The 10 Best Liquid Eyeshadows of 2023 – Versatile & Easy-To-Apply
Most versatile makeup accessories that quickly dry up and remain non-transferable.
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
Are you someone who skips wearing eyeshadow altogether because applying it takes a lot of time, patience, and precision? If yes, try using the best liquid eyeshadows as they are easy to apply, dries quickly, crease-proof, and long-lasting. All you need is a single swipe, and you are done for the whole day. Keep scrolling to check out our top 10 picks!
In This Article
What Is A Liquid Eyeshadow?
Liquid eyeshadow is a cream or water-based eye makeup product that is applied over your eyelids. It is easier to apply and blend than powder-based eyeshadows. It is also fuss-free and lasts long. Since it dries quickly, the liquid eyeshadow has less fallout and no product-transfer issues.
Most liquid eyeshadows come with a soft doe-foot applicator dipped in the vial/tube. The soft yet sturdy bristles deposit just the right amount of product on your eyelids. Some formulas are enriched with vitamins and proprietary ingredients that give your eyes a cooling, relaxing effect. You can use a liquid eyeshadow to create a dramatic or natural look. Here are the top 10 liquid eyeshadows.
10 Long-Wearing Liquid Eyeshadows For All Makeup Looks
1. Best Crease-Proof: Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
The Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow has a peachy undertone. This liquid eyeshadow adds the perfect mix of pearls and glitter to your eyes. Its unique, water-infused texture glides smoothly and dries quickly, providing maximum sparkle with minimal fallout. This eyeshadow comes in several Chrome Duo shades, including the classic bronze, rose gold, gold, silver, and copper. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Crease-proof
- Easy to wear
- Long-lasting
- Value for money
- Blendable
- Buildable
Cons
- Not safe for lens users
- Insufficient quantity
2. Best Pigmented: Haus Laboratories Glam Attack Liquid Eyeshadow
The Haus Laboratories Glam Attack Liquid Eyeshadow by Lady Gaga is multifaceted, super-pigmented, and long-wearing. . Its blendable liquid-to-powder formula offers good color payoff and amplifies any look. The shade-shifting shimmer brings depth and intensity to your makeup, highlighting your features and natural angles. You can use it as a sheer tint for a muted, no-makeup, or dewy look with thick brows. It is also fallout-free, smear-proof, and buildable. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this product.
Pros
- Blendable
- Buildable
- Long-wearing
- Cruelty-free
- Flake-proof
- Transfer-proof
- Smear-proof
- Fallout-proof
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Expensive
3. Best Sweat-Resistant: Maybelline New York Color Tattoo Eye Chrome Eyeshadow
If you are a bling lover, this product is for you.This eyeshadow gives you a saturated, heavy metal hue in liquid chrome shine. Its high metallic intensity and tattoo tenacity color last for up to 24 hours. The eyeshadow features an easy-grip pen to provide the ultimate control during application. Maybelline’s patented doe-foot tip moves along your lids for a seamless curvy line. Let your eyes do the talking – add some drama with the Tattoo Eye Chrome eyeshadow and bold eyeliner and/or kohl. You can also check this video out for a brief review of the product.
Pros
- 24-hour wear
- Easy to apply
- Spreads easily
- Blendable
- Sweat-resistant
- Available in 10 shades
Cons
- Concentrated glitter
- Might crack
- May dry out the skin
4. Best Transfer-Resistant: L’Oreal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow
The L’Oreal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow is available in 12 shimmery shades. It is crease-resistant, transfer-resistant, and flake-proof and glides onto your eyelids effortlessly without feeling greasy. The shimmer stays on your eyelids for 16 hours without falling. You can layer, mix-and-match, or dial down these shades easily with the precision doe-foot applicator. This lightweight and buildable formula does not require a primer to impart high impact color.
Pros
- Buildable
- Lightweight
- Transfer-resistant
- Crease-resistant
- Flake-proof
- Non-greasy
- 24-hour wear
- Available in 12 shades
Cons
- Might feel sticky
5. Best Buildable: e.l.f Cosmetics Aqua Beauty Molten Liquid Eyeshadow
This liquid eyeshadow from e.l.f Cosmetics is infused with purified water and vitamin E to hydrate your eyelids. It gives a vibrant, metallic look along with an irresistible cooling effect. You can use this eyeshadow to create a natural, fresh look to make your eyes pop, especially if you are not a fan of heavy makeup routines. It can be easily removed with water as it contains minimal insoluble chemicals.
Pros
- Blends well
- Buildable
- Easy to apply
- Fallout-free
- Transfer-proof
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Quick-fading color
- Lumpy formula
6. Best Lightweight: Covergirl Exhibitionist Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
The Covergirl Exhibitionist Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow is a lightweight liquid eyeshadow that delivers truly saturated color with a glamorous shimmer. The easy-to-use doe applicator applies the formula smoothly without feeling sticky or even falling out. It offers a true color payoff and dries quickly, giving you the desired eye makeup look.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Lightweight
- Applies smoothly
- Cruelty-free
- Multi-dimensional shimmer
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Not long-lasting
7. Best Fade-Proof: Yves Saint Laurent Full Metal Shadow
This eyeshadow is formulated with 40% purified water and imparts a uniform metallic finish. It soothes your eyelids with a cooling effect. The high color payoff formula provides lasting wear for up to 16 hours. It glides smoothly without creasing, flaking, or fading.This product comes with an exclusive applicator that allows you to create three signature looks – a full lid, plain stroke, and bold graphic eye look.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy to wear
- Transfer-proof
- Crease-proof
- Flake-free
- Fade-proof
- Available in 10 shades
Cons
- Insufficient quantity
8. Best Long-Lasting: Almay Intense I-Color Liquid Shadow + Color Primer
Almay Intense I-Color Liquid Shadow + Color Primer is a 2-in-1 formula. This dual formula primes your eyes and delivers intensely pigmented color, giving you a gorgeous bold eye look. You can wear it alone or pair with a powder shadow for a deep vibrant look. The color lasts long without fading. It is available in 3 shades.
Pros
- 2-in-1 formula
- Long-lasting
- Intense color pay-off
- Hypoallergenic
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Easy to use
- Doesn’t fade
Cons
- Drying texture
9. Best Gluten-Free: Wander Beauty Exquisite Eye Liquid Shadow
This liquid eyeshadow is super-lustrous and moisturizing. You can wear it as an eyeshadow, eyeliner, highlighter, or layer shades for day-to-night looks. The base formula contains Camellia sinensis and aloe leaf extracts that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. These help soothe and condition your eyelids. Niacinamide aids in reducing fine lines and hyperpigmentation. It is equipped with a doe-foot applicator for easy and precise application.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Blendable
- Buildable
- Paraben-free,
- Phthalate-free
- No synthetic fragrance
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Difficult to remove
10. Best Cruelty-Free: Smith & Cult Glitterbaby Metallic-Shift Eyeshadow
The Smith & Cult Metallic-Shift Eyeshadow has a glitter shadow that turns intense and smoky when smudged. Its encapsulated black pigment lets you use your fingers or smudger brush to customize a smoky finish in no time. It is smudge and crease-proof and can be worn for long hours. The pigments can be dialed up or down to create high-intensity chrome looks as well as a dewy, natural everyday look.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable No flaking
- Minimal transfer
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- No synthetic fragrance
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Watery consistency
These are our 10 best liquid eyeshadows that are all-day wear and crease-proof. With exotic ingredients, rich pigments, and blendable shimmer, all of these products offer bang for the buck.If you are wondering why switch to liquid eyeshadows, read the following section.
Why Should You Try Liquid Eyeshadow? Liquid Eyeshadow Vs. Other Eyeshadows
| Liquid Eyeshadow | Other Eyeshadows |
|---|---|
| Glides smoothly | Does not glide or blend easily |
| Easy to apply | Takes time to apply |
| Suits most skin types | May not suit dry or oily skin types |
| Made of nourishing natural extracts | Made of chemicals and mica |
| Lasts long | Flakes off easily |
| Hydrates the eyelids | Dries out the eyelids |
| Smudge-and crease-proof | High product transfer issues |
Liquid eyeshadows are a new-age makeup addition. They are user-friendly with better payoff than talc or gel-based eyeshadows. However, their worth depends on how well you use them. Let’s look at a few tips to apply liquid eyeshadow like a pro.
How To Apply Liquid Eyeshadow – Tips For Flawless Eye Makeup Base
- Moisturize and sun-block the areas around your eyes.
- Apply a thin layer of eye primer. This step is optional if the liquid eyeshadow is heavy with glitter.
- Apply tiny dots of the eyeshadow over your eyelid with a doe-foot applicator.
- Blend the dots with your fingers or a fluffy brush evenly.
- Leave it to dry and set.
Continue with your regular eye makeup after it dries. If it itches or burns, wash off the eyeshadow quickly and use ice for temporary relief.
Some shimmery liquid eyeshadows called ‘veiled’ shades should be used above a solid color eyeshadow. Follow the same points, but restrict the applicator to the top portions of your eye and blend outwards.
The latest liquid eyeshadows can be used on your lips, face, neck, and back like a highlighter or bronzer. One liquid eyeshadow pulls off several functions, saving money and effort. Order your favorite liquid eyeshadow from our list and slay your makeup!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, is a certified image consultant and expert in makeup artistry. She is passionate about all things beauty and loves to keep up with the latest trends. Baishali conducted a thorough research and read hundreds of user reviews to narrow down this list of the best crease-proof liquid eye shadows. The products are buildable, long-lasting, and flake-proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best eyeshadow for mature eyes?
Choose matte and cream-based formulas and avoid glitters. If you love shimmer, wear it in thin sheens, leaving the brow bone area. Try a shade that matches your skin tone for a soft, natural look. For a bold beauty statement, opt for jewel tones.
Is liquid eyeshadow better than powder?
Yes. Liquid eyeshadows are easy to apply. They dry down to a pigmented powder that will not smudge. They are also crease-resistant and lasts all day without fading or flaking.
How long does it take liquid eyeshadow to dry?
It takes around 30 seconds for most liquid eyeshadows to dry.
Can liquid eyeshadow be used as lipstick?
No. The consistency of a liquid eyeshadow may not be great as lipstick. However, you can use liquid lipstick as eyeshadow.
Can you apply liquid eyeshadow with an airbrush makeup machine?
Yes. Apply a liquid eyeshadow with an airbrush makeup machine. Make sure that you are using the machine right and with precision.
Do you need primer compulsory with liquid eyeshadow?
No, using a primer with a liquid eyeshadow is not necessary. However, primers offer a perfect base for other makeup products, so it would not be wrong to use one.
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