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The best drugstore eye shadows prove that you don\u2019t need to spend a fortune to get rich color payoff, a smooth blend, and long-lasting wear. Once known for chalky textures and sheer pigments, today\u2019s affordable eye shadows rival their high-end counterparts, with thoughtfully curated shade ranges and finishes that work for everyday makeup and<\/em> full glam. Whether you\u2019re after a swipe-and-go shadow stick for busy mornings, a neutral palette you can wear on repeat, or vibrant shades that were made for a night out, the drugstore has you covered. Ahead, we tapped professional makeup artists and tested a range of formulas ourselves to find the best shadows that deliver impressive results (without the luxury price tag).<\/p>\nOur Top Drugstore Eye Shadows<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Overall:<\/strong> ColourPop Super Shock Shadow<\/h2>\n\n
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ColourPop<\/p>\n
Super Shock Shadow<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nAllure<\/em> associate social media manager Katherine Gunderman applying the ColourPop Super Shock Shadow<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> Sold as singles or trios, ColourPop\u2019s Super Shock Shadows are the kind of sparkly staples you\u2019ll keep reaching for again and again. The pigment is seriously next-level, the shade range is massive (38 and counting), and the blend is effortless. Even better? They cost less than $10 each, but you\u2019d never guess it from the way they blend. The cream-to-powder formula melts onto lids, sets in place, and lasts all day without creasing. According to New York City-based makeup artist Amanda Gabbard, Colourpop shadows are \u201cincredibly blendable and just feel luxurious.\u201d Unlike some shimmery shades that look dull once applied, these deposit bold, almost-metallic color with just one swipe. For the most intense swipe, we like using our fingers or a flat, firm brush. For a sheer, soft wash of shimmer, opt for a fluffy brush.<\/p>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nGunderman before applying the ColourPop Super Shock Shadow<\/p>\n
<\/span>Katherine Gunderman<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n<\/p>\nGunderman after applying the ColourPop Super Shock Shadow<\/p>\n
<\/span>Katherine Gunderman<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Tester feedback from associate social media manager Katherine Gunderman<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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\u201cThe Colourpop Supershock shadows are my go-to when I\u2019m doing a shimmery look. They have sheen and glitter that looks so pretty on the lid. I love that these are buildable so you can do a light wash of color or really pack it on. I have these in so many shades and love how easy they are to apply and blend out with your fingers.\u201d \u2014Katherine Gunderman, associate social media manager<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nShades:<\/strong> 38<\/li>\nFinish:<\/strong> metallic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMost Versatile:<\/strong> e.l.f. Cosmetics Perfect 10 Eye Shadow Palette<\/h2>\n\n
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E.L.F. Cosmetics<\/p>\n
Perfect 10 Eye Shadow Palette<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> E.l.f. really earns the name here: The Perfect 10 Eye Shadow Palette offers a smart mix of velvety mattes and iridescent shades that instantly brighten the lids, according to Gobbard, which lend themselves to nearly limitless possibilities. Even better, the mattes are richly pigmented and easy to blend, so there’s none of that dry, crumbly fallout. Whether you\u2019re going for a soft wash of color in the crease or layering multidimensional shades for something bolder, this palette makes it almost impossible to miss.<\/p>\n\n
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\nColorways:<\/strong> 7 (10 shades each)<\/li>\nFinish:<\/strong> matte and metallic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Mature Skin:<\/strong> Maybelline New York City Mini Palette<\/h2>\n\n
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Maybelline New York<\/p>\n
City Mini Palette<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it\u2019s worth:<\/strong> When shopping for eye shadow for mature skin, a formula that keeps fine lines in mind is key. That\u2019s exactly why Los Angeles-based makeup artist Ren\u00e9e Loiz is a fan of the Maybelline New York City Mini Palette. \u201cIt blends beautifully into textured lids,\u201d she says. The creamy mattes and shimmers both buff out seamlessly, softening the look of wrinkles rather than emphasizing them. With eight different colorways ranging from everyday neutrals to party-ready shades, this palette \u201cconsistently delivers blendable, wearable colors with impressive payoff,\u201d adds makeup artist Alexa Persico (she notes that the mattes in particular perform well above their price point).<\/p>\n\n
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\nColorways:<\/strong> 8 (6 shades each)<\/li>\nFinish:<\/strong> matte and sparkly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Eye Shadow Stick:<\/strong> L\u2019Or\u00e9al Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick<\/h2>\n\n
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L\u2019Or\u00e9al Paris<\/p>\n
Paradise Le Shadow Stick<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> Everyone needs a swipe-and-go eye shadow stick for rushed mornings. Gabbard swears by L\u2019Or\u00e9al Paris\u2019s Paradise Le Shadow Stick for its \u201csilky-smooth finish that glides on easily and never pulls on the eyelid\u2019s delicate skin.\u201d The formula is buildable, so it never looks too thick or cakey, and you can layer it on whenever you want a little extra shimmer. \u201cIt\u2019s truly a failproof item,\u201d she says. Available in 14 shades, each one delivers rich color that\u2019s transfer- and smudge-resistant\u2014meaning you get impressive payoff and easy blendability, with or without a brush.<\/p>\n\n
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\nShades:<\/strong> 14<\/li>\nFinish:<\/strong> shimmery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nEasiest to Blend:<\/strong> Juvia\u2019s Place The Coffee Shop Palette<\/h2>\n\n
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Juvia’s Place<\/p>\n
The Coffee Shop Palette<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> \u201cJuvia\u2019s Place has some of the richest pigment payoff you\u2019ll find at a drugstore price,\u201d says Loiz\u2014and The Coffee Shop Palette is proof. The 16-pan lineup of matte and sparkly shades takes inspiration from your favorite caf\u00e9 drinks and blends like a dream\u2014seriously, just a few swipes do the trick\u2014and the colors translate from pan to lid with impressive intensity. Just add a swipe of mascara, and you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n\n
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\nShades:<\/strong> 16<\/li>\nFinish:<\/strong> matte and shimmery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Color Options:<\/strong> Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette<\/h2>\n\n
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Nyx Professional Makeup<\/p>\n
Ultimate Shadow Palettes<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> If you\u2019re ready to play with color, New York City-based makeup artist Alexa Persico says Nyx Professional Makeup excels at creating thoughtful color stories with its Ultimate Shadow Palettes. “The warmer neutrals and jewel tones layer easily and allow for full glam or soft-focus looks,\u201d she explains. Take I Know That\u2019s Bright, for example: The mix of vibrant purples and sparkly reds is ideal for anyone who loves to experiment. Prefer something more low-key? Warm Neutrals delivers the same smooth blendability in an easy, everyday palette.<\/p>\n\n
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\nColorways:<\/strong> 4 (16 shades each)<\/li>\nFinish:<\/strong> matte and shimmer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What’s the difference between drugstore eye shadows and more prestige brands?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\u201cThe main differences between drugstore and prestige eye shadows typically come down to pigment refinement, wear time, and packaging,\u201d says Loiz. \u201cHowever, brands like Juvia\u2019s Place are proving that drugstore formulas can perform just as well as high end options.\u201d In fact, many makeup artists often reach for drugstore shadows first. \u201cDrugstore formulas today offer excellent payoff for everyday looks, especially in mattes and basic shimmer tones,\u201d says Persico. She notes that they also tend to offer more accessible color ranges for beginners and impressive quality at an affordable price point\u2014making experimentation feel low-risk. \u201cHonestly, in many cases, the average person won’t notice a huge difference in day-to-day wear, especially if you use a good eye primer and the right brushes,\u201d Persico adds.<\/p>\n
How do you pick the best drugstore eye shadow?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nNew York City-based makeup artist Jennifer Nam previously told Allure<\/em> that powder eye shadows tend to work best for most people, thanks to their seamless blendability. With the right powder, you can build color gradually, without any harsh lines. That said, if you have oily lids, a cream eye shadow stick or liquid formula may be a better fit. Creams are also a smart choice for mature skin, as \u201cthey have a smoother texture and are less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles,\u201d New York City\u2013based makeup artist Lisa Aharon previously told Allure<\/em>. She favors matte finishes in particular, noting that they create a softly diffused look that\u2019s more forgiving on texture.<\/p>\n
Meet the experts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
How we test and review products<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nBefore reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide, inclusive shade range 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 the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?<\/p>\n
For our review of the best eye shadows, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists. 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 review process and methodology page.<\/p>\n
Our staff and testers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nA beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness, a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine, or 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<\/em> wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors\u2014in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon\u2014is essential to reaching that goal.<\/p>\nAfter 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 are 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.<\/p>\n
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Read more Allure<\/em> editor favorites you can’t miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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