Walk down the makeup aisle and you’ll be faced with an overwhelming variety of eyeshadows. Beyond the endless spectrum of colors, each shade comes in a different finish—matte, shimmer, satin, and more. Understanding these finishes is key to building a versatile makeup collection and achieving the perfect eye look for any occasion. But how do you know which ones are right for you, and how can you tell a high-quality finish from a less impressive one?
This guide will break down the most popular eyeshadow finishes, explaining their unique properties and teaching you how to evaluate them like a pro.
The Essential Eyeshadow Finishes: A Quick Breakdown
Before we dive into evaluation, let’s define the main players you’ll encounter.
- Matte: The classic workhorse of any eyeshadow palette. Matte shadows have no shine, sparkle, or glitter. They offer a flat, pigment-rich look, perfect for defining the crease, creating a smoky