12 Best Eyeshadows for Dark Skin: Truly Must-Have Pigmented Palettes

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The deeper-skin girls know how quickly a fun makeup spree can turn into a tedious job while looking for the best eyeshadow for dark skin. Fortunately, with the color theory in makeup surging over the trends, many brands have thoughtfully curated shadow palettes that cater to women of color. If you haven’t been able to spot the best eyeshadow for dark skin tones yet, we have got you covered. Whether you aim for an off-duty model streetwear look or aspire a full glam party makeup, the right shadow palette will suit the job. 

For melanin-rich skin, certain shadows fall off, vanish on blending, turn chalky, or lose their true color. Our handpicked low-down of the best eyeshadows ensures that you find your deep-skin mate that allows Pinterest-inspired makeup, from everyday neutrals to popping colors and glide of glitters. You no longer have to swatch the entire store, the following products feature rich pigment, suitable undertones, must-have hues, and colors that do not deceive the images. 

Cloudy mattes, bold shimmers, juicy gloss, or silken metallics, your deeper skin tone will love every photo-ready finish, enabling experimentation and building space for self-expression, art, and endless possibilities!

12 Best Eyeshadows for Dark Skin That Stays Put

Stick makeup steps into the eyeshadow space with a creme-to-powder formulation by Julep Beauty. The pigmented formula offers a smooth creamy glide on the eyelids and transitions into a crease-proof and waterproof powder finish. The product also cares for your skin with its thanks to the fusion of hydrating vitamins C and E, which enhances the skin texture. The presence of candelilla wax enables easy blending, naturally. Ranging from matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes, there are over 30 shades to choose from, perfect for deeper skin tones.

From shimmery to matte finish, and soft rosy shades to intense browns, this shadow palette by Lamora has it all! The rich naked colors are well-pigmented to offer a smooth glide, superior blending, and lasting effects. The creamy formula is waterproof and made with high-quality ingredients. These powder shadows help you create full glam to a natural-soft look with the shimmery cakes and velvety mattes in luxurious colors and payoff. You can use the shadows on lids, and shadow lines, or apply them for eye contouring and defining. These shades are a must-have for every dark-skin makeup lover, however, you can check out the two other shades available to get the hues of your dreams.

A little kawaii palette with four silky-sheer shadows? On the go, please! Packed with four handpicked shades that can effortlessly create AM to PM looks, is every girl’s bag-essential. The easy-to-blend and buildable formula in Covergirl’s eyeshadow kit has impeccable finishes from matte, pearly, sheer, to shimmer that last you long. From a soft day look to shimmery hues, or an ombre blend, go all out with your makeup skills. The eyeshadow kit has four compatible colors, available in numerous collections. The pack comes with a dual-ended sponge wand!

At that price with that pigmentation, and those colors, this palette by Beauty Glazed is truly a must-have. The full-size palette makes you feel like a makeup pro but is very beginner friendly. A varied range that allows you to create everyday cloudy makeup to looks with a pop of color, in creamy mattes or hi-shine shimmers. There are 35 shadows suitable for all skin types and every mood. From nude browns to vibrant rainbows, you can go for naturally soft lids, artsy ombre, or classic smoky eyes. These to easy-to-blend powders can be used alone or together for a dramatic, glam effect.

What’s better than one shadow palette? A combo of two!  This duo from UCANBE each features 18 shades with an array of tonal themes. The intensely pigmented powders offer every texture you need, from pearly, matty, shimmery, and velvety finish to colors ranging from pink- burgundy shades to deeper browns, and metallic hues. These pressed cakes allow you to create infinite looks that match every occasion, outfit, and mood. The smooth application lets you blend flawlessly with meticulous details as desired.

Another stick option under our radar is the trio pack by LUXAZA available in multiple collections, each with perfect shades to create naturally soft looks or glamorous bold looks. The sticks have creamy, mattifying, and glossy-shimmery payoff. The multipurpose sticks with high pigmentation allow you to experiment with ease. You can use a single shade for minimal effects or create a light base for buildable makeup, the shades can also be used for drawing a dramatic eyeliner, highlighter,  or using shimmers for chromatic looks.

With an underlay of warm to neutral, and cool tones, 25 shades from matte to shimmer, and a buttery blend – this palette by Vodisa has got it all. Loved by pros and newbies alike, these shadows have an excellent combination of thematic colors allowing one to create a spectrum of eye makeup looks. With a long-lasting photo-ready finish you can play with basic nudes to shimmers for a red carpet occasion and good-old dark tones for smoky eyes. Get the seamless effect with six shadow tools and brushes and precise application.

Your search for creamy mattes and natural nude shades, all in one palette, ends here! A flawless color payoff on deeper skin tones, the shades transcend from blush nudes, soft ashy greys, and intense browns. The buttery smooth finish for cloudy looks adds dimension and depth to your everyday makeup with minimum fall-out and long stay. For your PM plans, switch to glam mode with these mattifying, super-fine shades by W7. The richly pigmented formula is buildable and allows quick, on-the-go application.

Makeup infused with skin-loving blends? Sign us up! The special formulation by Physicians Formula is infused with Tahitian monoi butter, murumuru butter, cupuacu butter, and tucuma butter. This luxurious blend moisturizes the skin while lending a smooth glide on the lids. The six pan eyeshadows are creamy, blendable, and buildable with a dreamy matte finish. These lovely blushed nudes and neutrals are ideal for wet-to-dry application and suitable for all skin types and complexions. The soft mattes are perfect for natural and dramatic looks.

When your makeup is infused with ingredients like coconut, olive, silica, vanilla, rosehip, and avocado, what’s not to love? Enjoy a creamy and silky glide of the organic eyeshadow from Lauren Brooke, which moisturizes and nourishes the skin around the eyes, causing no irritation. The natural matte with a cloudy payoff is one-pot magic. From rosy pinks to resinous plums, brewed browns, or creamy metallics, you can pick your favorite or have them all. The pigmented shadows are for all skin types allowing you to have the best time with your eye makeup.

A line-up of universal shades caked to perfection, this palette by Maybelline New York is all flattering for all skin types and complexions. It consists of 16 shades, ranging from golden beige and soft sienna to dusk pink. There’s a finish for every mood – mattes, shimmers, and metallics. The creamy and micronized pigmented formula seamlessly blends and does not turn chalky or dull over time. You can teleport yourself to NYC streets with these colors that are inspired by the city. Bring your mood board to life with these gorgeous hard-to-resist shades.

A smoky eyeshadow never goes out of style, and here’s something for the fans – a perfect nine-color shadow palette with grays, silver, black, and white shades from Maki Yika to help you achieve a newer version of the smoky eye every time. Super matte to glossy metallics, there’s a finish to fit the bill. You can mix and match or simply glide over a single color, these pigmented powders stay put, adding all the glam to your eyes. The collection has colors in themes or cool blues and warm reds as well, a perfect addition to your vanity or to gift someone.

Keep reading for some pro insights to aid your eyeshadow shopping and learn some hacks to get the best from your new pick.

How to Choose an Eyeshadow for Dark Skin?

• Undertones: Cool, warm, or neutral, the best way to find your go-to eyeshadow is to determine your undertones and base the selection upon it. Generally, the warmer tones and bold colors go best with deeper skin tones, for instance, gold, copper, plum, shades of brown, bronze, or tangerine. Sunset-inspired palettes can be a holy grail for women with darker skin tones. If your call is for frosty sky makeup or light beiges, do not deter from trying it out. Swatch on your hand to make sure the shade does not turn ashy, gray, or chalky. 

• Skin Type: Yes, like skincare, the type of skin matters in the makeup space to a certain extent. If you have dry and sensitive skin, look for intensely pigmented creamy shadows that have enriching ingredients to nourish the skin and cause no allergy or itching.  If you have oily skin or if you sweat easily, make sure your shadows are waterproof to avoid creasing and smearing. 
• Colors: Solely based on your makeup routine, purpose, and preference, find palettes with suitable colors. Whether you need a full glam with all the colors, look for a bigger palette that offers maximum colors and finishes. Whereas for everyday use you may simply need a few tones and shades of a single color that complement each other.

How to Use an Eyeshadow Palette for Dark Skin?

Even if you have curated an eyeshadow look in your head, the application isn’t always as easy. Below are some quick tips on achieving a perfect shadow placement on your lids. 

Step 1: Start by creating a light and smooth base for the eyeshadow placement using a shadow primer on the lids. A foundation or concealer can be a substitute as well. 

Step 2: Once you have decided on your look, by using a brush begin the blending of your eyeshadow towards the crease line. For transition or chrome looks break down the steps. You can also use your finger for a casual, quick look. 

Step 3: You can add eyeliner, and mascara to finish the look.

The importance of eyeshadow in your makeup is sublime and the application or finish is not the same for every skin color and skin type. The best eyeshadow for dark skin is one with genuine pigmentation, true color, complimenting undertones, and smooth application. Makeup lovers with deeper skin tones have experienced a chalky finish and quick wear off, of the shadows. However, that is not the case with palettes, encompassed in our list. You can create smoldering smoky eyes, wear electric colors, build a plush everyday eye look, and explore the possibilities with the right eyeshadow tray in your bag.

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