Wednesday, November 13, 2024

11 Best Eye Shadow Singles 2024 That Will Become Your Everyday Go-Tos | Tested & Reviewed

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Whether you’re a master of blended eye shadow tones or just want options, period, your first impulse may be to buy a palette over one of the best eye shadow singles. But hear us out: If you know your color theory and what works best for your skin tone, or just have strong feelings about the vibe you’re going for on any given day (Brat green for a GNO? A hint of shimmer to elevate an everyday look? A matte neutral that flies under the radar for a day in the office?), an individual eye shadow helps take the guesswork and much of the layering out of wearing eye makeup.

Our Top Picks

From chromed-out shimmers to matte mainstays, individual eye shadow pots only require a few swipes of your finger or dustings from a makeup brush to fill in your lids to perfection. Here, some of the very best eye shadow singles, according to our editors and a few makeup artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why it’s worth it: Soft neutrals are an easy uniform for the eyes during the daytime hours, and Merit’s Solo matte shadows come in eight shades for minimalists, from a blush-like taupe to a warm green. The cream-to-powder formula helps the colors glide onto skin and settle where they need to, while the peptides in the formula keep it from underscoring your fine lines. Associate manager of special projects Talia Gutierrez is especially fond of this powder dry-down formula since she has oily eyelids and typically has to use setting powder over her shadows.

Talia Gutierrez applying Merit Solo Shadow in Vachetta.

Talia Gutierrez

Gutierrez wearing Merit Solo Shadow in Vachetta.

Talia Gutierrez

Tester feedback: “I’m not great with eye shadow, so I rely on a smudge-and-go technique whenever I feel the urge to add a touch of color and dimension to my eyelids,” Gutierrez says. “The Merit Solo Shadow pods bring a user-friendly, no-brush-needed application approach that’s practically mistake-proof. I use the tip of my index finger and swirl it into the eyeshadow pod to soften and warm up the product before smudging the pigment onto my eyelids.” Gutierrez adds that Vachetta (warm beige and Brun (deep brown) are the perfect combo for an “effortless smoky eye that can be done in seconds.”

Notable ingredients: chamomile and calendula extracts, magnolia bark extract, and peptides | Number of shades: 8

Best Metallic Eye Shadow: Kulfi Zari Eyes

Why it’s worth it: Kulfi’s Zari eye shadow collection is a tightly curated range of five colors—from a unique chartreuse metallic to a bold cranberry with a shimmery finish—that are designed to make your eyes the main event. Infused with ingredients like vitamin E and aloe vera that moisturize your eye area, they’re also stubbornly crease-resistant.

Sarah Han applying Kulfi Zari Eyes eye shadow in Sitara Sparkles.

Sarah Han

Han wearing Kulfi Zari Eyes eye shadow in Sitara Sparkles.

Sarah Han

Tester feedback: “About 99% percent of the time I can’t be bothered to wear more than one eye shadow, but if I’m going to wear shadow, it better be pigmented or shimmery—and Kulfi’s Zari Eyes checks both boxes,” commerce editor Sarah Han says. “And the texture is unlike any other shadows—it starts off as a cream, almost putty-like to the touch, but eventually dries down to a no-budge powder, which is key when you’re waiting 10 minutes in the saunas that are New York City subway stations in the summer.” It’s a true one-swipe wonder, especially for what Han calls the “safer” shades, like Sitara Sparkles, a rose gold with silver flecks. When she’s feeling very daring, however, Han pulls out Disco Dreams, a blue duo-chrome with a light green shift. So radical.

Notable ingredients: vitamin E, chamomile, and aloe vera | Number of shades: 5

Best Glitter Eye Shadow: Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eye Shadow

Urban Decay

24/7 Moondust Eye Shadow

Why it’s worth it: When the occasion calls for glitter, Urban Decay’s 24/7 Moondust vegan eye shadow—dusted with microfine hints of sparkle—delivers. Available in five space-inspired shades, from sheer white to red with green sparkles, the champagne gold Space Cowboy option is a favorite of commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann for its easy application and glossy finish. Han ranks this particular shade equally with Kulfi. “This is my most-reached-for shadow, full stop,” she says. “It literally goes with everything.” As the name implies, this shimmery eye shadow is here for a long time as well as a good time, lasting for hours and hours without smudging or fading.

Sarah Hoffmann applying Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eye Shadow in Space Cowboy.

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann wearing Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eye Shadow in Space Cowboy.

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback: “I’m the ultimate sucker for a shimmery eye shadow topper,” Hoffmann gushes. “You’re telling me I can add bit of sparkle to my eye makeup in literally five seconds and it looks flawless every time? Yes, I will be doing that every chance I get. And as a staunch supporter of mixing metals, the combo of silver glitter and champagne gold in the shade Space Cowboy is to die for.”

Number of shades: 8

Best Powder Eye Shadow: Chanel Ombre Essentielle

Why it’s worth it: Chanel’s all-in-one eye shadow compact has its own mirror so you can check your work in progress for quick touchups on the go. New York City-based makeup artist Jennifer Nam gravitates towards the brand’s low-key neutrals, like the beige and brown colors, though she also likes the ‘Rouge Cuir’ color for a pop of red. It comes with its own foam applicator and double-sided brush so you don’t have to get your fingers messy.

Number of shades: 13

Best Long-Wearing Eye Shadow: MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot

MAC

Pro Longwear Paint Pot

Why it’s worth it: For a more high-impact look, MAC’s longwear paint pots offer crease-free, long-lasting color that holds up even through humidity and moisture. As makeup artist Kristofer Buckle once told us, “You could die wearing MAC Paint Pot pigment, and two years later, there would still be remnants of the product on your lids.” Nam prefers the earthier tones, such as ‘Groundwork’ and ‘Laying Low,’ but will also swipe on ‘Black Mirror’ for a deeply pigmented black shadow. The creaminess of the formula makes it super blendable and easy to work into a winged shape or use to sharply define and line your eyes.

Number of shades: 15

Best Packaging: Half Magic Eye Shadow Single in Blushing Lizard

Half Magic

Eye Shadow Single

Why it’s worth it: Half Magic’s brilliant eye shadow singles come in four different finishes: mattes, metallics, shimmers, and dazzling duochrome colors that have a base color and contrasting reflective details. But the best part is the packaging itself, which is made from a foamy compostable chartreuse material and even uses a magnetic base that allows you to swap out eye shadow pans. TK editor tidbit.

Number of shades: 10

Best Eye Shadow With SPF: Supergoop Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eye Shadow SPF 30

Supergoop

Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eye Shadow SPF 30

Why it’s worth it: It’s always a “nice-to-have” when your makeup has some additional sun protection baked in, though it’s not the only SPF your face should be wearing on a daily basis. For people that are lazy about wearing sunscreen on their eyelids, Supergoop!’s Best of Beauty Award-winning Shimmershade offers an assist. It only comes in two colors—gold and rose gold—but both are blessed with some sweet SPF30 to keep your lids protected and subtly radiant.

Notable ingredients: zinc oxide, sunflower extract, and chamomile extract | Number of shades: 3

Best for a Smoky Eye: Rituel de Fille Ash and Ember Eye Soot

Rituel de Fille

Ash and Ember Eye Soot

Why it’s worth it: To perfect a rich smoky eye with just one pot of eye shadow, you’ll want something deeply pigmented with an intense color payoff, like Rituel de Fille’s eye soots. Los Angeles-based makeup artist Fiona Stiles is a fan of the “unexpected shade range,” from this inky violet color (called Serpent de Mer) to a shimmery chocolate brown. And because they’re made of pure pigments and no waxes, they’re also resistant to melting into your skin.

Number of shades: 7

Best Water-Resistant: Chantecaille Mermaid Eye Color in Copper

Chantecaille

Mermaid Eye Color

Why it’s worth it: On special occasions or nights out where sparkle is the move, this writer always turns to Chantecaille’s water-resistant Mermaid Eye color. The ‘Copper’ color lends a Midas touch to lids whether you’re swiping it over your full lid for a shimmery wash of color, or drawing it thinly along your upper lash line as eyeliner (as I like to do, layered with black liquid eyeliner on top). It’s ultra-creamy, lasts long into the night, and comes in three flattering, glamorous colors.

Notable ingredients: silk tree extract | Number of shades: 3

Best Liquid Eye Shadow: Violette_FR Yeux Paint

Why it’s worth it: For a longwearing, easily spreadable formula that you can swipe on with your fingers, try a liquid formula. For a super pigmented wash of color, Nam loves Violette’s FR Yeux Paint (as does our commerce editor Sarah Han). The doe foot applicator is helpful for dotting just a hint of color on your eyes, then blending with your fingers. Plus, the color payoff from just a little bit of pigment spread across your lids is excellent. The shades, from matte Yves Klein blues (Dieu Blue pictured above) to sparkly purples and pinks, can also be applied with a thin angled brush as an eyeliner.

Number of shades: 15

Best Budget Eye Shadow: Colourpop Supershock Shadow

Colourpop

Supershock Shadow

Why it’s worth it: At $7 a pop, Colourpop’s creamy Supershock shadows deliver high-quality shimmery hues for less than the sale prices of many other options on this list. Available in over a dozen options—from the light periwinkle (Dream Much) seen here, with inflections of pink and silver, to metallic and opalescent white—there are a variety of pretty shades and finishes to choose from. Since they go on a little sheer, they’re also ideal for layering over a base color for extra sparkle, and again, worth a try for accessibility alone.

Number of shades: 14


Frequently Asked Questions

How should people apply individual eye shadows with their fingers?

For single shadows, blending with your fingers versus using a brush is especially encouraged, since you won’t have to get as precise with a single shade as you would layering a number of colors together. Stiles previously told us that she often ditches her brushes in favor of getting her hands dirty. “I use my fingers for shadows all the time, at work and on myself,” she said. “At work, I use them to lay on color in a more concentrated way, and on myself, I use them to create a wash of shadow on the lid.”

On clean skin and with clean hands (give or take some eye primer for added grip), New York City-based makeup artist Yuui Vision has recommended using your ring finger to pick up and apply pigment to the thin skin around your eyes, then blending out the hue with your middle finger. Vision added that you can dab color on the area of your lid where you want to concentrate the pigment, then alternate blending with those two fingers until your look feels complete.

How should people apply eye shadow singles with a brush?

If you prefer more control and precision, using a brush and following the natural shape of your eye can help you buff and smudge your shadow to perfection. Everyone has their go-to makeup bag VIP, and for Nam, one of hers is Chanel’s double-sided eye shadow brush, which includes two retractable brushes (one on both ends). See more of our expert-recommended makeup brush recommendations here.

What are the best single eye shadows for people with oilier or crepier lids?

For people whose lids get as oily as third-day hair by noon, Nam says an eye shadow primer (her favorite is Urban Decay’s Primer Potion) is key. She also recommends switching out your powder eye shadow for a long-lasting liquid eye shadow, stick, or pot. “The best part of using a non-powder eye shadow is that you can easily create a beautiful and fast eye shadow using your fingers,” she says. “Use it alone and swipe on your favorite mascara.”

Meanwhile, cream shadows are your best bet for mature skin, according to several makeup artists we’ve consulted in the past. “They have a smoother texture and are less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles,” New York City-based makeup artist Lisa Aharon previously explained. And while cream eye shadows come in multiple finishes, both Aharon and Katy Holland (a makeup artist at Boom! Beauty) recommend matte formulas because of the soft and diffused look they provide that helps to smooth over the look of fine lines.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best undereye concealers, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.


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