If you’re a makeup beginner, your eyeshadow collection most likely is composed of a bunch of neutral shades. While we love a good neutral eye shadow look, it’s time to spice it up a little bit. It’s time to introduce you to the world of duochrome eye shadows.
Duochrome means that the color looks like different colors in different lighting or angles. These shadows are absolutely stunning on the eyes, as they can add a dimensional glow to your lids. The best part is that it’s so easy to do and it can completely transform your look!
While there are so many different duochrome eyeshadows to choose from, our favorite is the Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Virgin. But, if you want something more budget-friendly, go for the ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Amaze. Regardless of which one you choose, all of the duochrome eyeshadows on this list are amazing. They will make an excellent addition to your makeup collection!
Urban Decay Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Virgin
OUR PICK
This eye shadow is highly pigmented. In a single swipe, you get an amazing color payoff that lasts for hours.
Urban Decay is by far one of the most popular high-end makeup brands. Their eye shadows are some of their bestsellers. The shade “Virgin” is a beautiful duochrome shadow that is a cool pale beige satin that looks baby pink in some lighting.
This eye shadow is highly pigmented. In a single swipe, you get an amazing color payoff that lasts for hours. There is minimal to no fallout, so it’s super easy to use. The formula of this shadow is velvety and smooth meaning it’s super easy to blend. You can use this on its own for a simple, natural look. You could also place this on the lid with a dark crease for a more dramatic look. Also, Urban Decay is cruelty-free!
One of the obvious downfalls of this product is the price-point. For a single eyeshadow, not many people can justify spending too much money. Also, some reviewers say the shade looks different on the eyes than it does in the package.
Pros:
- Highly pigmented
- Minimal fallout
- Formula is velvety and smooth
- Easy to blend
- Can be used in lots of looks
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Highly priced
- Looks different on eyes than it does in the package
Where to buy it: Amazon
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Amaze
BUDGET PICK
This shadow is very highly pigmented that you get a great color payoff in just a single swipe.
ColourPop is known for creating amazing, high-quality makeup products for an affordable price. Their duochrome single shadows are actually very affordable in comparison to a lot of other duochrome shadows.
The ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in the shade “Amaze” is a gold eye shadow that has a peachy tint in some lighting. This shadow is very highly pigmented that you get great color payoff in just a single swipe. The glitter is very fine and there isn’t a ton of fallout. So it’s not messy when applying it. This formula is a cream powder, so it feels very velvety and smooth on the eyes. Also, ColourPop is cruelty-free.
There isn’t a ton of eye shadow in a single pot, so it is easy to hit pan quickly. Also, they aren’t packed in tightly enough, so they break easily.
Pros:
- Highly pigmented
- Not a lot of fallout
- Not messy
- Feels velvety and smooth
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
Cons:
- Isn’t a lot of eye shadow in one pot
- Shadows break easily
Where to buy it: Ulta
MAC Frost Eyeshadow in Nude Model
This eyeshadow is a super pigmented, warm, plum shade with a bubblegum pink tint.
MAC Cosmetics is known for being one the best makeup brands for years now. Their products are used by both beginners and professional makeup artists.
Their Frost Eyeshadow in the shade Nude Model is a warm plum shade with a bubblegum pink tint. MAC’s eye shadows are known for being super pigmented, and this one is definitely not an exception. The shadows are compactly pressed into the pots, so they are not likely to break. Their formulas are velvety and easily blendable. Also, their makeup is dermatologist-tested.
Unfortunately, MAC Cosmetics is not a cruelty-free makeup brand. Also, this is one of the more pricier shadows on this list.
Pros:
- Highly pigmented
- Not likely to break
- Easily blendable
- Feels velvety and smooth
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons:
- Not cruelty-free
- Not budget-friendly
Where to buy it: Ulta
Lottie London Eye Foil Iridescent Duo Chrome Eye Topper
This product is available in 4 different shades, but our favorite is the silver holographic glitter.
The Lottie London Eye Foil Iridescent Duo Chrome Eye Topper is not a typical duochrome shadow. Instead, it is a topper that is applied over a shadow to create the duochrome effect.
This product is available in 4 different shades, but our favorite is the silver holographic glitter. It can add so much dimension and style to a plain makeup look. It applies very smoothly, so it is great for makeup beginners. It is also very pigmented. It lasts all day long, so you won’t need to reapply it or worry about it getting dull. Also, Lottie London is an 100% cruelty-free brand!
One of the major complaints users have about this product is that it is hard to remove. In fact, it can even tend to stain the skin.
Pros:
- Available in 4 different shades
- Can be applied by itself or over other shadows
- Great for makeup beginners
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
Cons:
- Difficult to remove
- Can stain the skin
Where to buy it: Ulta
Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow
This eyeshadow is one of the most highly pigmented shadows, and its liquid formula definitely helps with that.
One of Stila’s bestsellers is the Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow. These duochrome liquid eyeshadows look stunning on the eyes and can create a variety of different looks.
Our favorite shade of this product is called “Perlina.” It can appear white, blue, lavender, and even pink in certain lighting. It is one of the most highly pigmented shadows, and its liquid formula definitely helps with that. The formula of this product is super lightweight and comfortable on the lids. It doesn’t feel uncomfortable or heavy like other liquid eye shadows can feel. Since it is a liquid eye shadow, there is little to no fallout. Also, Stila is cruelty-free!
Unfortunately, this is one of the more expensive shadows on this list. Although we think its worth the price, it’s simply out of some people’s budget. Also, it gave some people with sensitive skin a negative reaction.
Pros:
- Feels lightweight and comfortable
- Little to no fallout
- Highly pigmented
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Highly priced
- Not suited for sensitive skin
Where to buy it: Amazon
Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Single in Venice
These shadows are very highly pigmented, so you get a great color payoff in a single swipe.
Anastasia Beverly Hills is a popular high-end makeup brand that is so many people’s favorite. Their eye shadows are some of their bestsellers.
The eyeshadow single in the shade “Venice” is a duochrome shade that is silver with a shift to teal. The formula of their shadows is buttery and velvety smooth. This not only makes it comfortable to wear, but it is also super easy to blend. The shadows are very highly pigmented, so you get a great color payoff in a single swipe. It is incredibly long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about it getting dull or wearing off throughout the day. Also, Anastasia Beverly Hills is a cruelty-free makeup brand!
Something to note about these shadows is that they break easily. In addition, some users say the color of the shadow looks different on the eyes than it does in the packaging.
Pros:
- Formula is smooth and velvety
- Easy to blend
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Shadows break easily
- Shade looks different on the eye than it does in the packaging
Where to buy it: Amazon
Final Thoughts
Duochrome eyeshadows can truly transform your makeup look and take your makeup game to the next level. Our favorite is the Urban Decay Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Virgin . But, if you want something more budget-friendly, go for the ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Amaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should you apply a duochrome eyeshadow?
Depending on what duochrome shadow you are using, there are multiple ways to apply it. If you are using a powder, we recommend using a flat eye shadow brush to precisely place the product on the lid. If you want a blended out look, feel free to use a blending brush to blend it out. If you are using a liquid eye shadow, you can either use the applicator in the product, an eye stippling brush, or simply your fingertips.
Can you put duochrome shadows in your crease?
You definitely can put duochrome shadows in your crease. Beware that some formulas can separate in the crease easily. To prevent this, we recommend going in with an eye shadow primer or concealer as your base before applying any eye shadow.
Can duochrome eye shadows be worn alone?
Yes! Duochrome eye shadows can be worn alone or with other shadows. For a more dramatic look, pair it with other shadows. But, if you’re looking for something more simple and easy, just applying a duochrome shadow to your lid is a great choice!