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I used to think that drugstore eyeshadows were the training wheels of makeup. I wore them in middle school when I was first figuring out how to beat my face, but once I really learned how to do my makeup, I left them behind and moved on to the luxury shadows and fancy palettes. Recently though, I was hanging with a makeup artist on-set and noticed that her kit was packed with just drugstore eyeshadows. Whaaaat? She told me that drugstore eyeshadows are actually her favorite and that they’re some of the most pigmented, long-lasting, and moisturizing eyeshadow options out there—not to mention they’re super affordable too. Ahead, the 15 best drugstore eyeshadows you need to try so you can see for yourself.
Liquid eyeshadow tends to get a bad rap (it can be messy and feel heavy), but I promise this drugstore liquid eyeshadow will convert all of the haters. It dries down quickly to a long-wearing matte finish, so you don’t have to worry about any annoying transfer.
This drugstore eyeshadow is named after mochi because it’s SO freaking soft and bouncy. The silky texture glides right on for a super-smooth, tug-free application. My fave way to use the shades: Blend one of the matte shadows into your crease and swipe one of the glitter shadows on the lower half of your lid.
Neutral shadows that actually show up your lids can be hard to find, which is why this drugstore eyeshadow palette with 12 neutral shades and major color payoff is so amaze. The mix of matte and shimmery pigments complement all skin tones so you can easily experiment with the shades.
If you’re trying to recreate the sunset eye look that you’ve seen all over your Insta feed, this is the drugstore eyeshadow for you. The color payoff is intense, you just need a couple of quick swipes (either with your fingers or an eyeshadow brush) to complete your look.
Matte makeup can sometimes be dry, chalky, or heavy, but you won’t have to worry about any of that with this drugstore eyeshadow palette. These matte shadows go on like butter and they’re easy to build, so you can rock a subtle eye or go all out with a more bold look.
Not only can you wear these drugstore eyeshadows on your lids for a pretty matte look, you can use them as eyeliner too. Just grab a thin liner brush, dampen the bristles a bit, and then use it to apply one of the shadows along your upper and lower lash line.
Hate the heavy feeling that comes with a lot of powder drugstore eyeshadows? Reach for this eyeshadow palette—its silky texture and velvet finish will literally feel so lightweight on your lids, you’ll forget you’re wearing eyeshadow.
This drugstore eyeshadow palette has allll the options (seriously). Want cool and warm tones? Matte and metallic finishes? Brights and pastels? You’ll get them with this 40-shade palette. And all of the colors are pigmented and long-lasting, so don’t stress about your eyeshadow coming off by noon.
This cream eyeshadow palette is super easy to apply and blend, especially if you are in a rush and have like five minutes to do your makeup (aka me, always). Plus, the finish of the shadows leave your lids with a glowy, dewy look. Wear them alone, over a primer, or with a powder eyeshadow on top for extra depth and dimension.
Super moisturizing plant butters and fatty acids are the MVP of this drugstore eyeshadow (the texture is insanely smooth and creamy). Pro tip: If you want an intense eye look, use a wet eyeshadow brush to tap the shadow onto your lid.
If you’re feeling inspired by Gigi Hadid and her rosy lids, pls try this drugstore eyeshadow palette ASAP. It has nine pink and neutral shades in two different finishes to help you bring her light pink eyeshadow look to life.
Smoky eyes can be hard to get right, but this drugstore eyeshadow palette makes it simple. All the shades are easy to smudge and blend to create a sexy, smoky effect. Plus, the navy and dark green shades look super cool and unexpected.
A bronze eye look is peak summer makeup—and you can easily DIY it with this drugstore eyeshadow palette. It comes with nine pigmented shades in a powder formula that won’t look ashy or chalky—no matter your skin tone.
This drugstore eyeshadow is perfect if your sensitive skin goes into a full-blown freakout whenever it comes near makeup. The powders are free from any potentially irritating ingredients (like phthalates, synthetic fragrance, or silicones) and instead uses natural ingredients like bamboo, honey, and vitamin E.
If you’re looking for a drugstore eyeshadow that will truly last through anything, look no further. This one is 100 percent waterproof, meaning it’ll stay on through the heat, humidity, sweat, tears, you name it.