The Best Metallic Eyeshadows to Shop in 2023

There has been a trend for metallic eyeshadow for a few years now, and it’s a really exciting development in the cosmetics industry. These eyeshadows are a great way to add dimension to your makeup and highlight certain characteristics of your face. Overall, they’re versatile enough to be used either alone or to complement other makeup styles.

If you want to discover a color that works with your skin tone, don’t be afraid to try a few different ones! Keep in mind that shades with a subtle sheen are preferable to those with more visible sparkly chunks, which tend to do more than just add length but also throw off your entire aesthetic. Using matte eyeshadows as a counterpoint to metallic ones eliminates the shimmer and softens the appearance, making it ideal for creating modern makeup looks.

Having a metallic sheen is a defining characteristic of metallic eyeshadow. Alluding to a foiled appearance, metallic finishes have a subtle gold or silver shine. Not only are the formulas flattering on all skin tones, but you can get really creative with them as well. Ahead, we rounded up some of the best metallic eyeshadows on the market today,

In order to get the perfect finish for your eyes, r.e.m. beauty‘s Midnight Shadows Glossy Liquid Eyeshadow is available in both matte and lustrous shades. Not only is it waterproof, but its all-day-wearing formula also makes your skin appear and feel smoother. Whether you’re going for a subtle or dramatic look, this shadow’s 11 stunning tones have you covered.

According to Ariana Grande, “The Midnight Shadows Liquid Eyeshadows are so light, smooth, and fluffy but still offer so much pigment and coverage. They’re multifunctional—they can be used as a base for a more dynamic, layered look or on their own.”

Glossier‘s Monochromes is a trio of three buildable finishes: matte, satin, and metallic. With its revolutionary composition that enables you to create your appearance by combining monochromatic colors, its payoff is more intense than that of a standard eyeshadow primer, and it lasts all day. 

The metallic shade mimics gold and shimmers ethereally; the satin texture provides a lightweight option for the lid; and the matte hues are ideal for producing sleek, professional looks regardless of the lighting.

“Just got it in the shade almond and it’s the perfect natural color but with that extra oomph. I also find the packaging super cute and not as clunky as other reviewers have noted. I think it’s packaged well enough I think for travel,” explained one makeup enthusiast.

This cream shadow from Tom Ford comes in three various sheens: metallic, satin, and shimmer, all of which are wearable. Intense pigmentation ensures that your look will remain vibrant and fresh all day long. Applying this cream makeup is as simple as using your fingers or an eyeshadow brush.

This item is not only user-friendly but also smudge-proof, so you can go about your day without worrying about your makeup smudging or running.

“I think is overall a great product! It’s a lovely color and it goes on quite smoothly,” says one reviewer. “It’s a nice product to use when you want a little makeup but don’t want the effort of doing a whole eye look.”

Look no further than this liquid glitter eyeshadow if you want to give your eyes a glimmering, shiny appearance. stila’s Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow combines the perfect mix of pearl and glitter to lavish eyes with incredible luster and shimmer.

The formula is so light that it applies like a dream and dries without any streaks or flakes, sealing in the shimmer while keeping fallout to a minimum. It’s also obtainable in a metallic “Perlina” tint, which comes in opalescent white, vivid blue, pink, and duo-chrome purple pearl. The 40% water-infused composition of this product ensures a speedy drying time; this is especially useful if you need to apply it before running out the door to go to work or class.

As one buyer stated, “It works great, it does dry out pretty fast, but it’s honestly perfect if you’re running late to something. Love the glitter and you can build it up little by little. Definitely recommend and a little goes a long way!”

This is a cream-to-powder eyeshadow that dries down to a smudge-resistant finish. The 9 chromatic tones cover the gamut from neutrals like gray lavender to bold shades like gold copper pearl, and may be used on their own or combined to create depth to your regular makeup regimen. This long-wearing product is clean and water-based, so you can start with a sheer application of color and build from there.

“This shadow tint was pretty sheer and shimmery. I love how silky smooth the product was and how it went onto my lids. I liked to put this on top of a vibrant color to make it more sparkly, but this is also buildable to get a light pink color,” noted one buyer.

If you’re looking for a cream eye shadow stick that last, Urban Decay‘s 24/7 Shadow Stick is the one for you. Made from vegan ingredients and formulated with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, this creamy formula resists fading, smudging, or transferring for up to 24 hours.

It arrives in three fadeproof finishes, including matte, shimmer, and metallic. The colors are great for any event, from day to night, and vary from calming neutrals to vivacious blues and greens.

As one reviewer stated, “I love this shadow. It stays put, it lasts all day, and the color is nice and saturated, so you don’t have to use a ton. I have red hair with hazel eyes and I chose the Mildew color, and I get a lot of compliments on it’s.”

Danessa Myrcks’ Infinite Chrome Flakes, multi-chrome flakes of varying colors are suspended in a water-based gel composition. The application process is simplified because neither a solvent nor an adhesive is needed.

There are 10 different tones of shadow to choose from. Although the pigment’s brightness varies over the spectrum, it may be more noticeable on darker skin tones. This metallic glitter eyeshadow may be the best option for you if you’re seeking a product that can serve both as an eyeshadow and a topper.

“Such a fun product. Great to add that impact glitter to any makeup look,” states one buyer. “I highly encourage you to swatch on your hand to figure out the exact look you’re going for. I love applying with my finger.”

It’s possible to use this iridescent cream eye shadow on its own or as a base for additional eye makeup. It applies smoothly for quick, fuss-free eyes that last for 24 hours. Apply a shimmering, multi-dimensional look that flatters every skin tone and any eye shape, no matter how out there you want to be. This product is great for beginners who want to try out metallic shadow without having to invest in a full-sized palette.

“This shadow stick is my favorite in moonstone. It’s the best at brightening the inner corner or lid color with some sparkle. My eyes are hooded and this shadow doesn’t budge or crease. These are so easy to swipe on and go without the need to put much time or thought into it,” explained one makeup enthusiast.

EM Cosmetics’ Starchild is a one-of-a-kind, ultra-creamy, buildable powder that has a special formula designed to impart shimmer. Specialty pearls are pulverized to a fine powder before being combined with a nourishing oil and vitamin E. All seven available tones are very rich in pigment, easy to blend, and provide a burst of color that lasts all day on your eyelids.

The multi-chromatic appearance and silky milky-way texture make this a very versatile product that can be used to achieve almost any desired.

This palette has a wide variety of metallic eyeshadows that may be used alone or mixed and matched. It’s available in nine stunning hues, and there’s a wide variety of palettes to choose from. It  also has a primer for the eyes, allowing you to achieve a professional finish without worrying about creasing or fading. Both the highlighter and the eyeliner will make your features stand out more.

The best part? You can use these products together for an intense look or even as individual looks. Each palette includes a wide variety of eyeshadow colors in matte, pearlescent, and metallic finishes, making it ideal for creating a wide variety of eye makeup looks. With their buildable textures, you can achieve the perfect look with any shade combination.

There is a lot of debate about which metallic powders are the best, and this will be based on personal preference. Nonetheless, we trust that you’ve learned enough to choose a shade that flatters your eyes.