As a beauty writer constantly researching the latest and greatest makeup products, trust me when I say my head starts to spin just thinking about the sheer volume of top-tier shadows released each year. It's easy to assume the best eyeshadow palettes and glitter pigments come from higher-end (and typically, more expensive) brands, but that’s not always the case. The best drugstore eyeshadows from brands like NYX, e.l.f., and Maybelline offer options that work just as well—if not better—than their pricier counterparts.
If you don’t believe me, take it from the pros. Professional makeup artist Disco says higher-end eyeshadows are “absolutely” comparable to drugstore versions in texture, staying power, and pigment. “I think the makeup industry is very similar to the fashion industry in that eventually, those high-end formulas will have a drugstore version,” she explains. “The higher-end brands might have that new formula first, but if you can wait it out, a counterpart will make its way to the drugstore soon enough.”
Celebrity makeup artist Jonet Williamson points out that most Big Drugstore Brands share a parent company with luxury counterparts and, therefore, have access to the same factories and formula innovations. "Most people believe that drugstore eyeshadows aren't pigmented or that the formulations aren't long-lasting, which just isn't true," she says. "The quality is still there." And, it doesn't have to cost your life savings to scoop one (or five) up.
As further proof, I've rounded up the only eyeshadows worth your attention at the drugstore. Whether you love shimmer shadows, cling to neutral shades, or prefer cream or liquid eyeshadow formulas, this list has an under-$20 option for everyone.
The Best Drugstore Eyeshadows
- The Best Overall Drugstore Eyeshadow: ColourPop Nude Mood Eyeshadow Palette
- The Best Drugstore Eyeshadow for Packed Pigment: Juvia's Place The Coffee Shop Palette
- The Best Neutral Drugstore Eyeshadow: Maybelline The Nudes Palette
- The Best Mixed Finish Drugstore Eyeshadow: Milani Luminoso Eyeshadow Palette
- The Best Multi-Use Drugstore Eyeshadow: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil
Whether you want a soft glam, warm smokey eye, or some natural dimension, ColourPop has you covered with this ultra-pigmented palette. Nude Mood boasts nine warm-toned neutral shades—with matte, metallic, and slightly shimmery finishes—for under $15. And it's pro-approved! "One of my personal favorites is ColourPop’s shadow palettes," says celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay Braha. "They offer a wide range of options, from soft, blendable neutrals to bold, high-impact chromes."
Finish: Matte, metallic, and shimmer
Formula: Powder
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Under $15; Nine shades; Super Pigmented; Very blendable
What I Don't: This powder formula is prone to fallout, so make sure to do your eyes first!
Review for MC: "As a sucker for warm eyeshadow, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this palette. Every shade (no matter the finish) blends like a dream with the best makeup brushes and is super pigmented. To create a soft glam look, I swiped Au Natural across my lid, packed Moody on the outer corner, and tapped Put On Heirs onto my inner third for a pop of chrome. I even topped the look off with Wink Wink in my inner corners—the most gorgeous highlighter shade. I truly can't believe this product is under $15!" — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses ColourPop Nude Mood palette
Juvia's Place The Coffee Shop Palette is as rich as a shot of espresso. The 16 shades are absolutely packed with pigment and have an impressive range, from stunning warm and cool-toned neutrals. With a mix of metallic and matte eyeshadows, this product's color combinations are endless.
Finish: Matte and metallic
Formula: Powder
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Ultra-pigmented; Warm and cool tones; Matte and metallic finishes; Limited fallout
What I Don't: On the pricier side
Review for MC: "I could play with this palette for hours. With a mix of warm, cool, metallic, and matte shades, The Coffee Shop Palette can be used to create any neutral look imaginable—from full-on smokey eyes to a touch of dimension. I love how pigmented the powder formula is without creating piles of fallout with each brush tap. Plus, the dark chocolate colors work perfectly for applying a buffed-out wing (no eyeliner necessary)." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Juvia's Place The Coffee Shop Palette
Maybelline's The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette is amazing for beginners. The 12 shades are basic in the best way, offer a mix of mattes and shimmers, and are super buildable and blendable. Every shade also compliments one another—from matte beige and shimmery bronze to deep charcoal gray—so you really can't go wrong.
Finish: Matte and shimmer
Formula: Powder
Cruelty-Free: No
What I Love: Under $15; Beginner-friendly; Buildable and blendale; Endless color combos
What I Don't: Not super pigmented
Review for MC: "This is a staple palette for everyday eyeshadow. The shades are super natural and complement every skin tone. They're not the most pigmented, which makes this a great choice for day-to-day, but are definitely very buildable for more sultry looks. I combined the taupe, dark brown, and dark grey colors for a more cool-toned, matte eye, and each powder blended together seamlessly." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
Inspired by the brand's best-selling Luminoso Baked Blush, Milani's Luminoso Eyeshadow Palette lives up to the hype. The nine complimentary shades feature pink hues and brown transitional colors in both matte and metallic finishes. Each color holds pigment that packs a punch and blends like a dream. "For a soft wash of shimmer, grab a fluffy brush and sweep the color across your lids," says Braha, who considers this palette a drugstore favorite. "Want something more dramatic? Use a smaller, denser brush to pack on the pigment for a pop of intensity," she adds.
Finish: Matte and metallic
Formula: Powder
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Complimentary shades of shimmers and mattes; Super pigmented; Very blendable; Pro-approved
What I Don't: Small pan sizes
Review for MC: "I've always found that pink eyeshadow suits my dark brown eyes best, so I couldn't wait to try out this palette after its recent release. Let me just say, it certainly lived up to every expectation I had. The pigment, blendability, and shade range is to die for. The nine sunkissed shades and their different hues also make this palette perfect for bringing lighter daytime looks into the night. I simply pack on Horizon into the crease and outer corner to increase the intensity." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Milani Luminoso Eyeshadow Palette, Luminoso
For six dollars, you can get an eye pencil that can do it all. With its extra-thick design, your eyeshadow look will only take seconds and a few swipes to complete. Or, take a bright pastel shade and line your upper lash line for a fun pop of color. Finally, you can use a neutral shade like Milk or Iced Latte across the lid to create a base for other shadows.
Finish: Satin
Formula: Cream
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Multi-use; Under $10; Glides on smoothly; Blendable; Offered in 15 shades
What I Don't: Difficult to sharpen
Review for MC: "This product has been in my collection for almost a decade. The thick pencil is surprisingly blendable with a few swipes of my finger, and I love that it doubles as an eyeliner. I tend to lean towards the neutral shades like Iced Mocha (I smudged it on my lid and the lower lash line below for a sexy, smokey shimmer) and Cottage Cheese, which I love to pop on my inner corner and brow bone for highlights. The cream is so smooth, pigmented, and, of course, cheap."`— Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil
Other Drugstore Eyeshadows I Love
"My very favorite drugstore eyeshadows are from Well People," says celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno. "Their textures of the matte and the shimmer are soft and easy to blend, and because of the level of pigment, their intensity is buildable, and the colors actually show up on the skin." Erin Foster even rocked this palette at the Golden Globes in shades Sepia and Violet.
Finish: Matte and shimmery
Formula: Powder
Shades: 5
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Features super-wearable shades that really work together; Blendable; Long-lasting
What I Don't: Less pigmented than other palettes on our list
Customer Review: "Love this!! Stays all day and adds the perfect amount of shimmer that is great for day or night." — Target
With 16 shades in a perfect a mix of finishes, this is a neutral eyeshadow lover's dream palette. You can create just about any look with swatches of browns, champagnes, and rust shades. The set also comes pro-approved, as celebrity makeup artist Zara Kaplan says this "delivers really high-quality eyeshadows with rich pigments."
Finish: Multiple Finishes
Formula: Powder
Shades: 16
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Pro-approved; Comes with 16 colors; Highly pigmented; Includes a mix of finishes; Blendable; Has a range of undertones; Good value
What I Don't: None found
Customer Review: "Great for icy looks. The sparkly shade is great as a topper that I use over my Stila liquid eyeshadow. Colors are great. You can make a natural, easy look and also make an elegant or unique look! Doesn't make my eyes water so it's a plus."
Fans of a shimmery and metallic finish, listen up: you can't beat L’Oreal's Infallible 24 HR Eyeshadow. These little pots hold lots of product, which at first feels like a powder, but then turns ultra-creamy and velvety smooth. These eyeshadows also deliver the prettiest metallic finish in a single swipe, thanks to their intense pigmentation. Like the name suggests, these shadows are waterproof, crease-proof, and last for up to 24 hours of wear.
Finish: Shimmer and metallic
Formula: Powder
Shades: One
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Highly pigmented; Under $10; Long-wearing; Waterproof; Non-creasing; Applies smoothly
What I Don't: If you're a matte person, stay away—they're only available in shimmery and metallic finishes
Customer Review: "This is the best eye shadow on the market. Looks good on everyone and is easy to put on. It actually moves with the brush when applying. Lasts an entire day." — Amazon
For those who struggle with picking out corresponding shades on a large palette (we've all been there), this eyeshadow quad is for you. These shades were expertly paired to create an effortless eye makeup look, with a color to highlight the lid, crease, and outer corner. From pretty rose tones (shown here) to fun jalapeño-colored shadows, a range of shades come in a bite-sized compact. And did we mention this palette costs less than a cup of coffee? You could even buy two for the price of a latte.
Finish: Multiple Finishes
Formula: Powder
Shades: Four
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Highly pigmented; Under $10; Travel-friendly; Blendable; Applies smoothly; Comes with a mix of matte and shimmer shades
What I Don't: Shimmery shades have a bit of fallout; Reviewers note this palette can break easily
Customer Review: "So so so cheap and a bang for your buck! All four colors are beautiful and natural, and they blend really easily! Perfect if you just want a little touch up. Would repurchase." — Ulta
Sometimes, neutral shades just aren't going to cut it. In that case, this super bright palette from Makeup Revolution is the way to go. It features a fun rainbow of 45 shades—all in a matte finish. For an easy, colored eyeliner look, dampen an angled shadow brush and pick your favorite shade to use along the lash line. This has all the colors you need to make blue eyes or hazel eyes pop.
Finish: Matte
Formula: Powder
Shades: 45
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Blendable; Highly pigmented; Comes with 45 shades; Good value; Vegan
What I Don't: Reviewers note this palette can break easily
Customer Review: "Love so much I ordered one as a gift. Rich beautiful interesting array of neutral (ie not super-bright) colors that work well together, some shiny some not, and they stay put. Great for any color eyes!" — Amazon
Easy to blend and long-lasting, these subtly shimmering mineral eyeshadow colors are made with 100 percent natural ingredients like bamboo honey. Pick from three shade selections—there are nude, copper, and lavender options—and feel comfortable knowing your sensitive eyes are well taken care of with the ophthalmologist-tested formula. Plus, they look just gorgeous.
Finish: Subtle shimmer
Formula: Powder
Shades: Three
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Safe for sensitive eyes (it's been ophthalmologist-tested and was formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, talc, synthetic fragrances, or silicones)
What I Don't: None found
Customer Review: "Love the smoothness and the color is not harsh, very natural looking on mature skin." — Walmart
I'd best describe this eyeshadow as "butter." These eyeshadows are packed with a blend of monoi, murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma butters to provide extra moisture to your delicate eyelids and apply super smooth on the lid. They may look matte, but they apply more like cream. Physicians Formula is also a great brand if you have sensitive skin, as all of its products are created with hypoallergenic ingredients.
Finish: Matte
Formula: Liquid-to-Powder
Shades: Six
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Applies smoothly; Highly pigmented; Great for sensitive skin; Long-wearing; Blendable
What I Don't: Some shades in the palette contain more product than others
Customer Review: "This is a cute eyeshadow palette. Very neutral colors and basic eye base makeup; I use it for my eyeshadow base colors. I didn't have a fallout issue, blends fine and all." — Ulta
At just two dollars, these single eyeshadows are a great option to throw in your bag for quick touchups. And if eyeshadow is a bit hard for you to master, a single swipe of color across the lid is an easy way for you to amp up your eye makeup. They're vibrant and long-wearing—exactly what we want in an eyeshadow. We only wish there were more colors to choose from.
Finish: Satin
Formula: Powder
Shades: One
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Under $10; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Blendable
What I Don't: Could have a wider shade range
Customer Review: "I absolutely love the Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Glitter. The pigmentation is incredible, just a little bit goes a long way, and the color is rich and vibrant. The glitter adds the perfect touch of sparkle without being too overpowering. It goes on smoothly and feels silky on my eyelids, thanks to the vitamin E infusion." — Amazon
Sensitive skin? No problem. Neutrogena has you covered with liquid eyeshadow specifically formulated for those with sensitive skin around their eyes. Plus, it doubles as a primer, making it the perfect base for layering your favorite powder shades over this shimmery, cream-to-powder product.
Finish: Shimmer
Formula: Cream-to-powder
Shades: 3
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Swipes on smoothly; 2-in-1; Unique formula; Ophthalmologist tested; Suitable for sensitive eyes
What I Don't: Limited shades
Customer Review: "This eyeshadow lasts all day. If you blend it in then it looks natural and gives your eyes a nice lift. If you layer it thicker it looks classy and polished. I use this as my only eyeshadow because I like a natural look." — Amazon
In case you missed it, we're obsessed with Revlon's Colorstay liquid eyeliner. And we're happy to report the same incredible staying power of the brand's liner extends to this eyeshadow. This pick features an ultra-creamy texture that dries down for a long-lasting finish. So long, in fact, that the brand says it can last for up to 24 hours.
Finish: Shimmer
Formula: Cream
Cruelty-Free: Yes
What I Love: Long-wearing; Under $10; Waterproof; Highly pigmented; Glides on smoothly; Comes with a brush; Available in shimmery and matte shades
What I Don't: Some find the packaging hard to open
Customer Review: "I recently tried the Revlon Crème Eyeshadow, ColorStay 24 Hour Eye Makeup, and I am absolutely thrilled with the results! This product has become a staple in my makeup routine, and here's why: First and foremost, the highly pigmented cream formula is a game-changer. I've struggled with eyeshadows in the past that required multiple layers for the color to show up, but with Revlon's Crème Eyeshadow, one swipe provides vibrant and intense color. The pigmentation is truly impressive and gives my eyes a stunning pop that lasts all day and night." — Amazon
What to Look For in Drugstore Eyeshadow
- Personal Needs
To whittle down your options, you need to first decide on your personal needs, as the drugstore makeup department has plenty of distractions. Are you looking for one or two everyday shades? Or, do you want the versatility of an entire palette? “This will cut down your options significantly, and then you can hone in on texture and shade. Is it a cream or powder? Is it a neutral or a vibrant color?” explains Disco.
- Pigmentation
Kaplan notes that pigmentation is a major factor when buying eyeshadow at the drugstore. “If the colors look rich and punchy, that should be a good indication that the color payoff will be good," she says.
How to Wear Drugstore Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow is very much a choose-your-own-adventure makeup medium, and the good news about the best drugstore eyeshadows is they often offer an application guide for the novice makeup artist. But it's always important to remember that it's easier to build than take away.
"The tip with building the best eye look is all about the tools and techniques," says celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell. "If you want a sheer wash of color, use a fluffy sparse eyeshadow brush. This will create a soft sheer effect. If you want to pack on pigment, use a smaller, dense brush. The bristles look compact within each other. This will allow you to pick up more products and deposit with more opacity."
Another tip? Use an eyeshadow primer. "Using a primer for matte shadows helps add to the wear time while wetting a brush with setting spray to apply metallics will bump up the color payoff even more," says Williamson.
Do Drugstore Eyeshadows Have Fallout?
Any eyeshadow can have fallout—but there are many ways to combat ruining your seamlessly blended base with pesky specks of your powder eyeshadow.
"To minimize fallout, start with a cream base like an eye primer or concealer before applying your shadows. This helps the pigment stick better and last longer," Braha shares, noting that your best bet is working on eye makeup before starting on your skin. Denno concurs, adding that placing under-eye patches on the lower lash line will collect any fallout.
Are Cream Eyeshadows Better for Older Eyes?
Cream shadows are an excellent choice for women of all ages. They’re especially easy to apply and blend—whether you’re using a small fluffy brush or your ring finger for a quick swipe of color. "For mature skin, focus on blending shadows upwards and outwards to create a lifted effect," Braha shares. "This technique works beautifully with both cream shadows and when layering them with powders for added dimension."
Denno notes that not all cream shadows are formulated the same, so "some may appear dry, cakey, and cracked on the skin." For older eyes, she prefers "a sheer wash of a matte powder or an oh so very slightly shimmery shadow," which wears better on skin with lines and creases.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Emma Aerin Becker is a beauty writer with rich experience writing about makeup, having written about soap brows, brow pens, liquid eyeshadows, and eyeshadow palettes for Marie Claire. She regularly contributes to Marie Claire, and has beauty trend experience with forecasting platform RealSelf.
Marie Claire is an authority on all things eyeshadow, having written stories on the best eyeshadow palettes, glitter eyeshadows, eyeshadows for hazel eyes, and more. The products on this list have all been tried and tested by one of our editors or hand-picked by professional makeup artists.
How We Tested
Our testing process merged long-time editor favorites with new discoveries. We asked the Marie Claire team to share which drugstore eyeshadows they use in their daily lives, and tapped professional makeup artists to learn about their favorites. Finally, we called in additional 15 products for testing.
We evaluated each on ease of use, durability, pigment payoff, and how well they wore throughout the day. We also assessed packaging, shade range, and versatility. Our resulting pool comprised the 15 best liquid eyeshadows on the market.
Meet the Experts
Makeup artist Jonet Williamson discovered her love for art at a very early age. While growing up in New Orleans, one of the world's most eclectic and inspiring cities, Williamson was admitted into the gifted art program of her magnet high school. Here is where she began to master color theory, symmetry, texture, and innovation. From paint brushes to makeup brushes, she has used those same skills to solidify her style as a pro within the beauty industry.
In 2005, Williamson began her journey in beauty working as a makeup artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics. Here the feeling of connecting with other women and helping them see the beauty within themselves became her greatest passion.
With a willingness to learn and an eye for perfection, Williamson moved to New York City in 2014 determined to further her artistry and career. Since then, her work has been featured in commercial campaigns (Dolce & Gabanna, Levis, Shea Moisture), editorials (Essence, L'Officiel), and TV and film productions (CBS, MTV, TNT).
Kelli Anne Sewell a Celebrity Makeup Artist & Content Creator based out of New York City. She's originally from Texas, where she graduated from UT Austin (hookem) and started MXKA from her apartment in Austin. After four years of balancing her side hustle with a full-time corporate tech sales job, she took the biggest risk of her life and moved to NYC to chase her dream of becoming a celebrity makeup artist.
Disco is a leading expert in the beauty industry, with over 12 years of experience as a makeup artist. She has worked with international clients and celebrities, and has participated in NYFW for 14 seasons. In addition to her work as a freelance makeup artist, Disco is also the co-founder of Kitpak, a professional makeup organization company.
Zara Kaplan is a British celebrity Makeup Artist currently living in Los Angeles. Having started her career in 2012, Kaplan has since gone on to work with globally renowned brands such as Chanel, La Mer, Louis Vuitton, Kosas Cosmetics, and many more.
Zara’s work has caught the eye of celebrity clients such as Alessia Cara, Stephanie Sheperd, Iskra Lawrence, Peyton List, Taylour Paige, Tylynn Nguyen, Raveena Aurora, and Ally Brooke to name a few, and her work has been recognized in leading publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ID Magazine, Dazed Magazine, InStyle Magazine and Vanity Fair Italia.
Judi Gabbay Braha started her journey as a makeup artist at the young age of 13 years old. Working summers at a beauty store, she swept floors and did simple inventory all to be a part of the magic of makeup. Finding her passion at a young age enabled her to hone her talents through dedication and the desire to learn. Not so shortly after, Judi was being flown around the world for her talents. She has shot for brands such as BEBE, Catherine Malandrino, Buxom Cosmetics, and English Laundry. She's worked with networks such as Bravo, TLC, ABC, and more. Judi continues to create polished and flawless looks for all of her clientele.
Katey Denno is a bicoastal makeup artist. Renowned as the go-to green beauty celebrity artist, Denno’s passion for makeup was awakened during her 10+ year career in social work in DC and The Bronx, by her male-to-female transgender clients. While focusing on the external, she was able to help them feel good within, which she still believes, is the root to looking great. Denno’s roster includes longstanding clients Amanda Seyfried, Felicity Jones, Beanie Feldstein, Lili Reinhart, Margaret Qualley, Monica Barbaro, Quannah Chasinghorse, and Judith Light. Her work has been featured in countless beauty and fashion magazines, and she shares her expertise on youtube.com/kateydenno, and by beauty brand consulting.
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