How do I apply Red Aspen Pressed Powders?

There are quite a few ways you can get the most out of your Red Aspen Pressed Powders, starting with some truly eye-opening eyeshadow techniques.

Eyeshadow Techniques
We’ve separated these into Beginner and Intermediate categories, though a couple of them might be considered a bit more advanced. But don’t worry! They just take a bit of study and practice to get right. We’ll start with the Beginner techniques which include a Two-Step Eyeshadow Method and a Gradient.

The Two-Step Eyeshadow Method is easiest as it uses only 2 colors and you literally only need to remember two steps:

Step 1 is to apply a medium-depth shade (like your bronzer or blush shade) into the crease using a blending brush. We recommend our E54 Blending Brush.
Step 2 is to use the same highlight shade from your cheekbones to the lid for a fresh, natural look. You can mix matte and shimmer shades for variation, but you get the general idea!

Moving onto the Gradient Eyeshadow Technique, your goal is to create a simple, easy-to-recreate gradient effect. You’ll use 3 colors for this technique, and you’ll start by:

Step 1. Applying a light color to the inner (3rd portion) of the eye. Use a Medium Eyeshadow Brush (E56) to pack on the powder.
Step 2. From there, add a medium shade in the middle of the lid.
Step 3. Afterward, use a darker shade on the outer corner.
Step 4. Finally, use the Eyeshadow Detail Brush (E58) to blend the crease line. This is considered the “Car Makeup Technique” for most people, and yes that will be a bonus question on a future test!

You can take things up a notch with some Intermediate Eyeshadow Techniques. These include the Halo Technique and the L.O.V.E. Technique!

We’ll start with the Halo technique, a glam look that requires 2 colors.

Step 1. Start by using the same dark matte shade on both sides, blending into the center.
Step 2. Next, we’ll want to apply a light shimmer color to the center of the lid.
Step 3. Finally, we’ll use a setting spray to enhance the shimmer/metallic effect. This is what creates the halo effect, drawing attention to the center of your lid. Voila! Easy, breezy glam that’s worthy of a high grade!

The L.O.V.E. Technique is a little more advanced and requires 4 colors to pull off correctly, but the results speak for themselves. It’s also super easy to remember, and that’s a win for everyone! We’ll lay out the steps from L to E.

L is for Leveling your base: To begin, you’ll want to prime your eyelid with eyeshadow primer, concealer, or setting powder. Using our Blending Brush (E54), sweep matte eyeshadow all over the lid and carry the remaining product through the crease and up to the brow bone.
O is for Ombre in crease: Next, we want to create an ombre effect in your crease to give your look that perfectly blended finish. Use our Eyeshadow Crease Brush (E55) with a matte eyeshadow to blend eyeshadow in the crease, between the brow bone and lid space using windshield wiper motions.
V is for V in your outer V: Now it’s time to add definition to your look by defining the outer V of your eye with a matte eyeshadow. For a dramatic look, use our Eyeshadow Crease Brush (E55) in a stamping motion. For a softer blown-out look, use our Eyeshadow Blending Brush (E54) in a circular motion.
E is for Enhancing your lid: Finally, we want to complete your eye by really enhancing your lid space. Select a matte or shimmer eyeshadow and press onto the lid using your fingertip or a Medium Eyeshadow Lid Brush (E56). Presto! Gorgeous, glammed-up eyes in no time!

Liner Techniques

Last but not least, your new pressed powders can be used as a liner, whether that’s a color liner, a winged liner, or a sultry smokey liner perfect for date night!

The Smokey Liner method is relatively easy, and the best part is that it can be used on its own or on top of other eyeshadow applications. For the best results with your Smokey Liner, you’ll want to:

Step 1. Wet your eyeliner brush. We recommend Red Aspen’s E52 Eyeliner Brush or an Angled Brow Brush with some setting spray.
Step 2. Stamp along the lash line. If you’re using an Angled Brow Brush, be sure to stamp where you want the line and swipe. Start from the outer corner to the inner corner, NOT blending – just using it as eyeliner.
Step 3. Use an Eyeshadow Detail Brush (E58) to lightly swipe back and forth and soften the line, creating a smokey effect. That’s all there is to it!

Face Techniques

Regarding Face Techniques, there are two important things to remember when using our Magnetic Palettes for the first time:

1. Bronzer: For bronzer, your goal is to sculpt and warm up your face, all at the same time. You typically place it in areas where you’d do some contouring but with a softer, more blended approach. You can dip your Angled Contour & Blush Brush (F02) lightly into a single pan, or use our Multitasking Powder Brush (F01) and place two pans of the same color next to each other.

Plus, you can earn a little extra credit by mixing a bronzer color with a shimmer color to create a shimmer bronzer!

Here’s how to apply a bronzer the right way:

Hollows of the Cheeks - Sweep the bronzer slightly above the hollows to lift the face and add warmth.
Hairline & Temples - This helps to warm up the forehead and create dimension.
Jawline – Blend it along the jaw for a subtle sculpting effect.
Sides of the Nose (Optional) – Lightly contour the nose if desired, but keep it soft. The key is proper blending. You want definition but without the harsh lines.

2. Matte Highlight: For a matte highlight, simply take a flesh-colored pressed powder + our Precision Highlighter & Contour Brush (F04), then apply the powder to the areas of the face where you want to bring a bit more light and dimension to your face without the shimmer. Aka, your brow bone, cupid’s bow, under the eyes, the tip of your nose, your chin, and the center of the forehead.

3. Blush: For blush, it’s best to follow a two-step application. Take an Angled Contour & Blush Brush (F02) and blend your preferred shade on the apples or hollows of your cheeks.

4. Highlighting is an art form, and the best results will come when you use our Precision Highlighter & Contour Brush (F04) to blend and tap off any excess product. You want to apply to the natural high points of your face, and you can find these by looking where the light naturally hits your face.

Eye Makeup Tips

We’ve also got a few extra Eye Makeup Tips worth mentioning. These can be tricky, so pay attention!

1. Lower Lash Line: If you’re going for that smudged, sultry look, it’s best to apply eyeshadow to the lower lash line using our Eyeshadow Smudge Brush (E53).

2. Focus on Blending: Once again, blending is key for ALL eyeshadow looks. Even with bolder, more intricate techniques, always ensure that your shades are well-blended to avoid harsh lines.

Use Liner for Defined Eyes: As a special mention, if you’re aiming for a defined, edgy look, you can use the Smokey Liner Method we mentioned before on its own or layer it over other eyeshadow techniques. This helps to create a deep, bold lash line, and that’s something every girl can appreciate!

Magnetic Palette Tips

Rounding things off, we have a few Palette Tips to share with you. These will help you get the most out of your makeup and your pressed powders.

As a general note, you’ll want to group your Matte shades together. Grouping matte shades next to each other makes for easier blending, and as we mentioned before, blending is key for ALL eye looks.
At the same time, try to keep your Shimmer shades together. This gives you quick access to metallics whenever you need them.
Don’t forget to Mix Playful Shades while you’re at it: Placing fun, bold shades together is a great way to encourage creative mixing, and makeup is supposed to be creative and fun! Plus, by lining them up, you can easily swirl colors together to create some truly gorgeous looks.
As an Example - Putting our Gifted matte shade + our Charming shimmer shade together makes for easy blending and some super cute, custom looks.

How do I apply Red Aspen Pressed Powders?Updated a month ago