Types Of Eyeshadow – How To Choose The Right One

Those of us, who are down toward eyeshadow fans only know how fun it is to play with various eyeshadow colors and textures. However, it can take time to decipher the various eyeshadow styles available due to the ever-changing nature of the cosmetic market and the sheer number of products available. Knowing where to start when shopping for makeup can be challenging because of all the different textures and formulations available.

Eye makeup items, like your foundation, mascara, eyeliner, and, most importantly, eyeshadow palette, should be carefully selected for optimal results. While shopping for an eyeshadow palette, there are a few key factors to keep in mind, which we’ll go over in detail here. Let’s go right in.

WHAT IS AN EYESHADOW?

Eyeshadow is a colored cream or powder-formed cosmetic applied on the eyelids area of the eyes. It helps create shadows on the eyes with different colors. With Eyeshadow, you can alter the shape of your eyes or add depth and change the dimension of your eyes. Eyeshadow also helps complement your eye color and create a cut crease. Most importantly, Eyeshadow can make your eyes attractive and helps draw attention to the eyes.

WHAT EYESHADOW IS USUALLY MADE OF

Eyeshadow mainly has four types of ingredients. They are binders, base fillers, slip, and preservatives.

• BASE FILLERS –

The base filler’s job is to give the eyeshadow its texture and regulate the coverage, thickness, and compressibility. There are primarily three kinds of base fillers used in eyeshadow: Kaolin clay, Mica & Talc.

When the soft mineral talc is extracted from the ground, it is processed into a powder through crushing and milling. That said, there is a catch. The process utilizes only the finest quality talc available. Mica is mined from schist, a metamorphic rock. Wetness is easily absorbed by the mica. It adds luster to the shadow, too. Also, Kaolin Clay can be used to add color to eyeshadow.

• BINDERS – 

Binders help eyeshadow stay attached to the skin. Binders are made of zinc and magnesium. Magnesium and Zinc are both white powders. Zinc is a skin protectant; it can add color and increase the thickness of eyeshadow. Zinc can be found almost everywhere, and it is mined underground. Magnesium, on the other hand, is absorbent, a pH adjuster, and a bulking agent. It is obtained by electrolysis of brine magnesium salts.

• SLIP – 

Slip helps the eyeshadow to blend on the skin easily without crumbling up. The two most famous elements used in the slip are silica and nylon. Silica is found in some rocks, and nylon is an artificial fiber.

• PRESERVATIVES – 

Preservatives save the product from bacteria and help to increase the shelf life. Glycol and Tocopherol are the most commonly used preservatives in eyeshadows. Preservatives play a very crucial role in keeping the product usable.

TYPES OF EYESHADOW

From natural to dramatic, eyeshadow finishes can alter the eyes’ appearance. Here are some popular eyeshadow finishes.

LIQUID EYESHADOW

I have seen a lot of people who think Liquid Eyeshadows are only for PROS. If you’re one of such people, I will ask you to think again since unlike Liquid Eyeliners application of Liquid Eyeshadow is much easier and more convenient.

Generally, liquid eyeshadow comes in a tube or the same sort of package as lip gloss. The liquid eyeshadow set includes an elegant tube and a soft applicator.

For those of you who are beginners or starting off your Eyeshadow journey, Liquid Eyeshadow can be a great weapon for your Eye shadow game. Because these eyeshadows are extremely helpful for the eyeshadow base & help to keep the pigment and increase the vibrancy.

However, if you’re someone who has an oily eyelid. In that case, we suggest you stay away from Liquid Eyeshadow since this sort of eyeshadow tends to crease more easily and quickly compared to cream eyeshadows.

Liquid Eyeshadows usually dry pretty fast. Thereby to, mastering liquid eyeshadows practicing will come in handy. You can use the wand that comes with a liquid liner or a thin, precise liner brush to apply the product directly to your eyelids.

Finally, Liquid Eyeshadows are super handy for creating a vibrant Winged Eye look. 

CANDIDATURE	Beginners
BEST FOR	1. Eyeshadow Base 2. Winged Eye Look
AVOID	If you have Oily Eyelid
APPLICATION	Easy & Convenient
DRY-UP TIME	Very Fast

CREAM EYESHADOW

Cream eyeshadow is marketed to be long-lasting. It comes in cream form. And usually, they are available in the market in a pot. However, these days you can find cream eyeshadows in a tube or in the sticks, even in a pan, and all of these are fairly easy to use. Most people love cream eyeshadow because of its shimmery finish.

The best part of cream eyeshadow is it blends so smoothly even you can combine more than one color of eyeshadow of this form to make the look more dramatic! 

Large synthetic shader brushes are ideal for applying this eyeshadow because they allow you to pick up a lot of product at once and pack it densely onto your lids without much effort. When using a cream eyeshadow, many people prefer. But we suggest you not since the oils and the heat generated from your fingertips might be one reason for your eyeshadow creasing.

There is a drawback, however, that it can easily melt down if the weather is too hot since cream Eyeshadows are generally not waterproofed. So if the weather is too hot, you should avoid using it on that particular day. And apart from that, it’s an excellent eyeshadow type.

POWDER EYESHADOW

Powder Eyeshadow is undoubtedly one of the most popular and demanding eyeshadows. Easy and convenient blend-ability is probably the biggest reason behind its high demand and popularity. 

The vast majority of eyeshadow powders are sold in compact pans that can be arranged in a palette; these shadows may be part of a premade set (such as a duo or quad) or sold separately as single pigments.

Powder Eyeshadow’s versatility in finishing is beyond imagination. It can be matte, satin or shimmery, etc. If you are planning on creating a dramatic party look or evening look. In that case, you can opt for shimmery powder eyeshadow. If you want a look for your daily use. In that case, you can choose matte powder eyeshadow, or if you want a smooth satin finish, you can surely buy one of the Sating powder eyeshadow.

CANDIDATURE	Almost anyone with good blending skills.
BEST FOR	Any type of makeup look.
AVOID	If you don’t know how to blend well or don’t have many brush options.
APPLICATION	Moderately easy. Requires fluffy brushes and sponges.
LAYERING POSSIBILITIES	Goes perfectly with cream eyeshadows.

Powder eyeshadow comes in three forms: loose form, baked form, and pressed form.

PRESSED POWDER EYESHADOW

The pressed powder eyeshadow can come in single or multiple colors. You can use a light shade in dry form, but if you want high intensity, wet the formula a bit and then apply it. It can be applied with fingers, sponge tip, or brush.

LOOSE POWDER EYESHADOW

Loose powder eyeshadow comes in loose form. It is preferable to an advanced makeup artist. This type of eyeshadow is finely pigmented.

Also, the one that contains some glitter and shimmer falls in this category. Use a soft, fluffy brush for optimal results. If you want to make a gorgeous look, you should go for this one.

 But if you have very dry skin, I recommend avoiding using this form of eyeshadow coz this can cause more dryness to your eyelid.

BAKED POWDER EYESHADOW

Baked powder eyeshadow is pretty much like pressed powder eyeshadow. The only real distinction is that it originated in France due to a baking process. What makes it unique is its less tendency to cause any breakage when you drop the eyeshadow. Also, this form of eyeshadow blends very easily.

LOOSE GLITTER EYESHADOW

We all have those days when we want to give our eye makeup extra glam and make it more dramatic, so here comes our savior for those days: loose glitter eyeshadow!

Loose glitter eyeshadow is impressively pigmented. It contains little particles of glitter. You must put a little eyeshadow primer or concealer on your eyelids before applying the loose glitter eyeshadow. That’s how the loose glitter eyeshadow will get its necessary tacky base to adhere to. Also, before applying the product to your brush, spray it with a setting spray for a more vibrant color payoff.

To apply loose glitter eyeshadow, you will require a flat brush. The application process for loose glitter eyeshadow is pretty simple.

CANDIDATURE	Anyone with stable hands.
BEST FOR	The glammed-up eye looks.
AVOID	If you don’t have glitter glues or eyeshadow primer.
APPLICATION	Very easy. Just needs a flat brush.
LAYERING POSSIBILITIES	The same or dark-colored base ensures more color payoff.

CRAYON EYESHADOW

If you want to carry eyeshadow but don’t want any hustle, crayon eyeshadow is undoubtedly the one for you. It comes in a stick and is very easy to carry. Crayon eyeshadow blends easily, and it is almost like a pen, so the application is straightforward.

Moreover, crayon eyeshadows are formulated to be long-lasting. If you don’t have an oil eyelid, you can easily expect crayon eyeshadow to serve you for at least 24 hours.

Crayon eyeshadows are a complete win, especially for those who want an easy & convenient application of eyeshadow on lower eyelids.

CANDIDATURE	Beginners to Pros.
BEST FOR	Reapplying throughout the day
AVOID	If you have oily skin.
APPLICATION	Easiest. Can be applied without an applicator.
DURATION	Up To 24 hours on normal-dry skin.

TYPES OF EYESHADOW FINISH

Let’s speak about the various tones of eyeshadow as we are now acquainted with different kinds of eyeshadow. Because in order to select a specific eyeshadow palette or style, you need to know about various finishes and how these can incredibly make or change the way you look with your eyeshadow.

Different looks demand different colors with different textures. For example – for a simple day look, you should never pick an eyeshadow of shimmery texture; at the same time, if you’re heading towards a party, matte texture is the last one you should choose.

MATTE

If you love a simple look, a matte finish is just for you! Matte eyeshadow doesn’t have any shimmer in it. Also, it has neither shine nor sparkles or glitters. It’s great for everyday eye makeup and works well as a base color for contouring. Applying additional eyeshadow finishes and textures on top of matte makeup can help you achieve a stunning three-dimensional effect. Matte eyeshadow has a lot of colors, so you can use it to change how your eyes look. Moreover, regardless of how many times you use a matte finish never gives off an over-abundant eye makeup look.

If you are new to using eyeshadow, it can be challenging to start with a matte finish because sometimes it needs to blend smoothly. But it varies from brand to brand. Some brands’ matte textured eyeshadow also blends perfectly. So before buying, use the tester, and you are good to go! When compared to other eye shadows, matte eye shadows frequently have the disadvantage of being drier, chunkier, or powdery than others.

SHIMMER

Shimmer eyeshadow gives you sheer coverage with a subtle shine making your eyes look more sparkling and brighter. Simmer eyeshadows usually have a satin base, although when compared, they are a lot shinier than the satin eyeshadow texture.

My night makeup look is only complete with shimmer finish eyeshadow. You can use it in daylight also. The best part of shimmery eyeshadow is that you can mix it with other eyeshadows to make a wow factor look.

Most pressed eyeshadow palettes these days include both matte and shimmer shades, allowing you to customize the intensity of your look by mixing and matching.

SATIN

If you’re looking for an eyeshadow finish that is neither matte nor shimmery in texture but rather in between, a satin eyeshadow finish is undoubtedly for them. Satin eyeshadows aren’t as shiny as shimmer shadows but still have a subtle sheen that makes them stand out. Also, the satin finish doesn’t have a drying effect on the skin like the matte finish. Satin eyeshadow finishes are versatile in color and can be used for everyday use.

The best part of satin is that it blends smoothly and is excellent for all skin types and all age ranges. Specifically, Satin eyeshadows are great for aged skin. It works great as a transition color.

You can use this type of eyeshadow to have a simple, soft, bright look.

METALLIC

Metallic eyeshadow finish generally resembles metal like gold, silver, copper, bronze, etc. These shadows have a highly reflecting quality, contributing to the dramatic impact. Metallic eyeshadows can be used to create a natural doe-eyed look.

Typically metallic eyeshadow finish goes well with darker skin tones and is best for creating a bolder look on young eyes. If you have mature skin or wrinkles, you should not apply metallic ones because they tend to settle on the skin.

FROST

Frost finish tends to give coverage with a white or silver sparkle. This type of eyeshadow may remind you of the ’90s makeup tradition. Frosted textured eyeshadow has tiny shimmer particles. That’s why it gives you a metallic to shimmery finish but not glittery.

It comes in pastel hues and is very vibrant. For its sinking effect, it goes better with young skins than mature ones.

GLITTER

This one contains pure glitter particles that help you to get your desired gorgeous look. It demands a tacky base to work well. Glitter eyeshadows are incredibly effective both on their own and when combined with matte eyeshadows because of their versatility. It also works most effectively when combined with an eyeshadow primer or a cream-based eyeshadow.

Glitter-textured eyeshadow gives off an intense look, which goes well with late-night parties or maybe when going to a disco. You can also use this glittery loose powder eyeshadow on your cheeks, lips, or even nails.

Since applying glitter eyeshadows might be challenging, you should have some Scotch tape nearby to gather up any fallouts or excess glitter. Finally, a glittery eyeshadow finish should be avoided on matured skin.

NEON

Neon textured eyeshadow goes best with night outs and themed parties. These eyeshadow textures are trendy among young people. This one contains vivid colors that glow in the dark. So you get the chance to play around with your looks with neon textured eyeshadow.

LUSTER

The luster finish contains particles that have a very subtle shine. It provides a glittering impression to your eyes and assists you in achieving an intense appearance. This one has the propensity to settle into lines and creases. Eyeshadows with a lustrous sheen are best avoided by people with mature skin types.

CHANGING COLORS

These kinds of eyeshadow change colors with the angle of the lights. Color-changing eyeshadows generally come in liquid form. And has the ability to provide a dramatic, intense look, so you can try it out for themed parties or night parties.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT EYESHADOW PALETTE

What’s really important to do before investing in an eyeshadow palette is to know which one should be best for you. The eyeshadow palette that you want to buy should be versatile. It should have some shimmers, some glitters, and some mattes in them. It must have to be pigmented, easy to blend, compact in terms of packaging, easy to travel with, and if there is a mirror in that, that is the cherry on top!

There are various types of eyeshadows out there, which may confuse you. But don’t worry because I am here to share all the tricks and steps that will help you buy the perfect shadow palette. So let’s go!

STEP 1: EXPERTISE LEVEL

• BEGINNER – If you are starting off, a neutral-toned eyeshadow palette is a good choice because it will help you master the basics.

• EXPERT – Professionals can try out any shade they choose. Still, it’s essential to consider where you’ll be and what you’ll be wearing to ensure the best possible eyeshadow match. Try your best to get a flexible one.

STEP 2: SKIN UNDERTONE MATTERS

You must choose eyeshadow based on your undertone. You should know if you have a cool undertone, a warm undertone, or a neutral one. After knowing your undertone, you can buy an eyeshadow palette with colors that will compliment your undertone.

• COOL SKIN UNDERTONE – You have a cool undertone if your complexion is more blue or pink. So if you have a cool undertone, buy a palette that contains blue, green, and purple. 

• WARM SKIN UNDERTONE – If your skin is more yellow, peach, or golden, you have what’s known as a warm undertone. As you have a warm undertone, you should buy a palate with colors like gold, orange, and red.

• NEUTRAL SKIN UNDERTONE –  Lastly, you have a neutral undertone if your skin doesn’t fit in these two types. You can choose warm and cool shades for your neutral under-toned skin. 

STEP 3: SKIN TONE IS CRUCIAL 

Besides complementing your skin undertone, you must also consider your skin tone while purchasing an eyeshadow palette.

• FAIR SKIN TONE – Sheer and soft colors, such as taupe, cool pink, or pale green, complement the fair skin tone. While contouring your eyes choose an eyeshadow that is not significantly darker than your skin tone so that it doesn’t overwhelm the rest of your face. 

If you have a fair skin tone, avoid highly pigmented eyeshadow, it doesn’t go well with a fair skin tone. I would not suggest smokey eyes as they don’t compliment the rest of your face. 

• MEDIUM SKIN TONE –  Maximum eyeshadow goes well with a medium skin tone. Neutral colors make eyes simple and elegant which compliments the daily look. And for an intense look, you can try smokey eyes also some darker shades!

So if you have a medium skin tone, you should go for a palette with a balanced mixture of light and dark colors.

• DARK SKIN TONE – Brighter colors go well with dark skin tones. Soft shades like ash and white may make eyes look faded, so avoiding soft shades on dark skin tones is better. 

However, if you want to draw attention to your appearance, a warm-pigmented tone like metallic gold or purple will help.

STEP 4: EYE COLOR MATTERS

Different shades of eyeshadows compliment different eye colors. So while purchasing an eyeshadow palette, you should consider those palates which contain colors that compliment your eye color besides your skin tone. 

• BLACK or BROWN EYES – Black or brown eyes are one of the most common eye colors. Rich jewel tones such as burgundy complement this eye color best. 

Besides this, you can also choose palates with warm browns. Since warm browns can help you establish a more neutral eye look. Lastly, if you want a dramatic look, go for palates with a navy blue shade.

• BLUE EYES – An interesting fact about blue eyes is that the shade of your eyeshadow can change the color your eyes appear! 

For example – Purple or lavender color can make your blue eyes turn gray-blue. In contrast, rust-colored eyeshadow can make your blue eyes sparkle. Remember to try the smokey eye look, which compliments blue eyes greatly.

• GREEN EYES – Mustard or peach-colored eye shadow goes well with green eyes. It makes your eyes look brighter. If you’re looking forward to highlighting your eyes with eyeshadow, you can use gold color. For an intense look, try a chocolate color shade. 

STEP 5: SEARCH FOR THE BEST PRICED

There are eyeshadow palettes on the market today that cost more than $200; also, you will find eyeshadow palettes that cost less than $10. Putting a lot for one eyeshadow palette might only be worth it sometimes. So try to fix a range for eyeshadow and then find the best one. That’s how you might save your money from being wasted.  

I often ask a few of my beauty-obsessed friends for advice about makeup stuff; trust me, it always works out. Finding reliable feedback from the plethora of online reviews can take time and effort. So you can do that too.

You always don’t need to go for the best demanding brand in the market. Some underrated brands provide good quality eyeshadow palettes in the low range. 

STEP 6: QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

So I can clearly recall my college time when I had to pay for a student loan, accommodation, travel costs, and whatnot. At that time, I was more focused on acquiring as many palettes of different shades as cheaply as possible. However, it took only a short time for me to understand that those cheap eyeshadow palettes were not even worthy.

These days, you will find palettes with many shades, but these palettes might only sometimes provide better pigmentation. So, as a result, you will be bored and irritated in a very short time. Always remember, you might not need a big eyeshadow palate but a good one so you can use it for a long time. Thereby, opting for a quality full eyeshadow Palette is always recommended.

STEP 7: EMPHASIZE ON PALETTE VERSATILITY.

Your eyeshadow palette can be much more than just an eyeshadow palette if you pay attention to the color combination and how to use it properly. Say you bought a shadow palette with black or dark brown shades; then you can also use these colors as an eyeliner! You will need an eyeliner brush. That’s it! 

Then if your palette has pinkish shades, you can use them as blush! Even you can use eyeshadows as a highlighter if you have the right shade on your palette. So before buying your palette, consider its versatility.

STEP 8: PAY ATTENTION TO THE LABELS

We apply eyeshadow directly on our eyelids, which is a sensitive area. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the labeling. It will have a POA (period after opening) symbol and strictly maintain it to avoid complications. It will show you how many months after opening the eyeshadow palette, you can use it. Usually, eyeshadow palettes are expected to last from 6 months to 12 months. However, many other factors matter to the shelf life of an eyeshadow palette.

Besides checking the product’s shelf life, you should also check its ingredient list on the label. You should buy a cruelty-free product so that by purchasing that product, the earth doesn’t get harmed!

STEP 9: SELECT THE RIGHT TINT

Eyeshadow tints are generally used to draw highlights around the eyes. Blending tint on your brow bone properly will make your eye makeup more neat and perfect. 

Shadows in matte, metallic, and shimmer finishes go well with tint. Many good brands provide good quality tints; you can buy one. The tint is essential because it will adequately highlight every shade on your eyelids.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Finally, you are equipped with the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision when selecting an eyeshadow palette. You need to follow the steps, and you are good to go! So I hope you can buy the perfect eyeshadow palette for your eyes to get your desired eye makeup. Lastly, don’t forget to experiment with different shades and share with us; try as many new looks as you want with a good eyeshadow palette!
Remember to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, where we share various beauty tips and tricks vetted by industry experts.