How to choose your eye shadow
Now that you have the technique down, there’s the question of which eye shadow to choose. It’s not just the best shade for your eye color to choose, but also how each finish (matte, shimmer, suede) will play to a different mood. According to Rasa Gardiner, senior director of global education at Makeup by Mario, one of the most common mistakes when it comes to eye shadow is “to choose shades that are too literal or overly saturated, because they can dull your eyes.” She advises choosing a different shade from your eye color to enhance rather than compete.
What’s the benefit of using a stick eye shadow versus a powder one?
One theme we noticed when talking to top makeup artists is that they’ll never be without a stick or cream eye shadow (though powder eye shadow still very much has its place). “Stick shadows are easier to blend, and they melt into the skin. They’re especially helpful when you’re short on time and need something quick. They’re also a great multiuse product; sometimes I use a stick shadow to contour as well,” says Darcy.
“For the everyday girl, I actually prefer cream and stick eye shadows. They’re quicker, easier to apply, and blend seamlessly, making them perfect for busy mornings when no one has time to worry about technique and a patchy eye shadow. They’re almost foolproof and give you a polished pro look in seconds,” says Micol Melani, a makeup artist whose clients include Hailee Steinfeld and Madelyn Cline.
“Stick eye shadows generally have a higher concentration of pigment, and they set down, so they’re quick and easy to use. I find a stick is great as an eyeliner, as an eye shadow base, or on its own if I want a simple look. Powder eye shadow can be a little trickier because you’re layering and constantly blending, but the most iconic looks come from powders because the layering possibilities are endless. Plus you get so many different textures and dimensions that powder offers that a stick just can’t match,” says Jai.
The best eye shadows to try
As for which creams or sticks to add to your collection, “some of my favorites are the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Sticks, Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Waterproof Eyeshadow Sticks, and Danessa Myricks Colorfix Multi-Use Pigment,” says Melani. Top celebrity makeup artist Diane Buzzetta, whose clients include Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber, and Camila Morrone, recommends Chanel Stylo Yeux: “I keep it in my kit. It’s a great, easy way to add dimension or highlight to the eye. It has great staying power but is also blendable.”
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite makeup-artist-approved eye shadows below.
