Pressed Pigment Vs Eyeshadow: What's The Difference?

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When shopping for makeup, you should know the difference between pressed pigment vs eyeshadow. This article will cover all there is to know!

Unless you’re a bonafide makeup guru or makeup artist, you might not know the difference between pressed pigment and eyeshadow. But both products are absolute must-haves in your makeup bag as they can help you achieve either a natural or attention-grabbing look.

So, what’s the difference? Let’s get into it.

What Are You Looking For?

When buying a pressed pigment or eyeshadow, there are several things to consider.

Firstly, think about your skin tone, as well as your eye and hair color as certain shades will look best. For example, deep and rich tones go best with brown eyes, blue eyes work with gold, pink, and brown colors, green eyes look best with peach tones and cool purples, and ladies with hazel-colored eyes should opt for plum, gold and navy shades.

You’ll also need to consider how much versatility you want out of the product as pressed pigments can be used on your cheeks and lips, whereas eyeshadow is solely for your eyelids.

To learn more about the differences between pressed pigments and eyeshadows, along with our top picks, continue reading!

Pressed Pigments Vs Eyeshadow:

What Is Pressed Pigment?

Pressed pigments are pigments that are gently pressed into a pan. Unlike eyeshadows, pressed pigments don’t require any extra ingredients or binding agents, which means that you’ll have to use an eyeshadow base, a dampened brush, or concealer for the gorgeous pigments to stick to.

Pressed pigments usually come in extremely bright and flashy neon colors, perfect for ladies who like to make a statement with their makeup. Eyeshadows are also available in bright colors but they are less pigmented, creating a softer look unless you really cake it on for higher color payoff.

When it comes to application, it’s best to apply pressed pigment shadows with a packing brush instead of a fluffy blending brush. Once the packing brush is dipped into the pigment, gently tap it onto your eyelids.

Since the pigment can fly all over the place, there’s usually a bit of a learning curve so be sure to learn some different techniques or do a couple of trial runs before going out in public.

What Is Eyeshadow?

Eyeshadow is a loose powder that can be applied to your upper and lower eyelids (or the immediate eye area). It comes in every color imaginable, which means you can wear it to the office, to school, on a date, to the mall, or out with your friends on the weekend. There’s a shade for every event!

Unlike pressed pigments, loose eye shadows come in a variety of neutral shades for those looking to subtly accent their features. Eyeshadows can be purchased in single jars or palettes.

There are also two different types of eyeshadows: regular eyeshadow, which is made of loose powders or loose pigments, and cream eye shadows, which are made for smooth application. They are usually made with a mixture of pigments, color additives, and vegetable oils.

Now that you know the difference between pressed pigment and eyeshadows, let’s jump to our top picks from both categories!

Our Top Pressed Pigment Picks:

1. BH Cosmetics Take Me Back To Brazil Pressed Pigment Palette

Get this palette on Ulta

You’ll really get your bang for your buck with this palette as it has a color range of 35 different colors and retails for $20. The palette has a wonderful selection of mattes, satins, shimmers, dual-chromes, and ultra-luminous transfers.

Each pressed pigment is made without fragrance, parabens, alcohols, sulfates or mineral oil, which means your delicate eyelids and sensitive skin won’t get irritated after application. This tropical-inspired pressed pigment palette is perfect for makeup enthusiasts who want to start experimenting with pops of color with full pigmentation.

2. HipDot Imaginaaation Mini Pressed Glitter and Pigment Palette

Get this palette on Ulta

If you’re like us, you’re a sucker for shimmer, glitter, and sparkles. The HipDot Pressed Glitter and Pigment Palette has different shades that are inspired by the deep blue sea.

Each pigment is made without talc, parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil so you don’t need to worry about irritation. However, be extra careful when you’re applying it as glitter can be extremely irritating if it gets in direct contact with your eyes.

We’re absolutely swooning for the shade Pinky Up, which is the violet-purple pigment included in the palette.

Our Top Eyeshadow Picks:

1. Too Faced Born This Way The Natural Nudes Eye Shadow Palette

Get this palette on Ulta

This palette is perfect for those who are still warming up to the idea of adding eyeshadow to their usual routine as the palette is filled with gorgeous neutral and nude shades.

This Too Faced palette has 16 highly pigmented eyeshadows made from a creamy, easy to blend formula. Coconut water, alpine rose, and hyaluronic acid are just three of the ingredients that will enhance the appearance of your eyelids.

In addition to matte neutrals, the palette also includes some shimmery and metallic shades for when you’re feeling bold and playful.

2. ColourPop Super Shock Shadow

Get this on Ulta

Like we mentioned, eyeshadows also come in individual tins or small pans so that you can pick or choose the colors you’d get the most use out of. There’s no point splurging on an expensive palette if you only intend on using two of the 12 shades.

This Colourpop Super Shock Shadow is one of our absolute favorites as it comes in bold colors but also shimmery neutrals for those who just want to add a little sparkle to their usual natural look. Plus, it has a creamy consistency with great color payoff!

The Super Shock Shadow comes in 21 different shades but we adore Peekaboo and Bubbly.

3. ColourPop That’s Taupe Eyeshadow Palette

Get this palette on Ulta

Neutral lovers rejoice! This eyeshadow palette is truly straight from heaven and it holds nine glamorous smokey and nude shades. In this palette, you’ll find shimmery metallics and matte shadows that can be worn individually or layered on top of each other to create a dynamic look or sultry smoky eyes. Colourpop shadows are long-lasting and can be worn all day without smudging or flaking onto your cheekbones. Nobody loves a smoky-eye-turned-raccoon look!

PRO TIP: When doing your makeup, opt for flat and firmer brushes to apply the color to your eyelids and then use fluffy brushes to blend it in.

We hope you found this guide of pressed pigment vs eyeshadow helpful! If you’re still looking for more beauty ideas, check the post down below.