June 2007
Dear Paula,
Are there any powder eyeshadows available that contain sunscreen? I’m asking because I get the feeling that when I apply an eyeshadow with a brush over the sunscreen I use, the brush seems to clog a bit and the powder seems to stick to the brush rather than spread over my eyelid. It’s different when I skip the sunscreen on the lid; then it seems I can build more color and intensity easier. Or is it okay to skip sunscreen on the lids altogether? I try to wear sunglasses most of the time, but when that isn’t possible I still want to be protected.

Rumia, via e-mail

Dear Rumia,
Your question about the sunscreen over the eyelid is excellent. I appreciate your diligence in wanting to take care of your skin all over. I agree it is best not to skip the eyelid area when it comes to sun protection, and sunglasses with complete UV protection are best for the entire area in general. However, so far as I am aware, there are no eyeshadows that include sunscreens. But there definitely are foundations that do (my line has several, and so do Revlon, Neutrogena, Maybelline, and Clinique), as well as concealers (particularly Revlon), and powders (my line and Neutrogena). Put your foundation or concealer over your eyelid, dust the eye area with powder, and then apply your eyeshadows. That should get you the protection and results you are looking for (and definitely less creasing and gunk buildup on your brush!).

In terms of color saturation from your eyeshadows, depending on the color of your skin, you may want to consider eyeshadows from companies known for their deeper pigment coverage, such as M.A.C., Makeup For Ever, Trish McEvoy, and Iman.