There’s nothing more frustrating than applying eyeshadow and then finding out it’s smudged or smudged before you’ve even left the household. That’s why we’re big fans of using liquid eyeshadow to create a long-lasting look. But we get it: While liquid eyeshadow promises longevity, it can be intimidating. “Many liquid formulas are waterproof, long-lasting, and smudge-proof,” says Robert Sesnek, celebrity face artist for CATRICE Cosmetics.
And while liquid eyeshadow may seem like it leaves little room for error, the truth is that switching to liquid eyeshadow can cut a considerable amount of time out of your daily routine. With easy-to-use applicators, you swipe and blend with your finger, and you’re good to go. “[They’re] so easy to use, and most lock-in within minutes,” says Sesnek. Add a little mascara, and you’re out the door.
Want to create a long-lasting eyeshadow look? Liquid eyeshadows are almost always easy to apply. Still, these innovative formulas deliver deeper pigment that won’t crease, smudge, or fade throughout the day (mainly when the formula contains glitter, shimmer, sequins, and metallics). Ready to update your look? Check out the best liquid eyeshadow for every situation below.
1. Best Purple Shade:
Liquid eyeshadow BEAUTY FOR REAL
If you have brown eyes, purple is one of the best colours to make your eyes pop. This dusk shade from BEAUTY FOR REAL is multi-dimensional, so multiple colours are applied to your lids whenever they catch the light. Plus, the ultra-long-lasting formula never creases, so you can use it once and forget about it all day. One Ipster wrote: “It’s thick but blends easily and looks great even on my darker skin.”
2. Best for creating depth:
HUDA BEAUTY Matte & Metal Melted Shadows
Two words: beauty twofer. This multi-use liquid eyeshadow pencil delivers stunning colour that lasts up to 12 hours and features a shimmery metallic shadow on one end. A matte finish, on the other, allows you to mix and match them to create different makeup looks (whether you layer them collected or wear them separately). Bonus: It can also be used as mascara and flat lip gloss. “I also used the metallic part on my lips for a glow, and it looked great,” said one reviewer. “It’s so easy to get the high-end look without putting much work/time into it,” says another.
3. The best gel-based liquid eyeshadows:
LUCKY CHICK Liquid Eyeshadow
We love that the gel-based liquid eyeshadow glides on easily, so you don’t have to worry about a heavy, sticky feeling on your lids. This formula from LUCKY CHICK is even made with cucumber extract, so it helps reduce any signs of eyelid irritation and combat puffiness. We’ll never look at eyeshadow the same way again! One Ipster loved this shade so much she wrote: “I applied two coats and let them dry. They lasted for a few hours, and then I went to bed. When I woke up the next morning, they were still there with no fading, cracking, or smudging.” It’s amazing.
4. Best Ultra-Creamy Liquid Eyeshadows:
MISCHO BEAUTY Liquid Eyeshadow
Some Ipsters find that ultra-creamy liquid eyeshadows are more straightforward to spread before setting and setting in place. This vegan formula has a rich colour and a long-lasting texture. One Ipster said: “It’s super easy to apply, super easy to blend with your finger and lasts all day with minimal creasing.”
5. Best for Beginners:
KOSAS 10-Second Eyeshadow
While liquid eyeshadows are generally easy to apply, this formula is perhaps the strongest on our list. It offers buildable coverage in a clean, water-based formula infused with jojoba oil to soothe and balance your skin while delivering a gorgeous colour payoff that doesn’t crease or flake throughout the day. Reviews rave around the clean formula and how the simple applicator lives up to its name. “It’s so pretty and easy to apply. And I can confirm you can see it on Zoom,” said one user. “I always struggle with eyeshadow, and this makes it SO easy! I can apply beautiful colours and blend them with my finger in just a few seconds. No brushes required,” said another.
6. The best eyeshadow set:
DANESSA MYRICKS Colorfix 24-Hour Cream Color
With over 30 shades under the sun (in both matte and metallic formulas), these long-lasting colours deliver vibrant colours that don’t budge thanks to a waterproof, smudge-proof formula that can withstand heat and humidity. “Awesome,” said one reviewer. Bonus: You can apply this multipurpose formula to your lips or face.
7. Best for Oily Skin:
STILA COSMETICS Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow
If your eyeshadow seems to be running off your face or fading by mid-day, try this highly pigmented formula that doesn’t budge or crease, even on oily skin. “It stays in place until you wash it off. I tend to have eyeshadow issues due to oily eyelids, but these shadows are no problem at all,” says one reviewer. The glitter eyeshadow combines a blend of pearls and glitter for long-lasting shine. “I even slept in them, and they didn’t fall off my pillow,” says another.
8. Best Glitter Formula:
ELOISE BEAUTY Glitter Jewels Liquid Eye Shadow
We love how this liquid eyeshadow formula dries to a metallic finish that doesn’t budge or flake when you blink. This clean, vegan formula contains few ingredients, but one is vitamin E, which helps visibly reduce the signs of ageing as you wear it over time. “The liquid eyeshadow dries amazing,” one Ipster wrote. “They’re not sticky at all. I forget I’m wearing them.”
9. Best liquid eyeshadow duo:
Liquid eyeshadow THE BEAUTY CROP
Not all liquid eyeshadows have to have a metallic sheen. This duo from THE BEAUTY CROP features a metallic side and a matte brown shade, so you can mix them up for a unique look or wear different shades on different days, depending on your mood.
10. Best Matte Formula:
Liquid matte eye colour ABOUT-FACE
We can’t get enough of the endless creativity that comes with playing with any of the ABOUT-FACE products. Your face can genuinely become a canvas with these long-lasting matte eye colours that are perfect for parties, events or just everyday wear, thanks to their more neutral tones. They genuinely don’t budge an inch, no matter how long you decide to wear them (or even sleep in them!). One Ipster wrote: “The eye paint dries swiftly and doesn’t budge. Excellent pigmentation and colour rendition.”