A quick swipe of liquid eyeshadow on each eye and your eye makeup is done – does that not sound too good to be true? Well, with the help of one of the best liquid eyeshadows you can make it a reality. Whether you’d like to simplify your makeup routine or are actually looking to expand it and your skills, a few liquid eyeshadows in your arsenal will help. They can be worn alone in a light wash, or along with a darker eye makeup look to add some depth and shine.
We’ve collected the best of the best liquid eyeshadows you can find in stores, with reviews that explain the main benefits of each one.
1. Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
Not only did Stila make one of the best liquid eyeshadow formulas, but also they’ve made one of the best glitter eyeshadows at the same time. These little tubes hold an incredible amount of high-shine glitter, suspended in a water-based formula. This is a versatile product that can be worn alone or over powder eyeshadows. There are 19 glittery shades to choose from or you can collect them all! Find them at Sephora!
2. MAC Cosmetics Dazzleshadow Liquid Eyeshadow
If metallics are more up your alley then have a look at this liquid eyeshadow selection from MAC. The pigmentation is incredible, giving opaque coverage in a single swipe, and once it sets it’ll stay on without creasing or fading. The colors themselves are all flattering, wearable metallics, along with one purple for those who like a darker look. They are sold at Nordstrom in 10 glamorous shades.
3. Huda Beauty Matte & Metal Melted Double Ended Eyeshadows
Two liquid eyeshadows for the price of one! These double-ended liquid eyeshadows from Huda give you a matte side and a metallic side, perfect for creating more complex makeup looks. The color range is fun and exciting, with some neon bright colors for the creative types as well as more wearable browns and peaches. Both the mattes and metallics are highly pigmented and easy to blend, with waterproof formulas that stay in place throughout the day. There are 10 duos available at Sephora.
4. Christian Louboutin Tape à l’Oeil Metallic Eye Colour
Can anything be more powerful than applying your liquid eyeshadow with a golden spike? Ending up with incredible, shiny, metallic color payoff on your eyelid, perhaps. These would be the best liquid eyeshadow formulas for those who want to work quickly – they don’t play around, so you gotta apply and blend them quickly before they set. Once they do set, however, they’re in place and will not move no matter what. Pick up your favorites of the 6 shades sold at Nordstrom!
5. Touch In Sol Metallist Liquid Foil & Glitter Eye Shadow Duo
These liquid eyeshadow duos allow you to have shine both ways. One end is a metallic eyeshadow for that buttery smooth glow while the second end is a glitter liquid eyeshadow for those irresistible sparkles. Layer them together as a set, or buy a few you so you can mix and match! You’re guaranteed all day shine, no primer required. Get them at Sephora, where there are 10 duos available.
6. Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Shadow
These liquid eyeshadows are super unique. They come in a squeeze tube sans applicator, so they might not be as speedy as those that come with a doe-foot applicator, but that doesn’t stop them from being some of the best liquid eyeshadows on the market.
They have incredible pigmentation, just like artist’s paints, with a mixture of matte, shimmer, and satin finishes. They are buildable, with a long-lasting and waterproof formula. You can wear them alone, over other shadows, as eyeshadow bases, or in lieu of eyeliner. Find them in 17 colors at Sephora!
7. Laura Mercier Caviar Chrome Veil Lightweight Liquid Eye Color
Sheer yet luminescent, this is a liquid eyeshadow selection that can be worn alone for a soft look or over a more pigmented eyeshadow to enhance shine and dimension. If all you need in life is a bit of pearlescence, then this would be the best liquid eyeshadow for you. These sit just as nicely on top of powder eyeshadows as they do over other liquids, and their longevity is commendable. There are four of these toppers available at Nordstrom.
8. Cover FX Shimmer Veil
This is one of my favorite brands for complexion products, so it’s no surprise that their eye products are also fit for the rest of the face! If you like a multi-use product then this would be the best liquid eyeshadow you can try. Each one of these 6 shimmery shades can also moonlight as a highlighter or lip gloss.
The color payoff is on the sheer side of things, meant to give a lighter wash of pearlescent shimmer. In order to be fit for this list the longevity had to be commendable, so we promise that these will stay crease-free all day long. Get them from Sephora!
9. Butter London Sheer Wisdom Serum Shadow
Liquid eyeshadow is a product that we think would be pretty easy to market as both skin care and makeup, and yet not a ton of brands are doing it. Butter London decided to take the lead here, by infusing their liquid eyeshadow formula with anti-aging peptides and nourishing ceramides. That doesn’t take away from their cosmetic elegance, however!
These liquid eyeshadows are blendable and buildable, with a smooth, self-setting texture that stays in place for hours. The pigmentation is light for a softer look, and the 6 shades available are quite natural. Buy them from Ulta!
10. Tarte Seaglass Liquid Eyeshadow Rainforest of the Sea Collection
This brand-new release from Tarte is already generating a lot of buzz, and for a good reason! These are some of the best liquid eyeshadows around, especially for those who like an unusual color range. The 6 shades are bright and summery, with quite a few duo-chromes to choose from. Their metallic sheen is nearly blinding, and their staying power is excellent. You can find them at Sephora.
11. Wander Beauty Exquisite Eye Liquid Shadow
A liquid shadow can be fabulous for a traveler who doesn’t like to fuss, so of course a brand like Wander released a few! They have a creamy formula and the colors are all totally wearable metallics. No wild colors here – just coppers, bronzes, golds, and champagnes! You can wear them alone if you’re in a rush, or incorporate them into a full look. They can be picked up from Net-a-Porter.
12. Glossier Lidstar
True to the Glossier ethos, these liquid eyeshadows provide the most delicate and beautiful wash of color and glow. This also seems to fit in with the K-beauty trends of glowy skin and very sheer washes of color on the eyelid. Each one of the 6 metallic shades is an easy one and done that lasts all day and requires no primer or touch-ups. It’s the perfect shadow for a one-color look. Get yours directly from Glossier!
13. Too Faced Peaches & Cream Crystal Whips Long-Wearing Shimmering Eye Shadow Veil
This peachy sweet variation on liquid eyeshadows from Too Faced is brand new and super exciting! These 6 shades are all subtle metallics that give a glow, and as the name signifies, they can be applied as a veil over other eyeshadows for additional sheen. They have the signature peachy scent that Too Faced is known for, and the packaging is super cute to boot. Pop into Sephora and be the first to try these out!
Photos via @mirmua, Instagram, Sephora