How to Turn Eyeshadow Into Eyeliner

by Degrees of Vanity Team
Published: Last Updated on
How to Turn Eyeshadow into Eyeliner

A great way to switch up any makeup look is to use colored eyeliner. However, the cost of buying liner in so many different shades can soon add up, and eyeliners that are more vibrant hues can often be streaky.

A lot of social media makeup artists will often try and use liquid lipsticks as eyeliner instead, as the color is usually more pigmented and less streaky. But, it can be tricky to find liquid lipsticks that are safe to use on your eyes. 

A great alternative is to use eyeshadow. This can be a great way to try out new colors and looks without breaking the bank, and the great thing about eyeshadow is that it can be easily manipulated to create some fantastic eye looks.

You can turn eyeshadow into liquid eyeliner by mixing it with a few drops of an eye-safe liquid, such as water, setting spray, eye drops, coconut oil, or Inglot Duraline. This transforms the powder shadow into a spreadable consistency similar to that of liquid eyeliner. Use an angled brush to create the eyeliner look of choice.

Here are a few different ways you can transform your eyeshadow into eyeliner.

Water 

One of the simplest (and free) ways to turn your eyeshadow into eyeliner is to use water. Just run an angled liner brush under a bit of tap water and pick up some of the shadow you want to use – make sure the brush is damp and not soaking wet.

The water should chalk the shadow up into a paste-like consistency which can then be swept across your upper and lower eyelids like a liquid liner. 

Although the water method is pretty useful, it doesn’t always have the longest lasting results, so bear that in mind if you want to give this method a go. 

Setting Spray 

Spritz setting spray on an angled brush

Nearly every makeup enthusiast owns a bottle of setting spray. Not only is it useful to keep your makeup in place for hours on end, but it can also be used to transform your eyeshadow.

Setting spray has a pretty similar effect to water. All you need to do is spritz some on an angled brush and dip it into your shadow. The shadow should chalk up slightly, which makes it great to swipe across your eyelids. 

Be careful when using setting spray. Try and find one that is safe for your eyes to prevent any irritation. 

Eye Drops 

It may sound weird, but eyedrops are actually a great mixer for changing the texture of shadows. The great thing about them is that they’re already eye safe, and a lot of us already have some in our medicine cabinets. 

Just add a few drops to an angled brush and dip it into your eyeshadow. Your shadow should now apply like a regular liquid liner. 

Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil serves multiple purposes across our beauty regimes, but did you know it’s also an effective way to transform your eyeshadows into eye liners? Simply apply a thin layer to an angled brush, and once again dip it into your shadow to create a paste, and voila! 

If you do get any in your eyes, be sure to wash them out thoroughly. 

Inglot Duraline

Use Inglot Duraline to turn eyeshadow into eyeliner

The geniuses over at Inglot have specifically created this product to help elevate your eyeshadows, including turning them into eyeliner-esque products.

Inglot have named this magical liquid Duraline, and it’s a waterless fluid that intensifies eyeshadow pigments whilst keeping them from smudging and creasing. 

Just one drop of Duraline will turn your eyeshadow into an intense liner. Using the dropper, dispense some Duraline on the back of your hand.

Then dip a clean angled brush into your eyeshadow and mix it with the Duraline. Once mixed, you should be able to use the products like liner. 

You can also play around with your Duraline to eyeshadow ratio to find the color and intensity you’re looking for. For extra hold, you can add another coat of Duraline over the top of your dried eyeliner. 

Nothing

If you can’t get hold of any of the other items on your list, you can still make eyeliner out of just an eyeshadow and a brush. Of course you won’t get the super sharp effect of normal liquid liner, but if you’re into a softer, smudged eyeliner look this is perfect for you. 

It’s best to try this with a creamy eyeshadow, as they’re easier to blend and smudge, but any old eyeshadow will be fine.

All you need to do is dip an angled brush into your eyeshadow and smudge it across your upper lid, and your lower lash line. Smudged eyeliner is a great choice if you’re after that 90’s model “it” girl look. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can You Put Eyeshadow On Your Lower Lash Line? 

Use eyeshadow to line the lower lash line

It is perfectly safe to apply eyeshadow to your lower lash line instead of an eyeliner pencil. Just be wary that some eyeshadows have quite a powdery, flaky consistency and may get in your eyes. If you suffer any eye irritation. Be sure to wash your eyes out immediately. 

What Eyeshadow Can You Use Instead Of Eyeliner? 

You can use pretty much any eyeshadow with any of these techniques, as most of them are changing the consistency of the powder anyway. It is worth noting, however, that you will most likely get the best results with more pigmented eyeshadows, as they will hold their color intensity better. 

As mentioned earlier, if you are not using any other products or tools – apart from eyeshadow and a brush – it’s best to use a creamier shadow. 

Can You Add Water In Eyeshadows? 

It is perfectly fine to use water with your eyeshadows, however, you do not want to wet the shadow as it can completely change the consistency of the powder and it will no longer be able to be used as a regular eyeshadow. The key is to dampen the brush, but don’t wet it completely. 

Why Use Eyeshadow As Eyeliner? 

If you’ve run out of eyeliner, eyeshadow can be a great alternative, especially as most of us have quite a few different eyeshadow palettes onhand.

It’s also a great way to experiment with bold eyeliner looks without purchasing any new products. Also, it can give you a chance to use the eyeshadow colors you never normally reach for. 

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