As much as we live for ultra-pigmented, high-color payoff eye shadows, there's something to be said about a barely-there approach to wearing color on your lids. Whether worn as a painterly wash all-over or dusted along the lower lashline, eye shadow tints are having a moment. From Glossier's dreamy Lidstar to insider-favorite formulas by Jillian Dempsey, it seems like when it comes to eye shadow, maybe less really is more.
"I always like to have a product that’s adjustable, so I can control the amount of coverage," makeup artist and photographer Beau Nelson tells Allure. "You can take something and make it really sheer [or build it up]." And he's totally right; if you already have a go-to liquid or cream shadow in your makeup bag, simply follow Nelson's tips and apply it with your finger or a soft, fluffy brush, letting it set between coats to achieve your desired level of coverage…or lack thereof. Here are 13 of our favorites to help you get started.
Images courtesy of brands
Danessa Myricks ColorFix 24hr Metallic Cream Color
Nelson name-checks this creamy liquid eye shadow — which comes in a veritable rainbow of shades — for an instant pop of color that can be worn sheer or layered for maximum impact. "You can also use them as a base for other eye shadows too, so they act like a primer," Nelson adds.
$18 (Shop Now)
Giorgio Armani Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow
Available in matte, metallic, and shimmer finishes, these light-as-nothing liquid shadows impart the subtlest of glow so that they're almost like a highlighter for your lids (or tinted balm for your eyes, if we're talking about the matte ones).
$39 (Shop Now)
Glossier Lidstar
With playful names like Lily and Slip (pictured here) and packaging that reminds us of chemistry class, it's no wonder the Internet quickly fell in love with Glossier's take on eye shadow. With six shades to choose from, wearing a veil of color has never been more of-the-moment.
$18 (Shop Now)
Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint
One of the earliest purveyors of the my-lids-but-better look, makeup artist Jillian Dempsey tapped into something special when she launched her lid tints in February 2016. Years later, her glossy, fan-favorite product is still a bestseller. "The payoff is a light wash of color that's very versatile and mixes well with anything," she told Allure in a 2017 interview, describing her tints as "cherry Chapstick — in an organic formula — for your eyes."
$28 (Shop Now)
M.A.C. Dazzleshadow Liquid
Looking for the sparkle factor minus the mess (and fallout)? Dab on a coat of M.A.C.'s new Dazzleshadow Liquid, which is available in a variety of shades ranging from metallic rose gold to icy, holographic blue.
$22 (Shop Now)
RMS Beauty Eye Polish
With a base of coconut oil and beeswax, non-toxic makeup brand RMS Beauty's sheer cream eye shadows do double duty as they look and feel good on your lids.
$28 (Shop Now)
Nyx Lid Lingerie Eye Tint
Get the look at a drugstore price point with Nyx's range of liquid shadows, which clock in at a reasonable $7. All the more reason to stock up on every shade, right?
$7 (Shop Now)
Shiseido Aura Dew
Use this multipurpose highlighting tint for a veil of multidimensional color on lids, lips, cheeks — honestly, wherever your heart desires. "I love to do a monochromatic look with peach, pink, or burgundy washes over the eyes and then the same color on the cheeks and lips," says makeup artist Emily Cheng. "It's a great way to create a harmonious, fresh makeup look."
$25 (Shop Now)
CoverFX Shimmer Veil
If you're looking for a cruelty-free and vegan option, Cover FX's sheer, shimmery eye color won't lead you astray. Choose from six multidimensional hues with a duo-chrome effect. Good luck picking a favorite.
$28 (Shop Now)
Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
"Because eye tints are generally more sheer, it's easier to avoid blending errors," says Cheng. "Most of them come in a tube or pot and can be easily applied with a finger." One of our current favorites? Stila's shimmery liquid shadows, which feature a thin, lightweight texture and wet finish for the prettiest sheen imaginable.
$24 (Shop Now)
Too Faced Tutti Frutti Twinkle Twinkle Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
There are some days when you want a cut crease and full-on winged liner situation. Other times, you may simply feel like swathing your lids in sheer, glittery gold goodness. For the latter, we recommend Too Faced's new glitter eye shadows.
$22 (Shop Now)
Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8 Hour Eye Color
"A tint is an easy, fun way to introduce color onto the face," says Cheng. "It's a great way for people who want to try out a new color or pigment but may be intimidated [by a bold eye shadow look]." Clinique's lightweight eye shadows have an instant cooling effect on lids thanks to a unique metal tip applicator and are packed with nourishing antioxidants for added skin-care benefits.
$22 (Shop Now)
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Stellar Eyeshadow
Apply a barely-there amount of this mesmerizing gel-cream shadow for a soft, ethereal effect. Think of it as jewelry, but for your eyelids.
$35 (Shop Now)
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