Don’t get me wrong, I love a good eye shadow palette. They’re probably one of my favorite makeup items to buy. But how often have you bought a $40 palette and found yourself using only 2 or 3 shades consistently? Same. Sometimes a good eye look doesn’t require an entire palette. Sometimes it only requires one shadow.
That’s where the simple single shadow comes in. We often forget about how great these guys are, and they get lost in the excitement of shiny new palettes. But they can make for a gorgeous eye look, not to mention an easy one.
Today we’re keeping it short and sweet. From everyday looks to sultry smokey eyes, I’ve rounded up my favorite single shadows for a one shadow eye look.
for an everyday one shadow eye look –
M.A.C. ‘Sable’ — This is one of my favorite shadows for a one shadow eye look. Sable is a warm-toned, medium-dark with a frost finish. It’s so quick and easy to just brush on with your finger or a brush and go!
Colourpop Pressed Powder Shadow ‘Snake Eyes’ — Colourpop has some of my favorite shimmery shadows, and Snake Eyes is a really cool addition. It’s a pale pinky taupe with a metallic finish.
Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Stick ‘Sand Dune’ — Shadow sticks are great for a one shadow eye look, because they’re creamy and easy. I love Sand Dune from Bobbi Brow; it’s a medium beige tan. On my skin tone, it adds a hint of color but not too much, which makes it great for “no makeup” makeup days.
Bite Beauty Multistick ‘Praline’ — I really like the beiges for an everyday look, but Praline from Bite makes for a good single shadow look, too. It’s a slightly brigtened orange with a warm undertone. And the multistick texture makes it great for the lips and cheeks, too, for a monochrome look.
for a colorful eye look –
Colourpop BFF Gel Liners: ‘Zulu,’ ‘Prance,’ ‘Cry Baby’ — Don’t be afraid that these are labeled as eyeliners. They’re cream liners and beautiful, colorful one shadow eye look shades! My favorites are Zulu (seafoam green), Prance (periwinkle blue), and Cry Baby (pastel lavender).
Lancome Le Monochromatic Shadow ‘Haute Couture’ — Not all colorful looks have to be ultra bold. You can make a statement with a light wash of color, too. That’s why I love Haute Couture from the Lancome Le Monochromatique line. It’s a burgundy with a warm red undertone in a metallic pearl finish.
Nars Single Shadow ‘Persia’ — There’s something about a bright orange shadow that makes me giddy. Nars Persia is the prefect orange for a one shadow situation.
for a glistening eye look –
Colourpop Super Shock Shadow ‘Sequin’ — Mmmm, Sequin is the perfect rosy, penny copper shade and has multi-dimensional glitter to die for. I like to apply this with my finger all over the lid, into the crease for a glistening and sultry look.
Hourglass Scattered Light: ‘Vivid,’ ‘Rapture’ — Talk about SPARKLE! I love these things. I’ve been particularly gravitating toward olive tones on the eye, so Vivid is perfect (a warm, medium green). And Rapture is the prettiest deep red.
MAKEUP FOREVER Artist Color Eye Shadow ‘D-320’ — Yep, another sparkly green. This time in a khaki variety from Makeup Forever. Perfect for fall!
for a smokey eye look –
Colourpop Pressed Shadow ‘Dragonfly’ — My favorite smokey shadow looks to do only require one shade, typically. I find myself reaching for Dragonfly constantly. It’s a dirty plum with an icy finish but creates a smokey effect without the harshness of black. (I do line the waterline and tightline with black liner and pile on LOADS of mascara.)
Marc Jacobs O!Mega Gel Powder Shadow ‘O!Yeah’ –– Another option that is smokey but on the warmer side is O!Yeah from Marc Jacobs. It’s a slightly warm, medium-dark brown with a pearl finish.
M.A.C. Extra Dimension Eye Shadow ‘Havana’ — Can you tell I like warm smokey eyes? I feel they go better with my eyes and complexion. Havana from MAC is a dirty copper brown and makes for a fab one shadow smokey eye. It’s super smooth and blendable.
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