Hi friends!

For someone who doesn’t really prefer the format or texture of liquid eyeshadows – I much prefer cream shadows either in a pot or stick – I’ve acquired a nice little collection of them recently (in spite of myself). Whenever that happens I feel like I’ve gotta tell you guys about it, so in today’s post I’m going to talk you through my favorite formulas of the bunch, why I think they’re great, and also give you the run-down on some of my lesser-loved formulas. Let’s get started!

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DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS A GIFTED ITEM, WHICH IS INDICATED BY AN ASTERISK. ALL OPINIONS ARE 100% MY OWN.

A+ TOP-SHELF FORMULAS

I’ve got two products sitting in this category for a very simple reason: they blend like a dream, and that goes a very long way when it comes to liquid eyeshadows.

I’ve spoken about the Kosas 10 Second Eyeshadow on the blog many times before (I did an entire review, plus an in-depth comparison against the ILIA liquid eyeshadow); but they really nailed it with this formula. It’s a straight up liquid that needs to be shaken really well before applying, but it goes on full pigment and blends out in mere seconds with the help of a dense synthetic brush. You can layer it up for more intense color without feeling any tightness or dryness on the lid, and the color stays vibrant all day. If I don’t use a primer underneath I will get a little bit of creasing after a few hours, but nothing crazy. I have the shades Globe and Copper Halo, which are pictured below. Globe is the most neutral and “quiet” of the bunch, and Copper Halo is quite punchy and warm.

If you read my recent post on Dome Beauty, you’ll know that I quickly fell head-over-heels for their 24 HR Eye Jewels.* This just edges out the Kosas now for me because once this sets on the lid (and you have a decent amount of playtime before it does), it’s not going anywhere for hours and hours. No creasing whatsoever, it’s amazing. This has a much creamier and thicker texture than the Kosas, but it’s just as easy to apply and blend. I can do both my eyes in under a minute with a brush, and the color payoff is fab! I have the shade Rose Gold, which is perfect to throw on everyday; not too light, not too dark, just right. Don’t sleep on this one, it’s beautiful!

GOOD FORMULAS

My last post was all about my top five favorite products from Flower Beauty, and while I wanted to initially include their Watercolor Eye Tint it just didn’t end up making the cut, and I’ll tell you why. This is my most recent purchase from Flower, and it’s a very…specific kind of product.

First off, you have to pay attention to the name here because it tells you everything. Watercolor Eye Tint (read: very, very sheer). Another clue: every shade in the line ends with the word “Wash.” If you buy this thinking it’s going to look as vibrant as the Kosas 10 Second Eyeshadow, for example, you’ll be very disappointed. From the get-go this gives the appearance of faded-looking shadow no matter how much you layer it up. Personally I’m totally fine with sheer, barely-there makeup so I’m cool with that vibe. However, this formula can be fussy to work with, and for that reason it sits in this middle category for me.

Like the Kosas, this is 100% liquid so you have to give it a good shake before applying. Don’t bother using a brush here; it will just wipe off all the product you lay down. I recommend using your fingers to blend this out, but instead of swiping motions just dab it to blend. You will get some patchiness, which is not ideal, but remember the color is quite sheer anyway. But once this sets down it will not move all day. I have the shades Sienna Wash, which is a faded burnt sienna with a satin finish, and Stellar Wash, which is more of a multi-dimensional glitter topcoat than a traditional liquid eyeshadow. I’ve been reaching for Sienna Wash a lot since I got it, and it’s the perfect tone going into Fall.

NOT-SO-GOOD FORMULAS

I normally adore all things ILIA, but the Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint just doesn’t do it for me. The pigmentation is lovely. The staying power is awesome. But the cream-to-powder texture falls short for me in two ways. First, it dries down very quickly (too quickly) and by the time you get your brush out and start blending, it’s already too late. I don’t reach for this much these days, but when I do I just apply a light layer to my lid and quickly get in there with my finger before it sets. Second, the texture becomes a little too powdery and too set, to the point where my lid feels tight and dry to the touch. I already have dry skin so I don’t need any help in that department, but if you have oily eyelids you may like something this bullet-proof.

I have the shade Dim, which is a beautiful cool lavender that’s so unique in my collection. I just wish it was more emollient and easier to work with.

I’d love to hear what you have in your liquid eyeshadow collection, so let me know in the comments below!

xo, and be well, Erica