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Gorgeous eye makeup that won't cost you more than $20. Space Case Eyeshadow

As a big fan of eyeshadow and someone who is constantly researching the latest and greatest beauty products, you can take it from me that there are a ton of options out there. My head actually starts to spin just thinking about the sheer number of eyeshadows you can buy. That being said, you may be tricked into thinking that the best eyeshadows come from higher-end (and typically, more expensive) brands. I’m here to tell you that that’s simply not the case. While luxury names boast great eyeshadow palettes and powders, drugstore brands like NYX, e.l.f., and Maybelline offer options that work just as well. 

If you don’t believe me, take it from the pros. Pro makeup artist Disco tells Marie Claire that higher-end eyeshadows “absolutely” compare to drugstore versions. “I think the makeup industry is very similar to the fashion industry in that eventually, those high-end formulas will have a drugstore version,” she explains. “The higher-end brands might have that new formula first, but if you can wait it out, a counterpart will make its way to the drugstore soon enough.” 

So there you have it—quality eyeshadow doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. As further proof, we’ve rounded up the only eyeshadows worth your attention at the drugstore. Whether you love glittery shadows, cling to neutral shades, or prefer your eyeshadows creamy, this list has an under-$20 option for everyone. We even threw in a few makeup artist favorites, too. The next time you pick up your prescriptions, you’re going to want to swing by the makeup aisle for these pigmented, long-lasting eyeshadows. 

Like I mentioned before, there are about a million and one products out there when it comes to eyeshadows. To whittle down your options, you need to first decide on your personal needs as the drugstore makeup department has plenty of distractions, notes Disco. For example, you may only need one or two shades or maybe you’re looking for an entire palette. Disco says, “This will cut down your options significantly and then you can hone in on texture and shade. Is it a cream or powder? Is it a neutral or a vibrant color?” Lucky for you, we have options for any preference ready to go, below. 

Additionally, celebrity makeup artist Zara Kaplan advises that pigmentation is major when it comes to eyeshadow at the drugstore. “Pigment is one of the biggest things to look at when searching for an eyeshadow palette,” she says. “If the colors look rich and punchy, that should be a good indication that the color payoff will be good!” 

Best Overall Drugstore Eyeshadow

Filled with 16 shades with a mix of finishes, this is a neutral eyeshadow lover's dream palette. You can create just about any look with this palette's mix of browns, champagnes, and rust shades and I guarantee these neutrals work for any skin tone. This also comes pro-approved as Kaplan says this is one of her three favorite drugstore palettes that "deliver really high-quality eyeshadows with rich pigments and great blendability." Coming in at $18, we consider this pick a steal. 

Pros: Pro-approved; Comes with 16 colors; Highly pigmented; Includes a mix of finishes; Blendable; Has a range of undertones; Good value. 

Cons: Packaging feels a bit cheap. 

Best Travel-Friendly Drugstore Eyeshadow

For those that struggle with picking out corresponding shades on a large palette (we've all been there), this eyeshadow quad is for you. These shades are expertly paired to create an effortless eye makeup look, with a color to highlight and for the lid, crease, and outer corner. From pretty rose tones (shown here) to fun "jalapeño" colored shadows, there's a range of shades to chose from that all come in a "bite-sized" compact. Did I mention this palette costs less than a cup of coffee?

Pros: Highly pigmented; Travel-friendly; Blendable; Applies smoothly; Comes with a mix of matte and shimmer shades; Good value. 

Cons: Shimmery shades have a bit of fallout; Reviewers note this palette can break easily. 

Best Bright Drugstore Eyeshadow

Sometimes, neutral shades don't cut it. In that case, this bright palette from Makeup Revolution is there for you. Another favorite of Kaplan's, this palette is amply named "Euphoria," and with its fun rainbow shades, you can easily recreate looks from the hit HBO show. It also has a mix of matte and shimmer finishes for even more versatility with your looks. For an easy colored eyeliner look, dampen an angled shadow brush and pick your favorite shade to use along the lash-line. 

Pros: Pro-approved; Blendable; Highly pigmented; Comes with a mix of matte and shimmer shades; Comes with 15 shades; Good value; Vegan. 

Cons: Reviewers note this palette can break easily.

Best Pro-Approved Drugstore Eyeshadow

Although Colourpop isn't technically available at drugstores, it definitely has drugstore pricing. Plus the brand can be found at Ulta inside some Target stores so we'll let it slide since they have a great selection of shadows. "The shadows are a favorite among the artist community and I use them on my clients and on myself," Disco adds. "They offer a wide variety of colors and textures and they are so easy to blend." Disco likes to buy these single eyeshadows to put into one of her Kitpak Magnetic Compacts to create her own custom palette that's smaller than an iPhone.  

Pros: Wide shade range; Highly-pigmented; Pro-approved; Blendable; Applies smoothly; Available in a range of finishes. 

Cons: Singles are only available online. 

Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Palette

Milani is a drugstore brand not to be slept on. Aside from their lovely baked blushes, they have quite a few eyeshadow palettes worthy of your attention. This 12-pan palette, which is another drugstore favorite of Kaplan's, is made up of matte reds, pinks, and browns that would complement so many skin tones. Each shade feels velvety smooth and you'll only need a swipe thanks to its high color payoff. Mix and match shades to your will, or, if you look closely, there's four distinct looks arranged in columns. 

Pros: Pro-approved; Highly-pigmented; Blendable; Applies smoothly. 

Empty Compact Case Cons: Only includes matte shades.