Sometimes, a single eyeshadow is all you need. In today’s post I’m ranking my single eyeshadow collection to help you find your next favorite eyeshadow.
Ranking my Single Eyeshadow Collection
Cream & Gel Shadows
7 | Maybelline – Color Tattoo in Leather ($8.49)
I thought the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Leather would make a great eyeshadow base, but my oily lids really need an actual eye primer to make my shadows last. Also, the color was deeper than I expected.
4-6 | ColourPop x Disney Villains – Jelly Much Eyeshadows ($8.00) – now discontinued
The ColourPop x Disney Villains Jelly Much Shadows were a fun addition to the Disney Villains line. Packaging-wise, the products are the least-tied to the theme, but the formula of the Jelly Much Shadows are vibrant and intense. The only con is that they can be messy to apply. Read my full review of the Disney Villains Collection.
Shades owned: Perfectly Wretched, Just Your Voice, Spindle
ColourPop Jelly Much & Kylie Cosmetics Eye Glaze Swatches
3 | ColourPop – Jelly Much Shadow – Half Moon ($8.00, CF) – now discontinued
ColourPop’s Jelly Much Shadow in the shade Half Moon was the first jelly shadow that I have tried and I love it. The purple-toned formula has a beautiful duo-chrome shift and is super pigmented. Sadly it is discontinued.
2 | Tom Ford – Cream and Powder Eye Color – Young Adonis ($65.00) – now discontinued
The Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Color is such a unique cream/powder duo in my collection. The packaging is sleek, the color is a stunning bronzy taupe. Side note: I purchased this at 60% Off… check out the Monthly Low Buy Haul when I purchased this here.
1 | Kylie Cosmetics – Under the Sea Eye Glaze – Night Swim ($20.00) – now discontinued
Last summer, when Kylie Cosmetics released the brand’s new eye glazes, fans were mesmerized. The eye glaze formula is quite unique – it is high shine with tons of glitter. The formula is flakier than a traditional cream shadow but does not produce a lot of fallout.
Potted Pigments, Pressed, and Cream Shadows
Eye Crayons
3 | NYX – Jumbo Eye Pencil in Rust ($4.50, CF)
The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Rust was a staple in my collection for a long time. I love using this eye pencil as a rust base for shadow or to smudge along the lash line.
2 | Nudestix – Magnetic Matte & Luminous Eye Color (Bundle $59.00, CF)
I’ve had an ongoing love affair with Nudestix for many years, so it should go without saying that I love these Matte ad Luminous Eye Colors for easy eyeshadow days when I don’t have time for powder shadows.
Shades owned: Moon (matte), Night (matte), Slate (matte), Lilith (shimmer), Smoke (shimmer), Twilight (shimmer)
Nudestix – Rock N’ Roll Smokey Eye Makeup Kit Swatches
1 | Thrive Causemetics – Brilliant Eye Brightener in Stella ($24.00, CF)
Thrive Causemetics is a brand that genuinely makes me so happy – due to the brand’s vibrant turquoise packaging and mission to aid and empower disadvantaged women. Realistically, the Brilliant Eye Brightener is a little stiff as an eyeshadow stick, but works well in the inner corner and beneath the brow bone.
A few of my cream & liquid shadows
Liquid Shadows
5-6 | Glossier Lidstar – Lily & Slip ($15.00 individually, or $27.00 together, CF)
I love my Glossier Lid Stars in the shades Lily*and Slip* because these are the perfect wash of barely-their color to add a little bit of dimension and sparkle to the eyes on “no makeup” makeup days. Read my full review of these shadows and other Glossier favorites.
4 | Huda Beauty Matte & Metal Melted Double Ended Eyeshadows – Faux Fur & Bamboo Hoops ($25.00, CF)
Huda Beauty makes some of my all-time favorite shadows, so I was stoked when she released the double-ended Matte & Metal Melted Eyeshadows* in early 2019. This is a wonderful product for anyone with a hectic, on the go schedule.
Cream shadow can be quickly swiped on the eye and blended out. Also, I love using the matte side for cutting my crease or adding small details with the glittery end. Check out my review of the Huda Beauty Smokey Obsessions.
1-3 | Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow ($24.00, CF)
Stila’s Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows are the more pigmented, rich siblings to the Magnificent Metals. I love how rich the shades are and how easily they apply on the eyes. These work well on their own or with other powder products layered over top.
Shades owned: La Douce (now discontinued), Twig,* Vivid Garnet (now discontinued)
Liquid Eyeshadow Swatches
Loose Shadows
ColourPop x Kathleen Lights Zodiac Collection Loose Pigments ($6.00, CF) – now discontinued
The ColourPop x Kathleen Lights Loose Pigments are so highly pigmented, multi-dimensional, and unique in color. However, as loose pigments, these are more difficult to work with than a typical pressed pigment or shadow.
Shades owned: The Archer, The Crab, The Maiden, & The Ram
ColourPop x Kathleen Lights Zodiac Loose Pigment Swatches
Pressed Shadows
4 | Milani Cosmetics – Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Cappuccino ($4.99, CF)
I received the Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow as a “peace offering” care package after a disastrous Beautycon NYC experience in 2019. The formula is in-line with all of Milani’s eyeshadows, but I’ve ranked this lower on my list due to the basic nature of the color. Read my review of the Soft & Sultry Palette.
Pat McGrath Dark Star 006 UltraSuede Brown Kit ($130.00 value, CF) – now discontinued
In 2019 I took advantage of one of Pat McGrath’s 50% off sale and purchased the Dark Star 006 Ultra Suede Brown Kit. Within this kit, I received a brush, eye kohl, an eye gloss and several pigments (White Astral, Dark Matter, Mercury, UltraSuede Brown).
I find that these pigments work best with a wet brush and play well with the other items included in my kit.
Tom Ford & Pat McGrath Single Shadow Swatches
Final Thoughts After Ranking my Single Eyeshadow Collection
Typically, I reach for pressed powder shadows in pre-made or self-made palettes over single potted shadows. Therefore, I was shocked at the number of single shadows I owned. Before writing this post, I didn’t think I had a huge single eyeshadow collection. Ideally, I’d love for the size of my single eyeshadow collection to go down. Click here to learn about my indie single eyeshadow or here to learn about my ColourPop singles.
Catch up on the rest of my Beauty Collection Series
Did you enjoy joining me in ranking my single eyeshadow collection? Find more of my collection posts here:
- Cheeks: Blush | Bronzer | Highlighter
- Base: Primer | Concealer | Foundation | Setting Products
- Lips: Nude Lipstick | Bold Lipstick | Lip Crayon | Lip Liner | Liquid Lipstick | Lip Tint| Lip Gloss
- Eyes: Eyeliner | Mascara | Brows
Let’s connect on social media: Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ | Influenster
Do you prefer pressed or loose powders or glitters? Do you like using cream shadows? Let me know in the comments below.