The 20 Best Single Eyeshadows

Sometimes you just don’t need a whole eyeshadow palette. I have drawers full of them, and I always end up hitting pan on the same one or two neutral shades while the bright blue and neon yellow collect dust. That’s why I’ve fallen back in love with single eyeshadows.

Buying individual eyeshadows lets you build a custom collection of colors you’ll actually use. It’s less wasteful, and you can focus on getting the exact formula and finish you want, whether it’s a buttery matte, a creamy shimmer, or a full-on glitter bomb.

I’ve tried so many over the years, from cheap and cheerful drugstore finds to splurgy designer pots. These are the single eyeshadows that have earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag.

 

 

Best Sparkle & Glitter Singles

Urban Decay Moondust Space Cowboy

This one is $25, and it’s a classic for a reason. Space Cowboy is my go-to when I want a little sparkle that’s still office-appropriate. The glitter is so finely milled that it just looks like a wet sheen on your lids, not chunky glitter.

It has this gorgeous multi-dimensional reflect from light-reflecting pearls that catches the light beautifully. The texture feels surprisingly creamy for a powder, and I get almost no fallout. I just tap it on with my finger over the whole lid or as a topper.

The Downside: To get it to really last from morning coffee to happy hour, you’ll want to use an eyeshadow primer underneath.

 

 

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow

For $30, this is the shadow for true glitter lovers. The first time I tried it, I was blown away by how weightless it felt. It’s a pressed glitter, but it feels like a cream and creates this incredible prismatic effect on the eyes.

The light-reflecting pearls give it a really complex, multi-dimensional sparkle. It’s intense but in a really sophisticated way. One swipe gives you a sheer wash of glitter, or you can build it up for more impact.

The Downside: A good glitter primer is your best friend here to prevent any potential fallout throughout the day.

 

 

Charlotte Tilbury Hypnotising Pop Shot Rose Gold

This little pot of magic will set you back $34. It’s definitely a splurge, but it makes me feel so glamorous. This is what I reach for when I want an elevated look in about 30 seconds.

The formula is inspired by diamonds, and it shows. It’s a super shimmery, almost metallic rose gold that looks stunning all by itself. I apply it over a primer, and it just melts into this creamy, high-impact wash of color.

The Downside: The price is pretty steep for the amount of product you get.

 

 

KVD Beauty Dazzle Stick Hail Surge

At $24, this stick is all about easy application. When I’m in a rush, nothing is faster than scribbling this on and blending with a finger. Hail Surge is a beautiful champagne shade with fine glitter that’s elegant, not over-the-top.

The formula is water-based, so it glides on without tugging and feels really refreshing. It’s loaded with multidimensional pearls that give a sparkly, wet look in one simple swipe. It’s perfect for throwing in your purse.

The Downside: It can start to fade after a few hours if you have oily lids, so a primer helps a lot.

 

 

Best Cream & Liquid Singles

ColourPop Super Shock Shadow Ladybug

You seriously can’t beat the price on this one—it’s only $5. The Super Shock formula is famous for its unique creamy-powder hybrid texture. It feels like a bouncy, soft cream in the pot but applies like a powder.

Ladybug is a beautiful warm-toned copper that’s incredibly pigmented. It’s a perfect one-and-done shadow for beginners because it’s so easy to blend out with just your finger. And it’s vegan and cruelty-free, which is a huge plus.

The Downside: The shade is so bold that it might not look very subtle if you have very fair skin.

 

 

R.E.M. Beauty Midnight Shadows Comet

This liquid shadow is $18 and I was hooked from the first time I used it. The shade Comet is a stunning metallic champagne that just glides on so smoothly. It gives you a polished look with practically zero effort.

I was so impressed with how long it lasted and how easy it was to work with before it set down. Honestly, it performs better than some of the much more expensive liquid shadows I’ve tried. It doesn’t get patchy or weird as you blend.

The Downside: Without a primer, I noticed it started to budge a bit in my crease by midday.

 

 

e.l.f. No Budge Cream Eyeshadow Sand Dune

p>For an easy neutral look on a budget, this $5 cream shadow is fantastic. Sand Dune is a pearly taupe that works for pretty much any occasion. It’s another great option for a simple, one-and-done eye look.

The payoff is surprisingly good for the price. As the name suggests, once it sets, it really doesn’t budge. I just swipe it on with my finger and go.

The Downside: You have to work pretty quickly with this one because it’s not the easiest to blend once it starts to dry down.

 

 

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot Painterly

A true icon, the MAC Paint Pot in Painterly is $28 and worth every penny. It’s a creamy nude beige that works as both a shadow and an incredible eye primer. It cancels out any discoloration on my lids and makes other shadows pop.

The formula is super pigmented and meant to last for 24 hours. Most days, I just wear this by itself for a clean, defined eye. It’s one of the most versatile products in my entire makeup collection.

The Downside: If you have very oily eyelids, it can still crease a little if you don’t set it with a powder.

 

 

Best Powder & Neutral Singles

Dior Mono Couleur Couture Eyeshadow Beige Mitzah

At $34, this Dior shadow is a luxurious treat. The shade Beige Mitzah was love at first swipe. It’s a gorgeous neutral with a metallic finish that blends like an absolute dream.

The pigmentation is fantastic, and the texture is so smooth and silky. I think it’s a bit of a hidden gem for creating a simple but expensive-looking eye. It’s a neutral that works on so many different eye shapes and skin tones.

The Downside: The premium price is definitely the biggest drawback here.

 

 

Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Nude Glow

This little drugstore gem is just $4. It’s one of those hidden treasures you can find at any Walmart. The payoff is great for the price, and it even comes with a little sponge applicator.

Nude Glow is a subtle metallic nude that blends really well for a soft, everyday look. It’s waterproof and wears surprisingly well throughout the day. A great find if you want performance without the high price tag.

The Downside: For some reason, this specific shade can be a little hard to find in stores sometimes.

Palettes are fun, but there’s a special kind of satisfaction in finding that one perfect single shadow. You can curate a small, mighty collection that’s perfectly tailored to you, with no wasted shades.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a makeup pro looking for a specific color, these singles have proven themselves. They’re easy to use, beautiful, and they’ve definitely earned their spot on my list.