As beauty editors who are constantly researching the latest and greatest makeup products, you can take it from us that there are a ton of options out there. Our heads actually start to spin just thinking about the sheer number of eyeshadows you can buy. It's easy to assume the best eyeshadow palettes and foundations come from higher-end (and typically, more expensive) brands, but that’s not always the case. While luxury names boast great formulas, drugstore brands like NYX, e.l.f., and Maybelline offer options that work just as well.
If you don’t believe us, take it from the pros. Professional makeup artist Disco tells Marie Claire that higher-end eyeshadows are “absolutely” comparable to drugstore versions. “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 concurs. "Most people believe that drugstore eyeshadows aren't pigmented or that the formulations aren't long lasting which just isn't true," she says. "What a lot of consumers don't realize is that most drugstore brands are owned by the same parent companies as some of their favorite luxury cosmetic brands, so the quality is still there."
Quality eyeshadow doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. As further proof, we’ve rounded up the only eyeshadows worth your attention at the drugstore. Whether you love glittery shadows, cling to neutral shades, or prefer your cream eyeshadow formulas, this list has an under-$20 option for everyone. We even threw a few makeup artist favorites in, too.
Ahead, discover the best drugstore eyeshadows. The next time you pick up your prescriptions, swing by the makeup aisle and fill your basket.
A selection of drugstore eyeshadows spread out for freelance beauty writer Sophia Vilensky's testing pleasure.
The Best Drugstore Eyeshadows
- The Best Overall Drugstore Eyeshadow: NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Eye Shadow Palette
- The Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Palette: Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette
- The Best Multi-Finish Drugstore Eyeshadow: Catrice Coral Crush Slim Eyeshadow Palette
- The Best Ingenious Drugstore Eyeshadow: Maybelline Shadow Blocks Eyeshadow Palette
The Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Palettes and Pressed Powders
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 this palette's mix of browns, champagnes, and rust shades and we can almost guarantee these neutrals will work for any skin tone. This set also comes pro-approved, as Kaplan says this is one of her three favorite drugstore palettes that "deliver really high-quality eyeshadows with rich pigments and great blendability." Coming in under $20, we still consider this pick a steal that'll beget a ton of compliments—freelance beauty writer Sophia Vilensky used it on herself (and all of her friends) for a summer wedding and can attest to its brilliance.
Finish: Multiple Finishes
Formula: Powder
Shades: 16
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Pro-approved; Comes with 16 colors; Highly pigmented; Includes a mix of finishes; Blendable; Has a range of undertones; Good value
Cons: None found.
Vilensky used our favorite drugstore eyeshadow overall—one of NYX's Ultimate Color Shadow Palettes—for a June 2024 wedding.
Behold: Our favorite drugstore eyeshadow palette in mini form. Featuring the same highly pigmented, blendable shades included in the larger palette above, this six-pan product comes in five color ranges (we're partial to the "Call Me Old-Fashioned" smokey selection) with curated matte and shimmer finishes.
Finish: Matte and shimmer
Formula: Powder
Shades: Six
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Highly pigmented; Under $10; Blendable; Applies smoothly; Contains a mix of finishes; Easy to travel with
Cons: None found
A quick sweep of nudes from the Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette is perhaps the easiest eyeshadow look of all time.
A true hidden gem in the vast world of eyeshadow, Catrice's offerings are dreamy as can be. Available in three fun, nature-inspired colorways (you can choose from a neutral safari-inspired palette, rosy floral selection, or coral and turquoise option based on the sea), these blendable palettes come with shadows in vibrant metallic, smooth shimmer, and velvety matte finishes that you can use for day, night, and every time in between.
Finish: Matte, shimmer, and metallic
Formula: Powder
Shades: 14
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Highly pigmented; Long-lasting colors; Sturdy packaging; Nice selection of finishes
Cons: Not all shades are super useable
The vision while testing Catrice's Coral Crush Slim Eyeshadow Palette? Glitter of course.
Blendable and bold, each Maybelline Shadow Block features two matte shades and one shimmer shade stacked in a quite brilliant pocket-size, easy-to-use palette. "The palette is highly pigmented, but the application is super smooth which allows you to really build and get as much versatility as you want," explains celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell, founder of Makeup By Kelli Anne. "It’s perfect for travel because it has everything you need in one compact component!"
Lucky for us, the makeup artist also explained how to use the palette:
I love the look of a matte eye with highlights. Think a sexy, easy, soft smokey look that glistens as you move under the sun. For this I like to take the deepest matte shade with a fluffy brush to wash it over the whole lid in a sheer way. Then take the other matte shade to soften the edges of the deeper color and blend it into the rest of the eyes (focus on the crease). Next, take the shimmer shade with your finger and press it right down the center, round peak of your eyelid. You will feel where your eye rounds with your finger! This is where light will catch when you blink and it'll give a natural sexy glisten to your eye.
Finish: Matte and shimmer
Formula: Powder
Shades: Three
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Creative packaging design makes it easy to take on the go; Pigmented
Cons: None found
A rosy glow courtesy of Maybelline Shadow Blocks Eyeshadow Palette.
Also Recommended
Although Colourpop isn't technically available in drugstores, it definitely has drugstore pricing. Plus, the brand can be found at Ulta inside some Target stores...so we'll let it slide since they have such a great selection of shadows. "The shadows are a favorite among the artist community and I use them on my clients and on myself," Disco says. "They offer a wide variety of colors and textures and they are so easy to blend." Disco likes to buy these single eyeshadows to put into one of her Kitpak Magnetic Compacts to create her own custom palette that's smaller than an iPhone.
And if you don't want to shop shadows one by one? Vilensky is also a huge fan of the brand's fun palettes—their recent Pokemon collab is a winner.
Finish: Multiple Finishes
Formula: Powder
Shades: One
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Wide shade range; Under $10; Highly pigmented; Pro-approved; Blendable; Applies smoothly; Available in a range of finishes
Cons: Singles are only available online
Ava Vilensky used Colourpop's wide (and colorful) eyeshadow array for a Pride makeup look.
Designed in Europe by professional makeup artists, Lamel's palettes feature buildable colors that blend wonderfully without any primer. This specific selection includes seven lightweight, highly pigmented shades in a gold and pink color scheme—indulge in the nude, the glittery, and everything in between.
Finish: Matte and shimmery
Formula: Powder
Shades: Seven
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Highly pigmented; Features super-wearable shades that really work together; Blendable
Cons: Some reviewers reported broken palettes upon arrival (ours were in perfect form)
Just a little pretty sweep of pink with Lamel's Selflove Eyeshadow Palette.
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 they turn ultra-creamy and velvety smooth. These eyeshadows also deliver the prettiest metallic colors in a single swipe thanks to their intense pigmentation. Like the name suggests, these shadows won't fail you, either. They are waterproof, crease-proof, and last for up to 24 hours of wear.
Finish: Shimmer and metallic
Formula: Powder
Shades: One
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Highly pigmented; Under $10; Long-wearing; Waterproof; Non-creasing; Applies smoothly
Cons: If you're a matte person, stay away—they're only available in shimmery and metallic finishes
For those that 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 and for the lid, crease, and outer corner. From pretty rose tones (shown here) to fun jalapeño colored shadows, there's a range of shades to chose from that all 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
Pros: Highly pigmented; Under $10; Travel-friendly; Blendable; Applies smoothly; Comes with a mix of matte and shimmer shades
Cons: Shimmery shades have a bit of fallout; Reviewers note this palette can break easily
Sometimes, neutral shades just aren't going to cut it. In that case, this super bright palette from Makeup Revolution is there for you. 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.
Finish: Matte
Formula: Powder
Shades: 45
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Blendable; Highly pigmented; Comes with 45 shades; Good value; Vegan
Cons: Reviewers note this palette can break easily
If you have a go-to eyeshadow look, it probably doesn't make sense to buy an entire palette of colors you may never use. Instead, turn to single shadows in the shades you really want. These little compacts feature a big pan of shadow, meaning you get more bang for your buck. From electric blue eyeshadow to matte cream, each shade packs an impressive amount of color payoff that's long (perhaps the longest?) lasting.
Finish: Multiple Finishes
Formula: Powder
Shades: One
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Blendable; Under $10; Long-wearing; Highly pigmented; Large pan size; Available in a range of finishes
Cons: May be easy to break
If you're bored of neutrals, red-toned eyeshadow can be a killer look—especially if you have green eyes. With that being said, this warm-toned palette has the perfect set of colors to make a statement. Each shade is easily blendable so you can layer the shades together for a multi-dimensional look. Or, if you prefer a simple wash of color, wear a shade on its own. You'll only need one swipe for high-impact color.
Finish: Multiple Finishes
Formula: Powder
Shades: Six
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Includes a mix of matte and shimmery shades; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Blendable
Cons: Packaging feels a bit cheap
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
Pros: Safe for sensitive eyes (it's been ophthalmologist-tested and was formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, talc, synthetic fragrances, or silicones)
Cons: None found
The key word of this eyeshadow palette is "butter." These eyeshadows are packed with a blend of monoi, murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma butters to provide extra moisture to your delicate eyelids, not to mention they apply just like butter on the lid. They may look like matte, powder shadows, but they apply as smoothly as a cream. Physicians Formula is also a great brand if you have sensitive skin, as all of their products are created with hypoallergenic ingredients.
Finish: Matte
Formula: Liquid-to-Powder
Shades: Six
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Applies smoothly; Highly pigmented; Great for sensitive skin; Long-wearing; Blendable
Cons: Some shades in the palette contain more product than others
At just $2, 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. These shades are 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
Pros: Under $10; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Blendable
Cons: Could have a wider shade range
Milani is a drugstore brand that shouldn't be slept on. Aside from their lovely baked blushes, they have quite a few eyeshadow palettes worthy of your attention. This 15-pan palette is made up of matte reds, pinks, and browns (there's even a shimmery purple that Vilensky loves for her brown eyes) that would complement so many skin tones. Each shade feels velvety smooth and you'll only need a swipe thanks to its high color payoff—mix and match to your will.
Finish: Multiple Finishes
Formula: Powder
Shades: 15
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Highly pigmented; Blendable; Applies smoothly; Contains a mix of finishes
Cons: None found
The Best Drugstore Cream and Liquid Eyeshadows
Yes, there can be two stick-format drugstore eyeshadows on this list—especially because they're both so great. This option from CoverGirl comes in 12 shades (Vilensky loves the shimmery pink "ballerina") and is formulated without parabens, talc, mineral oil, and fragrance for those with sensitive eyes. Simply grab your stick and glide it on those sweet lids—a strong, shimmery eye look has literally never been easier.
Finish: Shimmer
Formula: Cream
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Highly pigmented; Pretty finish and shade range; Glides on nicely; Smudge-proof and crease-free formula; Ophthalmologist tested; Suitable for sensitive eyes
Cons: None found
Ava Vilensky putting CoverGirl Clean Eye Color Eyeshadow Sticks to the test.
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
Pros: Long-wearing; Under $10; Waterproof; Highly pigmented; Glides on smoothly; Comes with a brush; Available in shimmery and matte shades
Cons: Some find the packaging hard to open
A light sweep of Revlon ColorStay Crème Eyeshadow for a light touch of shimmer.
These NYX shadow tubes offer shimmery, bright color in an easy-to-use liquid formula with color ranges from a super-fun strawberry (pictured here) to megawatt gold. These are also formulated with glitter and vitamin C to brighten your skin as you wear them and earn bonus points for their multi-use formula—apply on your cheekbones as highlighter or dab on top of lipstick for a shimmery glow.
Finish: Shimmer
Formula: Liquid
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Multi-use formula; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Vegan; Easy-to-use; Offered in 13 shades
Cons: Some shades have chunkier glitter than others
NYX Ultimate Glow Shots Vitamin C Infused Liquid Eyeshadow will not budge. Promise.
Eyeshadow sticks are a makeup beginner's best friend—simply swipe the creamy, easy-to-handle pigments across the lid for an effortless glam look. Mix and match shades to your heart's content (these are available in eight metallic shades plus eight matte shades), or choose your favorite for a one-and-done look. Either way, as the name promises, your makeup will last the entire day without budging or fading. These handy sticks also include a built-in sharpener for extra sharp lines, every time.
Finish: Metallic or matte
Formula: Cream
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Long-wearing; Under $10; Offered in 16 metallic and matte shades; Applies smoothly; Smudge-proof; Includes a built-in sharpener
Cons: Reviewers note some colors don't match the website's description
Another cream eyeshadow that will last you from day to night: Maybelline's Color Tattoo pots. These mighty shades stay on your lid (almost) like a tattoo. Each color has the same intensity as permanent ink and will last you up to 24 hours of wear without fading, creasing, or smudging—they're even waterproof! Because of their ultra-smooth texture, they are incredibly easy to apply, either swipe on with your finger or use a brush to dab on.
Finish: Multiple
Formula: Cream
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Extremely long-wearing; Highly pigmented; Available in both shimmery and matte shades; Waterproof; Glides on smoothly; Non-creasing
Cons: Less matte shades than shimmer available; May be drying on sensitive skin
For $6, you can get an eye pencil that can do it all. With its extra-thick design, your eyeshadow look will only take seconds with a few swipes. Or, take a bright pastel shade (we're personally obsessed with the pink color, "cupcake"), 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
Pros: Multi-use; Under $10; Glides on smoothly; Blendable; Offered in 15 shades
Cons: Difficult to sharpen
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, notes Disco. For example, you may only need one or two shades—or maybe you’re looking for 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
Celebrity makeup artist Zara Kaplan notes that pigmentation is major when it comes to eyeshadow at the drugstore. “Pigment is one of the biggest things to look at when searching for an eyeshadow palette,” she says. “If the colors look rich and punchy, that should be a good indication that the color payoff will be good!”
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. Sewell also notes that it's easier to build than take away—start gently.
"The tip with building the best eye look is all about the tools and techniques," she adds. "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," notes Williamson.
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.
