from getting sticky.^{[7]
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- Avoid the inner corners of your eyes. This will keep the gloss from getting into your eyes and irritating them.

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How do I apply glossy, shimmery, glittery and sparkly eyeshadow?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

By glossy, I'm guessing you mean cream shadow. Apply it with your fingers or a synthetic brush. For metallic and shimmer shadows, use a dense flat brush wet with water or setting spray. For glitter shadows, apply a thin layer of cosmetic glitter glue or lip gloss and using a flat dense brush with a little bit of water on it or your finger, pat the glitter on your lid (don't swipe the glitter on, because it'll fall all over your face).

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If the eyeshadow hardens, gently scrub the hard areas with a clean mascara spoolie. This will "exfoliate" away the hardened layer.^{[8]
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Apply many, thin layers, rather than one thick layer.

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Avoid getting the actual eyeshadow wet. Dampen the brush first instead.

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Warnings

Eyeshadow may flake off when dry if you applied it too thick.

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Some people find that the wet, glossy eyeshadow style gets sticky and creases after a while.

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Avoid using regular eyeshadow for the water method. Water can cause regular eyeshadow to harden. Instead, try using a specifically-designed wet-to-dry eyeshadow.

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