What Are the Different Types of Eyeshadow?

Of all the tools in your beauty arsenal, eyeshadow is arguably the most fun to play around with. Available in a dizzying array of colors, finishes, and textures, this versatile makeup product can be used to create all sorts of eye makeup looks — anything from a sultry smokey eye to a fierce cut crease. But achieving the perfect eye makeup look isn’t just about choosing the right shades and blending everything out, it’s also about using the right eyeshadow.

We love our pressed powder eyeshadow palettes, but there’s a whole world of eyeshadows just waiting to be explored! From liquid to cream to loose powder, there are different types of eyeshadows, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Learning about these eyeshadow types can help you achieve the eyeshadow looks you’ve been dreaming of.

Powder Eyeshadow

Powder or pressed eyeshadows are, without a doubt, the most common type of eyeshadow out there. As the name suggests, this formula has a dry, powdery texture and is pressed into small pans that you can buy individually per shade or as a set in a palette. They’re available in every color imaginable, as well as a variety of finishes like matte, shimmer, satin, and metallic, which most eyeshadow palettes contain a combination of.

Matte eyeshadows are typically applied to the crease and outer corners of the eyes to create depth. Shimmery eyeshadows are perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to the center and inner corners of your lids to open up the eyes. Satin eyeshadows fall somewhere between matte and shimmer; they add a wash of color with a subtle shine. Metallic eyeshadows have a sheen that resembles actual metals like gold, silver, copper, and bronze.

Powder eyeshadows have a blendable and buildable formula that gives you more control over the application. Moreover, it’s forgiving enough that mistakes aren’t too noticeable and can easily be corrected. You can apply eyeshadow using different types of eyeshadow brushes or even just blend it out with your fingers. They’re super versatile and can be used to create virtually any eye makeup look, which is why they’re great for beginners and pros alike.

Cream Eyeshadow

Next to powders, creams are probably the second most popular eyeshadow. Like lipsticks, they have a soft, creamy texture that stays solid at room temperature. They’re typically packaged in pots, though you can also find them in pans, tubes, sticks, or pencil form.

Cream eyeshadows are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. But what sets them apart from other types of eyeshadows is their highly pigmented, super blendable, and long-lasting formula. Packed with pigment, cream shadows give an intense color payoff that’s perfect for creating bold makeup looks with a single swipe. But if you want a natural look, you can easily blend it out for a softer effect. Professional makeup artists recommend using a fluffy blending brush to get rid of any harsh edges.

Cream eyeshadows can be applied directly to your lids and smudged out using just your fingertips. Plus, they have zero fallout, which makes them the perfect eyeshadow to add to your makeup kit if you’re traveling or constantly on the go.

The biggest downside to cream eyeshadow is that it can crease easily, making it less ideal for those with hooded lids, oily lids, or mature skin. You’ll also want to avoid this type of eyeshadow in hot and humid weather, as it can melt and smudge throughout the day.

If you’re tired of using the same old powder eyeshadows and want to try something new, cream shadows are a fun, beginner-friendly alternative.

Liquid Eyeshadow

It’s easy to see why liquid eyeshadows are often mistaken for lip gloss. Packaged in a similar sleek tube with a fluffy wand, this type of eyeshadow has a viscous yet blendable consistency. Liquid eyeshadows can vary in color intensity; most brands produce formulas that are highly pigmented, while others apply on more sheer. They’re most known for their glossy, glittery, and shimmery finish, but there are great matte options available too.

Applying liquid eyeshadow is pretty simple. All you have to do is swipe the product on your eyelid, blend out the edges with a blending brush, and wait for it to set. Liquid formulas also work as a great base for powder or glitter eyeshadow because they grab onto the pigment, enhance their vibrancy, and boost their staying power.

Unfortunately, liquid eyeshadows are prone to creasing like their cream-based counterparts, so those with extremely oily lids should avoid wearing them.

Loose Powder Eyeshadow

Loose eyeshadow is a finely milled and highly pigmented type of eyeshadow that’s essentially a powder shadow in loose form. Loose pigments can be difficult to apply and may require more advanced skills to work with. With intense color and fallout, it’s safe to say they aren’t a popular choice among the general makeup-wearing population. But they’re often used by professional makeup artists to create a dramatic look for editorial purposes like fashion shows and photoshoots.

When applying loose powder eyeshadow, we highly recommend using an eyeshadow primer. This will act as a tacky base that will give the pigments more grip. With a flat eyeshadow brush, gently pat and press the product onto your eyelids. For a more intense color payoff, you can wet the brush with water or makeup setting spray.

Loose glitter eyeshadow also falls under this category, though it is best applied with a mixing medium.

Baked Eyeshadow

Baked eyeshadows look just like any other pressed powder eyeshadow palette, but they’re actually cream formulas baked in a special oven until dry. This type of eyeshadow gives you the best of both worlds by combining the buildable nature of powder eyeshadows and the blendability of cream eyeshadows. The best part? You don’t get the fallout or creasing that that’s associated with the other formulas! Plus, it has rich pigmentation. It’s no surprise that baked eyeshadow has garnered a loyal following among makeup wearers that have tried it.

This versatile eyeshadow can be applied wet or dry. For dry application, you can apply it just like your regular powder eyeshadow. If you want intense color for a more dramatic look, simply spray your eyeshadow brush with setting spray.

source https://degreesofvanity.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-eyeshadow/