The best things that I've found if you have those shadows is to use an eyeshadow is to use an eyeshadow base (which is NOT the same as an eyelid primer) or to apply the shadow wet. Actually, you can use a base or apply eyeshadow wet all the time if you choose...for me, some days I prefer the muted colors lol. No need to always be bright. Anywho, for an eyeshadow base you can actually use other eyeshadows, like pale colored cream shadows, but the most popular bases are eye shadow sticks (like NYX) or paint pots (like MAC). These help your color stay longer and appear more vibrant. Everyone has a preference, and you have to try them out to find which you like. The only problem is that sometimes this causes an increased likelihood of eyeshadows creasing, but that can often be reversed by being sure to use an eyelid primer and even application of your eyeshadow base.
For an example of how the shadows appear different and last longer, I've got some swatches below. The colors and names of the eyeshadows aren't super important. I just chose a few different colors as an example. The colors I used came from Urban Decay (the limited edition 15th anniversary palette--the first four shades) and Wet N Wild's Color Icon Palette 333-I've Got Good Jeans (the last two blue shadows).
The last picture shows my arm after I rubbed it with a warm soapy towel. As you can tell, the eyeshadows that were applied wet or with a base remained, but for the most part the shadows applied alone rubbed right off. Notably, the shadows applied with the base lasted longer. For my base I used NYX's eyeshadow base in White (it's available at Ulta for $6.99).
I patted the base on my arm and then applied the eyeshadow on top. For wet eyeshadow, I dipped my brush gently and lightly into water. There are all types of techniques on wet application, and everyone has their own preference. I know a lot of people like to spray the brush with water in a spray bottle.
Check out the pics below!
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