When working with loose pigments, multichrome shadows, and sparkly eye looks, the right base can completely transform your application.
Two of the most helpful tools for improving colour payoff and reducing fallout are a mixing medium and a glitter glue. While they may sound similar, they actually create very different finishes and effects.
In this guide, we’ll explore how each one works and how to decide which is right for your makeup look.
What Is a Mixing Medium?
A mixing medium is usually a liquid product designed to transform powders and pigments into a smooth, more controlled formula.
Our Cloud Drops Matte Finish Mixing Medium was created to help intensify colour, reduce fallout, and make eyeshadows easier to apply.
When a small drop of mixing medium is blended with loose pigment or pressed eyeshadow, it wets down the formula. This helps the product glide onto the eyelid more smoothly while boosting colour payoff.
Benefits of Using a Mixing Medium
• Intensifies colour and shine
• Helps prevent fallout
• Creates a smoother application
• Allows loose pigments to behave more like a cream formula
• Helps eyeshadow stay in place once dry
Once applied, our mixing medium dries down to a matte finish, helping your eyeshadow stay locked in place without transferring or moving around.
How to Use a Mixing Medium
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Start with a small drop of mixing medium (add more as needed).
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Mix it with your loose pigment or eyeshadow.
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Apply the mixture to the eyelid using a brush.
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Allow the formula a moment to dry down.
A little goes a long way, so we always recommend starting with a minimal amount and adding more as needed.
Interestingly, mixing mediums aren’t just for eyeshadow. They can also help revive dried-out pot eyeliners, giving them new life and making them easier to work with again.
What Is Glitter Glue?
Glitter glue works a little differently.
Instead of transforming your pigment into a liquid formula, glitter glue creates a slightly tacky base that helps sparkly shadows, chunky glitters, and flakier pigments grip to the skin.
Our Cloud Paste Glitter Glue is a clear gel formula designed to hold shimmer and glitter products in place while helping them appear brighter and more dimensional.
Because the pigment sits on top of the tacky base rather than being mixed into it, this method often creates a more textured, sparkly finish.
Benefits of Glitter Glue
• Helps glitters and shimmer shadows adhere better
• Reduces fallout from sparkly pigments
• Creates a textured, dimensional finish
• Helps prevent shimmer shadows from creasing
Many of our customers also love using glitter glue with regular shimmer eyeshadows - especially those with hooded eyes, as this formula helps prevent product from slipping into creases.
How to Use Glitter Glue
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Apply your matte eyeshadow or base shadows first.
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Apply some glitter glue to the eyelid.
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Gently pat it into place with your fingertip.
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Wait a moment until the formula becomes slightly tacky.
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Tap your shimmer eyeshadow or loose pigment on top.
Once applied, allow the product a minute or two to fully dry before continuing with the rest of your makeup.
Mixing Medium vs Glitter Glue: Which One Is Better?
The truth is, neither option is “better” - they simply create different results.
Mixing Medium
• Creates a smoother, almost liquid-like application
• Intensifies colour dramatically
• Produces a more metallic or foiled finish
Glitter Glue
• Creates a tacky base that grips sparkles
• Produces a more textured, glittery effect
• Works beautifully with flaky pigments and chunky glitters
Both products can make applying loose pigments and multichrome shadows much easier - it simply comes down to the finish you prefer.
A Little Magic for Your Makeup Routine
Whether you love bold shimmer, dramatic multichrome shifts, or sparkling glitter looks, using the right base can make a huge difference in your final result.
Mixing mediums and glitter glues are simple tools that can instantly improve application, reduce fallout, and unlock new creative possibilities with your favourite eyeshadows.
Sometimes the smallest additions to your makeup routine can create the most magical results.
