Makeup Artists Say These Drugstore Eye Shadows Rival Luxury Formulas

The best drugstore eyeshadows prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get rich color effects, smooth blending, and long-lasting wear. Once known for their chalky textures and sheer pigments, today affordable eyeshadows rival high-end eyeshadows, with carefully selected shades and finishes suitable for everyday makeup. and A complete gram. Whether you’re looking for swipe-on shadow sticks for busy mornings, reusable neutral palettes, or vibrant shades made for a night out, the drugstore has you covered. Ahead of that, we worked with professional makeup artists and tested different formulas ourselves to find the best shadows that deliver impressive results (without the premium price tag).

Popular eye shadows at drugstores

Best overall: color pop super shock shadow

Why it’s worth it: Available as singles or trios, ColourPop’s Super Shock Shadows are sparkly staples you’ll want to reach for again and again. The pigments are truly next level, the shade range is huge (38 and growing) and blending is easy. Even better? They cost less than $10 each, but you’d never guess it from the way they’re blended. The cream-to-powder formula melts and settles onto your eyelids and lasts all day without creasing. According to a makeup artist based in New York City. amanda gabbardColourPop’s shadows are “incredibly blendable and feel luxurious.”Unlike some shimmery shades that look dull once applied, these set the bold, almost metallic color in just one swipe. For the most vigorous swipes, I prefer to use my fingers or a flat, stiff brush. If you want a sheer, soft shimmer, choose a fluffy brush.

Most versatile: Elf Cosmetics Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette

Why it’s worth it: Gobbard says the Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette is a clever combination of velvety mattes and iridescent shades that instantly brighten your eyelids, offering nearly endless possibilities. Even better, the matte is highly pigmented and easy to blend, so it won’t dry and crumble. Whether you’re adding soft color to your crease or going bold with layered multidimensional shades, you’ll hardly miss this palette.

Perfect for mature skin: Maybelline New York City Mini Palette

Why it’s worth it: When purchasing eyeshadow for mature skin, it’s important to have a formula with fine lines in mind. That’s exactly why the Los Angeles-based makeup artist Renee Royce I’m a fan of the Maybelline New York City Mini Palette. “It blends beautifully with textured eyelids,” she says. Both creamy mattes and shimmers buff seamlessly, softening the look of wrinkles rather than accentuating them. With eight different colorways ranging from everyday neutrals to party-ready hues, the palette “consistently delivers blendable, wearable colors for impressive effects,” adds makeup artist Alexa Persico (she says the mattes in particular perform well above their price point).

Best eyeshadow stick: loreal paris paradise le shadow stick

Why it’s worth it: Everyone needs a swipe-on eyeshadow stick for busy mornings. Gabbard praises L’Oréal Paris’ Paradise Le Shadow Stick for its “silky smooth finish that glides on smoothly and never tugs on the delicate skin of your eyelids.” This formula is buildable, so it never looks too thick or cakey, and you can always layer it up when you want a little more shine. “This is truly a no-fail item,” she says. Available in 14 shades, each offering rich color that resists transfer and staining. This means you get an impressive finish and easy blendability with or without a brush.

Easiest to blend: Juvia’s Place The Coffee Shop Palette

Why it’s worth it: “Juvia’s Place has the richest pigment benefits you can find at drugstore prices,” says Royce. And the Coffee Shop Palette is proof of that. A range of 16 breads in matte and sparkly hues, inspired by your favorite cafe drinks, blended together like a dream. Really, all it takes is a few swipes. The color changes with impressive intensity from pan to lid. Just one swipe of mascara and you’re ready to go.

Best color options: Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette

Why it’s worth it: When you’re ready to play with color, check out our New York City-based makeup artist Alexa Persico Nyx Professional Makeup says it excels at creating thoughtful color stories with the ultimate shadow palette. “Warm neutrals and jewel tones are easy to layer, allowing for glamorous or soft-focus looks,” she explains. Take I Know That’s Bright, for example, the combination of bright purple and sparkly red is ideal for those who love experimenting. Prefer something more subtle? Warm neutrals offer the same smooth blendability in an easy-to-use everyday palette.

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FAQ

What is the difference between drugstore eyeshadow and luxury brand eyeshadow?

“The main differences between drugstore eyeshadow and high-end eyeshadow usually come down to pigment purification, wear time, and packaging,” says Roys. “But brands like Juvia’s Place are proving that drugstore formulas can perform just as well as luxury products.” In fact, many makeup artists often reach for drugstore shadows first. “Today’s drugstore formulas make a huge difference to your everyday look, especially mattes and basic shimmer tones,” says Persico. She also points out that they tend to offer a more accessible color range for beginners and great quality at an affordable price point, which can make experimentation feel low-risk. “To be honest, in many cases the average person doesn’t notice much of a difference in their daily wear, especially if they’re using a good eye primer and the right brush,” Persico adds.

How do I choose the best eyeshadow at the drugstore?

Jennifer Nam, a New York City-based makeup artist, previously said: allure Powder eyeshadows tend to work best for most people because they blend seamlessly. With the right powder, you can gradually build up the color without creating harsh lines. However, if your eyelids are oily, creamy eyeshadow sticks or liquid formulas may be a better choice. Lisa Aharon, a New York City-based makeup artist, previously said that creams are also a smart choice for mature skin because “creams have a smooth texture and are less likely to set fine lines and wrinkles.” allure. She particularly favors matte finishes, noting that the texture is more forgiving and creates a soft, diffused look.

meet an expert

How to test and review products

Before reviewing makeup, we ask questions about various factors. What ingredients does it contain? Does the brand offer a wide range of comprehensive shades that cover all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for our readers with sensitive skin or contact lens wear? Is it affordable or more than a splurge? Is the packaging consciously designed or is it wasted?

To review the best eyeshadows, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists. This ensures that the testing base spans a variety of skin tones, genders, and skin conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four key categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and comprehensiveness. For more information on what our report includes, please visit our full review process and methodology page.

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After all, can you really say that a skin care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers whose opinions were solicited were those who haven’t yet reached the age of 30? Can you honestly think that a high-end diffuser that has never been tested on curls is worth your hard-earned money? We are proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin colors, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds. That means you can get a fair review of every beauty product in your beauty closet.

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