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
    Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow
    2,530 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Longwearing, crease-proof cream eyeshadows in six nourishing, metallic, buildable shades. 
  2. 2
    Long-Wear Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow Stick
    2,129 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A swipe-and-go cream eyeshadow stick that glides on with ease for 24 hours of color-true wear.
  3. 3
    Eyes To Mesmerise

    Charlotte Tilbury

    1,237 REVIEWS
    A long-lasting cream eyeshadow that features an easy, non-creasing formula.
  4. 4
    Cashmere Matte Eyelights

    RMS Beauty

    522 REVIEWS
    Creaseproof, matte cream eyeshadow in 8 new nourishing shades.
  5. 5
    PurePressed Eye Shadow

    Jane Iredale

    393 REVIEWS
    A balanced selection of gorgeous neutral matte & shimmer shadows for all skin tones. Gentle & safe for sensitive eyes.
  6. 6
    PurePressed Eye Shadow Palette
    222 REVIEWS
    Six expertly coordinated shadows for limitless looks.
  7. 7
    Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick
    218 REVIEWS
    A cream eyeshadow stick that delivers high-impact color with an all-day, crease-resistant finish.
  8. 8
    Phyto-Eye Twist

    Sisley Paris

    95 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    An ultra-easy, fun, luminous, waterproof and no-transfer eye make-up.
  9. 9
    Les Phyto-Ombres Eyeshadow

    Sisley Paris

    64 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    An eye shadow with a half-powder, half-cream hybrid texture that embellishes the eyes with a veil of colour and radiance.
  10. 10
    Eye Shadow Refill

    Trish McEvoy

    39 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.