The Best New Spring Eyeshadow Pigments
From loose powders to liquid paints, drugstore to prestige, ultra-pigmented eyeshadows are the name of the beauty game. Known as eye pigments, these products aren't anything new to professional makeup artists, who frequently used them due to their high color payoff, long wear time, and versatile properties. However, you don't need to be a pro (nor do you need a professional's budget) to wield this season's newest launches from MAC, Colourpop, Urban Decay, and more with confidence; fool-proof cream formulas and pressed powder textures take all the guesswork out of your brushstrokes and let you have fun with color and glitter — and the more, the better.
Is Instagram to blame for us searching for color payoff that pops IRL and on our iPhones? The jury's out on that one, but in the meantime, scroll down to check out some of our current favorite pigments to hit the market.
Courtesy of Colourpop1/9Colourpop Super Star Loose Shadows, $5
Colourpop has grown its product range considerably since hitting the makeup scene with accessibly-priced liquid lipsticks in every shade imaginable. Their latest foray? Micro-fine powder pigments in 12 bold shades.
Courtesy of Bodyography2/9Bodyography Glitter Pigments, $23
Vegan beauty brand Bodyography (a favorite for makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes) has been making headlines with its range of glitter pigments that feature a 3D effect and pearl finish. *Swoon*
Courtesy of Milk Makeup3/9Milk Makeup Eye Pigment, $24
It's all but impossible to mess up with Milk Makeup's easy-to-use cream eye pigment. Layer a tiny amount of product — which is silky, long-lasting, and just plain fun to use — for a sheer wash of color, or build up the formula for a bold, unapologetic look.
Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics4/9MAC Cosmetics Pigment, $22
An OG choice among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts, MAC Cosmetics's powder pigments come in a variety of finishes and are consistently available in new, limited-edition shades.
Courtesy of Smolder Cosmetics5/9Smolder Cosmetics Loose Glam Dust, $9
Indie beauty brand Smolder Cosmetics's loose pigments can be worn dry or wet — depending on your desired payoff — and formulated without talc and parabens. (Not to mention they clock in at an under-$10 price point.)
Courtesy of Pat McGrath Labs6/9Pat McGrath Labs MTHRSHP Subversive Eyeshadow Palette, $55
Makeup artist Pat McGrath's eyeshadow palettes are just as pigmented as any other loose powder you'll find — just look at her Instagram for proof. While the palette is still a beauty splurge, consider it a steal compared to her ten-shade palettes, which clock in at $125.
Courtesy of NYX Cosmetics7/9NYX Pigments, $6.49
A jar of loose pigment for the price of a Starbucks Frappuccino? We're sold — and stocking up on every color, BRB. (The 22-shade range makes it very difficult to play favorites...)
Courtesy of Make Up For Ever8/9MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua XL Color Paint Shadow, $25
One swipe of this waterproof eyeshadow is enough to convert us into Make Up For Ever believers. Available in matte, satin, and shimmer finishes, there's a shade of this creamy pigment for every occasion imaginable.
Courtesy of Urban Decay9/9URBAN DECAY Liquid Moondust Cream Eyeshadow, $22
A liquid take on the brand's bestselling powder, Urban Decay's molten glitter pigments are like an IRL Kira Kira filter for your eyelids. The paintbrush applicator also makes me feel like an artist, NBD.
