15 Feb 2009

Pigments or pressed eyeshadows?



Some people prefer pigments or loose eyeshadows, while others prefer pressed eyeshadows. I personally prefer the pressed variety and here's why.

The argument goes that pigments, such as MAC pigments or other loose eyeshadows have better color payoff - as they are essentially pigments, or pure color. This isn't entirely true, since most pigments contain fillers which are necessary to help the color stick on your lid, add shimmer, etc.

So the statement that pigments as a rule have better color payoff is untrue. I have a large collection of MAC pigment samples and some full sized pots, and not all of them are equally as strong in pigmentation payoff. They suffer the same fate as pressed eyeshadows, while some have great pigmentation, others don't. I want to dispel the myth that pigments have better color payoff than pressed eyeshadows in general; I personally have some Ben Nye Lumiere eyeshadows that would blow MAC pigments out of the water.

There's also the messiness factor. Eyeshadows are easy to use and don't get all over the place, if they are of good quality. Pigments come in screw top jars, or sometimes the dreaded plastic baggies, all of which have the potential for messiness, spillage and fallout. That all being said, there are of course some stunning pigments out there, for which it is nearly impossible to find dupes for in pressed eyeshadow, and some pigment colors are also multi-usage.

So in conclusion, for me it's good quality pressed eyeshadows any day over pigments. What about you - what would be your choice? Let me know in the comments below!

19 comments:

  1. Pressed eyeshadows all the way! I don't really see the point in pigments, not worth the mess they make!

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  2. I would def go for pressed because i would probably mess the pigments everywhere and it wouldnt last very long!

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  3. I like using pressed shadows. They're more convenient to use since they're less messy and you don't have to be as careful when handling them.

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  4. well pressed is easier of course! I have to tell you I tried pigments recently and although I have two left hands when it comes to making a mess(I always do), I am loving the pigments. As for Mac pigments..I like them better because with eye shadows you have to build color and pigments you get the color pretty much right away.

    p.s. I have to say your blog is just as fun to read as your youtube channel to watch! Great great job!!

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  5. Anonymous9:47 pm

    Another problem with pigments is, I find, that they add yet another set of choices (in the store as well as in my cabinet) to an already ever expanding array of picks. I don't need that! Moreover, I hardly ever have trouble with color pay off, and if so I either build or use a dark base (stick or shade). Easy peasy. Lastly, these pigment pots require far more space than pressed powders. All in all it really is a no brainer for me.

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  6. I dont use pigments(I´am just now starting to buy mac eyeshadows and other makeup). But i think that pigments let you make your own personal colors by mixing and you could keep the new color in a jar for later use.
    Anyway i definitely prefer pressed eyeshadows. :)

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  7. I like both, and do think pressed shadows are easier to use, but I like the multi-use properties of pigments.

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  8. I like pressed so much better........less messy, better color payoff (my Ben Nye Grande Lumiere Palette is great), and it's just less of a hassle.

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  9. i totally agree ... i would rather use pressed eyeshadows

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  10. i agree,some colors are really great (pigments),and others are not that great...
    so, i would choose,the best color pay off,pigments or pressed what is important is the color pay off

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  11. i love both, the more the better
    x

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  12. i am quite a fan of any kind of loosed eyeshadow. especially mineral eyeshadows. mac pigments are alright but sometimes i find them a tad chunky. pressed eyeshadows, i find, never give me the dimension i want in an eyeshadow. i love them too but not nearly as much as loose forms of shadow. :)

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  13. I'd have to say I like both. For matte finish e/s shadows I like working with pigments. Anything other finishes I would go with pressed. By I own more pressed shadows than pigments.

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  14. I love pigments! I love to play around with colors and find that pigments give me a lot more options than regular pressed eyeshadows. Pigments can be used wet, used with mixing medium as a liner, used in lipgloss and used in nailpolish - 4 things that I love to do and find hard to do with pressed eyeshadows ;)

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  15. I have been using loose pigments that seem to give good color payoff....I do hate the messiness and the chance of spillage. What are some really good pressed shadows that give off really good color payoff...I buy pressed and always end up dissappointed...Anyone recommend some awesome pressed shadows....I do use a lot of mineral shadows...most of my shadows are...pressed are less messy though...

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  16. Anonymous4:27 am

    the loose shadows show up way more and very shimmery when applied with a wet brush!! i have several mineral eyeshadows myself...

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  17. Anonymous4:28 am

    If i hv plenty of time to do such a fine makeup for events, i do apply pigment over pressed to give better color payoff. But I still fine layering pressed shadows would give you surprise sometimes. Yet, everytime apply one pigment color on eyes is good enough.

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  18. Pressed eye shadows it can get messy with pigments

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