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.

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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.

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 

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 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

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 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.

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’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.

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)

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?

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)

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

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

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Do you prefer using pre-made palettes or customized palettes? Do you have a favorite eyeshadow formula? Let me know in the comments below.

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