13 Matte Eye Shadows That Will Be the MVPs of Your Makeup Bag
In a world filled with iridescent metallics and sparkling shimmers, matte eye shadows may seem (literally) lackluster in comparison — but a great matte formula is the true hero of any makeup kit. Sure, a glittery lid elevates a look for a night out, but nothing will ever be more versatile or foundational than a matte.
"Matte eye shadows are best used to create shape and dimension," New York City-based makeup artist Kasey Spickard tells Fashionista. "With the deeper shades of matte shadows, you are able to create depth, dimension and shape, whereas with lighter matte shadows, you're able to bring areas of the eye forward and create natural highlights."
Execution is especially important when it comes to mattes, with gradual blending essential to a successful look. Spickard recommends a "less is more" approach while building up a shadow's pigment to manage the amount of product deposited. "When blending your matte shadows to create a gradient effect, take a 50/50 approach: 50% of your new shade should overlap with your old shade," he says. "This creates a beautiful seamless gradient transition as you blend."
While a sea of neutrals often comes to mind at the first mention of matte shadows, there are in fact plenty of shades for every makeup lover's persuasion. Put a modern spin on an all-matte look with a splash of baby blue or level up a traditional smoky eye with a deep burgundy shade.
Spickard says his go-to brand for matte eye shadows is Viseart because of they feature intense pigments, blendable formulas, vast shade ranges and longevity. He also often reaches for Patrick Ta's Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palettes, which offer a variety of shimmer and matte shades for every occasion.
From cream-to-powder formulas to makeup artist-approved palettes, we've rounded up some must-have matte shadows for every makeup bag below.
Ami Colé Lid Joy Matte Liquid Eyeshadow in Los Angeles, $16, available here
Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Flush Blush, Eyeshadow and Lip Color, $20, available here
Fenty Beauty Shadowstix Longwear Eyeshadow Stick, $25, available here
Half Magic Eyeshadow Singles in Daydreamies, $12, available here
Juvia's Place Warrior II Eyeshadow Palette, $20, available here
Kaja Eye Bento Bouncy Eyeshadow Trio in Velvet Dream, $26, available here
Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette, $50, available here
Merit Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadow in Social, $24, available here
Milani UnGilded Most Loved Mattes Eyeshadow Palette, $20, available here
Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette, $70, available here
R.e.m. Beauty Midnight Shadows Matte Liquid Eyeshadow in As If, $16, available here
Viseart Neutral Mattes Slimpro, $80, available here
Viseart Warm Mattes Slimpro, $80, available here
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