15 Best Long-lasting Eyeshadows That Will Ensure Unwavering Glam

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Mar 20, 2024
long-lasting eyeshadows
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Eyeshadows are an integral part of the makeup routine! However, finding the best long-lasting eyeshadow can be a bit tricky because it not only depends on the brand, but also on the texture and formula you are opting for. Other than that, the skin type you possess plays a major role in the longevity or appearance of your eye makeup. For example, if you have oily or hooded eyes, the eye makeup tends to get smudged or faded with time. On the other hand, for people having dry eyelids, the makeup looks a lot more flaky and unnatural if the skin around your eyes is not properly moisturized. But in this article, we have rounded off a few versatile eyeshadows that can give you a flawless look without tampering with the final outcome.

Drawing from our experience, all we can say is that these eyeshadows are richly pigmented, and come with a super creamy formula and blendable texture that allows you to create your desired eye look in a jiffy. What's more? The long-lasting formula allows the pigments to stick to your eyes for an unwavering intense look. So, without further ado, take a look at our suggested product list -

15 Best Long-lasting Eyeshadows

Enjoy the long-lasting formula of this eyeshadow curated by Lady Gaga. The global icon enjoys dramatic eyes and this HAUS LABORATORIES' Glam Attack Liquid eyeshadow is suitable for daily use. This soft tint blends easily on the eyes without creasing. Suitable for all skin tones, this eyeshadow doesn't smudge or spill. It's the perfect blend of shimmer and metallic finish. The liquid-to-powder formula can also be used as a highlighter and on the lips.

Pros
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Smear-proof
  • Shimmery finish
Cons
  • None
  • Cult favorite

    URBAN DECAY Naked Mini Eyeshadow Palette

    URBAN DECAY Naked Mini Eyeshadow Palette
  • A favorite across the globe, URBAN DECAY is best for beginners, and professionals. Curated by URBAN DECAY, this eyeshadow palette comes with multiple color options that are a blend of shimmer and matte. Suitable for all skin tones, there's a color for day wear as well as nightwear. The long-lasting formula lasts up to at least 12 hours. The powder texture doesn't dry the skin or feel chalky. When in doubt, you can always opt for this eyeshadow palette. 

    Pros
    • Rich pigment
    • Velvety texture
    • Easy to blend
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Product may spill from packaging
  • Best Cruelty-free Formula

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ULTIMATE Shadow Palette

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ULTIMATE Shadow Palette
  • NYX has one of the best-selling eyeshadow palettes that features 16 long-lasting colors ranging from warm to cool to neutral tones to serve every kind of eye look. The colors are pretty intense and pigmented to give you the desired result with just one swipe. They also have a creamy consistency that glides over your eyelid like butter to give you the perfect bold look that you have always wanted. Additionally, the best part is that the powder formula of the range of colors offer shimmery, matte, and metallic finishes that you can opt for on different occasions.

    Pros
    • Highly pigmented
    • Array of finishes
    • Wide range of colors
    • Cruelty-free
    • Creamy formula
    • Blendable
    Cons
    • Packaging could be better
  • Buttery Soft Formula

    Revlon Eyeshadow Palette

    Revlon Eyeshadow Palette
  • Revlon quad eyeshadow palette comes with an improved formula that claims to stay on your eyelid for up to a whopping 24 hours! The eyeshadows are highly pigmented and you can slowly build up for the desired intensity without much effort. They also have a smooth texture that makes it even easier for you to get a seamless finish. Furthermore, the velvety formula offers a great crease-proof finish that will facilitate an intact classy appearance throughout the day. Adding to that, the eyeshadows are smudge-proof as well. How cool is that!

    Pros
    • Highly pigmented
    • Stays up to 24 hours
    • Feels buttery soft
    • Blendable
    • Crease-proof
    • Smudge-proof
    Cons
    • Not versatile
  • Most Versatile Palette

    UCANBE SPOTLIGHT Eyeshadow Palette

    UCANBE SPOTLIGHT Eyeshadow Palette
  • UCANBE comes with one of the most versatile long-wear eyeshadow palettes that consists of a range of colors and finishes from shimmer to matte to glitter to deliver you some of the most glamorous eye looks that you have ever tried! Plus, the eyeshadows are intensely pigmented allowing you to get the desired look in just one swipe. What’s more? With crease-resistant technology, the palette is indeed a one-stop option to get a vibrant and fresh look that stays all day long.

    Pros
    • Truly versatile
    • Array of shades
    • Different finishes
    • Intensely pigmented
    • Buttery formula
    • Giftable
    Cons
    • Not waterproof
  • Most Affordable Palette

    Prism Makeup Eyeshadow Palette

    Prism Makeup Eyeshadow Palette
  • Prism Makeup comes with a long-lasting waterproof formula that stays on your lid for a longer time than you can imagine! Consisting of 18 colors, the palette has a unique range of eyeshadows ranging from metallic, glittery, and matte to satin, and shimmery shades to let you opt for the desired eye look. The highly pigmented formula further allows you to experiment with the outcome as you play safe with the healthy ingredients. Besides, with a velvety soft formula, blending the eyeshadows is now super easy!

    Pros
    • Waterproof formula
    • Easy to blend
    • Highly pigmented
    • Versatile palette
    • Affordable
    • Array of shades
    Cons
    • Not chemical-free
  • Most Buildable Formula

    W7 MIGHTY MATTES Eyeshadow

    W7 MIGHTY MATTES Eyeshadow
  • The eyeshadow palette from W7 boasts of a great collection of natural colors consisting of neutral grays, smokey browns, and blushed nudes to allow you to use the eyeshadows for everyday wear and even on special occasions. They also have a highly pigmented formula to help you get the desired finish in just one swipe. Addedly, the creamy and blendable formula is an added advantage to deposit the desired amount of color until you get the professional-like finish you want. The best part? It is cruelty-free!

    Pros
    • Buildable
    • Blendable formula
    • Creamy consistency
    • Cruelty-free
    • Versatile
    • Pigmented formula
    Cons
    • Contains talc
  • Best Beginner-friendly Packaging

    FOCALLURE Cream Eyeshadow Stick- Set of 3

    FOCALLURE Cream Eyeshadow Stick- Set of 3
  • Just when you thought eyeshadow application couldn’t be easier, Focallure comes with 3 sticks that fulfill all your needs minus the hassle that powder eyeshadows often cause! Along with beginner-friendly packaging, the long-lasting eyeshadows are a great option to carry as you travel! Addedly, the eyeshadows feature matte, metallic, and shimmer shades so that you can opt for different eye looks on different events or maybe one eye look using all three! They also last on your eyelid for 5-10 hours without streaking, smudging, creasing, or fading.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Pigmented
    • Versatile
    • Travel-friendly
    • Beginner-friendly
    • Smudge-proof
    Cons
    • Fragile crayons
  • Best Waterproof Formula

    Vodisa Eyeshadow Palette

    Vodisa Eyeshadow Palette
  • The brand comes with 25 highly-pigmented eyeshadows consisting of 18 matte flattering colors and 7 shimmers ranging from cool to warm to neutrals, making them perfect to wear daily or on special events. They feature a waterproof formula that promises to last on your eyelid for a long time without creasing or smudging. Furthermore, the buildable formula is another plus point that allows you to opt for the desired intensity for your preferred look. Trust us when we say that you can take your creativity to the next level with this eyeshadow palette!

    Pros
    • Wide range of colors
    • Waterproof
    • Buildable
    • Versatile finishes
    • Highly pigmented
    • Mix of tones
    Cons
    • Not toxic-free
  • Best Creamy Texture

    wet n wild COLOR ICON Eyeshadow Palette

     wet n wild COLOR ICON Eyeshadow Palette
  • Wet n Wild has one of the most desired eyeshadow palettes around the world in its kitty! The brand boasts of packing super-smooth 10 vibrant shades that are easy to blend and also easy to mix and match. From blinding metallics to high-impact mattes, the eyeshadow palette has a great range of options with a promise of a long-wearing formula. So, why wait? Turn the heads of the people around you whether you go to a party or office with this palette in your beauty stash.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Highly pigmented
    • Ultra-smooth
    • Easy to blend
    • Buttery soft formula
    • Versatile
    Cons
    • Poor packaging
  • Best Neutral Eyeshadows

    Erinde Eyeshadow Palette

    Erinde Eyeshadow Palette
  • If you are a lover of cool-toned nudes, Erinde has the best long-lasting eyeshadow palette to offer! The brand comes up with subtle and pastel-toned eyeshadows keeping in mind the older women and working ladies who like to don neutral eyeshadows mostly. However, the palette consists of an array of shades that are excellent for professionals and beginners as well. They are richly pigmented and have an amazing buildable formula that glides smoothly on the eyelid to give the desired look without being superficial.

    Pros
    • Versatile eye palette
    • Richly pigmented
    • Cruelty-free
    • Travel-friendly
    • Soft formula
    • Buildable
    Cons
    • Could be more blendable
  • Best Fade-proof Formula

    COVERGIRL TRUNAKED Quad Eyeshadow Palette

    COVERGIRL TRUNAKED Quad Eyeshadow Palette
  • The quad eyeshadow palette consists of four richly pigmented eyeshadows that give you an intense color payoff without smudging, creasing, or fading for a long time. They come with a blendable formula that glides over the eyelid like a dream to give you the desired finish. The  best part is that the fade-proof formula stays on your skin without losing the vibrancy so that you can rock the intense look for the whole day. Other than that, the buildable formula allows you to build the color until you get the desired finish for an even prettier look.

    Pros
    • Smudge-proof
    • Blendable
    • Buildable
    • Cruelty-free
    • Richly pigmented
    • Fade-proof
    Cons
    • Poor packaging
  • ecofavor Eyeshadow Palette

    ecofavor Eyeshadow Palette
  • The nude gold eyeshadow palette consists of warm neutral shades that can complement any look! Ranging from matte to shimmer finishes, the eco-friendly eyeshadows on the palette can be an absolute steal for beginners. It gives a soft focus finish on your eyelid as the buttery formula allows you to blend the product in the most precise manner. Along with offering long-lasting coverage, the highly-pigmented formula deposits the purest and most engaging color that will keep everyone around you hooked.

    Pros
    • Beginner-friendly
    • Ultra velvety finish
    • Soft powdery formula
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Cruelty-free
    • Highly pigmented
    Cons
    • Packaging could be better
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow

    Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow
  • If you are already a makeup enthusiast, you probably know how ABH delivers the maximum pigmentation and longevity out of its makeup products that have some rave reviews online. This single eyeshadow can be an excellent option to use as a transition shade or to do subtle brown smokey eyes that will give you a long-lasting effect. It has a well-pigmented formula that gives you the desired finish in just one swipe without being cakey or leaving a crease. The best part about ABH powder products is that they are finely milled, which gives you a superb natural appearance irrespective of the eye look.

    Pros
    • Easy to blend
    • Easy to apply
    • Finely milled powder
    • Pigmented formula
    • Buildable
    • Natural finish
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Eakroo Eyeshadow Palette

    Eakroo Eyeshadow Palette
  • Eakroo comes with a waterproof formula that makes the eyeshadow palette one of the best stay-put eyeshadows available in the market. Loaded with rich pigment, it is now super easy to get natural-looking eye makeup without trying too hard. Plus, the long-wearing formula of the product sticks to the eyelid for more than 24 hours without creasing, fading, or flaking as time passes. The smooth texture further allows you to deposit the color with ease while the buildable formula makes it easier for you to get the desired intensity whenever you apply the product.

    Pros
    • Lasts for 24 hours
    • Natural-looking
    • Pigmented
    • Buildable formula
    • Easy to blend
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • Not very vibrant colors

    Now that you have seen our product recommendations, take a look at how you can pick the best one for yourself—

    What to Consider Before Picking the Best Long-lasting Eyeshadow?

    Here are the parameters to consider before picking the best long-lasting eyeshadow - 

    a) Formula- When it comes to picking the best eyeshadow, the foremost concern should be the formula. And when you're looking for a long-lasting one, picking a waterproof formula will ensure extra protection from sweat or rain. Similarly, a smudge-proof formula will keep the eyeshadow intact from the oils that your eyelid produces as time passes. Other than that, a crease-resistant formula works wonders if you have hooded eyes where the crease is more prominent.

    b) Ingredients to avoid- Ingredients like phthalates, paraben, sulfates, dimethicone should be avoided at any cost to ensure safe application. Furthermore, if you have sensitive eyes, picking a hypoallergenic product will save you any day from adverse reactions or irritation.

    c) Product Type- Before you get your hands on a product, it is better to take a good look at your needs, wants, and lifestyle. If you are a super busy working person, picking a travel-friendly packaging will be beneficial. On the other hand, if you are a party person, picking a product with versatile and vibrant colors will be wise. If you are a professional, getting a muted tone palette can be a savior so that you can use it on different people irrespective of the occasions.

    Now, take a look at how you can apply the eyeshadow effectively -

    How to Apply a Long-lasting Eyeshadow?

    Before we get started, let us tell you that there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to eye makeup. You can always experiment and be a little playful when you apply any eyeshadow. Here we are simplifying the art of applying eyeshadow —

    Our contributor Bianca Lorena, a certified Aesthetic educator, shares, “Small glands in the eyelids known as meibomian glands secrete oil that covers and protects the surface of your eye. With excessive oil secretion on the eyelids, one must stay away from putting something so emollient like a concealer on the lids which will smudge, instead opt for invisible primer. Using a waterproof eye pencil as a base and applying powder eyeshadow on top is, single handedly, the best hack for oily lids.”

    a) Before you start, apply an eye primer over your eyelid and let it dry for a few minutes. Or, you can even apply a concealer and blend it well for a smooth and even canvas. But make sure to set the base with a setting powder.

    b) Next, take the color in a fluffy eyeshadow brush and apply a muted tone color, preferably brown or gray. Apply it over your crease to create a shadow. Now, apply the same color along your lower lash line to create a similar effect.

    c) Take a deeper shade in a dense brush and apply it over the eye socket or where you want to create a fake crease line to intensify the color and create a deeper hollow. Take the similar color and apply along the lashline to intensify the lower lid.

    d) In this step, you can apply a lighter color or a shimmer shade on the top of your lid to make the eyes look bigger and fresh.

    e) This step is optional! You can apply an eyeliner or a kohl over your upper lash line or along the lower or upper rim to pop up your eyes.

    f) Last but not least, finish your eye makeup with a few coats of mascara to seal the deal.

    Here are some pro tips by our contributor Bianca Lorena to keep your eyeshadow last longer-

    She says, “Before applying eyeshadow, dust your lids lightly with translucent powder. This helps to absorb excess oil and moisture, preventing the creasing. It also provides a matte canvas for your eyeshadow, for seamless blending and secure holding. When working on the crease for blending and for the lower eyelashes, use a dome shaped brush for best results.

    Contributor: Bianca Lorena, a Registered Nurse and Aesthetic educator - BLC Aesthetics

    Conclusion

    When it comes to picking the best long-lasting eyeshadows, keeping in mind parameters like crease-resistant, fade-proof, and waterproof formula will help you a lot. Other than that, based on our firsthand experience, we can claim if you want a beginner-friendly versatile palette, UCANBE Spotlight Eyeshadow Palette can be your best buddy. However, if getting a super buttery formula is your concern, wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palette can be your go-to product. But if you want to have a lavish experience and don't mind spending a bomb just for a tiny eyeshadow to get the best result, get the Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadow, and thank us later!

    FAQ's

    Does cream or powder eyeshadow last longer?
    Powder eyeshadows last longer than cream ones because powdery ones tend to crease and fade less than cream ones.
    What types of eyeshadows are known for their longevity?
    Powder eyeshadows with a well-pigmented, crease-resistant, and fade-proof formula will work wonders on eyes.
    Can I use long-lasting eyeshadows for special occasions?
    Yes, why not! It is even wiser to opt for long-lasting eyeshadows for special occasions as they stay for longer and don’t ruin your look.
    Are long-lasting eyeshadows safe for sensitive eyes?
    Yes, long-lasting eyeshadows are safe for sensitive eyes. Just take a look at the formula and check which one is free of harmful ingredients like paraben, phthalates, sulfates, dimethicone, etc.
    How do I keep my eyeshadow from fading?
    Using a gripping primer is the key to keep the eyeshadows intact and in place for the longest possible time.
    Which is the best highly-pigmented eyeshadow?
    There are many! Wet n wild, NYX, Focallure, Covergirl, Anastasia Beverly Hills offer some of the most highly-pigmented formulas.
    Is there an eyeshadow that does not crease?
    Yes, there are brands that offer crease-proof eyeshadows, but check the labels before getting one.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our in-house makeup expert, Sayantani, never gets tired of experimenting with new makeup products. For this article, she has devoted her time scrolling through a huge number of products as she came up with the verdict about these above-mentioned long-lasting eyeshadows. She has mostly relied on her personal experience and online reviews to conclude this piece of article. By taking into consideration the longevity, formula, texture, packaging, and blendability, she has rounded off the products.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness on board to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons. Happy shopping!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More