Yes, you can use eyeshadow as eyeliner. To use eyeshadow as eyeliner, simply dampen an angular brush with water or setting spray, dip the brush in loose eyeshadow pigments and then apply it to your waterline. If you don’t have loose eyeshadow pigments, this also works with eyeshadow sticks.

If you’ve run out of eyeliner and need to improvise, you can use eyeshadow as a substitute for eyeliner!

For this trick, it’s recommended to use an angular eyeliner brush. This type of brush is perfect for applying your eyeshadow as eyeliner because it makes it easy for you to draw a thin line. Turn the thin, angular brush on its flat side to apply your eyeshadow tightly on your waterline.

As you will be using a sideways brush motion to apply your eyeshadow, it’s important to ensure that all the bristles on your angular brush are pointing upwards. This will make your application easier as you don’t need to worry about stray bristles that might mess up your line.

For more intricate applications that might require more precision, I recommend trying thinner nail design brushes. These types of brushes have a pointed tip, making it easy for eyeliner designers that require precision.

Here’s How to Use Eyeshadow as Eyeliner:

The steps below assume that you are familiar with applying eyeliner with an angular brush.

Step 1: Clean the bristles of your angular eyeliner brush.

Step 2: Apply your eyeshadow primer. The eyeshadow primer helps to create a smooth surface for your application and helps your eyeshadow last longer by making it stick better on your skin.

Step 3: Dip your brush in water or spray the tips with setting spray. You want to tip of your brush to be damp but not soaked. squeeze our extra liquid with the tips of your fingers if needed.

Step 4: Dip your brush in loose eyeshadow pigment, ensure the tip of your brush is coated with a thin layer of pigment.

Step 5: Apply the eyeshadow the way you normally would with your eyeliner.

If this is your first time using an angle brush to line your eyes, you may end up with a thicker look. If this happens to you,  check out my tutorial on how to fix eyeliner that is too thick.