I talked about this topic over on my YouTube channel and I’ll put the video down below as I’m just going to do the highlights in this post so I’m not repeating myself. But today we’re discussing everything there is when it comes to swatches from finger to brush to that perfect Instagram swatch that brands and influencers share.
As I mentioned in my video I’ve done the “perfect” Instagram swatch on my blog many of times. And it wasn’t trying to hide flaws of the palette, honestly I just was doing it as I thought it looked more pleasing to the eye. Which is does. It’s more of a different way at look at a palette. But those swatches aren’t good for anyone when trying to figure out how a palette performs. If you don’t know what I mean, here are just some random swatches that I’ve posted here on the blog over the last month or so to give you an idea:
While my swatches aren’t clean lines from each section being taped off. I didn’t do one wipe and I was done. I built them up or blended them until they looked Instagram-worthy. Or what I thought would be Instagram-worthy. Which isn’t the right mentality to have about swatches. It’s the exact reason most people don’t trust them or say they do nothing. I agree this “perfect” swatch tells you nothing. You as the person who does them however as you know how much you built it up, how much kick back there was in the application, and how chunky a glitter or metallic is when attempting to apply it. But other than that, it doesn’t tell the audience the story of the swatch. I get more into that during the comparison stage of my video.
Basically, you need to do two types of swatches: finger and brush. Finger for the one swipe application using the same pressure on all swatches and not going back over it a second time. Yes the shadow will fade in pigmentation but you can see any patchy-ness or difficulty with applying the product. Brushes with a one swipe as well tells you how it’s going to look on the eye initially, but you will layer and work with the product on the eyes longer so that’s where I don’t go to those right away. The end bit of a one swipe finger swatch tells the whole story. You can see if it skips, has no pigmentation, or any other weird behaviors that may arise. There is also the option to do an eye swatch where you apply the one shade all over the lid then snap the photo. But most palettes I try have like 15 to 35 shadows in them so to save my eyes I’m not ever going to do those.
What do you think of swatches? Useful or would rather just see looks done on someone’s eyes? Also what are your thoughts on the Instagram “perfect” swatch?
Love ya,
Mae Polzine
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