The Most Unique Indie Single Eyeshadows March 15, 2020
Indie makeup brands are typically the first to take risks and set trends in the beauty space. Unafraid to play with unique textures, different colors, and new formulas, Indie makeup brands are exploding in the beauty space. In today’s post, I’ll be sharing the most unique indie single eyeshadows in my collection.
Unique Indie Single Eyeshadows
Clionadh Cosmetics – Stained Glass Collection | $7.89 – $8.68 (CF)
Clionadh Cosmetics first came onto my radar when YouTuber, Elle S, talked about the Canadian brand’s formulas on her channel. However, I never felt inspired to purchase from the line until I saw Angelica Nyqvist swatch the entire Stained Glass Multi-chrome collection on her channel. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to order from this brand.

Clionadh Cosmetics Stained Glass Collection
My only complaint with the Stained Glass Collection is the pan shape. While I understand the reason for the square shape, I hate that these do not look cohesive with the rest of the single shadows that I own.
Shades owned: Abrasion (Glitter), Blaze (Glitter), Glazed (Glitter), Glazier’s Mark (Glitter), Grisaille (Glitter), Umbra (Iridescent), Lacy



Clionadh Stained Glass Collection Swatches
Devinah Cosmetics – Midnight Affair Matte Shadow Bundle | $5.00 (CF)
Devinah Cosmetics is a brand I discovered through my favorite colorful unicorn and Swedish YouTuber, Angelica Nyqvist. I purchased the Midnight Affair Matte Shadow bundle when I attempted to dupe the Melt Gemini palette. I found these grungy, fall-like tones to be super cool. Also, these shades are unlike any other shadows in my collection.



Devinah Cosmetics Midnight Affair Single Shadow Bundle
Devinah Cosmetics is an under-hyped indie beauty brand. Although Devinah Cosmetics makes some of the most unique indie single eyeshadows formulas, buyers should be cautious that these hand-pressed shadows are soft. The soft formula makes it easier to pick up intense pigmentation. However, the soft formula can get so messy.
Shades owned: Darena, Esme, Freya, Iduna, Laramie, Patrina, Runa, Suki, Thisbe, Zane



Devinah Cosmetics Midnight Affair Bundle Swatches
Give Me Glow Cosmetics Single Shadows | $7.00 (CF)
Like so many of the other unique indie single eyeshadows included within this roundup, I longed to try the Give Me Glow Cosmetics formula. Out of all the indie single shadows on this list, the Give Me Glow Cosmetics singles (and palettes) are some of the hardest to get your hands on.



Give Me Glow Cosmetics Single Shadows
Give Me Glow Cosmetics are constantly out of stock, but for good reason. The Give Me Glow eyeshadow formula provides intense pigmentation across a wide variety of finishes and colors.
Shades owned: Bubblegum, Strawberry Lollipop, Raspberry Cheesecake, Flamingo, At the Beach, Adorbs, Sweet Bitch, Princess Pink, and Not You, Next.



Give Me Glow Single Shadow Swatches
JD Glow Cosmetics – Galaxy Shadows & Multi-Chrome Shadows | $7.50 & $16.00 (CF)
The JD Glow Galaxy Shadows may just be the most impressive single shadows I’ve ever tried. These shadows look high shine, metallic, and almost wet on the eye.
However, at the $7.50 price point, these are some of the most expensive shadows included in this roundup. Although pricey, these shadows come in huge pan sizes and are packed with pigment.



JD Glow Multichrome Shadows
JD Glow’s Galaxy Shadows are well-known and loved by many indie beauty lovers. These ultra glittery, shiny metallic shadows have a light, unique fluffy texture. These shadows provide an ultra wet shine to the lids.



JD Glow Galaxy Shadow Swatches
The Multi-Chrome shadows stopped me in my tracks when I first saw these circulating around Instagram in 2019. These are expensive, but the quality is superb. Not only is the formula is incredibly unique, but the intense pigmentation will work for a wide variety of skin tones.
Shades owned: Good Gawd (Galaxy), Opal (Galaxy), Sin (Galaxy), Unexpected (Galaxy), A Lot (Multi-Chrome), Money Moves (Multi-Chrome), No Way (Multi-Chrome), Ummm… (Multi-Chrome), Urgent (Multi-Chrome)



JD Glow Multichrome Shadows
Looxi Beauty – Aurora, Metal & Matte Shadows | $2.50 USD (CF)
Before I discuss Looxi, I need to get one complaint off my chest. I am bitter that I purchased my Looxi shadows at double the current selling price ($5.00).
Despite this bitterness, I love the Looxi formula. The brand’s selection of colors ranges from grungy basic to bright bolds. Also, the pigmentation is out of this world for being so affordable. At the $2.50-$3.00 price point, these are a major steal.
I purchased many of the below shadows around the same time as my Devinah Cosmetics purchase. Any guesses on which shades made their way into my Melt Cosmetics Gemini Palette dupe roundup?



Looxi Beauty Single Eyeshadows
Unfortunately, Looxi Beauty is known to discontinue products fairly quickly. As such, most of the shades featured in my collection have been discontinued. Hopefully some of these shades will be rereleased in the future.
Shades owned: Aquarius (Aurora), Firefly (Aurora), Queen of Mean (Aurora), Lucid (Aurora), Chicory (Matte), Maple (Matte), Moss (Matte), Spiced (Matte), Deep (Metal)



Looxi Beauty Single Eyeshadow Swatches
Makeup Geek – Matte Shadows | $5.99 (CF)
Makeup Geek creates a beautiful array of matte, metallic, and shimmer shadows. Also, this brand brought affordable, single shadows to the forefront of the YouTube beauty community. Despite being an OG influencer brand, I never tried any singles from Makeup Geek until 2019.
The shades I purchased, Creme Brûlée, Mocha, and Tan Lines are considered iconic, staple matte colors in the Makeup Geek line. These are pigmented and easy to blend, and I’d definitely try more from the range.
Shades owned: Creme Brûlée, Mocha, Tan Lines



Makeup Geek OG Single Shadows
How to Organize Single Shadows
The way single shadows are organized and stored can have a major impact on how frequently shadows are used. Originally, I stored my palettes in several empty 24-pan ColourPop Palettes. However, late last year I switched over to a large, singular empty palette from Adept. This book-like palette made it easier for me to see all my singles in one place.
Although I prefer storing my palettes in one my big single case, I keep my smaller palettes handy. When traveling or building ‘dupe palettes’ I prefer to use a small cardboard case.
Finally, I like to organize my singles by brand and by a color gradient. Not does this organization look visually appealing, but it makes it easier to plan color pairings.
Why Invest in Unique Indie Single Eyeshadows?
First, single shadows are an amazing option for anyone who wants the ability to customize or dupe palettes. Often times, we own all or most of the shades featured in new releases. What changes? The packaging or the placement.
Second, buying single shadows can be more cost-effective than buying palettes. Specifically, singles make it easy to stop repeatedly purchasing the same “filler shades” included in most pre-made palettes. Over time eyeshadow palette addicts buy many of the same shades over and over again.
Third, by buying unique indie single eyeshadows, you can support tons of new, innovative brands that are owned by badass women founders. In fact, I’ve written posts to help you learn about some of my favorite European indie brands and American Indie Brands.
Should Anyone Pass on Singles?
Although there are many positive benefits to buying single eyeshadows, there are major drawbacks, too.
First, makeup beginners may struggle to build palettes with cohesive color stories or shade variations. It isn’t enough to purchase varied colors. To build a cohesive palette, buyers need to consider purchasing eyeshadows that vary in tone or depth. Without color depth, eyeshadows look muddy quickly.
Second, some makeup lovers will never reach for singles. And that’s ok. Some people struggle to create color stories they like, while others just naturally reach for pre-made palettes. If that’s you, then you should skip out on buying single shadows. It becomes costly to buy single shadows that aren’t used.
Finally, single shadows discontinued more frequently than palettes. As a beauty blogger, it is frustrating to purchase single shadows to dupe palettes or to try new formulas only to discover that I can no longer recommend the products to you!
Final Thoughts on my Unique Indie Single Eyeshadows
Personally, I love my unique indie single shadows. I love supporting innovative owners who aren’t afraid to take risks. Moreover, as someone with a large collection, I love finding colors and textures that stand out. Finally, I love having the ability to customize my own palettes or build micro-palettes with the colors that I already own.
Let’s connect on social media: Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ | Influenster
Catch up on My Collection Series
Did you enjoy reading about my most unique indie single eyeshadows? Keep up with the rest of the posts in this series 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
Do you prefer using pre-made palettes or customized palettes? Do you have a favorite eyeshadow formula? Let me know in the comments below.
beauty best of indie eyeshadow clionadh cosmetics give me glow cosmetics indie beauty indie brands indie eyeshadow indie makeup jd glow cosmetics looxi beauty makeup makeup collection makeup geek makeup haul makeup inventory makeup review
I like pre-made palettes but I also really like customized palettes too!
Yeah there is def pros and cons of both – I’m obviously an eyeshadow addict so I’ve been buying both lol! But for some people singles can be an awesome alternative to rebuying virtually the same products again and again.
I have never tried any indie brands for eyeshadows before. I’ve tried nail polishes but never eyeshadows, some of these are absolutely beautiful xo
Makeup Muddle
Hopefully you’ll get to try some of these brands one day – so many indie brands have been booming in the beauty space today! Which indie nail polishes have you tried?? The only indie nail polish brand I’ve tried is Holo Taco!
Those eyeshadow singles are so intensely pigmented, wow…..Love that Stained Glass collection, I don’t think I own anything like it!
The Stained Glass collection is definitely super unique compared to so many other shadows on the market. They make so many unique finishes and levels of pigmentation within the range, too, so that people can find options no matter their skin tone or preference!
I haven’t tried indie brands before. The shades are beautiful and pigmented. Thank you for sharing
I love indie brands so much – I love being able to support small business owners who are willing to take some risks!!
Yay, I love learning about indie brands! I usually like to purchase pre-made palettes because then I don’t have to worry about picking colors that go together. Those Looxi shadows look really pretty though! And I love the colors you have from Give Me Glow Cosmetics!
The Give Me Glow shadows really drew me in and they’re so soft and pigmented! I agree – the premade palettes def simplify the color selection process and can be easier to store/travel with and often cheaper on a per shadow basis. Butttt when you have as much makeup as I do, singles start to get more and more appealing lol.
Wow there are some incredible colors here! You always inspire me to do my make up and enjoy all the colors out there. Thank you so much
Thank you so much! 🙂
I really want to try Clionadh and Jd Glow, I’m just scared of paying extra taxes, etc. Big shame that they are not better available in Europe 🙁
I always forget about the tax implications for my European beauty-loving friends since there are import taxes on American and Canadian products. It’s a shame since the US doesn’t tax European imports the same way. However, the Clionadh shipping is even expensive for consumers buying in the states – its usually around $20 for me.
I can’t tell you why but something about buying single eyeshadows really bothers me. I generally like sticking to one eyeshadow palette when I create eye looks as I feel like the colour stories are conveniently created for me (unless I’m going for a specific look). However, some of those duo chrome shades are unreal and I feel like I could integrate them easily into a makeup look. You’re so right about collecting dupes, though. I have a lot of repetitive shades across my eyeshadow collection and also shades that I just never use, so buying singles would be a good idea! I’m going to check some of these out lol
That’s really what started to hit me – like i’ll complain if a palette doesn’t include those basic transition or deepening shades, but then I get so many of them over and over again. I think indie brands can really take eyeshadows to the next level though – they were the first to really put out duo chrome shadows and now the multi-chromes! Def worth checking out if you find a formula that interests you!!
Clionadh Cosmetics colors are amazing! I loved the line-up of shades on your arm, and how glittery the tones were.
Oh no I think I just fell in love with 90% of these shades and how I want them! So many beautiful and pigmented shades!!
hahaha these are def some of my favorite shadows – particularly the multi chromes and duo chromes!!
Have you tried Lurella Cosmetics? They are known for their lashes but you’ve got to try their eyeshadow palettes!!! I have fallen in love. Minimal fall out, highly pigmented color, their liquid lips are stunning, and their highlighters are legit show stopping. And I’m not even paid or sponsored by them! I’m just that in love.
I haven’t heard of Lurella before but I will have to check them out. I really love supporting indie brands, so I’m glad to learn of another brand!
You are so right that when we get palettes, there are always the same filler shades. I’d love to try creating my own color story sometime. I kept reading & scrolling through all your beautiful swatch photos & widening my eyes more & more! The JD Glow & Give Me Glow are just WOW.
Seriously – JD Glow & Give Me Glow are legit so incredible in terms of pigmentation and metallic shine!