Black eyeshadows are the most versatile eye makeup product in your stash, ask us how? The best black eyeshadows are richly pigmented and allow one to create looks from winged to sultry smokey effortlessly. Other than these, there are several fashionable ways to use black eyeshadows, such as for creating opaque matte cat-eye, graphic-edgy eye, and dark to light smokey eye, to name a few. These eyeshadows are also packed with a smooth formula that blends seamlessly to give you the coveted result. 

Talking about the right technique of applying black eyeshadows, makeup expert Smitha Deepak says, “The black smoky eye is a classic look that has seen a variety of interpretations over the years, but like many things in the beauty world, when it comes to dark shadows, less is more. Although heavy eye makeup can be very beautiful, it has to be done carefully.”

Shedding some light on the versatility of black eyeshadows, our contributor Maya Adivi, a certified makeup artist, says, “Black eyeshadow can enhance and define the eyes in a few different ways. It can be used with a small brush to line and define the eyes, which is almost universally flattering. As an eyeshadow, it creates depth, so where you place it can adjust your eye shape. Placing it in the outer corners can help pull the eye upwards, which is flattering for downturned or close-together eyes. While placing it over the lid or above the inner corner (i.e., a halo eye) can help with more close-set eyes.”

Now, we cannot deny the fact that everyone uses this multipurpose product, regardless of whether they are makeup experts or amateurs, have lighter or darker skin tones, are attending a fancy event, or just stepping outside to run errands. Whatever your skin tone, eye shape, eye color, or budget is, there is a black eyeshadow that you will reach out to for your signature look. Hence, here, after conducting experiments, we have curated a list of the top 12 best black eyeshadows, keeping in mind the formulation, longevity, blendability, and other factors. Take a look -

• 1
  Best Drugstore

  DE’LANCI PANDA Eyeshadow Palette

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With a rating of 4.6 on Amazon, we can crown DE’LANCI PANDA Eyeshadow Palette as the best drugstore black eyeshadow kit. From midnight black to snow white and matte to shimmery finish, this eyeshadow palette has all the pigments you need for that smokey eye look. The creamy organic formula glides seamlessly on your eyelid, providing a smooth application with the pigmented formula. You can wear it for long durations as it is resistant to sweat, fading, and streaking. This affordable black eyeshadow palette is hypoallergenic and paraben-free.

2

Best Travel Partner

COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Eyeshadow Shimmering Onyx

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The COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers in the shade Shimmering Onyx is a go-to black eyeshadow for many as it is the best black eyeshadow to use as eyeliner on a regular basis as well as one that can be used to create a soft glam look for a party. Although it is a single shimmery black pigment, it can be paired with other matte, pearly, and sparkly shades to create additional looks. The eyeshadow comes with a soft sponge applicator and blends with little effort.

3

Most Creamy Formula

glo SKIN BEAUTY Cream Stay Eyeshadow Stick

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The glo SKIN BEAUTY Cream Stay Eyeshadow Stick is a multi-purpose product that serves as a base, shadow, and liner – all in one. It has a rich color payoff and can be slightly smudged for natural everyday wear. The cruelty-free product will be your perfect vacation partner because of the retractable packaging and the built-in sharpener. The creamy formulation also ensures that the product glides seamlessly on your eyelids. Overall, it is worth the money for being a long-lasting wear that stays in place for up to 12 hours!

4

Best Pigmentation

HAUS LABORATORIES GLAM ATTACK LIQUID EYESHADOW - Chained Ballerina

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Give your eyes a glamorous edge with this black eyeshadow from HAUS LABORATORIES. It will bring out your artistic side with 13 shimmer and 4 metallic shades, including the stunning one featured here – Chained Ballerina. With brilliant pigmentation and blendability, this liquid-to-powder formula gives you the power to customize your eye looks from minimal to bold and vibrant. It is also cruelty-free and remains flawless all day, while its vegan formulation reflects compassion and style. Give it a good shake before applying it and watch your eyes transform into a work of art!

5

Most Longlasting

Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Single - Noir

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Upgrade your eye game with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Single in the shade Noir. Indulge in the charisma of this rich and ravishing shade that flawlessly blends and adds dimension to your lids. The gel-based formula applies like a dream, delivering a satin finish that lasts for hours. Whether you're trying to achieve a smoky, sultry look or make a striking statement, the full-pigment intensity will guarantee that your eyes stay on point all day through the day and night as well. Just remember that a little goes a long way - this pigment-packed eyeshadow means business.

6

Most Versatile

DE'LANCI Black Eyeshadow Palette (Silver Grey)

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The DE'LANCI Black Eyeshadow Palette is the best black eyeshadow palette if you are on a tight budget. It features 12 color pigments with a mix of matte and shimmery finish for the classic smokey eye look. The lighter tones are good for highlights, while dark shades are great for edgier and dramatic styles. The velvety texture, made with ultra-micronized premium components, is crease and crumble free and can be worn for extended periods of time.

7

Best Pigmented

BLOODY MARY Black Eyeshadow

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One of the best black eyeshadow for eyeliner that looks quirky is the Bloody Mary eyeshadow. It is heavily pigmented and can be used with a dampened liner brush to create an edgy smokey winged eyeliner effect. The color is not only vibrant but also has a smooth texture. It glides seamlessly and does not crease, making it comfortable to wear all day long. The eyeshadow is vegan and cruelty-free, so go ahead and use it guilt-free!

8

Best for Parties

e.l.f. Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

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The e.l.f. Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow is not only an award-winner but a cult favorite that delivers on its promise of "one-swipe glitter coverage" and is so light that you won't even know. You can use this sparkly black eyeshadow on its own for a subtle look or over other eyeshadows for a dramatic impact. We are sure you will love this liquid glitter eyeshadow as it is one of the best black eyeshadow at a drugstore price and is free of harsh chemicals.

9

Best Glam Smokey Eye

GO HO Black Smokey Pop Color Eyeshadow Palette

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The Go Ho Black Smokey Pop Color Eyeshadow Palette is a good black eyeshadow palette with cool-toned grays and silver shimmers. This eyeshadow palette is a curation of 9 matte and shimmer pigments. The pigmentation can be intensified by layering as the formulation is powdery and easy to blend. This palette adheres well to the eyes and stays for a long time. You can use a combination of shades to create goth makeup, Halloween looks, and dramatic shimmery smokey eyes.

10

JULEP BEAUTY Eyeshadow 101 Crème to Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick

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The Julep Beauty Crème-to-Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick in the shade 21 Onyx Black Matte will unquestionably make it to the list of the best black matte eyeshadows because of the rich color payoff and waterproof formula. This eyeshadow stick comes with a smudger on the other end, making it travel-friendly and easy to use. The formulation is enriched with Vitamin C, which improves skin texture, and Vitamin E, which contains antioxidant properties.

11

PURE ZIVA Black Matte Onyx Midnight Pressed Powder Eyeshadow

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If you are particularly cautious about using a clean makeup brand, the Pure Ziva Black Matte eyeshadow is the best pigmented black eyeshadow with a matte tone. This jet-black pressed powder eyeshadow is highly pigmented and effortless to apply and blend. The consistency is smooth and silky. While the eyeshadow is opaque, it is easy to remove and does not crease or flake. You can use this black eyeshadow to get the soft dry eyeliner effect.

12

L.A. COLORS 5 Color Matte Eyeshadow – Black Lace

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The L.A. COLORS 5 Color Matte Eyeshadow palette consists of five silky, soft, and easily blendable shades. The color scheme of the Black Lace eyeshadow palette is perfectly coordinated to shade and highlight the eyes. From using neutral white to the intense black pigment, you can create natural, soft glam, or full-blown dramatic looks with this palette. The product can be layered to increase the intensity and has a matte finish.

13

MYSENSE Single Matte Black Eyeshadow

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MYSENSE Single Matte Black Eyeshadow can be easily crowned the best eyeshadow for people with dark brown eyes. Rich pigment and a deep matte finish characterize the color payoff of this eyeshadow. People with sensitive skin can also use this eyeshadow because the formulation is non-toxic. This pressed powder eyeshadow pigment is waterproof and has a wear time of up to 16 hours. It is perfect for everyday use and is portable due to its lightweight.

Sharing a tip on incorporating black eyeshadow into daytime makeup looks, our contributor Maya Adivi, says, “Black eyeshadow isn't exactly subtle, but I do love it as a soft, smoky alternative for eyeliner for daily use. I recommend using a fine-tipped liner or angle brush, and applying it as close to the upper lash line as possible - you can even add a bit of a wing.”

14

Best Drugstore Product

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK EYESTUDIO Color Tattoo

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The Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo in Dramatic Black is a creamy-gel formulation with a matte finish. As the name suggests, this eyeshadow is as persistent as a tattoo. It has a 24-hour wear time and is designed with Maybelline's Ink Technology that deposits a super-saturated color. It also works as one of the best black eyeshadow bases because the creamy consistency slides across the lids without creasing and is highly pigmented. Contact lens users and those with sensitive eyes can also use this eyeshadow.

The shade of the eyeshadow
The color payoff of all black eyeshadows varies. Some may have a more grayish undertone, while some may be pitch black. While choosing a black eyeshadow, pay close attention to the hue.

Finish After Drying
Based on the occasion, purpose, and preference, choose if you want a matte black eyeshadow, one with slight sparkles, or a full-fledged glittery black eyeshadow.

Formulation
As seen in the list above, eyeshadows come in a variety of textures, including powder, creamy, and others. Whether it's a stick eyeshadow or a gel eyeshadow, pick the one that is easiest for you to use. Also, make it a point to see if the eyeshadow is sweat-resistant and waterproof.

Ingredients
Many people neglect this step and later regret it. Read the components carefully, paying close attention to any harsh compounds. Choose a black eyeshadow that is moisturizing and non-toxic.

Pigmentation
Intensely pigmented black shadows are great for bold cat eyes and graphic wings. But, for a soft smokey look, buildable coverage is easier to work with so that you don’t turn your entire eyelid black!

Longevity 
Make sure the product you're choosing has a long-lasting formula that stays in place for hours without smudging, smearing, and transfering. You definitely wouldn't want all your efforts to go in vain.

A black shadow is very versatile as it can be used under glitter shadows, on its own as eyeliners, and of course, to create the conventional smokey eye. Now that you know everything about black eyeshadows, it is time to make up your mind and select the best black eyeshadow that will join other products in your makeup kit. If you enjoy creating new looks every day, palettes are fantastic. On the other hand, single pigments are easier to carry and are travel-friendly. All in all, you should certainly have one matte and one shimmery black eyeshadow to create versatile eye looks.

Contributor: Maya Adivi, Certified Makeup artist, Click here for blog