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How Do I Choose the Best Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil?

Judith Smith Sullivan
Judith Smith Sullivan

The best jumbo eyeshadow pencil will apply evenly and smoothly, be a complimentary shade to your skin tone, and fit into your budget. Jumbo eyeshadow pencils are available in a wooden encasement, like a traditional eyeliner, and also in plastic twist-up tubes. The color from a good jumbo eyeshadow pencil should last for most of the day and withstand heat and moisture without smearing on your face.

Cheaply made jumbo eye pencils will crumble when you try to use them. They cannot withstand the pressure of application, which makes them almost impossible to use. Other signs of a poor quality eyeshadow pencil is that it smudges easily, never truly "setting," or adhering, to the eyelid. It may also be difficult to apply because it is too dry, brittle, or tough. The wooden casing may also be cheap, making it difficult to sharpen the pencil without breaking off bits of the color.

Jumbo eyeshadow pencils can be used to achieve a "smoky eye" look.
Jumbo eyeshadow pencils can be used to achieve a "smoky eye" look.

Before you begin shopping, consider your specific beauty needs. If you have sensitive skin, you should look for a pencil that is non-comodogenic as well as hypoallergenic. If you know that you are allergic to certain minerals or chemicals, make sure the eyeshadow pencil you choose does not contain them. You should also decide what finish you like best, whether it is matte, shine, or glitter. Deciding ahead of type will save you time during shopping.

Eyeshadow may help enhance a person's eyes.
Eyeshadow may help enhance a person's eyes.

The best shadows are waterproof and smudge-resistant. Typically, these kinds of pencils last longer and require less touch-up during the day. You should also consider whether you want a pencil or twist-up shadow stick. A pencil requires sharpening, which means that you will have to purchase a jumbo sized eye pencil sharpener. Some individuals find it difficult to sharpen large pencils and prefer the twist-up sticks, even though they can be more expensive.

Eyeshadow pencils are available in a wide range of prices. A higher price does not necessarily mean that it is the best choice for you. Keep in mind that you will need to purchase more than one pencil, since you will need at least three shades to properly blend and apply an eye color look. If an eyeshadow pencil is too expensive for you to purchase several of them, look for a less expensive brand.

In order to choose the best colors, consider whether you want bold, statement colors, or neutrals, which will blend easily. Bold colors go with a limited number of outfits and may not be appropriate in all social situations. The exception to this is a muted shade of your eye color applied to the eyelid. Neutrals, like grays, browns, tans, and pinks will go with a variety of outfits.

If your skin tone is cool with blue undertones, choose cool colors. Pinks and bluish grays are flattering, as well as some deep browns. Yellow tinted skin will respond well to tans, browns, and warm grays. Using neutrals will emphasize your eyes without drawing attention to the eyeshadow itself.

If you purchase a jumbo eyeshadow pencil which is difficult to apply, try changing your tools. Using a small, stiff makeup brush, you can apply formulas which are too slick or crumbly to apply directly. To apply an jumbo eyeshadow pencil that is dry or brittle, use an eye conditioner or lotion on your eyelids before the shadow. You can also loosen the pigment in an eyeshadow pencil with warm water. Secure the lid to the pencil or place the pencil in a sealed plastic bag so that only the heat, not the water, affects the pencil.

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    • Jumbo eyeshadow pencils can be used to achieve a "smoky eye" look.
      By: Mikhail Malyugin
      Jumbo eyeshadow pencils can be used to achieve a "smoky eye" look.
    • Eyeshadow may help enhance a person's eyes.
      By: Khorzhevska
      Eyeshadow may help enhance a person's eyes.