e.l.f. Discovery

The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Eyeshadows

Exploring the Different Types of Eyeshadows

Eyeshadow has come a long way from the days of single-color pans. Today, it can feel like there are endless eyeshadow types, each one boasting unique formulas that can leave even beauty enthusiasts feeling overwhelmed. From powder to cream to liquid and everything in between, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of choices. Understanding the different types of eyeshadows is key to finding your perfect match—from powder to cream to liquid and everything in between.

Powder eyeshadows are the go-to classics. They’re versatile, blendable, and perfect for everything from subtle daytime looks to bold evening glam. But then there’s cream eyeshadow —ultra-pigmented, dreamy to apply, and ideal for creating that effortless one-and-done look. And let’s not forget liquid eyeshadow formulas, which can pack a punch with their metallic finishes and long-lasting wear. Prefer something more innovative? Gel, mousse, and hybrid eyeshadow formulas bring new textures and effects to the table.

Choosing the right one often depends on your skill level, desired look, and the amount of time you want to dedicate to your eye makeup everyday. So, to keep it easy (because it can get overwhelming!), we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to different e.l.f. eyeshadows. And while there are many, makeup’s all about experimenting, having fun with it, and expressing yourself—so why settle for just one? Read on for all things eyeshadow!

What Does Eyeshadow Primer Do?

If you’ve ever struggled with your eyeshadow fading, creasing, or losing its vibrancy by midday, an eyeshadow primer is about to become your best friend. No matter the formula—powder, cream, or liquid—eyeshadow performs best with a solid base to cling to, and that’s exactly what a primer provides. Think of it as the foundation for your lids, designed to smooth out imperfections, enhance color payoff, and keep your look locked in place.

Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer is our long-lasting eye primer that helps prevent your eyeshadow from creasing or smudging, even on long days or in humid conditions. With a creamy base and a sheer finish, eye primer can also amplify your eyeshadow’s pigment, so those shades in your palette look just as bold on your lids as they do in the pan.

Liquid Eyeshadow

Ready to meet the ultimate multitaskers in your makeup bag? Enter: liquid eyeshadows! With their creamy texture and intense pigment, they’re perfect for creating everything from soft, natural looks to bold, statement eyes. Want a quick wash of color-shifting metallics? A single swipe and blend of our Duochrome Liquid Eyeshadow leaves a dynamic glow. Craving drama? Layer and build our Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow for a high-impact, multidimensional finish.

Looking for an eye-catching layer of glitter? Go for our Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow for an ultra glitzy moment. Liquid eyeshadows are also ideal for precise application—their quick-drying, long-lasting formulas make them perfect for busy days and special nights. Whether you’re a makeup minimalist or a bold beauty lover, liquid eyeshadows have you covered.

Eyeshadow Sticks

PSA to all who want an easy eye look with a lot of payoff: eyeshadow sticks belong in your makeup bag! These creamy, easy-to-use sticks deliver rich pigment in a swipe, making them perfect for creating quick, polished looks. Plus, their compact design and mess-free application make them travel-friendly and ideal for on-the-go touch-ups, whether you’re at work or heading to an event.

With shiny, pearl, and matte formulas, it’s easy to create a wide range of looks and to pair eyeshadow sticks with other types of eyeshadows. For a long-lasting eye look made up of subtle metallics, grab our No Budge Shadow Stick . The creamy formula glides on effortlessly as an eyeshadow or liner and allows you to create a range of looks, from everyday shimmer to bold smoky eyes. Need to amp it up? The No Budge Matte Shadow Stick has a creamy, easy-glide texture that delivers high-pigment and long-lasting color with a matte finish.

Cream Eyeshadow

Cream eyeshadows are a must-have for their effortless versatility. Their silky, blendable texture makes them perfect for everything from quick, one-and-done looks to layered, smoky eyes. We love cream eyeshadows because, in addition to their crease-resistant and long-lasting properties, they’re incredibly beginner-friendly—just swipe on with your finger or a brush for a soft, diffused finish or build up the pigment or pair it with other formulas for extra dimension.

Cream shadows like our long lasting cream eyeshadow are also ideal for multitasking, doubling as a smudge and crease-proof primer and a creamy base that can be applied with a finger, brush, or liner brush to enhance powder shadows.

Eyeshadow Palettes

If you’re looking to go big on creativity and versatility with your eye look, powder eyeshadow palettes are for you. With a variety of shades and finishes—matte, shimmer, satin, and metallic—they’re perfect for crafting endless looks, whether you’re going for subtle or bold. Their buildable formula allows you to control the intensity, making them ideal for beginners and pros alike.

For everyday wear, our Bite-Size Eyeshadows are an essential go-to. Featuring soft neutrals perfect for a polished, natural vibe, deeper tones for a vibrant statement, and soft shimmers for a little flair, this tiny but mighty mix of four shades goes the distance for multifaceted looks. With a smooth, creamy application and highly pigmented powder texture, these small eyeshadow palettes delivers rich, blendable color that stays put and makes a statement. The bonus? Their mini compact size is perfect for popping in your purse and touching up throughout the day.

If you feel confident (or even just adventurous) in your eyeshadow game, opt for our Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette, a diverse palette of—you guessed it—10 highly pigmented and blendable eyeshadow shades. Perfect 10 is a definite eyeshadow staple for your bag as it features a wide range of shades from neutral to bold to shimmery and soft. Our thoughtfully curated range of shades complement each other, so you can effortlessly mix, match, define and layer your way to your desired look. Perfect 10’s highly blendable formula also applies silky smooth and blends with ease, delivering intense color payoff when you pair it with a finger or your favorite e.l.f. eyeshadow brush.

Glitter Eyeshadow

Our Fine as Fleck Glitter Eyeshadow is a sheer, sparkly eyeshadow topper designed to add a mesmerizing wash of sparkle to your eye look. Packed with micro-fine glitter flecks, this long-lasting formula offers a shimmer finish that can be worn alone for subtle shimmer or layered over other eyeshadows to amp up the glitz.

The soft, smooth texture applies effortlessly without grittiness, allowing for buildable, party-ready vibrancy. Available in various shades like Champagne Showers (peachy beige with champagne sparkle) and White Hot (white sparkle), this vegan and cruelty-free product is versatile enough to create both subtle and dramatic eye looks. For best results, apply over an eyeshadow primer to enhance adherence and reduce fallout, using a flat brush to pat the product onto the lid for maximum impact.

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