If you’re looking to have more fun with your eye makeup, why not add some sparkle to it with shimmer eyeshadows? Shimmer eyeshadows contain glitters that reflect the light, adding a touch of shine to your eyes. These eyeshadows are very versatile; they can be used for minimal or bold makeup looks. Add just a touch of beige shimmer for a subtle highlight, or choose full-on glitter for a glam look!
To make it easier for you, we’ve rounded up the 10 best shimmer eyeshadows in both bold and natural shades. Too Faced's Chocolate Gold Eyeshadow Palette is our top pick. With this palette, you'll have a ton of options to choose from! Read on to learn about the rest of the shimmer eyeshadows that made it to our list. If you’re looking for more information to help you decide, be sure to go through our buying guide reviewed by a professional makeup artist.
Quick List - Top Shimmer Eyeshadows
Stila
Convenient Liquid Eyeshadow With Minimal Fallout
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
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Table of Contents
Here are a few things to keep in mind before settling on a shimmer eyeshadow. Make sure to pay attention to the formula, shade, and ingredients!
Being familiar with the different eyeshadows forumlas will help you decide on the right one. Shimmer eyeshadows come in powder, liquid, cream, stick, or pigment forms.
Powder eyeshadows are the most common type of formula. Powders are suitable for beginners since they are easy to blend. They are also much more forgiving if you make a mistake; you can easily erase this shadow with a cotton bud without having to start over.
They are also buildable, allowing you to achieve both natural and bold looks. Powder eyeshadows can absorb excess oil, making them an ideal choice if you have oily skin. However, they have fall-out due to their powder formula, and they can break if you drop them.
Powder eyeshadows can come in singles, duos, quads, and palettes. Apply powder eyeshadow with a flat shader brush to help you evenly spread the colors on your eyelid. You can also apply this type of eyeshadow with your finger.
Liquid shimmer shadows usually come in packaging similar to lip gloss. They also have a lipgloss-like consistency. Liquid shadows are highly-pigmented and long-lasting once the product sets.
Liquid eyeshadows may seem intimidating at first, but they are easy to apply. They usually come with a built-in applicator that helps you apply the eyeshadow smoothly and evenly. These are also very slim, making them easy to bring on-the-go.
However, liquid shimmers can dry quickly, so you have to work fast. They also tend to crease easily, especially if you have oily lids.
Cream eyeshadows offer versatile, rich shades that are buildable and blendable. This formula is an excellent alternative to powders since they are more pigmented and last longer.
These usually come in pots and can easily be applied with your fingers, but you can use brushes for a more precise application. However, cream formulas tend to crease, so you have to be mindful of where you place it on your eyelids. You can also avoid creasing by applying a primer beforehand.
This formula also might not be the best to use in warmer weather. These eyeshadows may melt and run throughout the day.
Stick or crayon eyeshadows are very handy and ideal for keeping in your makeup bag for touch-ups throughout the day. They often come in a retractable stick or a pencil-like form that requires sharpening.
These are very easy to apply and go on smoothly. You won't need a brush since the product's tapered tip also allows you to precisely apply your eyeshadow. They are also buildable and blendable.
They are also highly-pigmented, long-lasting, and can even work as eyeliner. However, this type of eyeshadow can break if you press too hard or get rubbed off if you're not careful.
Eyeshadow pigments are just powder eyeshadows in a loose form. Professional artists and makeup enthusiasts often use these to create bold and creative looks. This powder is highly pigmented, allowing you to achieve vibrant colors with just one layer.
However, you will need a primer for the pigment to adhere to your eyelids. You also have to wet your brush before applying pigment eyeshadows. Moreover, this formula can be a bit tricky and messy to apply. It can even be drying, so it's not the best choice if you have dry skin.
There aren't strict rules when it comes to eyeshadow colors. You can wear any shade you feel like wearing! But if you're looking for an eyeshadow that makes your eyes pop and suits your style, here are some things to keep in mind.
If your eyes are blue or gray, opt for copper, bronze, or red-orange shades to make your eyes stand out. It might be best to avoid shades that are similar to your eye color. Shades like these can make your eyes look tired and dull.
If you have light brown or hazel eyes, you can wear almost any color. But if you want to brighten and highlight your eyes, go for gold, bronze, brown, and green shades.
For people with green eyes, red and purple hues can brighten and highlight your eyes' gold notes. Darker and deep brown eyes can also go for any shade, but darker shades like navy, burgundy, and dark green can help make your eyes pop.
If you're going for a more casual outfit and makeup look, stick with shimmer shades in neutral and nude tones. You can also opt to lightly apply shimmer shadows on top of nude eyeshadow for a little sparkle.
But if you want smokey eyes, darker shimmer shadows, like taupe or dark brown, are a good option. For a softer smokey eye look, bronze and rose shades are the way to go.
For parties or night looks, try bold and vibrant shimmer shadows like reds, blues, and yellows. You can also combine matte eye shadows with shimmer ones to create your own shades.
Makeup is supposed to be fun, and there are no rules. If you love a bright pink eyeshadow to match your pink shoes, it can make your look fun and vibrant. In the end, makeup should make you feel good and confident. Wear whatever colors make you happy.
You can easily coordinate your eyeshadows with what you are wearing, whether it be neutral tones or bright colors. You can simply add a blush color to the eye and pair it with your blush-toned purse. If you are wearing all black, it can be fun to make your eyes pop with some color. And it's always fun to match your shimmer shade to your jewelry, like with a gold necklace.
If you can't decide on a single shade, you can always go for shimmer eyeshadows in palettes. Eyeshadow palettes house multiple shades and give you more options, allowing you to play with different eye makeup looks.
You can always opt for makeup palettes with three to six shades. These are perfect for beginners and if you're looking for something to bring on-the-go. You can easily fit this palette in your makeup kit.
There are also palettes with more shades, allowing you to create more makeup looks. However, these palettes can be challenging to keep in your makeup kit. These are great to use and store at home.
Either way, shimmer eyeshadow palettes are convenient since you'll have many shades in one compact than many single ones. Plus, these palettes usually come with matte or transition shades.
Eyeshadows aren't harmful to most people. Still, it's essential to be mindful of specific ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin and eyes. Some chemicals and ingredients to look out for are sulfates, fragrances, and synthetic dyes.
Sulfates can cause irritation and dryness, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. It strips away the natural oils from the eyelids, causing them to dry up even more.
Some other ingredients to watch out for if you have sensitive skin are fragrance and synthetic dyes. It's better to avoid eyeshadows with these products because they can cause allergies and irritation in some people.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Too Faced Chocolate Gold Eyeshadow Palette | ![]() | Create a Variety of Looks With Rich Shimmers | |
2 | Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow | ![]() | Convenient Liquid Eyeshadow With Minimal Fallout | |
3 | Lancôme Le Monochromatique Eyeshadow and Highlighter | ![]() | Three-in-One Shimmer Eyeshadow With Vitamin E | |
4 | Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow | ![]() | Versatile and Easy-to-Apply Cream Shimmer Eyeshadow | |
5 | Artist Couture Diamond Lights Finisher | ![]() | Highly-Pigmented and Versatile Loose Shimmer Eyeshadow | |
6 | Julep Eyeshadow 101 | ![]() | Eyeshadow Stick Great for Taking On-the-Go | |
7 | Anastasia Beverly Hills Eye Shadow Singles | ![]() | Powder Shimmer Eyeshadows for Oily Lids | |
8 | Laura Mercier Caviar Chrome Veil Liquid Eye Shadow | ![]() | Smudge- and Crease-Resistant Liquid Shimmer Eyeshadow | |
9 | Urban Decay Cosmetics Stoned Vibes Eyeshadow Palette | ![]() | Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette With 12 Highly-Pigmented Shades and a Brush | |
10 | L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Shadow | ![]() | Waterproof Eyeshadow That Won't Budge |
This eyeshadow palette features soft and velvety shimmer, metallic, and matte shades that will allow you to create all kinds of looks. All of these shades have Too Faced's signature chocolate scent, too. The shimmer shadows are made with real gold to give you a high-shine finish.
However, some reviewers noted that there was quite a bit of fall-out with the eyeshadows. So, it might be useful to use a primer before application. Still, most reviewers loved the eyeshadows for their buttery formula and rich pigmentation. They also liked that the cute packaging comes with a handy mirror.
Stila's liquid shimmery eyeshadow is water-infused and lightweight, locking in all the shimmer. It also has a wand that makes application even easier. It's perfect for high-shine daytime and nighttime looks!
Some reviewers were disappointed that theirs dried out quickly. To avoid this, keep the lid on tight. Even so, most of the reviewers loved the eyeshadow's blendability. They also like how easy it is to take on the go since you can use your fingers to blend it. Many also were surprised that it doesn't create a lot of fall-out.
This cream to powder shimmer eyeshadow is infused with vitamin E to soften and nourish your skin. You can also use it on your cheeks and lips. This three-in-one product is perfect for beginners and those who are always on the go.
A few reviewers noticed that the product creases easily, especially if you have oily skin. Some also wished it was more pigmented. Nevertheless, most reviewers liked that it's multipurpose and gives them a natural glow. They especially liked using this to attain monochromatic looks.
This eyeshadow uses micro-glitter and multi-faceted pigments to create a striking shine. The cream formula dries to a smooth finish, making it comfortable to wear throughout the day. It comes in a range of rosy pink and neutral shades for a sophisticated, romantic look.
However, some reviewers experienced fall-out, leaving glitter everywhere. Some suggested applying primer before the eyeshadow. Other than that, most reviewers loved how it doesn't crease a lot and stays put throughout the day. They also liked how easy it is to apply.
If you like creative and bold looks, this loose shimmer eyeshadow might be for you! Although it takes practice to master, this loose eyeshadow will give you a unique and shiny finish. A little goes a long way, too.
These are formulated with loose pearls wrapped in silicone oil, making them adhere well to the skin. You can also use this loose eyeshadow as body glitter or highlighter.
However, some reviewers hard time applying the glitter. It's important to note that you need a primer for this to work well. Still, most reviewers liked how it's very pigmented and long-lasting. Most of them said it's perfect for parties and festivals to elevate their outfits.
This handy eyeshadow stick has a waterproof and creamy formula that you can quickly put on without the need for brushes. It also features a smudger on the other end to help you blend. Plus, it is enriched with vitamins C and E to nourish your skin.
Some reviewers said that the product is not as pigmented as they'd like. They also noted that the eyeshadow stick can get mushy, especially when exposed to heat. However, reviewers loved its convenience and long-lasting power. They liked how easy it is to apply, too!
If you have oily lids, Anastasia Beverly Hills' powder eyeshadow might be the way to go. Plus, you can create a custom palette with shades you know you'll use. The product's formula is highly-pigmented and buildable.
However, some reviewers expected more pigment. Others suggested using a wet eyeshadow brush for maximum pigmentation. Overall, most reviewers were happy with its blendability and smooth finish.
This liquid eyeshadow is water-based and lightweight, but it still gives you a high-shimmer look. The formula is buildable from sheer to medium coverage. Plus, it is smudge- and crease-resistant.
However, some reviewers found the application patchy and not as pigmented as they want it to be. Nevertheless, many reviewers loved that it's easy it is to apply and dries quickly. They also liked using it on top of powder or cream eyeshadows for added sparkle.
Urban Decay's Stoned Vibes eyeshadow palette comes in a compact packaging, including a built-in mirror and a useful dual-ended eyeshadow brush to help you with the application.
This palette has eight high-shine shades and four matte shades to help you achieve a full makeup look. Each shade in this product is infused with tourmaline for high staying power.
Reviewers were impressed with the shimmer shades but wished the matte shades were more pigmented. Still, most reviewers liked how versatile the shadows were. They said that the shades worked well together and let them achieve both natural and bold looks.
This eyeshadow is waterproof, long-lasting, highly-pigmented, and buildable. It has a powder-cream formula that feels comfortable to wear. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of colors, so you can achieve natural or bold looks.
Most reviewers liked its smooth, buttery consistency, saying it doesn't budge or crease after a long day. They also appreciated the intense color payoff and easy application. Some even used it as a highlighter, too.
Lurella Shimmer Eyeshadows are my all-time favorite shimmers because they add a pop to the eye that makes them appear brighter and larger. What I really am obsessed with by this brand is these Diamond shadows. I recently found these dimensional shimmers at a makeup artist convention, and I fell in love with them.
It is a loose pigment that can be blended for a smokey eye or is buildable for a precise application, making the eye pop. These products have a creamy feeling, but you will experience fallout. To prevent fallout, use a finger application or a flat brush to pick up the most product and pack the shimmer onto the lid.
They have also liquid eyeshadows that give off a metallic pop. Their liquid eyeshadows don't dry out too fast and are very easy to blend or create a sharp cut crease.
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Natalya also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about shimmer eyeshadow.
"You can have a lot of fun when it comes to shimmer eyeshadow," Natalya says. "You can create a cut crease look with shimmer, a shimmer smokey eye, or a halo eye. A cut crease is a makeup look that makes the eyes look more defined for a dramatic look. Apply shimmer eyeshadow starting from the inner corner of the eye to the center of the eye, creating a harsh line where the crease shadow is. It is used to 'cut' the crease of your lid.
A smokey shimmer eyeshadow look would be considered a natural smokey eye. Shimmer is applied on the lid but blended upwards with the crease colors to create a subtle blend of the two. A halo eyeshadow look creates a spotlight on the center of the lid and is only placed and blended on the center of the eye. This look gives the illusion of larger eyes."
"Shimmer eyeshadows run the risk of fallout under the eyes, making them seem difficult to apply for some," Natalya explains. "The best way to prevent fallout is to prime the eye first with an eyeshadow primer or concealer. This creates a base for the shimmer shadow to stick.
It might be best to start your makeup with the eyes before your foundation. You can go in with a finger application to pick up more product. The natural oils in your fingers pick up the shimmer easiest and blend smoothly onto the eye. If you find that the shimmer is not picking up on your flat shimmer brush, you can use your setting spray to wet the brush to pick up the product more easily.
Focus on where you want your eye to pop and create the eyeshadow look you want. The inner tear duct is normally where you should begin your shimmer application unless you are creating a halo eyeshadow look. Starting shimmer application from the inner corner will open the eye and make the eyes appear brighter."
Natalya says, "You can make any and every shimmer eyeshadow pop, but if you want to make the shimmer pop, you need a primer to prep the eyelids. To make shimmer eyeshadow more pigmented and brighter, build the product up by using patting positions on the eye. You can slowly build the product up by adding multiple layers.
If you want an intense color or shimmer, pack on the product instead of swiping it. If you are working with a cream base shimmer, it can give that pop, but you can then go over the cream with a powder shimmer. The cream base shimmer picks up the powder shimmer and packs on the product.
Any shimmer can be picked up using a finger, and it will give you a heavier, more pigmented look. Using a flat brush to apply the shimmer will give you more product while a fluffy brush would give you a smokey look."
Ready to create your own unique eye makeup? Try some of our favorite eyeshadows and eyeliners!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Too Faced|Chocolate Gold Eyeshadow Palette
No. 2: Stila |Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
No. 3: Lancôme |Le Monochromatique Eyeshadow and Highlighter
No. 4: Hourglass |Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow
No. 5: Artist Couture |Diamond Lights Finisher
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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