Understanding the Differences: Pressed Pigment vs. Eyeshadow

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When it comes to choosing makeup for your eyes, you may have heard the terms “pressed pigment” and “eyeshadow” used interchangeably. However, while they may look similar at first glance, there is an important Pressed Pigment vs. Eyeshadow.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the differences between pressed pigments and eyeshadows, exploring their formulations, pigmentation, and recommended uses. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both pressed pigments and eyeshadows, and be better equipped to make the right choice for your next eye look.

So, let’s get ready for a showdown: Pressed Pigment vs. Eyeshadow!

What Are Pressed Pigments?

Pigments that have been carefully pressed into a pan are known as pressed pigments.

Pressed Pigments

For women who like to make a statement with their cosmetics, pressed pigments are frequently available in neon colors that are incredibly brilliant and flamboyant. Bright eyeshadows are also available, but they are less pigmented and give off a softer appearance unless you cake them on for a greater color payoff.

When it comes to application, using a packing brush rather than a fluffy blending brush is preferable when using pressed pigment shadows. Tap the packing brush softly onto your eyelids after dipping it in the pigment.

What Is Eyeshadow? 

You can use eyeshadow, a loose powder, on both your upper and lower eyelids (or the immediate eye area). You can wear it to the office, to school, on a date, to the mall, or out with your friends on the weekends because it comes in every color imaginable. There is a color for every occasion!

Eyeshadow

You can buy eyeshadow in individual jars or palettes.

Additionally, there are two varieties of eyeshadow: ordinary eyeshadow, which is composed of loose pigments or powders, and cream eye shadows, which are designed for a smooth application.

Key Differences Pressed Pigment vs. Eyeshadow

  • Let’s begin with the fundamentals. Eyeshadow is a sophisticated product. They are made of a combination of pigments, which add color, and other additives to produce a creamy, spreadable solution. Micas, preservatives, and binders are used in this situation.

Conversely, pressed pigments are very simple to use. They are color-based pigments that have been compressed into a pan. In a nutshell.

  • They may offer intensely vivid, in-your-face colors because they don’t require any additional components. Something eyeshadows could never even come close to. They offer complete pigmentation!

However, compared to eyeshadows, pigments have a slightly looser texture, so they frequently need a good primer or concealer to stay put. When applying them, you must also employ a unique method.

  • A fluffy blending brush is not the best choice for pigments. You should gently apply them with a tapping motion while using a dense packing brush.
  • There are several differences between pigments and eyeshadow besides texture, coverage, color palette, and application methods.

Pigments are not specifically promoted by businesses as being safe for the eyes. Red, pink, and purple pigments can cause severe eyelid irritation and staining. especially when used excessively or on persons with sensitive skin.

  • Ingredients in eyeshadows have been approved by the FDA. On the other hand, the FDA has not yet given the all-clear for the use of pressed pigments close to the eyes.

When utilizing unapproved pigments, cosmetic companies are legally required to stop calling their products “eyeshadow.” Thus, “pressed pigments” was coined. Additionally, they must include caution on their products informing consumers not to use them close to the immediate eye area.

Pressed Pigments vs. Eyeshadows: Which is Better? 

The question then becomes, which is better?

The European Medicines Agency, the European Union’s equivalent regulatory body, has still approved these pigments for use in the eye area.

To clarify, pressed pigments could be considered eye-safe, or at least on par with eyeshadows. When you see the term “pressed,” it means that the product is made of eye pigments that are safe in the EU but have not yet been approved in the United States.

In general, it is advised to exercise extreme caution!

Final Words

If you’re wondering between Pressed Pigments vs. Eyeshadows, keep in mind that eyeshadow is FDA-approved. If the product is referred to as something else, it is most likely not FDA-approved.

The significance of FDA approval is debatable, especially since the EU says these pigments are safe. If you want to be safe, use pressed pigments with caution. They have the potential to cause irritation, allergic reactions, and staining. But many eyeshadows, liners, mascaras, and other products used around the eyes, FDA-approved or not, could do the same.

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Author

Tessa Reynolds
Meet Tessa Reynolds, who lives in Denver, Colorado. She likes to write about sunglasses, and eye makeup so that she can share her knowledge, and help all the people who need something for their eyes. When she is not writing, you can find her skiing in the mountains of Colorado.