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Eye shadow

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Eye shadow is a cosmetic applied primarily to the eyelids. Its main purpose is to attract attention to the wearer's eyes. It can make eyes stand out or look more attractive. People use it to add depth and dimension to their gaze. It can also complement eye color or make eyes appear larger.

Colours - make up
Colours - make up

Beyond the eyelids, it can be applied under the eyes, on the cheeks, or to the brow bones. Civilizations across the world have used eye shadow across various genders.

Applying eye shadow involves several techniques to achieve a desired look. Most people use their fingers, sponges, or various brushes.

Makeup-brush-tips
Makeup-brush-tips

Flat brushes are used to pack the pigment onto the eyelids. Brushes with fluffy, tapered tips are used for blending the colors. Smaller brushes with dense or angled bristles allow for precision work. The most important part of the application is blending well.

To remove the color, people use commercial makeup removers or rich face washes. Simple soap and water or baby oil can also work.

Eye shadow comes in many different textures and finishes. It is usually made as a powder. However, it can also be found in liquid, pencil, cream, or mousse forms. Some finishes are designed to be iridescent or duo chrome.

Duochrome super macro eye shadow by m.a.c., ben nye, and coastal scents.
Duochrome super macro eye shadow by m.a.c., ben nye, and coastal scents.

These textures allow for many different visual effects. A person might choose a glossy shine, a pinkish tone, or even a silver look.

History shows that humans have used cosmetics for thousands of years. The earliest archaeological evidence dates back to predynastic Egypt around 4000 BCE.

A woman wearing Eye Shadow
A woman wearing Eye Shadow

During this time, both men and women used eye cosmetics. They used minerals like green malachite and black galena. Archaeologists have found cosmetic palettes, pots, and applicators in burials from this period. In the Victorian era, the trend was "less was more." People believed that wearing less eye shadow led to more respect.

Modern commercial eye shadow emerged in the United States during the 1910s. Elizabeth Arden studied beauty techniques in Paris in 1912. She introduced eye shadow to her US salons in 1914. In 1919, her company advertised "Arden Eye Shadow" in newspapers. By 1922, the product was sold as "Eye Sha Do." By the 1930s, "eye shadow" became the common name used by Arden, Helena Rubinstein, and Max Factor. Trends shifted through the decades, such as smoky eyes in the 1920s.

Manufacturing eye shadow requires a balance of four specific ingredient types. Base fillers add bulk and texture to the product. These are usually minerals like mica, talc, or kaolin clay. Mica is important because it absorbs moisture and adds luster. Fillers make up about 30% of eye shadow powders and 25% of cream shadows. Binders are necessary to help the shadow adhere to the skin. Dry binders include white powders like zinc and magnesium. Liquid binders can include silicone, paraffin wax, or vegetable oils.

To ensure the product works well, manufacturers add slip and preservatives. Slip allows the eye shadow to glide smoothly across the skin. This is often achieved using fine, colorless powders like silica or nylon. It can also come from dimethicone or boron nitride. Preservatives are added to keep the product bacteria-free. Common preservatives include glycol and tocopherol. These ingredients work together to extend the lifespan of the cosmetic.

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File:Colours - make up.jpg
Colours - make up.jpg
File:Duochrome super macro eye shadow by m.a.c., ben nye, and coastal scents..jpg
Duochrome super macro eye shadow by...
File:A woman wearing Eye Shadow.jpg
A woman wearing Eye Shadow.jpg
Eyeshadow.webm
File:Makeup-brush-tips.jpg
Makeup-brush-tips.jpg
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