15 Choices of the Best Pigmented Eyeshadow that Really Work

When most of us apply eyeshadow, then it means that we expect the shadows to show up on our skin, right? Some products, however, just don’t contain enough pigment to allow us to do that in one swipe. Rather than wasting time and money by purchasing numerous palettes to see which ones have the pigment that you’re looking for, you can read our guide in choosing the best pigmented eyeshadow for your needs.

Here, we will share our list of the best pigmented eyeshadow palettes and provide you with a few useful tips that will help you choose the right one for your desired look.

High Pigment vs. Low Pigment

The greatest benefit of having a highly pigmented shadow is that you don’t need to use as much product as you do with one that doesn’t contain a lot of pigment.

With a simple swipe of your finger or an eyeshadow brush, you will have a heap of color that will show up brightly on your lids as soon as you apply them.

So, does that mean that low-pigmented shadows are useless? Not necessarily.

If you want to have some colors for blending and fading, then those with less pigment make it easier for you to do this. You can always build up the color intensity with multiple applications, but since this does require you to use more product, it’s not always the best option.

Which Palette Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing the best pigmented eyeshadow, we recommend that you give yourself plenty of options.

Do you want a palette with matte colors only like Smashbox Cover Shot Eyeshadow Palette or a shimmer-filled palette like that Physicians Formula? The rest are a mixture of the two or more, but here are a few tips to help you choose the right one.

• Matte Only/Shimmer Only. Getting a palette that offers you only matte colors or only shimmer colors is great, especially if you have a go-to look that requires one of them. Chances are you will appreciate the wider range of colors in a single finish rather than having half and half in a mixed palette. Matte shadow palettes are a great choice for those with aging skin and work great in fall and spring when you want to add a pop of bright color. While shimmer palettes work well for winter and summer looks, particularly when you want to highlight certain parts of the eyes. Since they reflect light, they are perfect for evening and night use since they will help in making your eyes stand out in an otherwise dark room.

• Mix. Many find a mixture of both matte and shimmer shadows to be the most useful since you can achieve a variety of looks from one palette. However, you might have fewer color options in this case, but if you find a palette you like, the chances are that you will end up using it on a regular basis.

Best Pigmented Eyeshadow

1. NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette

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Type: Matte, Shimmer

The majority of users who are looking for a quality drugstore palette with excellent pigmentation really find NYX Ultimate Eyeshadow to be on the top list. This product will give you a mixture of both shimmer and matte shadows with nude colors that everyone adores, making it one of the best pigmented eyeshadow products to own. Plus, the lighter highlighting shades are also great for both eyes and cheeks. 

Pros:

• Affordable
• Vegan
• Long-lasting
• Does not fall out
• Wet and dry use

Cons:

• Small palette

2. Beauty Glazed Color Fusion Palette

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Type: Matte, Shimmer, Metallic

As a dupe of Morphe x James Charles eyeshadow palette, this one is the best pigmented eyeshadow that offers you a range of matte, shimmer, and metallic shadows. All shades will help to highlight and enhance eyes through vibrant colors. Moreover, you can also apply this under wet or dry condition, which has incredible staying power. So your look won’t wear off after just a few hours. Since it comes in a cheaper price, it is safe to say that it is the best pigmented eyeshadow for striking eyes look.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to blend
• Available in 39 colors
• Waterproof
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

• Can fall out

3. Charmcode 190 Colors Cosmetic Makeup Palette Set Kit

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Type: Matte, Shimmer, Metallic, Satin

Professional makeup artists or die hard makeup fans will say that this is the best pigmented eyeshadow that they can easily fall in love with. Not only does it better when it comes to eyeshadows, because it also includes face concealer and color eyebrow powders, eyeliner pencil, applicators, brushes, and a mirror! Furthermore, they also come in various finish types, which offers you more options to be playful with your eyes look.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Available in many shades and finish types
• A complete kit for professionals

Cons:

• Small pans

4. Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette

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Type: Matte, Shimmer, Silk, Metallic

Even though it seems expensive, this Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette won’t leave you disappointed! This palette provides all finish types that will cover all your needs for eye makeup. In addition, the 12 different warm colors will also let let you become more creative in styling smoky eyes or even natural looks. In addition to that, it also comes with a mirror and a shadow brush, making it a perfect piece to do your makeup on the go.

Pros:

• Easy to blend
• Super pigmented
• Available in a wide range of finish types
• Suitable for all skin tones

Cons:

• A bit pricy

5. Juvia’s Place The Warrior III Eyeshadow Palette

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Type: Matte, Shimmer

Showcase your cheerful personality with The Warrior III Eyeshadow Palette by Juvia’s Place! It brings you seven striking matte shades plus two shimmery finishes that will play the game on your eyes. Whether you apply this eyeshadow to a festival or a party, your eyelids will definitely become the centerpiece of your overall makeup face!

Pros: 

• Long-lasting
• Good color options
• True to color 

Cons:

• Can be powder

6. L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Eyeshadow Nudes

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Type: Matte, Shimmer

If you are a beginner in the eye makeup world, then this L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Eyeshadow will be your ultimate choice. Available in 12 nude shades with both matte and shimmer finish, this one is a great start to create natural or even smoky eyes. Moreover, this super affordable palette also comes with two-sided eyeshadows brushes, making it easy for you to try different looks.

Pros: 

• Affordable
• Coming with dual ended brush and mirror
• Suitable for all skin tones

Cons:

• Need primer to create a long-lasting look

7. Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Shadow Palette

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Type: Matte

This Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Shadow Palette is definitely here to satisfy your desire to follow the latest makeup trend, especially eye makeup trends. A mix of cool and warm colors in six different shades and also two bases will allow you to be playful and creative in terms of creating a daily or glam night look. Moreover, thanks to its fantastic creamy formula with ultra-high coverage, they blend smoothly with intense pigment.

Pros:

• Don’t flake
• Highly pigmented
• Complete mix of natural shades

Cons:

• Can fade

8. ColourPop Truly Madly Deeply Pressed Powder Eyeshadow Palette

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Type: Matte, Metallic

For pinky peach or glittery makeup lovers, this eyeshadow palette will be their best pick! The palette comes in various pinkish pigmented shades that can definitely help you create a fabulous eyes look for your special date night. Without a doubt, its glittery colors will give a sparkling effect, while the mattes pop up their tones in a soft finish. Moreover, you can also use the white, metallic shade as a highlighter, all in one palette!

Pros:

• Highly pigmented
• Easy to blend
• Neutral, pinky peach shades for everyday look

Cons:

• Can fallout

9. Lagure Eyeshadow Palette

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Type: Matte

If you want to shift your everyday look to a more glamorous, elegant one, Lagure Eyeshadow Palette is obviously the eyeshadow palette to go. It offers you with 12 highly pigmented eyeshadows with a matte finish, which you can easily blend away on your lids, not to mention the double-sided brush that guarantees smooth application. Moreover, it is also safe for sensitive eyes. So whether for daylight or night makeup, this one will absolutely stand out on your face. 

Pros:

• Highly pigmented
• Easy to blend
• Long-lasting
• Suitable for sensitive eyes

Cons:

• Small pans

10. Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Palette Volume II

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Type: Matte, Shimmer, Satin

With this palette, you can effortlessly take your eye makeup styles to the next level! Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Palette Volume II presents a wide spectrum of cool, warm, and vibrant tones for both daily wear or festive styles. Not to mention that this palette comes in a various finish types, too! All of the 35 shades are well-pigmented, which offers you a long-lasting look, all day long. 

Pros:

• Available in 35 colors
• A wide range of finish types
• Highly pigmented

Cons:

• Small pans

11. L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Shadow

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Type: Shimmer, Matte

Unlike others, this eyeshadow doesn’t come in many colors. But, don’t underestimate its pigmentation just yet. Despite being a drugstore eyeshadow, this is the best pigmented eyeshadow that stays from daylight to dawn with just one stroke away, thanks to its smudge-proof and powder-cream formula. Besides being an eyeshadow, you can also apply it on your cheeks as highlighters, too! 

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to blend
• Long-lasting
• Full-coverage

Cons:

• Only sold in one shade

12. SHANY Cosmetics Natural Fusion Eyeshadow Palette

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Type: Shimmer, Opaque, Translucent

Another complete eye makeup kit for any makeup geek with gorgeous colors pick and a cheap price! From earth tones to vibrant ones, it gets you all covered to play all the drama on your lids. The linear shades will help you contouring to create defined face look. Not to mention the wide range of finish types that allow you to choose the best makeup look for various occasions. 

Pros:

• Affordable
• Long-lasting
• Available in many shades and finish types

Cons:

• May not suitable for sensitive skin

13. YMH BEAUTE 9 Color Bright Eye Makeup Palette

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Type: Matte

Create a fun eye makeup look with this Color Bright Eye Makeup Palette by YMH BEAUTE! Available in nine neon colors, all shades are perfect for summer makeup, which includes summer music festival events like Coachella. Also, we can assure you that you won’t waste your time to do the eye makeup as they are easy to blend and super pigmented, too. Also, its waterproof formula ensures a long-lasting look that won’t break a sweat.

Pros:

• Long-lasting
• Highly pigmented
• Easy to blend

Cons:

• Can fade

14. e.l.f. Cosmetics Bite Size Eyeshadow Palette

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Type: Matte

Thanks to its bitesize, this drugstore eyeshadow will be the best-pigmented eyeshadow for traveling. Even so, the matte colors offered have covered the colors much needed for an easy, quick, natural makeup look. Plus, the powder-cream formula allows an easy blend with your favorite brush, or if you are in a rush, your fingers are okay, too!

Pros:

• Affordable
• Travel size
• Highly pigmented

Cons:

• No brush included

15. Physicians Formula Extreme Shimmer Shadow & Liner

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Type: Shimmer

Any shimmer eyeshadow’s lover will approve this Extreme Shimmer Shadow & Liner by Physicians Formula. Coming in six shimmery shades, they are ready to give you a full glamorous night look. The liquid formula is blendable, which will save your time in doing your makeup. Besides being an amazing product for its colors and formula, this one also ensures safety for those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to blend
• Highly pigmented
• Long-lasting
• Suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers

Cons:

• Available only in shimmer shades

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can you make eyeshadows more pigmented?

Yes, you can! Applying concealer with two shades lighter on your lids before applying your eyeshadows will surely help to make the colors pop up and look more pigmented. Another tips is choose best pigmented eyeshadow with matte finish to achieve a better look.

How do you know if eyeshadow is good quality?

Good quality eyeshadows are easy to blend with no skip or tug and not patchy. Bad quality eyeshadows are generally leave some area on your lids darker than the rest since they are difficult to evenly blend away.

Can you wet powder eyeshadow?

Yes, you can! In fact, wetting the powder eyeshadow will create deeper, pigmented color to reveal on your lids. However, we also recommend to apply eye primer, makeup primer, or concealer of your choice to intensify the color even more!