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Mascaras and eyeliner play an active role in defining your eyes. However, eyeshadow will bring even more character to your eyes. It is one of the cosmetic products that is applied on the eyelids for bringing attention to the eyes. The primary goal is to let your eyes stand out, so you want to apply a shade that will complement the color of your eyes. In addition, eyeshadow also makes your eyes look bigger and provides dimension and depth to your eyes. On the market, there are many different varieties of shades you can purchase, and it can be difficult to find the right one. For the perfect eyeshadow compact in 2024, consider buying any of the following products we've listed below, and check out our buyer's guide that will help you make the right decision.
Our Picks of the Hottest Eyeshadow Compacts of 2024
stila Eye Shadow Compact — Best Overall
Key Features
- The shade will not get wet or dry due to the unique, high-quality formulation
- You will get twelve individually-pressed eyeshadows
- You get metallic and matte shades in one compact
- The high-intensity formula will provide rich and smooth colors
In this compact, you will get twelve different shades of eyeshadow. Out of twelve, six are modern matte, and the remaining shades are mega metallic. They are made with a quality formula and texture that will not dry out or feel too wet.
You will get shades ranging from classics and neutrals to bright trendy shades available in shimmers and mattes. This product is widely used by makeup artists and beauty editors as they are of the highest quality. You can easily apply these shadows with a soft makeup brush for a beautiful look.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Compact — Best Value for Money
Key Features
- A new pigment infusion system holds the color properly for best results
- The blend of quality ingredients lets color weave via eyeshadow formula
- It is available in a bronze shade that will be offering a shimmering finish
- The color of the eyeshadow is rich and has a velvety texture
This compact uses a brand-new formula that consists of the pigment fusion system. The system acts as a vehicle for color that will hold the pigment tightly and provide the right formula for the needed glide. The use of the ingredients enables color to weave itself via an eyeshadow formula.
The shade you get is the cool bronze that will be offering you a shimmery finish. Furthermore, it can blend well with other shades and provide rich color with a velvety texture on your skin.
Revlon Eyeshadow Compact — Premium Quality
Key Features
- Long-wearing color that will be rich and it will last for 16 hours
- The color palettes will be providing rich and ultra-soft makeup looks for the eyes
- The dual-ended brush will make the application easy for a smooth look
- You can use these shades for night and day usage
This 16-hour eyeshadow quad is the perfect color-coordinated palette for your beautiful eyes. The shadow blends perfectly, and you can wear it for up to 16 hours without worry.
The eyeshadow will not cause any irritation on the skin, and it is ophthalmologist tested. The four colors included in the compact have been selected because they can be mixed and matched to create a variety of cohesive makeup looks. Moreover, this shadow will not smudge, crease, or fade.
CATKIN Eyeshadow Compact — Best Buy
Key Features
- You will get 12 universally flattering earth and warm tone shades for use
- Glittery eyeshadow palettes are rich in pigment, which develops different styles
- It has an anti-sweat feature and offers a velvety texture for all-day eye makeup
- Ideal for beginners as it blends well and is easy to apply
This is a waterproof and long-lasting eyeshadow palette that will give you the perfect look for the entire day. There are eleven color combinations that will allow you to make both natural looks for the day and more glamorous looks for the night.
The individual shades will blend perfectly for the best results. Inside the lid is a mirror, so you can take this palette with you and do your makeup on the go.
jane iredale Eyeshadow Compact — Good Choice
Key Features
- You can apply it wet or dry using a damped liner brush
- Pine Bark and Pomegranate extract end irritation and soothe skin, respectively
- You can easily blend it well, and it will stay crease-free
- Enhance the shape and color of an eye with high-pigmented eyeshadow
The lightly diffused and highly pigmented color of this eyeshadow will let you shape your eyes. You can conveniently blend it to create a soft look. The eyeshadow will also stay crease-free and is suitable to use for sensitive eyes.
You may also use it as a lip or blush stain. You can also use it to line your eyes if you apply it with a damp liner brush. The eyeshadow has Pine Bark extract that will eliminate any risk of irritation and condition the skin well. Moreover, the formula contains pomegranate extract, an antioxidant that will soothe the skin.
How to Find the Perfect Eyeshadow Compacts : A Buyer’s Guide
The eyes are essential parts of our body; they play a vital role in making us look better. In terms of fashion, women apply different shades to their eyes to make them more prominent and beautiful. For this, eyeshadows are widely used, and they are available in multiple shades.
Applying the eyeshadow is relatively easy; all you have to do is choose the hue you like and apply it using a soft makeup brush. Some products in the market have multiple shades in one package to mix and match the shades per your style. To purchase the right product, read the following buying guide to make the proper decision:
What Different Eyeshadow Types Are Available for Purchase?
Eyeshadow comes in multiple forms. You may have to spend some time picking the right formula for your needs. Let's explore the different forms:
Powder
It is one of the common types that you will see within the market. Powder shadows come in tins and are available in pressed form. It is a popular choice for beginners because they are easy to apply and blend.
You can conveniently apply the powder using a sponge or applicator brush. More importantly, it blends with ease and offers great coverage.
Mineral powder
These eyeshadows have a loose pigment formulation. You can perfectly apply them using a non-static applicator brush or kabuki brush. These are used for solid coverage or highlighting purposes. Similar to the powder option, it will be suitable for all application types at any time.
Liquid
These eyeshadows are used by makeup professionals as they are not easy to apply. They may require specialized applicator brushes. The application resembles painting, but here you are using your eyelids as your canvas. The primary use is to accent the edges of your eyelids with strong colors. Due to their nature, these are not portable, and you will rarely find them in palettes!
Pencil
These have pigmented formulations that are placed in wooden sticks similar to the common pencil eyeliners. The key difference is that pencil eyeshadows have thicker tips.
More importantly, they are portable, and you can store them with great ease. After that, you can even use your clean fingers to blend well. Similar to the cream eyeshadow, the pencil option will provide better coverage.
Cream
These eyeshadows have a thick texture due to their heavy formulation. It will also provide better coverage. For removing it from your face, you have to use a special makeup remover.
Apply the cream eyeshadow using a clean finger, applicator brush, or sponge. You will find bolder and more solid colors in comparison to usual powder eyeshadows. In addition, you may also use it as an eyeliner.
Which Shades of Eyeshadows Should You Choose?
When buying eyeshadow, don't forget to keep your skin tone in mind. You also have to look at the color of shadow that best complements your eye color. Or, you can select the color that contrasts with the color of your eye for a better look.
When you talk about compatibility and matching, you have to keep your outfit into consideration as well. Some of the color combinations that you can try depending on different eye colors are as follows:
Blue eyes
People with blue eyes should not use blue eyeshadow. Instead, pick an eyeshadow that has a brown, coral, or taupe hue. For a more feminine feeling, go for light rose or pink color eyeshadows for your blue eyes.
Green eyes
To make your green eyes more stylish, pick lavender or purple eyeshadows. To get a bold look, you can experiment with gold tones as well.
Hazel eyes
The color of eyeshadow that will look great with hazel eyes is browns, gold, and lavender. In addition, blue and gray colored eyeshadows will also make your eyes look even more beautiful.
Brown eyes
This eye color will stand out when you use an eyeshadow of pink or green color. Moreover, you can also use gold color for your brown eyes with gold flecks in them.
How to Apply Eyeshadows Step by Step
The application of eyeshadow is easy, but learning it for the first time is not simple. You will have multiple questions in your mind about the steps. Below are the steps you should know for proper application of eyeshadow:
Use good brushes
There is a reason painters don't use their fingers for painting. For creating a masterpiece, you need proper tools. The same goes for the makeup application. You have to pick a precise and hygienic cosmetic brush for proper application.
Apply base eyeshadow to the eyelid
Grab your favorite eyeshadow palette and apply it using a good-quality brush. According to the look you want, you can bring the color to the eyebrow bone while preparing to get a smokey eye, or you can stop yourself at the crease of eyes for a regular look. When doing so, place color in your eye's crease when your eyes are open and work down to your lash line. In this, you will not have to overshoot your crease, and the lines will not mess up!
Apply dark shadow in the eye crease
A dark color can attract light; when applying a dark hue in your eye crease, a dark color will offer more depth and dimension at the right spot. For the look, dip the dome-shaped brush in the dark shadow and sweep it along your eye socket as per the shape of your eye between the eyelid and eyebrow bone.
Apply supper dark color to rim your lash line
If you successfully apply the eyeliner, it will make your lashes thick. Don't like eyeliner? Get a great look with super-dark eyeshadow. Consider using a short and flat bristle brush for pressing dark color on the edges of the upper eyelids.
Do this step at the point where your eyelashes start and move to the lower lash line. If you want to keep the liner in your waterline, the bristles of brushes might irritate you. Therefore, you can make the line with the help of waterproof liners.
Make a highlight with shimmery shadow
For making your eyebrows pop, consider using shimmery pale eyeshadow. You can even use the pencil under your brow. Add a similar pearl light color in the inner corner of your eye for brightening up the things. Lastly, apply a few coats of your mascara, and you are done!
What to Look at When Purchasing Eyeshadow Compacts
Color shades
When selecting the shade, keep your skin tone in mind, the color of your eye, and even the dress you want to wear for perfect styling. There is a huge variety that might be confusing once you purchase if you are not aware of the desired shade.
Brand
Buy from a reputable brand that has been in the business for years. Be sure to read out the reviews about the brand you pick before buying any cosmetic product.
Price
The price for the eyeshadow compact is between $4 and $50. The difference in cost can be due to the brand you pick and the number of shades you will get in one packaging. The product that offers more color shades will cost more than the eyeshadow compact with fewer shades.