The amount of makeup you can fit into modern day eye shadow cases is mind-boggling.
Size Matters
There was a time when traditional eye shadow cases featured two to six different shades, at the very most. However, these days, cosmetics manufacturers have blown the cover off standard cases for eye shadows, filling the containers with upwards of 100 colors each.
There are pros and cons to purchasing cases that hold 90 to 100 pallets of colors. The upside is that your options are virtually limitless. The amount of different looks you can create from a mega-rainbow of eye shadows is beyond comprehension. Conversely, there is a downside to owning such a large case of eye shadows. The main concern is shelf life. The average life of powder eye shadow is two years, while cream eye shadow looses its luster after 18 months. Using up such a huge selection of eye shadows can be a challenge for the average makeup fan.
What's more, storing an extra-large case of eye shadow is a daunting task. There's no way you can fit it into the average size purse, so portability is compromised, to say the least. If you are planning a night out on the town and want to take along an eye shadow palette for touch ups, then you are better off selecting a traditional size or miniature case, which features a built-in mirror, one to three different colors and an applicator.
Popular Eye Shadow Cases
The 21st century has ushered in a new trend in eye shadow containers. Not only is bigger better, but bling is hot too. Some of the most popular cases include:
- Decorative cases: Some cosmetic companies have gone the extra mile when designing cases for eye shadows. Today, you can find a litany of beautiful handcrafted shadow cases decorated with everything from intricate floral patterns to jewel and rhinestone embellished shapes and letters.
- Magnetic-closure cases: Busy girls on the go prefer magnetic closures on their shadow cases. Since plastic can sometimes chip or break off in larger chunks, it's prudent to have cases that employ magnets for easy opening and secure closings.
- Environmentally-friendly cases: In the age of "green" living, it's no surprise that many cosmetic companies are selling earth-friendly shadow cases that don't need to be thrown away once the colors have been used up. Many brands offer refillable shadow cases and palettes, which allow you to switch out colors, or replace them with your favorite eye shadows, without getting rid of the case.
How to Make Your Own Eye Shadow Case
You don't have to break the bank to purchase a fancy eye makeup case. Rather, cases can be made at home using simple materials, such as DVD or CD jewel cases. The plastic cases make wonderful holders for eye shadow, blush and lip colors.
To recycle a used DVD or CD case and transform it into a slick container for eye shadows, follow these simple steps:
- Select your shadow palette. A standard size CD case can fit about nine different circular refills.
- Once you choose your colors, it's time to prepare your DVD or CD case. If you're using a CD case you will need to remove the plastic circle that holds the CD in place. Do this by gently pulling the piece out of the case. Don't yank it out, as excessive force will cause the case to break.
- Arrange your favorite eye shadow colors into the DVD or CD case.
- Apply hot glue to the bottom of each eye shadow refill and place it back in the case.
- Allow the glue to dry thoroughly.
- In the meantime, you can decorate the cover of your new eye makeup case. You might also add a piece of cardstock to the interior of the case noting the colors and brands of eye shadow you have placed inside.
To make your homemade eye shadow holder look more professional, consider designing labels using Photoshop or another graphic design program. Print the labels from your home computer and adhere them to the inside or outside of your case. The interior label can be lined up to match the colors in your palette. What's more, the labels can be switched out each time you update your colors.
