What is a Pressed Pigment?

What is a pressed pigment and how do I use it?

I’ve been hearing a lot about pressed pigments lately. It seems almost all eyeshadow palettes now have pressed pigments along with eyeshadows. What is the difference between a pressed pigment and an eyeshadow?

                Let’s break it down. A pigment is a dye, iron oxide, carmine, or any of the other names of pigments. Ferric Ferrocyanide is another pigment in the blue variety. Pressed is a verb, for pressing something in a pan. It’s as easy as that. A pressed pigment is just the dye, pressed into a pan.

                You can use a pressed pigment as an eyeshadow, blush, or lipstick. But they tend to sell well next to eyeshadows. Eyeshadows have binders, emollients and other ingredients in order to give them a nice smooth texture. Eyeshadows will always be less bright than a pressed pigment because adding binders and waxes tend to dull the color.

                You can’t use a pressed pigment like an eyeshadow. They don’t blend as easily, so you’ll need to pack them on your lids firmly. You’ll also have to prime your eyes, so the pigment can really adhere to your skin. Without a primer, they will dust off fairly quickly. Wetting your brush before you apply a pressed pigment is an easy way to transfer the pigment to your skin.

                The verdict? I prefer an eyeshadow. They were especially designed to give the smoothness and texture that I like using. Pressed pigments tend to be dusty. I’m not a fan of loose pigments either. They are way too dusty and I’ve gotten them all over my floor after I knocked one over one night!