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Pigment Problems Solved

When pitted against pressed products in my stash, pigments always get pushed to the side. They’re messy, I struggle to apply them in my 10 minute makeup application window and I usually end up with half the tub of the stuff on my floor/dressing table/clothes/hair/anywhere else that it shouldn’t be. But when I mentioned MAC’s Pigment in Tan in last month’s Beauty Bag some interesting notes popped up in the comments section and it got me thinking, and experimenting. Turns out they’re not that bad. There’s just a knack. So I’ve jotted down five tips I’ve found to aid a pigment pussy into a pigment pro.

Get your mix on. It was Miriam’s comment on that post about blending pigment with your foundation that snowballed this whole thing. What a genius idea – cheers gal. It may seem a little out there, but especially when using a neutral shade it just works. A little will create a cream-like texture, but a lot and you end up with a sheer wash of your chosen shimmer. Mind blown. Of course there’s always good ol’ MAC’s Fix+ if you just want something with some serious adhering properties.

Flat or finger. After a lot of trial and error (and remanents of pigment being found three days later on the carpet) I’ve found two methods of application to work best. First up the most primitive technique – fingers. A bit of dabbing and dotting works wonders. Just make sure there’s tissue to mop up the mess nearby. When brushes come into play I find that flat synthetic ones work best, either used dry or with a spritz of MAC’s Fix+ on the end. But fingers are seriously where it’s at.

Make it matte. I think part of the reason that I shy away from pigments as – bit of a sweeping statement here – they tend to be heavy on the shimmer. I found that pairing something über glittery on the lid, with something matte like MAC’s Espresso or Urban Decay’s Naked in the crease stops it looking too jazzy. Jazzy? Must use that word more often.

Eyes first! The oldest and most straightforward trick in the book, but the hurdle I fall at most often. Get your pigment on first, then start the rest of your makeup. A little dust of an unloaded powder brush over the tops of your cheeks (a.k.a pigment catches) should see of any stray shimmers.

Playtime. The loose stuff isn’t just reserved for lid use; check the box for any warnings first but most pigments are compatible with eyes, lips, face and all sorts. Mix in with nail polish, add over lipgloss, highlight cheeks, sprinkle some into your setting powder for an oomph of radiance or my personal favourite – wet an eyeliner brush and stripe over the top lashline.

Simples – you’ll be piling on the pigment like a pro in no time at all. My favourites? Illamasqua’s Pure Pigment in Ore and the aforementioned MAC Pigment in Tan. Bronzed glitter goddess perfection.

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