Last updated: March 2026
What Is Pressing Technique?
The pressing technique (also called patting or packing) is an eyeshadow application method where color is pressed onto the lid with a flat brush rather than swept or blended, maximizing pigment payoff and metallic shine.
Pressing is the go-to technique for shimmer, metallic, and glitter eyeshadows because it deposits the maximum amount of pigment with minimal fallout. Instead of the back-and-forth sweeping motion used for matte shadows, you load a flat shader brush with product and press it directly onto the lid in a stamping motion. This preserves the reflective quality of the particles that sweeping would scatter and dull. The technique is also called 'packing on color' and is essential for foiled eyeshadow looks. Many makeup artists also use this technique with a damp brush — spraying the brush with setting spray or dipping it in mixing medium before picking up the shadow — to intensify the metallic effect even further. Once shimmer is pressed onto the lid, use a separate fluffy brush to blend the edges into your transition shade without disturbing the packed-on center.
Tips
- Use a flat shader brush, not a fluffy blending brush — flat bristles maximize the stamping surface.
- Spray your flat brush with setting spray before picking up shimmer shadow for an extra-foiled, intense metallic finish.
- Press color onto the center of the lid first, then gently blend only the edges with a separate fluffy brush.
See it in action
Tutorials that use or demonstrate this technique: