The lipstick look-alike eyeshadow tubes are totally buzz-worthy, thanks to their wide array of features. Unlike regular powder shadows, the best liquid eyeshadows have no fall-out, last longer, are crease-proof, and only need a glide across the lids for an immaculate application. They are also travel-lite and perfect for popping into your bag. You can use them for full-glam makeup looks or quick touch-ups as well. The best part of liquid shadows is the no fall-out, intense pigment, and effortless application, especially in contrast to traditional powder eyeshadows. 

Based on our observations, we have curated a list of amazing liquid shadows that consist of mattes, metallics, and shimmers! Find your best pick from options ranging between drugstore and high-end ones. Read on to learn more about these exciting makeup products. 

Liquid eyeshadows are eyeshadows in a liquid pigment form – they are infused with water to create a creamy and easy-to-glide texture. They have formulas of all kinds and finishes, from metallics and chrome to mattes, pearly, and shimmery. Filled in tubes or vials, these liquids come with doe-foot applicators that allow an effortless application and the right amount of coverage. 

Moreover, they have no fallout while also being long-lasting and crease-free. Plus, they are pretty versatile in terms of personalization too – they can be used as a base for buildable powders or dabbed on the lids for a glittery effect, and everything in between.

• 1
  Best Overall

  e.l.f. Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

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These liquid glitter eyeshadows by the drugstore-favorite brand e.l.f. are as glittery as they get. To add some red carpet glamour to your lids, use these shimmery liquids over a shadow concealer or any shadow base for a maximum hi-shine effect. The gel formula has a non-sticky and long-lasting finish that lends full coverage in just one swipe. Get your bling on with the multiple shades available— from classic gold and silver to fun blues and copper.

2

Most Blendable

L’ORÉAL PARIS Brilliant Eyes Liquid Shadow

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With luminous pearl pigments, L’ORÉAL PARIS has done it again with liquids, but this time it’s the eyeshadow range! The lovely shimmers are easy to apply and dry down to a true-shine color payoff. The soft and creamy formula is blendable, buildable, long-lasting, and flake-proof. The collection boasts a wide range of 12 shades that cater to every makeup aesthetic.  Best of all, the liquid is perfect for touch-ups with your fingertips, so you can ditch using a ton of brushes and enjoy the burst of maximum sparkle.

3

Most Budget-friendly

COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

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Given the price point, nothing beats the high-impact glitter effect that COVERGIRL has to offer. All seven sparkly shades are packed with starry pigments that exude an ultra-reflective finish on the lids. The no-budge, no-fallout formula lets you experiment with endless makeup looks. You can use this eyeshadow to create a statement, blend it with a mattifying shadow, or even draw with it as an eyeliner. Plus, the super-saturated color lasts all day and night.

4

Most Buildable Liquid Formula

HAUS LABORATORIES Glam Attack Liquid Eyeshadow

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This liquid-to-powder eyeshadow by HAUS LABORATORIES will give you shimmery lids that you can never get enough of. From timeless 24k magic to frosty blues and plush pinks, the shade range is great. Being weightless and crease-proof, these buildable shadows are meant to stay put from AM to PM. Amplify your makeup with the true color payoff and shade-shifting shimmers. Plus, they add depth and dimension to your eye makeup with just a few glides and careful strokes. Blend it or leave it as is for highlighted lids.

5

Best Skincare Benefits

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Glow Shots

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These Glow Shots by NYX are spiked with vitamin C, caffeine, and papaya extract – this makes them a great choice. They are one of the most comfortable and easy-to-wear shimmery shadows. The fine and saturated shimmer pigments offer a hi-shine glow and are deeply pigmented. Inspired by fruity palettes, these luminous liquids are available in 21 shades. You can have a lot of fun with these vegan-friendly shots and create endless eye makeup looks.

6

Best Coverage

stila Shimmer And Glow Liquid Eye Shadow

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After receiving a great amount of love from beauty devotees and experts on social media, stila’s liquid eyeshadows have made it to our list as well. Those who are in search of shimmery and glossy shadows that don't contain chunky glitter, they'll love this formula. It has a luscious and glistening texture that adds a pearly sheen to the eyelids. Plus, the water-infused and lightweight  formula ensures a smooth application with minimal fallout and long-lasting wear that does not sit heavy on the lids.

7

Best Vegan-friendly Formula

ILIA Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint

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Get the ease of liquid application and the finish of metallic powder in one eye makeup product. The ILIA eye tint is an innovative formula that goes on like a cream formula and dries down to a powder finish. For that soft stardust effect, these intensely pigmented liquid shadows translate into a weightless, metallic powder. Horse chestnut flower and magnolia bark extract are added to the water-based formulation. Whether your call is an all-out bold look or a diffused effect, this buildable tint will fit the bill.

8

Best two-in-one Liquid Eyeshadow

ALMAY Intense I-Color Liquid Shadow + Color Primer

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This two-in-one formula combines a liquid shadow with a color primer. ALMAY’s color liquid shadow is the ideal combo for priming your lids while also coating them with an intensely pigmented, vibrant color. Moreover, the formula increases the longevity of your eye makeup and allows you to create looks ranging from subtle glam to bold eyes. Plus, the intense pigments will not fade – it lasts for long durations so that you can don the perfect makeup all day.

9

Most Silky Texture

wet n wild Shadow Silk Liquid Eyeshadow

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Get party-ready with these silken textures and the flashy finish that comes with wet n wild’s liquid eyeshadow. They are velvety and come in a variety of shades and finishes that are available to suit every skin tone, mood, and occasion. From glistening shimmers to creamy mattes, you can create muted styles or glam looks. The easy-to-use formula dries quickly and delivers intense pigmentation. The capsule collection has six enchanting shades ranging from rosy gold and browns, perfect for creating even the trending latte makeup!

10

Best cream-to-powder Formula

LAMEL PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP Maad Eyes Eyeshadow

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The buttery creamy texture of LAMEL’s liquid shadow transcends into a soft matte, smudge-proof formula. The highly pigmented color stays put on the lids, even through sweat and humidity, without creasing or flaking. It has the ideal consistency for an immaculate application and blendability. Whether you wish to draw a dramatic eyeliner, get some smokey shadow, or achieve a classic monochromatic effect, it is easy to create them all with the precise applicator and smooth glide formula.

11

Kosas 10-Second Eyeshadow

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The skincare-infused makeup range by KOSAS features a liquid shadow with orange water, shea butter, and jojoba oil. The gel formula translates into a delicate watercolor effect while the line-up of ingredients delivers a moisturizing effect and enriches the skin with vitamins and antioxidants. The luminous gel shadow glistens on the lids with a soft and diffused color payoff. Enjoy a crease-resistant application that is blendable and easy to layer for an enhanced and vibrant look.

12

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Color Tattoo Eye Chrome

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These shimmery liquid shadows by MAYBELLINE deliver intense metallic shades with saturated pigments. The tattoo-like chromatic shadows are available in ten shades, from flashy azures to 24k gold. The lustrous liquids are easy to apply with the doe foot applicator or can even be blended with your fingertips. If you want bold color and glamorous eye makeup that lasts through night outs or girl dinners, hop on to the metallic bandwagon party.

13

LAURA GELLER Just Swipe Cream Eyeshadow

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As the name suggests, this cream-to-powder shadow by LAURA GELLER is a foolproof formula to be worn in just a swipe. A smooth creamy glide results in a wash of color that exudes a rich matte finish. The blendable shadow is effortless to apply with the sponge applicator, and it can be seamlessly diffused with your fingertips or a fluffy brush. Get a crease-proof, silken, and long-wearing finish in an instant! The coffee-toned and mauve hues are just perfect for muted, nudes, and neutrals.

As we reach the end of our list of the best liquid shadow products, it’s time to find out what some of the essential pointers to bear in mind before adding them to your cart.

• Formula: Liquid shadows are generally water-based and allow a smooth application that quickly dries down. Ensure that the formula is blendable so that you can be quickly done with the application. Also, go for buildable liquids that are easy to layer and pair with, for an intense eye makeup look. A lightweight, highly pigmented, and crease-proof formula will ensure flawless and comfortable wear. 

• Finish: Liquid shadows have every finish that there is – from matte, and shimmer, to metallic. Choose the ones that are most suitable for you – for instance, a soft matte is ideal for everyday makeup, while a hi-shine shimmer shades is a steal for night outs. Some of the brands offer formulas that change from liquid into a powder effect, make sure that you get the ones with the right finishes and the most bang for your buck. 

• Shades: Unlike the multiple pan powder palettes, liquid shadows offer only a single color. While purchasing them, go for classic colors in matte finishes that can be worn with a lot of outfits on a regular rotation. For your fun nights and dates, choose vibrant metallic colors like gold, silver, pink, and copper, to add a dramatic and glamorous flair to your look.

Liquid shadows are accompanied by a soft and precise, doe-shaped applicator – this enables an effortless glide on the lids. While applying the liquids can feel like a breeze, blending it out can get tricky. Our contributor Ghanima Abdullah, an experienced cosmetologist and beauty consultant, says, “Liquid eyeshadow is not usually blendable and can dry up as you put it on. If you use short strokes, you might end up erasing what you just added. So try to make one swipe starting from the inner corner of the eye going across the eyelid. Then another swipe right above that.”

With the limited time at hand, before the liquid dries, your blend game must be quick. To get the best out of these shadows, take a look at the following pro hacks.

Step 1: Prep the skin well with moisturizer and SPF, including the area around the eyes.

Step 2: Coat the lids with an eye primer for creating a base. 

Step 3: Begin applying the liquid shadow onto your lids. You can follow the dot method of application or just glide the liquid directly with the applicator.

Step 4: Blend the dots or the applied shadow with a brush or your fingertips.

Step 5: Allow it to dry before building layers with liquid or powder shadows. 

Step 6: Once the shadow is set, you can proceed with your regular steps like drawing eyeliner and applying mascara.

Contributor: Ghanima Abdullah, Cosmetologist, The Right Hairstyles