How to Build Your Eye Shadow Collection

If you love classic statement eye makeup or wish you could get in on the season’s hottest eye makeup trends, it’s time to make sure that you have all your bases covered in terms of eye shadow textures and colors. Here, we introduce you to the varying types of eye shadows that can help you bring all your best eye makeup looks to life. Ready to take your overall beauty look to the next level? Keep reading to learn how to update your eye shadow collection ASAP.

Eye Shadow Textures and Finishes: Take Your Pick

If you thought choosing an eye shadow was a simple one and done process, think again. With a variety of different textures to choose from—all of which have their own benefits when it comes to saturation and how well they blend—it’s a good idea to consider how you want your end result to look so that you can make a more informed makeup decision.

Where loose pigment eye shadow is great for someone who wants a lot of blending flexibility, pressed powder eye shadow is ideal for on-the-go use. When it comes to loose pigment eye shadow, just be aware that fallout is very possible and eye primer is especially necessary. Similarly, with pressed powder eye shadow, it’s important to remember that less product means less blending flexibility, so make sure to have a fluffy blending brush to achieve an easier transition between colors.

Beyond the two most basic eye shadow types, you also have cream pots, cream sticks, and baked eye shadow. Where cream pots and sticks are fabulous for anyone hoping to create a super-effortless makeup look since you can apply them with just your finger, baked shadows ofer the opportunity to create a traditional pressed powder eye shadow look or a more pigmented statement eye when mixed with water. Most often baked eye shadows come in little dome shapes, showcasing bold colors.

Once you choose which texture you’re craving, it’s time to think about which finish you prefer. Are you looking for a matte, shimmer, satin, frosted, or metallic eye shadow? You’ve got plenty of options! Whichever you choose, you’re sure to slay your eye makeup look with the right colors and technique.

Five Classic Eye Shadow Colors Everyone Should Own

When you’re just starting to build your eye shadow collection, focus on a few key shades.

Pale Peachy Pink eye shadow

Whether or not you think of yourself as a pretty in pink kind of girl, having a pale peachy pink eye shadow on-hand is a must. The shade is universally flattering and can help make lids pop for all the right reasons. What’s more, it’s light enough to dab in your inner corners to create an eye-catching strobed effect.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Mademoiselle Pink, L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Metallics Eye Shadow in Rose Chrome

Shimmering Champagne eye shadow

Whether you apply this shimmery sandy color all over your lids, in your inner corners, or along your eyebrow bone, you can expect a gorgeously neutral look that highlights your best features.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eye Shadow in Little Beige Dress, L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Dual Effects in Perpetual Nude.

Chocolate Brown eye shadow

Know what goes great both as an allover lid color and an under-eye color? Chocolate brown! Worn on its own or paired with a classic shimmering champagne hue, this rich color can add the perfect amount of depth to a daytime eye makeup look.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Eye Shadow in Continuous Cocoa, L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Dual Effects Eye Shadow in Treasured Bronze

Soft Taupe eye shadow

Looking for a lid contour that looks relatively neutral? Taupe is the perfect option. The understated brown-gray shade suits all skin tones and can be layered to achieve the desired depth.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eye Shadow in Pain au Chocolat, L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Dual Effect Eye Shadow in Absolute Taupe.

Jet Black eye shadow

Regardless of which neutral eye shadows you start with—or even pastels for that matter—you can smoke up any daytime look with a little black just in time for happy hour. Just be sure to have a quality blending crease brush to ensure your lid look always looks magical and never muddy.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eye Shadow in Noir C’est Noir

Now that you know which eye shadow textures, finishes, and colors to keep on hand, it’s time to learn why you should always, always, always start your eye makeup routine with primer. To learn why, check out our article, Top 4 Reasons to Use an Eye Shadow Primer.