Unlike other glitters on the market, the Pressed Chrome Flakes don’t require any primer or glue. Its pearlescent pigments are suspended in a water-based, translucent gel that sets them in place while reflecting light from every angle. “The product contains polyvinyl alcohol, which is typically used in peel-off clear masks to give that vinyl look,” cosmetic chemist Ginger King previously told Allure. “They can give a nice gloss, in addition to adhesion.”
Because of its formulation, a little goes a long way when applying the two Pressed Chrome Flake shades featured in this palette (an icy-blue hue named Heaven, and a metallic purple-pink called Paradise). The instructions, which are labeled on the back of the palette if you need them, say to “swipe and tap” the Pressed Chrome Flakes onto your lids, which I found easiest to do with my fingers. At first, the application was pretty messy, but as I got the hang of it, a light smear across my lids was all I needed for disco-ready lids without glitter scattering across my face.
Then, there’s the Aqua Chromes. If you’ve played around with water-activated graphic liners before, this formula will be a breeze to work with. But, if you haven’t, here’s a quick rundown: grab your makeup brush (I found an angled eye shadow brush to be the easiest), dip it in water, and swirl it around the shade of your choosing until it transforms into a paste-like consistency. Now, it’s ready to apply, and all you need is one quick swipe for its opaque formula to do its thing. I recommend swiping on a thin layer and keeping your eyes closed for up to a minute so its formula can dry on your lids without cracking.
If you need some visual guidance, Danessa Myricks’s Instagram page is filled with tips and tricks on how to apply all of the formulas featured in the Lightwork Volume IV Transcendence Palette.