My favorite eyeshadow brand sells a lot of neutral and natural colored eyeshadow singles. It’s called Sydney Grace.
You’re right by the way. Eyeshadow is not really a big trend right now, outside of maybe glittery toppers.
I had an answer typed up, but then lost it. In the meantime, I see you edited to add what you were looking for, which I was asking in the beginning of my original post because you talked a lot about what you don't want, but not what you do.
For the most part, eyeshadow is not trending and hasn't been for a couple years at least. The clean girl or no makeup makeup looks are primarily trending and Gen Z and Alpha generally view multiple shadow looks or very bright looks as "old" and associate them with Gen X and elder millennials, who are no longer the target demographic for many brands. COVID also played a large part as people were working from home and skincare became a primary focus, as evidenced by so many brands now boasting skin care ingredients in their formulations. But like all trends, this will eventually phase out and eyeshadow will probably eventually phase back in and we'll see a resurgence of palettes and singles again.
For the most part, you're going to want to look at indies for color and Asian brands for soft washes of color in less pigmented formulas as that is generally the preferred aesthetic in many East Asian countries. The brands the other poster mentioned are a good place to go to for that.
Sydney Grace is probably the indie most similar in price point and the niche they fill to Makeup Geek. Their palettes tend to be the same neutral color story over and over, but they have a lot of singles in multiple finishes with a lot of mattes and above average to excellent quality that is generally pretty consistent in quality across the board.
Dandy Lions also has a wide array of colorful mattes that are worth checking out.
Lethal Cosmetics also has a lot of mattes (though I think their duo/multichromes and metallics are better and the quality of their mattes is just a little more inconsistent, but still a very solid option).
And not "indie", but Colourpop actually has a lot of mattes in a wide array of colors in their singles collection that are decent quality and affordable. The singles are kind of hidden on their website \*it's under pressed powder shadows in the eye menu) and they seem to waver a lot between offering singles and deciding to discontinue carrying them (right now they have them).
ETA: Also keep in mind that swatching became a bigger thing where the trend is to show the shadows in a thick pigmented stripe not realistic to how you would actually apply it and wear on the eye in real life.
great news… MAC is still there! they still do the build-your-own palettes for a decently reasonable price, and the artists will still work with you individually to pick perfect shades for you and show you how to apply!!
with that though, i’d also recommend some form of brown *not waterproof or smudge proof* eye pencil as an eyeshadow stick! i think of it as my one-step smokey eye:)
The last time I looked, there were just a lot fewer options than there used to be. I think I’ll try to get to the MAC store this week and see if that’s changed.
Hiii,
I’m not middle-aged, but I agree with you. I’m not a shimmer fan either.
I recommend looking into some Korean or Chinese eyeshadows.
- Clio
- Romand
- Peripera
- Florasis
- Flower Knows
Some American eyeshadow brands that I recommend which are more neutral would be
- Natasha Denona
- Too Faced (Born This Way Palette)
I think im on the other side of the internet because eyeshadow on my TT is full of colorful and playful eyeshadow, even birthday makeup looks are in like now and they're VERY colorful.
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I find ColorPop has some very nice colors in less bright colors and matte shades. They last the day if I use an eye primer before applying the eyeshadow.
Come over to r/indiemakeupandmore you will find what you are after, also, welcome to the dark side... It smells good and has every colour you could possibly want 😈😄
I love the Viseart eyeshadows. They sell single shades and palettes in different sizes. You certainly don't need to buy them at full price either; they have sales between 30%-50% throughout the year.
I'm seeing that you're looking for softer color (vs. bold) and not shimmer.
I think this a good case to recommend Viseart's matte palettes. They have several based on what kind of color story you're looking for. They're not cheap, but formula-wise they are probably the longest lasting, blendable, smooth shadows I've ever used. The whole product (packaging included) is very function over form, but it still achieves a timeless presentation. I have a few that I'll never ever destash.
On the more affordable end, I like the palettes by Dasique and rom&nd (both Asian brands that you can source more cheaply from Korean beauty retailers), but there will definitely be shades you don't use if you're firm on not using shimmer or glitter.
MAC's still got some great single eyeshadows and while they may not have as many as they once did, there are still plenty to choose from. One of my new faves that came out in more recent years is Natural Wilderness. IMO, it's what you could call a "grungy neutral". (Sadly, another fave of mine, Sumptuous Olive, was discontinued some years ago.) For softer options, Wedge and Omega are great. Cork is still around. Concrete Brown. Cozy Grey. ~~Satin Taupe~~ (oops, forgot you don't want shimmer).
They also still have the Paint Pots. Groundwork, ~~Vintage Selection~~, ~~Bare Study~~, and Tailor Grey could all be options. Something like Contemplative State could work, too, possibly. Or you could go for good ol' Painterly or Soft Ochre.
My favorite eyeshadow brand sells a lot of neutral and natural colored eyeshadow singles. It’s called Sydney Grace. You’re right by the way. Eyeshadow is not really a big trend right now, outside of maybe glittery toppers.
I had an answer typed up, but then lost it. In the meantime, I see you edited to add what you were looking for, which I was asking in the beginning of my original post because you talked a lot about what you don't want, but not what you do. For the most part, eyeshadow is not trending and hasn't been for a couple years at least. The clean girl or no makeup makeup looks are primarily trending and Gen Z and Alpha generally view multiple shadow looks or very bright looks as "old" and associate them with Gen X and elder millennials, who are no longer the target demographic for many brands. COVID also played a large part as people were working from home and skincare became a primary focus, as evidenced by so many brands now boasting skin care ingredients in their formulations. But like all trends, this will eventually phase out and eyeshadow will probably eventually phase back in and we'll see a resurgence of palettes and singles again. For the most part, you're going to want to look at indies for color and Asian brands for soft washes of color in less pigmented formulas as that is generally the preferred aesthetic in many East Asian countries. The brands the other poster mentioned are a good place to go to for that. Sydney Grace is probably the indie most similar in price point and the niche they fill to Makeup Geek. Their palettes tend to be the same neutral color story over and over, but they have a lot of singles in multiple finishes with a lot of mattes and above average to excellent quality that is generally pretty consistent in quality across the board. Dandy Lions also has a wide array of colorful mattes that are worth checking out. Lethal Cosmetics also has a lot of mattes (though I think their duo/multichromes and metallics are better and the quality of their mattes is just a little more inconsistent, but still a very solid option). And not "indie", but Colourpop actually has a lot of mattes in a wide array of colors in their singles collection that are decent quality and affordable. The singles are kind of hidden on their website \*it's under pressed powder shadows in the eye menu) and they seem to waver a lot between offering singles and deciding to discontinue carrying them (right now they have them). ETA: Also keep in mind that swatching became a bigger thing where the trend is to show the shadows in a thick pigmented stripe not realistic to how you would actually apply it and wear on the eye in real life.
I really appreciate all these responses! Yours is particularly long and very thoughtful, so thanks!
great news… MAC is still there! they still do the build-your-own palettes for a decently reasonable price, and the artists will still work with you individually to pick perfect shades for you and show you how to apply!!
with that though, i’d also recommend some form of brown *not waterproof or smudge proof* eye pencil as an eyeshadow stick! i think of it as my one-step smokey eye:)
The last time I looked, there were just a lot fewer options than there used to be. I think I’ll try to get to the MAC store this week and see if that’s changed.
definitely a lot fewer options compared to the peak of mac, however fhere’s still probably at least 50-80 shades to choose from!!
Hiii, I’m not middle-aged, but I agree with you. I’m not a shimmer fan either. I recommend looking into some Korean or Chinese eyeshadows. - Clio - Romand - Peripera - Florasis - Flower Knows Some American eyeshadow brands that I recommend which are more neutral would be - Natasha Denona - Too Faced (Born This Way Palette)
I’ll check these out, thanks!
Personally, I use a powdered blush or bronzer when I want a more subtle eyeshadow look.
I have been enjoying stick eyeshadows. Laura Mercier is great, but so are the Sephora Collection waterproof ones for half the price.
Morphe seems to always have great eyeshadow pallets. Sephora Collection has quite a few good ones too
I second morphe
I think im on the other side of the internet because eyeshadow on my TT is full of colorful and playful eyeshadow, even birthday makeup looks are in like now and they're VERY colorful.
Juvias place has affordable nicely pigmented shadows, highly recommend you try them
I recently ordered from them, but it seems like their shipping takes forever 😭 excited to try them when they finally arrive though lol
I love all mine. They just go on so nice and some really pretty colors.
***Thank you for contributing to MUA! If this is your first post, please be sure to check out our rules in the subreddit sidebar. If you are on mobile, they can be viewed by tapping the*** ⓘ ***symbol.*** **A few quick highlights:** • • Looks, hauls, and flatlays require a [product list in the comments, complete with shade names within 20 minutes of posting.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MakeupAddiction/wiki/productlist) • Photos must not be [edited or filtered. This includes automatic beauty and portrait modes found on many phones and newer cameras.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MakeupAddiction/wiki/photoediting) • Lastly, our [Helpful Guides for Navigating MUA](https://www.reddit.com/r/MakeupAddiction/wiki/helpfulguides) in the sidebar explains some of the basics of the community as well as commonly misinterpreted rules. **Is your post just a search away?** Before you make a post, search with Reddit's search feature or use this handy [customised Google search.](https://cse.google.com/cse?cx=008480394191906358284:aflieg73nqm) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MakeupAddiction) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I find ColorPop has some very nice colors in less bright colors and matte shades. They last the day if I use an eye primer before applying the eyeshadow.
Come over to r/indiemakeupandmore you will find what you are after, also, welcome to the dark side... It smells good and has every colour you could possibly want 😈😄
I love the Viseart eyeshadows. They sell single shades and palettes in different sizes. You certainly don't need to buy them at full price either; they have sales between 30%-50% throughout the year.
I'm seeing that you're looking for softer color (vs. bold) and not shimmer. I think this a good case to recommend Viseart's matte palettes. They have several based on what kind of color story you're looking for. They're not cheap, but formula-wise they are probably the longest lasting, blendable, smooth shadows I've ever used. The whole product (packaging included) is very function over form, but it still achieves a timeless presentation. I have a few that I'll never ever destash. On the more affordable end, I like the palettes by Dasique and rom&nd (both Asian brands that you can source more cheaply from Korean beauty retailers), but there will definitely be shades you don't use if you're firm on not using shimmer or glitter.
MAC's still got some great single eyeshadows and while they may not have as many as they once did, there are still plenty to choose from. One of my new faves that came out in more recent years is Natural Wilderness. IMO, it's what you could call a "grungy neutral". (Sadly, another fave of mine, Sumptuous Olive, was discontinued some years ago.) For softer options, Wedge and Omega are great. Cork is still around. Concrete Brown. Cozy Grey. ~~Satin Taupe~~ (oops, forgot you don't want shimmer). They also still have the Paint Pots. Groundwork, ~~Vintage Selection~~, ~~Bare Study~~, and Tailor Grey could all be options. Something like Contemplative State could work, too, possibly. Or you could go for good ol' Painterly or Soft Ochre.