What to Look for in Eye Shadow

Choosing the best eye shadow can elevate your makeup look and enhance your eyes—here’s what to keep in mind.

1. Pigmentation

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Highly pigmented eye shadows deliver vibrant color payoff with less product. Look for formulas that provide rich, true-to-pan shades for striking results.

2. Blendability

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A quality eye shadow should blend easily without patchiness or harsh lines. Creamy, finely-milled powders or smooth creams make application effortless and allow seamless transitions between colors.

3. Longevity

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Long-wearing formulas help your look last throughout the day or night. Consider eye shadows that are crease-resistant and offer extended wear, particularly if you have oily lids or need all-day performance.

4. Finish and Shade Range

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Eye shadows come in a variety of finishes, including matte, shimmer, satin, and metallic. Choose a palette or single shade that suits your style and complements your skin tone, whether you prefer subtle neutrals or bold statement colors.

  1. 1

    Chantecaille

    22 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Unlike other eye shadows in its ability to appear transparent or opaque, depending on whether it's applied wet or dry. 
  2. 2

    Chantecaille

    15 REVIEWS
    A long-lasting, velvety matte eye shadow that instantly smooths and contours the lid.
  3. 3

    Trish McEvoy

    3 REVIEWS
    An ultra pigment-rich eye shadow and liner.
  4. 4

    Surratt

    2 REVIEWS
    The darkest night dusted with a wash of stars
  5. 5

    Lune+Aster

    2 REVIEWS
    BestSeller Exclusive
    Metallic glitter eyeshadow infused with vitamin E and light-reflecting pearl pigments.
  6. 6

    Chantecaille

    1 REVIEWS
    Three cool-toned shades in shimmer, satin and pearl finishes.
  7. 7

    Victoria Beckham Beauty

    EyeWear

    $34
    1 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Discerningly fashion-forward shades in a matte or shimmer finish.
  8. 8
    1 REVIEWS
    Exclusive
    5-shade eyeshadow palette inspired by the starry evening sky as the moon rises.
  9. 9

    Victoria Beckham Beauty

    1 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    The ultimate shadow palette delivers exquisite performance in buttery smooth powder formulas and luxurious finishes.
  10. 10

    Trish McEvoy

    37 REVIEWS
    A silky, pigment-rich eye shadow with a creamy matte finish.

What to Look for in Eye Shadow

Choosing the best eye shadow can elevate your makeup look and enhance your eyes—here’s what to keep in mind.

1. Pigmentation

Citrus catapult arrow

Highly pigmented eye shadows deliver vibrant color payoff with less product. Look for formulas that provide rich, true-to-pan shades for striking results.

2. Blendability

Citrus catapult arrow

A quality eye shadow should blend easily without patchiness or harsh lines. Creamy, finely-milled powders or smooth creams make application effortless and allow seamless transitions between colors.

3. Longevity

Citrus catapult arrow

Long-wearing formulas help your look last throughout the day or night. Consider eye shadows that are crease-resistant and offer extended wear, particularly if you have oily lids or need all-day performance.

4. Finish and Shade Range

Citrus catapult arrow

Eye shadows come in a variety of finishes, including matte, shimmer, satin, and metallic. Choose a palette or single shade that suits your style and complements your skin tone, whether you prefer subtle neutrals or bold statement colors.