One swipeswipe wonders:wonders: TheThe bestbest singlesingle eyeshadowseyeshadows youyou needneed nownow

In the eyeshadow world, it sometimes seems like palettes are the only way. New collections of ‘complimentary’ shades seem to hit our shelves almost daily. In all of this palette excitement, it looks as though we’re neglecting the lowly single eyeshadows – and that’s a real shame. 

A single eyeshadow may not be as exciting and glamorous as a multi-tonal palette. But eyeshadows are quick, easy to travel with, and often give subtle, understated eye looks. Don’t believe me? This roundup of the very best on the market should help you change your mind.

Cream Eyeshadows

When it comes to singles, I tend to prefer a cream formula for ease of application. But there are two major exceptions. The Make Beauty Strawberry Hill eyeshadow is a total thing of beauty—both in the pan and on the eyes. The fact that you can slightly switch up the tones by focusing on different areas of the pan makes it extremely versatile. As of November 2024, it is sold out on most online retailers.

I’m also partial to a creamier, greasier effect. The Surratt Lid Lacquers and Jillian Dempsey Lid Tints achieve a grungy, slightly undone look. They’re sheer and never entirely set, so they will crease and move around a bit – but if you’re into the look of a dewy eyelid, you won’t do better than these.

Matte Eyeshadows

But, if you want only one matte brown eyeshadow in your collection, Make Up For Ever M647 Speculoos is for you. It doesn’t look special at first glance, but it’s the perfect slightly mustard, warm brown tone that brightens up blue and green eyes while adding depth to brown ones. It’s also a fabulous formula – pigmented yet easy enough to blend out quickly. As of November 2024, it is sold out on most online retailers.

Another matte eyeshadow formula I’ve been obsessed with lately is Stila Suede Shades. These liquid eyeshadows dry matte, but never appear dry or crusty. The nude-pink shade Sassy is the perfect everyday wash. At the same time, Something Blue is the prettiest baby periwinkle I’ve ever seen.

The Best Glitters

An oldie but a goldie, though, is the Stila Glitter & Glow in Diamond Dust. If you like glitter, you really do need this product. It can be dabbed on to give a sheer, gloss-effect wash or packed for full silver pigmentation. Either way, it’s a beauty.

Speaking of glitter, the Hourglass Scattered Light eyeshadows need to be mentioned on this list. They’re not as overtly spangly as the Stila but still offer an eye-catching gleam. The shade Vivid is the ideal Christmas party gold-green.

The M.A.C. Paint Pots are classics for achieving a single wash-eye look. Vintage Selection gives a soft pearly bronze, while Groundwork adds just the right amount of beige definition without looking obvious. Similar in formula but with far more out-there shades are the NYX Vivid Bright Cremes. For an uber-cool, cartoony look, apply one of these neon colours to your mobile lid and blend out the edges slightly. 

And just because they don’t look like single eyeshadows, let’s not leave the stick formulations out. To achieve a quick-eye look, there’s really nothing better. The Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Moonlight is incredible for adding glamour on the go, giving a hint of colour and sheen to lids suitable for day or night. But to amp up the glow, the Tarte Sugar Rush Sparkle Shadow Sticks are genuinely incredible. One swipe gives an opaque, glittery colour that blends out but then sets and stays put. As of November 2024, it is sold out on most online retailers. 

Feature image credit: Simeon Asenov.