Tester suggestions: “I like the wash of shade 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 elements: 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 price it: The Bobbi Brown Lengthy-Put on Shadow Stick (pictured above in Truffle, a creamy beige) is a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty winner and we’ve got a sense it is about to turn 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 will be exhausting to withstand choosing up multiple. 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 may 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 elements: 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 price it: You recognize what’s cheaper than caviar and form of simply as luxe? The Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow. Sort of. Let’s simply say it’s. This creamy system 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 consists of 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 told Allure. “I at all times have them in my package as they’re tremendous versatile, and you may create one thing very pure to one thing very smokey in just a few swipes.”
Key elements: dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, castor seed oil, raspberry oil | Shades: 15
Often Requested Questions
What kind of eye shadow is greatest 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 strains and wrinkles,” explains Lisa Aharon, a make-up artist based mostly in New York Metropolis. Whereas cream eye shadows are available matte, shimmer, or metallic finishes, Katy Holland (a make-up artist at Boom! Beauty) and Aahron vouch for matte formulation since they supply a tender and subtle look that does not emphasize the pores and skin’s texture.
How do you have to prep your pores and skin earlier than making use of eye shadow?
Aharon likes “to start out by cleaning the world with one thing mild like micellar water, adopted by a light-weight software of eye cream.” After that, she goes in with an eye shadow primer (you possibly can by no means go mistaken with Urban Decay’s Primer Potion) to {smooth} positive strains on the lids and make sure the make-up adheres and blends evenly.
