Cosmetologist-Approved: 11 Best Drugstore Black Eyeshadows Of 2024
Gear up for the perfect smokey eye looks with the best-quality makeup products at hand.
Danielle Wilkinson BrucklacherLicensed Cosmetologist 
Danielle obtained her cosmetology license from MTI College and continued with her education in Makeup Artistry at Bellus Academy. She then began session styling for weddings and special events, including celebrity occasions. With 14 years o... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
shatabdi bhattacharyaBSc Experience: 2.5 yearsShatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has work... more
Image: From Shutterstock
If you are into smoky eyes, then you have to get your hands on the best drugstore black eyeshadow. Drugstore makeup products are pretty cost-effective and there are actually quite a few really great brands. If you are new to this makeup look, a smokey eye look is created by mixing dark eyeshadow with eyeliner to give your eyes a steamy and sultry impact. Smokey dark looks tend to close the eye smaller than a brighter open look. Although a range of eyeshadow shades are available in the market, black eyeshadows are different. The black color helps you create both a sharp feline look and a casual and soft look perfect for everyday wear. Using black eyeshadow is an extraordinary method for highlighting your eyes, especially if you have colored eyes as it creates a contrast and lets your irises really pop out.
Drugstore eyeshadows are a great addition to your makeup kit as they are inexpensive and readily available while not being a compromise on quality. To help you pick the very best, we have collected the top 11 drugstore black eyeshadows you can use daily to create a variety of looks.
In This Article
11 Best Drugstore Black Eyeshadows To Perfect Your Smokey Eye Look
1. Best Pigmented:Revlon Colorstay Creme Eye Shadow – Tuxedo
If you’ve got a party to go to and want to pull off that chic smokey eye look to compliment your lip makeup and hair, the Revlon’s Colorstay Creme eyeshadow is the way to go! With an easy-to-blend and highly pigmented formula, this statement-making drugstore eyeshadow will complement your skin and give your eyes a bold look. This matte shade has a creamy formula, is waterproof, and can last up to 24 hours without creating a mess! It also comes with a built-in applicator that makes it easy to apply at home or on the go.
Pros
- Creamy formula
- Highly pigmented
- Waterproof
- Stays up to 24 hours
- Built-in applicator
- Matte black finish
- Easy to blend
- Affordable
Cons
- Must be paired with an eyeshadow primer for people with dry eyelids
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 10,039 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best Matte Finish:L.A. Colors Matte Eyeshadow – Black Lace
Are you on the lookout for a complete palette to create a subtle yet striking black eyeshadow look for the day? Try the L.A. Colors Black Lace to help you create a soft black eyeshadow makeup that will turn all heads towards you. This smooth matte formula with a silky, soft texture comes in 5 different colors, and you can pick between an intense, bold all-black look or a soft and gradual smoky eye finish. This super affordable smokey black eyeshadow palette is just what you need to complete your makeup look. Watch this video to get a detailed review of the product.
Pros
- Matte finish
- 5 silky textured colors
- Intense pigment
- Affordable
Cons
- The lighter colors may not be as pigmented
"The palette has a range of soft and easily wearable shades. They apply smoothly and blend well. When paired with a primer, their color pay-off is enhanced and they also last long."
Pro Tip3. Best Non-Comedogenic:Pure Ziva Eyeshadow – Black Matte
Hoping to pull off a dark and dramatic black eyeshadow look for your night out and need a talc and paraben-free drugstore matte shadows to do it? Pure Ziva has one of the best drugstore black eyeshadows that you can get your hands on! This is a solid black eyeshadow with a cruelty-free, powder-based formula that glides onto your eyelids and is easy to blend and apply. This budget-friendly product won’t lead to breakouts or clog your pores, as it is non-comedogenic and a great choice as a good drugstore matte black eyeshadow. This eyeshadow is suitable for sensitive skin, which is amazing.
Pros
- Matte finish
- Powder-based
- Non-comedogenic
- Talc and paraben-free
- Not tested on animals
- Cruelty-free
- Pigmented
Cons
- Formula may be prone to flaking
4. Best Crease-Free:L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow
The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow is the perfect eye shadow to complete any look. With its long-lasting formula, you can be sure that your eyes will stay bold and beautiful all day long. This smudge-proof eyeshadow comes in 20 shades, ranging from natural neutrals to vibrant jewel tones, so you’re sure to find one that suits your style perfectly. Overall, if you’re looking for reliable yet stylish coverage then this eyeshadow should definitely be on top of your list as an essential beauty product.
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- Weightless formula
- Long-lasting wear
- Gel-to-powder technology
- Comfortable
Cons
- None
"This black eyeshadow has a rich color pay-off. It applies easily and holds up well throughout the day. Uisn a primer underneath makes the product super long-lasting."
5. Best Long-Lasting:Bloody Mary Eyeshadow – Black
Another great use for black eyeshadow is for a Halloween party or when you’re looking to dress up in costume. Bloody Mary’s drugstore matte eyeshadow is made for this exact occasion and has formulated the perfect black eyeshadow fit for the character you choose to be. You can apply this beautiful shade either wet or dry, and its lightweight formula is long-lasting. It leaves your lids coated with a pigmented high-impact color. Don’t wait for next Halloween to buy this blackest black eyeshadow when you can grab it now and wear it as pigmented cat eye or bold smoky look!
Pros
- Can use wet or dry
- Lightweight formula
- Highly pigmented shades
- Long lasting wear
- Exceptional results
Cons
- May come off easily
"This eyeshadow is very pigmented. The is easy to apply and blends smoothly without caking. It is great for creating smoky eye looks or even using it as an eyeliner. It can be used wet as well as dry."
6. Best Non-Sticky:E.l.f. Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow – Black Magic
Dazzle everyone and steal the spotlight with the E.l.f. Cosmetics glitter eyeshadow. This high-impact glitter shadow gives you intense pigment with just one swipe. This affordable eyeshadow palette is formulated for all-day wear and offers buildable gel coverage. You may think a glittery formula may be sticky, but this one has a non-sticky finish that glides on with ease. You can use this cruelty-free, vegan single black eyeshadow on its own to give you a soft black shimmery effect or layer it for a more bold effect. This video documents the reviewer’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Glittery finish
- Buildable gel coverage
- High-impact formula
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Non-sticky finish
- Long lasting wear
- Affordable
Cons
- Some may find it hard to apply
7. Best Blendable Coverage:Maybelline New York Eyestudio ColorTattoo Gel Eyeshadow
The Maybelline New York Eyestudio ColorTattoo is ideal for those who want a no-fuss eye look with maximum impact. This long-lasting cream gel eyeshadow provides intense color and up to 24-hour wear so you can look your best all day long. This ultimate cream shadow glides on smoothly, providing an even finish that does not crease or fade throughout the day.
Pros
- Mess-free application
- Matte-black finish
- Easy to blend
- Creamy formula
- Long-wearing
- Fade-proof
- Crease-proof
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 6,224 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
8. Best For All Skin Types:Nars Duo Eyeshadow – Pandora
This perfect black matte-tone eyeshadow duo is a high-impact, long-wear formula that comes with a shimmery white shade. Perfect for a party or a casual day out, this richly pigmented eyeshadow provides you with a rich matte black color that you can apply in one stroke. This is formulated to be lightweight so you can blend it quickly and be left with instant intense color. Suitable for all skin types, this powder eyeshadow can be applied either wet or dry and is made with transparent pigments to reduce heaviness.
Pros
- Matte black powder finish
- White shimmer finish included
- Lightweight formula
- Easily bendable
- Suitable for all skin type
- Used either wet or dry
- Intense pigment
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- May be prone to light fallout
9. Best Smooth Formula:Eddie Funkhouser Hyperreal Eye Color – Femme Fatale
Be it an intense smokey eye look or a sleek, refined cat-eye makeup that you’re going for, we all want a rich black eyeshadow makeup that defines our features and makes us stand out. Eddie Funkhouser’s single black eyeshadow compact gives you a smooth and easy blend application with long-lasting wear. This extra soft matte black drugstore eyeshadow is just what you need to glide onto your lids to look extra chic for a glamourous night out.
Pros
- Matte black finish
- Easy to blend
- Smooth formula
- Long wearing
- Affordable
Cons
- May be prone to fallout
"This single eyeshadow has a rich and vibrant color pay-off. The powder formula applies easily on the skin. The finish is matte and long-lasting. It can suit a lot of skin tones beautifully."
10. Best Fade-Proof:L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Eyeshadow – Eternal Black
Turn heads with the intensely pigmented fade-proof black eyeshadow in a shimmery finish from L’Oreal Paris. This waterproof eyeshadow in the shade Eternal Black has been specially formulated to last you all day, and you can keep your smokey eye look in place with its smooth powder-cream formula that you can glide on easily. This celebrity-endorsed brand’s black eyeshadow has an ultra-velvety finish. It lasts for up to 24 hours on your lids. Besides, it is fade-proof and crease-resistant. An ultra-pigmented eyeshadow that leaves you with black glittery eyes all day. In addition, this eyeshadow with its velvet texture offers an ultra-bold and dramatic look.
Pros
- Shimmery finish
- Waterproof
- Fade-proof
- Crease-resistant
- Powder-cream formula
- Lasts up to 24 hours
- Ultra-pigmented
Cons
- May be too glittery for some
11. Best Multi-Purpose:Maybelline New York The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
The Maybelline New York The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette is perfect for creating a smokey eye look. This palette features 12 neutral colors that are a mix of matte and shimmery shadows. With this versatile palette suitable for various skin tones, you can create various other makeup looks apart from the edgy and bold smokey eye. The palette also offers buildable coverage and allows you to mix and match the colors in duos, trios, and quads to color, shade, and contour the eyelids.
Pros
- Buildable pigment
- Easy to blend
- Affordable
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not very pigmented
Buying the best drugstore black eyeshadow can sometimes be difficult when you have so many great options to choose from. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing out the right black eyeshadow for you.
How To Choose The Best Drugstore Black Eyeshadow For Your Lids?
- Formula
Eyeshadows come in a range of finishes, and this list covers them all, so you have a variety of options to choose from. Are you more into a powdery formula, or do you prefer a liquid one? Another selection you can make is a cream or gel-based formula if you want an easy application or longer stay. Powder glides on easily but is also prone to fallouts and may not be as long-lasting as a liquid eyeshadow. Keep in mind the formulation you want and are most comfortable with when picking out your drugstore black eyeshadow. Just to be completely certain, perform a patch test before buying.
- Finish
You can choose from matte, shimmer, or glitter finishes when you’re on the hunt for the best drugstore black eyeshadow. A matte tone gives you a more solid, deep black look with an intense pigment. On the other hand, glitter eyeshadows contain tiny shiny particles that shine with light and are an out-there, fun way to express yourself using your eyeshadow. Shimmer shade eyeshadows offer sheer coverage with a subtle sheen for a stunning eyeshadow look.
- Ingredients
Whether you have sensitive lids or not, oily skin or dry, the rule of thumb is always to steer clear of makeup with harsh and harmful chemicals for non-irritated skin. These chemicals include talc, parabens, and sulfates that may strip your skin of its natural oils and cause more harm than good. Instead, pick products that contain natural ingredients.
Infographic: Lipstick Shades To Pair With Black Eyeshadow
Your smokey black eyeshadow look can be easily altered based on the lipstick you wear with it. If you want to keep the focus on your eyes, opt for neutral shades, while if you want to make a bolder statement, go for intense hues. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the lipstick colors you can style with black eyeshadows.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Eyeshadows are a prime component of your makeup process, and black is a color that complements various skin tones and will help you turn heads as your eyes pop. Finding a suitable, glamourous drugstore eyeshadow will be much easier when you take a look at this specially-curated list made for people who are either trying out eyeshadow for the first time or want to experiment with a new formula or texture of black eyeshadows. The Revlon Colorstay Creme Eye Shadow – Tuxedo provides a pigmented, waterproof finish lasting up to 24 hours, while the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow offers a weightless, smudge-proof formula in 20 shades. Opt for the Maybelline New York Eyestudio ColorTattoo Gel Eyeshadow for easy blending and effortless application. The best drugstore black eyeshadow that is perfect for you is undoubtedly out there, and get ready to stun with your smokey eye or cat-eye looks with one of our picks! And, if you need some guidance about how to get those amazing eye looks, check out the tutorials by makeup artists on YouTube and learn the right application techniques.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author of this article, Srijani Roy Chowdhury, has a keen interest in makeup. She understand that black eyeshadows are a must-have for a smoky eye look. After thorough research, she has compiled the list of the best drugstore black eyeshadows. The products included in the list are perfect for everyday use, long-lasting, easy to blend, and complements every skin tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can black eyeshadow be used as eyeliner?
Yes, use a matte black eye shadow and an ultra-thin shadow brush to get the look.
What color eyeshadow goes with black?
Purple, burgundy, shades of pink, and violet look good when paired with black.
Do hooded eyes need black eyeshadow?
It is best to avoid black eyeshadow for hooded eyes. Instead, reach out for lighter colors and blend them with slightly darker shades.
What goes on first, eyeliner or eyeshadow?
First, apply eyeshadow and then the eyeliner to make clear, visible lines on the eyes.
Where do you put black eyeshadow?
Darker colors like the black eyeshadow go on the crease of the eyes and add depth and dimension, making the eyes pop.
Should eyeshadow go up to your eyebrow?
Yes. However, apply the lightest shade to blend the eyeshadow from the crease to the brows seamlessly.
