5 Best one-and-done eyeshadows for busy morning
Applying makeup and especially creating an eye look may feel tricky in the morning, especially when time is scarce and the commute is long. Just 5 minutes can make the difference between leaving you stuck in traffic for an extra 30 minutes.
If you’ve been following my work for a while now, you may already know that I love eyeshadows and playing with different formulas to create eye looks.
However, on office days, time is really scarce. The solution? I use a single eyeshadow all over the eyelid, and I am good to go.
The problem? All formulas are different, and not all perform well over the hours (no crease). There’s sweat, stress, temperature changes, a lot of hassle, greasy eyelids (that’s my case), and lack of time (and energy) to reapply something in the middle of the day.
This article is the result of months (and months) of testing different formulas under different conditions. Some of these are a bit extreme, as I live in Madrid, where temperatures can easily hit 40ºC in the summer.
In terms of shades, I am as basic as you can get: champagne and light pink, ideally with a little bit of sparkle (to lift my spirits). I usually stick to these tones in particular because I have a very light and neutral complexion. However, I ensured the formulas mentioned in this piece have shades. So, I am sure you’ll find one that suits you.
Without further ado, these are the best one-and-done eyeshadows that are easy to apply and have long wear.
Low-cost
Catrice Metallic Spark Cream Eyeshadow
This has been my go-to eyeshadow for office looks during the past couple of weeks.
Catrice’s Metallic Spark Cream Eyeshadow, in the shade 010, is a stunning champagne eyeshadow that blends well with my complexion while adding a very elegant hint of sparkle to my eyelids.
The formula is really creamy and easy to blend out all over the eyelid. I apply it with a standard eyeshadow brush (nothing specific or fancy). Picking a tiny bit of product from the pot and gently applying it all over the eyelid.
What surprised me the most about this product is its lightweight formula, which allows for a flawless application without creasing or patching.
I’ve been applying it without a primer, and even though it fades over the hours, it does so evenly and elegantly. So, I am not really bothered.
Also, please don't remove the protective lid to prolong the formula's stability and prevent it from drying.
The best? The formula, the shade, the price (4,49 euros).
The con? Only 6 months of PAO (Period After Opening). Also, it’s only available in 2 shades.
Kiko Milano Water Eyeshadow
I’ve never had a great experience with Kiko Milano before, until I tried their Water Eyeshadow.
I discovered this product thanks to a Kelly Gooch video and I was so impressed by it, that I went to my nearest Kiko Milano store the very next day to try it myself.
What caught my attention the most about this product? Its formula. This is a silky powder eyeshadow that can be intensified (and turned into a cream) by adding a couple of drops of water.
I bought shade 10, which is slightly lighter than my favorite eyeshadow from Victoria Beckham Beauty (more on that later).
It’s easy to apply all over the eyelid, either with a standard eyeshadow brush or with the fingertips.
However, I found the process a bit slow (and time-consuming) when applying it with water, which isn’t ideal when I’m in a hurry. Also, I haven’t noticed a significant difference in the final result that would make me spend some extra minutes on it every morning.
Given that it’s a powder formula, I recommend applying a primer first to extend its performance.
It retails for 10,99€, but Kiko Milano occasionally offers massive discounts. As I write this article, this eyeshadow retails for just 3,30€.
The best? The extensive array of shadows and its unique formula.
The con? The extra time needed to turn it into a cream.
High-end
Victoria Beckham Beauty Eyewear
This might be my favorite eyeshadow in the entire list.
Yes, it’s expensive. But it’s also the best, easiest, and most reliable eyeshadow stick I’ve ever used.
I am on my second Victoria Beckham Beauty's Eyewear in the shade Ballet. I've actually used up an entire eyeshadow stick before it expired, which has never happened to me before. It shows how much I love this product.
It's super easy to apply. I usually drag the eyeshadow stick all over the eyelid and blend it with a standard eyeshadow brush (but I can do it with my fingertips).
The result is quite even - no patches, no excess product. And it lasts for hours, even on greasy eyelids like mine - without using a primer.
What I love the most about this product is that when the formula starts to fade, it does so in an even and elegant way. So, I still look good at 8 pm - after applying it at 7 am.
Another thing I love about it is its extended PAO of 18 months, which is quite unusual in this kind of product (6 months is the most common PAO).
This formula is available in 10 different shades.
The best? It is easy to apply, looks good over time, and has an 18-month PAO.
The con? The price (37 euros).
Lisa Eldridge Liquid Silk Eyeshadow
OK, this is hands down the best matte liquid eyeshadow I've ever tried.
I didn’t realize how hard it is to formulate a matte liquid eyeshadow until I tried this one. This is mostly because I tried plenty of others before, which inevitably ended up in the recycling bin.
Lisa Eldridge’s Liquid Silk Eyeshadow is all I could ask for in a liquid eyeshadow. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and incredibly easy to apply all over the eyelid (no crease). It performs well throughout the day and looks effortlessly elegant on the eyelid.
Available in 5 shades, this is, without a doubt, my favorite eyeshadow formula from Lisa Eldridge.
Perfect for office looks or when you want to look put together, without effort.
It retails for 31 euros, and its PAO is only 6 months - which is really annoying for me, but this is the standard recommendation for liquid eyeshadow products.
I love it so much that I’ve just ordered a new package in the shade Phoebe and discarded my expired one. I have sensitive eyes and don’t want to risk it, even though the formula looks just fine.
The best? Easy to apply, incredibly comfortable, and versatile in terms of wear.
The Con? Only 6 months PAO.
Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow
This is a recent item in my makeup collection and it immediately made a splash.
Makeup by Mario’s Master Mattes Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow is a liquid matte eyeshadow.
The formula is dry but doesn’t crease or look patchy over time. It sets pretty quickly, so I apply and blend it one eye at a time.
I have it in the shade Sandstone, which is nearly my exact eyeshadow shade. So, I use it especially when I just want to even out my eyelids.
Given that it's a long-wear formula, I have used it without a primer. However, it hasn't been performing as well as I imagined. So, I'll start applying a light coat of eyeshadow primer first. Don't be alarmed by this; you might not need to do it.
In my case, I have combination skin, greasy eyelids, and I’ve been putting this product to the test during summer in Madrid (which is scorching hot).
It retails for 30 euros and has an 18-month PAO. It's also available in an array of neutral shades that suit different complexions.
The best? Its 18 months PAO!
The con? It’s usually sold out at Sephora Spain.
