What makes a powder eyeshadow great?
A moderately dense, creamy, buttery texture that adheres well to the skin with minimal loss of intensity when blended. I prefer mostly opaque to totally opaque coverage rather than buildable (I feel like I can always sheer it out or use a wee bit to achieve sheerer coverage when desired).
Everything you said, Christine!
Hypoallergenic/safe for sensitive eyes; great pigmentation; a smooth, creamy, or buttery texture that’s easy to blend; little to no powderiness or fallout; no patchiness; doesn’t oxidize on the skin; staying power; not creasing easily; true-to-pan color.
What shadows are like that? ColourPop seems to fit the description…but what others?
Admittedly, not a lot fit all those criteria, and everyone’s skin is different. ColourPop does, but I consider them creams. I have really oily eyelids that are prone to creasing. For me most of MUFE Artist Shadows, Bare Minerals pressed and loose shadows, and Ardency Inn Modsters fit these criteria. Some other brands have certain palettes or shades that fit those criteria, or come close. For example,I think most Urban Decay shadows are pretty great, but they have more fallout than the other brands I mentioned.
I prefer my shadows to be very opaque too, it is such a disappointment if the transfer from pan to eyelid is too sheer.
You described it perfectly, I totally agree!
I love a rich, almost creamy texture (along the lines of some of the shades in the KvD Monarch palette), good pigmentation and good blendability (especially important if a shadow is really pigmented). Oh, and a formula that inhibits fallout. I love shimmery shadows, but not if they’re going to sprinkle down that glitter all day long, all over my cheeks, under-eye area, etc.
For me, it depends on what I intend to use the shade for and sometimes it’s finish, as well. I prefer to have buildable, smooth, yet not kicking up a lot of powder type of shadows for my transition or crease shades. Especially if these are matte or satin, as they usually are. For lid shades, highlighting shades, metallic, shimmery or brighter shades; make those buttery, dense, creamy! In all formulas across the board, I do not want ANY patchiness, moderate to heavy fallout, or fading away at all. All need to have great pigmentation!
Good pigmentation (I prefer something that has stronger pigmentation not something buildable), ability to blend easily, no/minimal fall out.
Everything you said plus, animal/cruelty free.
This one levels my playing field a lot!
Can’t stand patchiness, heavy fallout where it shouldn’t be, or fading after just a few hours. All of those are deal breakers to me. As long as my shadow can be pigmented enough to show up on my deeper skin tone and be bendable I’m a happy woman. Finishes really don’t matter as long as they are flattering on the skin.
#1 requirement is it has to stick well on my oily lids. I don’t care how beautiful the color or finish is, if it creases, fades, smudges, or melts, it’s not pretty!!
Yes, I can’t agree more with the answer already given, especially density and butteriness. I find the Metal Crush eye shadows by Kat Von D to fit these qualities quite well. The first one I tried was Thunderstruck and it was pure butter on the finger and eyelids, in addition to being such a fantastic color.
I second the Kat Von d metal crush eye shadows and Viseart Eyeshadow Palette in Neutral Matte with it are are like a match made in heaven
I agree with you though I have a tendency to go for moderate pigment brands for my daily looks like Tarte so I can spend less time sheering out or blending but when I’m not being lazy I agree 100%!
Good color payoff and longevity. Smooth application. Able to use wet or dry. Bendable. No fallout.
I love my eye shadows to be highly pigmented with a satin or slightly shimmery finish. It needs to be easy to use and blend, with staying power. Urban Decay Naked and the bareMinerals ready formula comes to mind. It also needs to safe to use around the eye area and cruelty free.
All the things you said Christine are what ones. Shadows that are too sheer, fall out and crease during the day are a no for me.
I think Christine nailed it on the head. I would just add hypoallergenic or safe for sensitive eyes: I have a couple Clinique palettes that are harder to work with but I keep around in case I need reddish or purple shadows that don’t irritate my eyelids or make my eyes water.
Great pigmentation, smooth blendability, long-wear and no fallout.
Christine, What would be an A+ formula for such an eyeshadow?
Pigmentation and blend ability
Good opacity, no/minimal fallout, blendable.
What are the eyeshadows brands or individuals that quality under that description Christine?! You describe it to a T!