Tester suggestions: “I really like the wash of colour only one finger-dip of this shadow provides me,” says contributing commerce author Annie Blackman. “It is delicate, bridging the hole between shimmery and not-so-shimmery, and the Auburn Aura shade (pictured above) is a sophisticatedly attractive addition to any look—particularly with my bluish inexperienced eyes.”
Key substances: mica, vitamin E, chamomile, aloe vera | Shades: 5 (3 shimmer, 2 metallic)
Greatest Impartial Shades: Bobbi Brown Lengthy-Put on Shadow Stick
Why it is value it: The Bobbi Brown Lengthy-Put on Shadow Stick (pictured above in Truffle, a creamy beige) is a 2023 Attract Better of Magnificence winner and we now have a sense it is about to develop into the MVP of your make-up bag. There are 27 completely different shades to choose from, together with matte, metallic, and shimmer finishes—some even have color-shifting finishes—so it’s going to be exhausting to withstand choosing up a couple of. These versatile, smooth-gliding sticks can be utilized as eye shadow, eyeliner, and even highlighter—relying on the shade you select.
Editor’s tip: This product is waterproof, so you will want make-up remover helpful when it is time to take it off. Cleanser and water alone in all probability will not do it.
Key substances: artificial beeswax, silica, mica, citric acid, iron oxides | Shades: 35 (12 matte, 20 shimmer, and three metallic)
Greatest Daring Shades: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick
Why it is value it: You realize what’s cheaper than caviar and form of simply as luxe? The Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow. Type of. Let’s simply say it’s. This creamy components has main endurance—we’re speaking 24 hours (please get some sleep, although), and maintains its pigment all of the whereas. It is crease-proof, smudge-proof, moisture-proof, and chill for delicate pores and skin. Plus, it contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, castor seed oil, and raspberry oil.
Editor’s tip: “I am a die-hard fan of the Laura Mercier shadow stick in Cocoa (a wealthy chocolate with bronze pearl pictured above),” New York Metropolis-based make-up artist Kirin Bhatty beforehand advised Attract. “I at all times have them in my equipment as they’re tremendous versatile, and you may create one thing very pure to one thing very smokey in a couple of swipes.”
Key substances: dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, castor seed oil, raspberry oil | Shades: 15
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
What kind of eye shadow is finest for mature pores and skin?
Cream eye shadow comes out on prime each time. “[Creamy shadows] have a smoother texture and are much less prone to settle into positive traces and wrinkles,” explains Lisa Aharon, a make-up artist based mostly in New York Metropolis. Whereas cream eye shadows are available in matte, shimmer, or metallic finishes, Katy Holland (a make-up artist at Growth! Magnificence) and Aahron vouch for matte formulation since they supply a delicate and subtle look that does not emphasize the pores and skin’s texture.
How must you prep your pores and skin earlier than making use of eye shadow?
Aharon likes “to start out by cleaning the world with one thing light like micellar water, adopted by a light-weight software of eye cream.” After that, she goes in with an eye shadow primer (you may by no means go incorrect with City Decay’s Primer Potion) to {smooth} positive traces on the lids and make sure the make-up adheres and blends evenly.