The 10 Best White Eyeshadows of 2023

When it comes to enhancing your eyes, the world of eyeshadows holds endless possibilities. Among this colorful spectrum, the often-overlooked white eyeshadow holds a special place. It may not be the first shade that springs to mind when you think of a smokey eye or a glamorous evening look, but with the right application, this humble shade can make a world of difference.

While white eyeshadow might seem deceptively simple, it can serve as a game-changer in your makeup routine. It’s a bit like the vanilla of the beauty world—understated, versatile, and a great base for other flavors (or in this case, colors). Whether you’re crafting a monochromatic winter wonderland aesthetic or using it as a canvas for other shades, white eyeshadow has an undeniable appeal.

The beauty of eyeshadows, including white, lies in their versatility. With different textures available—matte, shimmer, metallic, or even glitter—there’s a type of eyeshadow to suit every occasion and taste. The best part is you can layer, mix, and match to achieve your desired look.

Powdery, buttery textures allow for easy blending, offering a seamless gradient of color. With a gentle sweep across the eyelids, you can effortlessly create a wash of color that complements your complexion and outfit. Metallic and glitter eyeshadows, on the other hand, bring the drama and can be used to add a pop of shine for that special occasion or night out.

With white eyeshadow, specifically, it’s the secret tool for making your eyes look more open and awake. It can be used to highlight the brow bone, or the inner corners of the eyes, for a wide-eyed effect. Moreover, when applied as a base, it can make the other colors pop, revealing their true vibrancy.

Entering the vast panorama of eyeshadows, especially when zeroing in on white eyeshadows, can feel like a massive undertaking, given the enormous range of alternatives available. But fret not, for we’ve journeyed through the sprawling domain of white eyeshadows, scrutinizing each possibility based on its texture, wearability, adaptability, and overall appeal.

If you’re looking for a multitasker that will get you through your day with ease, KVD Beauty’s Super Pomade Vegan Eyeliner, Shadow + Brow Pigment is a great place to start.

The 3-in-1 multitasker is rich in pigment and gives you a creamy texture that’s easy to work with. The angled bristles allow you to create effortless strokes and extreme control when applying the product to your face.

With a price point that’s great for anyone on a budget, this product is sure to become one of your go-to beauty products!

“Eyeliner of my dreams! This is the only matte liner I’ve tried that doesn’t dry out on me,” explained one reviewer. “It stays creamy for a good while, has amazing holding power without smearing, and gives the finish that I’ve been looking for.”

For a shimmering, opaque look that’s easy to apply, Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick is your go-to.

It’s the perfect starter kit for anyone who wants to try out the trend of eyeshadow sticks. You can use it to prime your lids, line your eyes, and define your eyes easily—no brush necessary!

The highly pigmented formula glides on seamlessly so that you don’t have to worry about creating any fallout or smudging in your makeup routine. Just swipe and go!

If you’re looking for something a little more daring, layer this white shadow stick over another color from the brand’s collection to create a more dramatic effect. The creamy texture will help it blend seamlessly into your existing eye makeup so that there aren’t any harsh lines between colors or textures.

If you’re looking for a product to spice up your eye makeup game, NYX’s Jumbo Eye Pencil is your answer.

Its creamy formula glides effortlessly onto your lids, allowing you to use it as an eyeshadow crayon, an eyeliner, or even an eye primer. The result? Infinite eye looks at your fingertips.

The pencil comes in 16 vibrant shades, each one more enticing than the last. From neutrals for your everyday look to smoky hues for that night out, this pencil has it all. And the best part? It’s cruelty-free, making it a favorite among conscious beauty lovers.

Say goodbye to smudged eye makeup with e.l.f. Cosmetics’ No Budge Cream Eyeshadow. This 3-in-1 product isn’t just an eyeshadow, it also doubles as a primer and triples as an eyeliner.

Its richly pigmented color stays put all day long, resisting creases and smudges to keep your eyes looking fresh and vibrant. The product’s creamy formula makes it easy to apply, and it’s blendable for a perfect finish.

Available in 8 captivating colors, you can choose from essential shades for your daytime look or go for vibrant hues for a more daring appearance.

Stila’s Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow is an absolute must-have for anyone seeking a long-wearing, sparkly eyeshadow.

The perfect blend of pearl and glitter gives the eyes an incredible luster and shimmer, and it glides on effortlessly, drying smoothly and locking in maximum sparkle with minimal fallout. Its lightweight, water-infused texture feels refreshing on the eyes and provides a smooth color laydown.

Plus, its non-tacky, non-transfer adhesive base ensures minimal fallout.

When it comes to eyeshadow, there’s no such thing as too much pigment. This is especially true when you’re talking about OFRA Cosmetics’ Millennium White Eyeshadow.

With a metallic finish and a full-coverage formula that’s made to last all day, this powder eyeshadow will make you feel like the most beautiful snow queen in the world. With its rich color and metallic sheen, it’s sure to be your go-to shade for all your upcoming holiday parties.

It’s also refillable—so once you’ve hit pan on your favorite shade, just pop it out of its container and put in another one! No mess or fuss (and no more buying new makeup every few months).

According to one makeup enthusiast, “I bought this color because I needed an eyeshadow that brightened my eyes. Perfect!”

Makeup by Mario’s Master Crystal Reflector is a must-have for anyone who loves makeup.

It can be used as an eyeshadow, but it’s even more versatile than that. If you want to add a little shimmer to your cheeks, this is the product for you. Or, if you’d prefer to highlight your décolletage, this will do the trick.

When hit by light, the sparkles reflect and glow, creating an illumination effect that makes any skin tone look smooth and radiant. The formula is lightweight, so there’s no risk of caking up or looking greasy—even if you’re using it on your eyes or décolletage!

“I really like this product. I use it as an eyeshadow topper for my matte eyeshadows, and it gives the most beautiful sparkly glow to the eyelids,” wrote one reviewer.

MAC’s highly pigmented, vivid white with icy shimmer powder eyeshadow is a great addition to any makeup bag.

The non-creasing formula applies evenly and has a potent color payoff, so you can create an array of eye looks—from subtle to smoky and everything in between.

The only downside is that this shade arrives as a refill pan for the label’s Single Eyeshadow palette; if you don’t already have one, be prepared to shell out another $21 for the container itself.

about-face’s Matte Fluid Eye Paint it’s something you’ll want to try if you’re looking for an easy way to give yourself a fresh, clean look in one step.

The color is a gorgeous white that goes on like water and dries down to a matte finish. It’s moisturizing and comfortable to wear, but it still packs enough of a punch to add some dimension to your eye makeup look. You can get more depth by using your favorite tool (we recommend fingers) to pat it into place.

We’ve also found that it works great as an eyeliner if you’re looking for something simple, but we prefer it as an eyeshadow base or highlighter when we’re going for something more dramatic.

Trish McEvoy’s white eyeshadow has a silky, pigment-rich texture. It can be used to enhance eyelids or as a base for other shadows. The product glides on smoothly and provides a creamy white finish with a matte look.

It’s so pigmented that even a single dip into your makeup bag will leave you with enough of the product to last through many different looks!

The product can be used in two ways: either dry or wet. Simply apply the product using your fingertips or a brush to use it dry. Mix it with water or another liquid before applying it to your eyelids if you want to use it wet.

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How to Choose the Perfect Eyeshadow

Pigmentation

White eyeshadows, like any other, should offer impressive pigmentation. The color should appear as vibrant on the skin as it does in the pan. While a swatch on your hand might not always provide an accurate representation, it can give you an idea of the product’s color payoff. Remember, a higher pigment concentration doesn’t just mean a richer color, it can also indicate that the eyeshadow will have better staying power and require less product per use.

Blendability

A good eyeshadow, regardless of its shade, should be easily blendable. The product should glide smoothly onto the lids, allowing you to seamlessly merge it with other colors for a flawless finish. Check if the eyeshadow has a buttery texture, which typically suggests superior blendability. This characteristic is especially important when dealing with white eyeshadows, as they can be more difficult to blend without leaving harsh lines or patches.

Versatility

When you’re investing in an eyeshadow, whether it’s a classic white or an audacious neon, its versatility should be a top consideration. A versatile white eyeshadow can be used as a base to make other colors pop, to highlight the inner corners of the eyes, or even as an eyeliner when paired with a damp brush. For this reason, it might be beneficial to opt for a palette that offers a range of finishes (matte, shimmer, etc.) and colors alongside the white shade.

Ingredient Quality

Take a good look at the ingredient list before you make a purchase. High-quality ingredients not only provide a better color payoff and easier application, but they’re also less likely to cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Keep an eye out for eyeshadows that are free from potential irritants like parabens and fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin or eyes. Some eyeshadows also come infused with skin-friendly ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants for an added bonus.

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FAQ

How do you apply eyeshadow?

Applying eyeshadow is an art that often requires a bit of practice to perfect. Before application, make sure your eyelids are clean and apply an eyeshadow primer if you have one. This step is not mandatory, but a primer can help the eyeshadow adhere better and last longer. Start with a neutral base color that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter. Apply this all over your lid to set the primer and to smooth out any discolorations or veins.

Then apply a slightly darker shade in your crease to create depth. Blend this color well to avoid harsh lines. If you want to add a little drama, apply an even darker shade to the outer corner of your eyes and blend well. Finally, apply a lighter, shimmery shade on the inner corner of your eyes and on your brow bone to highlight and make your eyes pop.

Does eyeshadow expire?

Yes, like all cosmetics, eyeshadow does expire. You can typically find an expiration date or a period-after-opening (PAO) symbol on the packaging. The PAO symbol is an open jar with a number and an “M” inside it, representing the number of months the product should be used once opened. For eyeshadow, this is typically 24 months. It’s important to keep an eye on the texture, smell, and color of your eyeshadow. If it changes, it might be time to replace it.

How do you wear white eyeshadow?

White eyeshadow can be used in various ways to brighten and enhance the eyes. You can apply it to the inner corner of your eyes or under your brow bone to highlight and make your eyes appear bigger and more awake. You can also apply it all over your lid as a base color to make other colors pop. If you’re feeling bold, you can use white eyeshadow all over your lid for a bright, statement look. Just remember to blend well to avoid any harsh lines.

Can you use eyeshadow as lipstick?

While eyeshadow can technically be used as lipstick, it’s important to note that not all eyeshadows are lip-safe, depending on the pigments used. You can check the product packaging or website to see if it is lip-safe. If it is, you can apply a lip balm or clear gloss and then press the eyeshadow onto your lips with your finger or a brush. This can be a fun way to experiment with unconventional lip colors. However, it’s important to note that the eyeshadow might not last as long on your lips as traditional lipstick would.