There are quite a few that come to mind! Viseart (particularly for buildable mattes), Urban Decay (shimmers, pops of color), Anastasia (mattes to shimmers, not so much brights), Pat McGrath (pigmentation), Natasha Denona (shimmers), ColourPop (mattes to shimmers), Coloured Raine (shimmers).
We're here to help you make better beauty purchases that you'll enjoy and love! We recommend signing up to take advantage of personalized features like tracking products you own, viewing dupes that you already have, and more!
Here are some useful resources for you:
Curious how two shades compare to each other? Type in the shades below to get instant side-by-side swatches!
Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!
Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).
We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!
We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!
I also vote for Viseart!
I would also nominate NARS, Makeup Forever, and Inglot. I really like their shadows for being blendable but lasting well into long days without creasing.
And I know a lot of people have fallen out of love with Too Faced, but I still use my older palettes like Natural Eyes and the Chocolate Bar series. I haven’t bought any of the newer palettes, but I like the original formulas.
Another tricky question… :p I’m not sure there’s a brand in particular that I rely on. I’m pretty happy with the shadows I currently own, whether singles or palettes: Urban Decay, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Too Faced, Makeup Geek, M.A.C, Shiseido, Nars, Make Up For Ever, Sleek and Estee Lauder.
I don’t need crazy pigmentation in one swipe for instance, which seems to be what people expect today. I don’t want sheer, but as long as the texture is smooth and buildable, I’m ok with it. I always use a primer to avoid creasing, which might help as well with application. And if the shadow is powdery, well, it’s not the end of the world, as long as I like the end result, because I do my eye makeup first anyway and I can always wet the brush to prevent fallouts.
If I do my makeup for a special occasion, and to me that’s what this question is about, I’ll just think around my clothes or the colours I wanna wear and go through my stash.
I really can’t remember ever thinking “OMG that eyeshadow is terrible” (except maybe for a MUFE palette from several years ago, Bohemian something, which had no pigmentation!!!), or “OMG this is my HG formula”. Maybe I’m not nitpicky enough haha or maybe I just don’t go into details as long as I reach my standards! I do admit I was blown away by ABH pigmentation, but again, I don’t mind adapting my techniques to the eyeshadow and the work it requires, if that makes sense, so it doesn’t mean I’ll rely on ABH more
I really am not too picky about my shadows, either. I don’t mind buildable pigmentation at all. Only get frustrated if something is really stubborn to blend out, but mostly just if the color looks bad on me haha.
Exactly, couldn’t agree more! The eyeshadow would have to be baaaaad to really piss me off haha
I am slowly but surely abandoning most of my eyeshadows except Viseart! They have proven to be the best I’ve ever used and I’m okay with that. My Viseart collection continues to grow…. I love the quality and consistency of Viseart shadows on my aging eyelids. Adore the satins and shimmers in small doses, but the mattes are my GO-TO for everyday!
Decluttering my eyeshadow palettes soon….? No more, Too Faced, Urban Decay, MUFE, MAC collection, KatVonD, The Balm-
That it interesting to me as my hooded eyelids are starting to show a little wrinkling, especially if I use a shiny eyeshadow. I have changed my eye cream and this seems to be helping a lot. But there will come a day that I won’t be able to avoid the wrinkles. I do not have any Viseart but have been eyeing up some of their palettes. I’ll be in Vegas next month with this on my list to investigate. Thank you!
MAC – accessibility, makeovers (one stop shopping for your whole face), love their application techniques (not including fashion week or artsy/inspired/keyed crap on social media right now, though)
Chanel (Tisse or quads)
Viseart
Tom Ford
I want to add Linda Hallberg and Pat McGrath but I don’t own any palettes (yet) – hoping to pick up a few pieces after my next de-stash.
Definitely Viseart mattes, Colourpop for most everything, but notably for their metallics, Kat Von D for mattes, and her Metalcrush formula, Makeup Geek… I’m sure there are more, lol.
Celesta, thank you for reminding me: KVD Metal Crush and the mattes in MetalMatte and Pastel Goth are some of my favorite eyeshadows ever! Not sure why I forgot about those…a brain fart, I suppose. Or not enough caffeine!
That’s why I love these discussion threads! 🙂
Definitely Urban Decay and Sugarpill! I love Urban Decay’s variety and formula, and Sugarpill is phenomenal for intense color and fantastic blendability.
I hardly get duds with UD, and never with Sugarpill. When they release eye shadow, I pay attention.
I definitely want to try Natasha Denona someday. Maybe as a treat at Christmas this year. 🙂
Anastasia, Natasha Denona, Viseart & Kat Von D
It’s all over the place lol. I used to love Dior singles. Beautiful deep shades that were high quality and very silky and easily applied and blended. I still have a shade called Argentic….a deep sparkly gray but I’m running out and it has been dc’d so that’s it. I did finally order 3 shades from Anastasia but I was disappointed. It was splotchy and hard to blend. I think it’s overrated. ? I still shop MAC, Chanel, Lancome, Nars, and Makeup For Ever but honestly, there isn’t one partocular brand that is my go-to for eyeshadow. I wait for reviews lol.
Leslie, I own Argentic, as well as its dupe, Chanel Ombre Première in Gris Anthracite. Take a look at this one in store!
Urban Decay singles — most of my favorite, core singles are UD (all mattes, come to think of it). Viseart for almost anything. ABH comes in a distant third — I find theirs a little more powdery than I prefer, mostly because of a decent basic range and in pans good for custom palettes.
After using mid to high end for many years, I have abandoned most for ColourPop pressed shadows. They apply well and don’t seem to fade as quickly as some of the other brands. They also seem to have fairly good consistency across their finishes and a large enough variety of shades to choose from.
I totally agree!
There are several brands that produce eye shadows that I like and can rely on but every brand has a miss here and there so my response is tempered by “overall” performance. Viseart, Coloured Raine, UD, Nabla and ColourPop. They produce shadows that are generally reliable but if they are not as good they can generally be made better by the use of primer, correct brush for application, etc. I know it is repetitive but I am still waiting for one of them to produce a really good “cool toned” palette. Why, why do I have to wait so long?!!!
Makeup Geek, ABH & Sugarpill for mattes, ColourPop & Urban Decay for shimmers.
ABH, Chanel, Inglot, MAC, Nudestix (for the eye pencils), Lise Watier. I prefer mattes, satins and some shimmers.
I don’t own Viseart, ND, ColourPop e/s, but I’m interested in purchasing a Viseart palette if they come up with some cooler shades.
I love all your picks, Christine! However, since I myself don’t own a few of these brands, I can only assess those based on reviews and swatches. That said; you can bet that I want Pat McGrath eyeshadows! Coloured Raine, too! The pigmentation levels and color saturation on those make them perfect in my eyes.
As for what I own, though; MAC permanent and roughly 2/3 of their LE shadows are great for how they can be used in either a more buildable way or more heavily for an artistic graphic look. Viseart and the now DC’d MUFE Artist mattes and satins have that same ability, as well. ABH and Lorac for shades that (usually) blend very quickly without losing their pigmentation. And Natasha Denona, UD and ColourPop for high quality, more fashion forward, punchier shades that can have intense shimmer.
I like Bobbi Browns nudes singles and in the palette. Recently bought Maybelline ‘ burgundy bar ‘ but haven’t been able to play with it yet. Looks good though.
Colourpop for great quality and value, I really like the size, colour selections and price of their 12 pan palettes. I like them more than MAC and ABH in terms of texture and colour payoff.
I also like Violet Voss quite a bit.
I have several: Urban Decay, ABH, Kat von D, SugarPill, Saucebox, ColourPop, Juvia’s Place, Sleek, BH Cosmetics, and Make UP Revolution.
Small indie brands: Notoriosly Morbid, Apocalyptic Beauty, Darling Girl, Igneous Cosmetics, Black Beauty Cosmetics.
I don’t think there is one single company but I tend to rely on UD, Inglot, Nars (yes, Nars), and Chanel but MAC will always have a special place in my heart as “the company that started it all”. I’ve been really happy with the ABH shadows I have but most are carefully selected singles, with one palette (Mario) which is excellent (I used the Mario palette today with such nice results).
…I have no loyalty. I go wherever the most unique shade with good quality is lol
The price point is really way too high and accessibility to test is completely lacking, but I have been very impressed with the By Terry eyeshadows I’ve tried. It’s nothing too crazy or bold but if you’re in my age group, you appreciate that for eyes! Complex colors without complications …
I reach for a couple Chanel quads regularly. They always work great for quick, polished eye. No muss, no fuss! Have one Vise Art palette which I consider fine and dandy but doesn’t knock me out. I may have to try their matte palette though based on all the recommendations here! I got a Natasha Denona eyeshadow palette in the Beautylish lucky bag (decided to reward myself for a hard year by buying this for the first time and did get lucky). I would never in a million years have bought it because there are 2 colors I’ll never use (and a 3rd I thought I wouldn’t use, though it won me over). But two of the colors are in my favorites of all time list and I have been wearing them near daily since it arrived.
I don’t know if this was how it was intended but I interpret this question as what brand’s eyeshadows do I feel confident in buying without a review?
bareMinerals – every palette released is easily wearable and cohesive; tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea formula (shimmers); Kiko – budget-friendly and fast/trendy releases so you can experiment with a trend to see if you like it. For K-Beauty, I love Heimish for their pigmentation and complex shimmer lid shades and Etude House’s Look at My Eyes singles for the same reason as Kiko.
Colourpop and Sleek; they are very durable and don’t burn a hole in my pocket, lol.
Before I went cruelty free, I relied heavily on Chanel quads and I filled in with NYX for neutrals, which worked fine for an understated office look. Now I don’t have a specific go-to and I rely on Christine and a few others for guidance among the CF brands.
Makeup Revolution and Essence palettes, and everything ColourPop makes!
As we have seen from the recent MUFE reformulations – the short answer to your question Christine – is none of them because one palette maybe great (think ABH MR) and the next one shocking (Subculture).
I think a lot of brands put out some stunning eyeshadows – Pat McGrath, Viseart and occasionally UD nowadays but they are also very expensive.
I think it depends on what shades suit and what’s great on offer, regardless of the brand’s name.
But I do love my UD Naked palettes, Vice 2, bareMinerals, Guerlain and Lorac of old.
No question-Viseart. I love every single Viseart palette I own! Expensive, but worth it. They put all my other palettes to shame.
Lorac for shimmers, Anastasia Beverley Hills modern Renaissance the whole palette, BH cosmetics take me back to brazil, and urban decay for neutrals
Bobbi Brown cream shadows never disappoint (Okay, Bone did disappoint….it was way too white to blend). But I have ALL the others and they last long (with primer) and look natural without a lot of other products.
Kevyn Aucoin’s Featherlights Palettes (#3) have a nice matte finish, last long, and don’t make my aging eyes look droopy. Seriously, all the glimmer and shimmer shades just look rotten on my eyes.
Since I wear glasses with a strong magnification, I tend to go pretty subtle. I like the fine powdery feeling of Dior shadows. I also like the Chanel Illusion D’Ombre and LMdB.
On the subject of colors, I don’t understand the current trend of pink-rose-dark pink shades. They make me look like I’ve been crying! I’ve never been able to wear a pinkish shade on my eyes. Rose gold I can do within limits.
Doesn’t this happen to other people too?
I think it’s a matter of coloring – both eyes and skin. Red and pinks emphasize the green in my eyes, so it works for me. It can go wrong, but it’s the same for me and blue shadows – they just don’t mesh with me and look terrible, but on others they look beautiful.
I have bright green eyes, and pinks, especially dark ones, make my eyes pop so much! Purples are another go-to. Greens and blues don’t do much for me.
It makes people look like they are ill or yes like they have been crying. Only on a very few does it look nice, but just a very few.
There’s a lot of pink/roses I can’t wear and I’ve found that it’s partially down to certain undertones, and also down to how I use them on the eye. On the former, if you find rose-golds work, but not “straight-up” pink (same for me!) – then things like this might work: the more coral sides of pink, avoiding blue undertones, avoiding anything that’s too chalky or pastel, and/or using punchier deep shades of these colours instead of pale ones. The other thing I do is avoid using those pickier shades as simple washes of colour or a full-on halo/blown out look. With those, or edgier shades in general, I tend to use something complementary but more neutral UNDER the eye, then also always “ground” the brighter colour by ensuring I’ve got some black or brown to thicken up the upper lashline – black upper waterline and/or eyeliner – doesn’t have to be both, depending on how smoky I want to go. Re-emphasising your lash line in this way breaks the visual effect of “unintentional pinkeye”. Anyway, I hope something out of that helps!
Laura Mercier and Urband Decay singles. I’m not the one to go for big palettes, because I don’t really like having couple of (or more) colors that I’ll never touch. Both are extremely smooth and buttery, blendable, and just great for everyday looks. Now for those days I want some colors or glitters, I found that I loved Stila’s Magnificent Metals liquid eyeshadows and Addiction eyeshadows.
Viseart are my favorite but Sydney Grace is a Indie brand I feel is just as good except more pigmented and very affordable.
Colourpop doesn’t deceive either pressed or super shock love it! & my old favorite WetnWild also has never disappointed with or without primer they just stay put. I like these both over Nyx which I find turns too buttery in my hooded old lids. Lol! I have begun to use primer now but forget many times in a rush.
I really love my Pat McGrath and Natasha Denona palettes. I have a ton of Tarte Metallic singles and Makeup Geek Duochromes that I put in a Z palette that I love. I use the both the Huda Beauty palettes, the Kat Von D Metal Matte and Saint and Sinner palettes, and the Colourpop Karruche She palette and Kathleen Lights palette a lot.
Colourpop (trendy colors), Makeup Geek (good basics and good metallics), Urban Decay (Moondust shadows and a few other singles; but they’re expensive so they have to be really unique), ABH (good basics and classic shades), Sugarpill (amazing brights), Nabla (GORGEOUS shimmers and metallics), Strobe (unique duochromes and quality metallics), Melt (great mattes), and Kylie (cohesive meets trendy). These brands make up 99% of my singles collection, which is the only thing I rely on nowadays.
As you can tell, I’m not very picky LOL!
I’ve been thinking about trying Nabla – really like what I’ve seen online!
Urban Decay, Too Faced (I enjoy about 90% if their eyeshadows ??♀️) Dose Of Colors, Kat Von D
I was die-hard into MUFE in the 90s, but these days I seem most at home with Inglot, MakeupGeek and MAC. I’ve got a few random shades from other high and midrange brands but they aren’t staples like those three names would be. I’ve got ABH MR and like it, but dislike the company’s “formula roulette” b.s. as of late – so I’m turned off by the brand now. I’ve got a couple of UD palettes and singles, but with UD, I tend to prefer their 24-7 liners and lipsticks to their shadows. I always get a positive “workhorse” vibe off of my favourite brands, they feel solid somehow, and with few exceptions (lookin’ at you, MAC Wedge, ’cause you kinda suck)- they show up to do the job, and I get many, many hours of wear out of them without much fading at all.
Oh – I only have one Coloured Raine shadow – Forbidden – but I do REALLY like it. For pops of colour, if I had to rate it just on that one shadow, they’re gorgeous. Just not easy to get where I live.
Always Urban Decay!
Colourpop from super shocks to powder boy those colors last and won’t fade. Milani, Nyx.
Pixie & Almay both suck! Lol!