The 11 Best Metallic Eyeshadows

A metallic eyeshadow (or ten) is the easiest way to upgrade any makeup look. Whether you’re a newbie wanting to quickly elevate your glam or an eyeshadow veteran looking to switch up your usual look, a metallic eyeshadow is gonna do just that, and so much more.

As much as we love our classic mattes, nothing compares to the lenient, ultra-pigmented formula of a foiled, metallic eyeshadow, that glides easily onto the eye without a base or brush and with just your trusty finger. From molten golds and mirror-like silvers to jewelled pinks and intense blues, there’s no problem a swipe of metallic shadow can’t fix.

If you’re ready to indulge in the sparklier side of life, here are 11 of the best (and our favourite) metallic eyeshadows that are easy to experiment with and even easier to become obsessed with. 

Want to add a touch of luxury to your looks? Haul the Rich Palette By BEAUTY BAY. This palette offers 42 generously-pigmented and eye-enhancing eyeshadows that’ll help you create a mesmerising metallic look every time you use it. These foily browns, glittery golds, and shimmery creams make nailing a metallic look so easy thanks to their blendability, intense colour payoff, and longevity. What more could you ask for?  

Anyone who’s used the Made By Mitchell’s Lonely Hearts Gel Glaze Cream Eyeshadow will instantly see why it’s a fan fave. Its satiny gel formula is packed with finely-milled micro pearls that can be patted onto an empty base for a sheer sparkly look or layered onto eyeshadows for a foily finish. Haul it and love it!

If you’ve never tried a metallic eyeshadow, the Fractical Glitter Dust by about-face is the perfect product to start with. With a buildable and glitter-to-liquid-like formula, this loose glitter opens the door to endless stunning and shimmery looks the minute you dab it onto your lids. 

Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Infinite Chrome Flakes is the product you need if you want to make a statement. These lightweight and multi-dimensional toppers are self-setting and the easiest things to apply; simply pat the product onto the lid with either your finger or a brush and voila! Each shade comes with its own unique colour shift to give your eyeshadow looks a twinkly twist- no fallout included.

The Chromaddiction Shimmer Eye Paint & Liner by HALF MAGIC is a reason to bust out a bold metallic look. Insanely saturated and loaded with shimmery reflects, this eye paint and liner lets your creativity run wild with a multi-use, transfer, crease, and smudge-proof formula that can be used as a liquid eyeshadow or an eyeliner, you decide. 

Enter your metallic mania era with Urban Decay’s Naked Metal Mania Palette. This 12-shade palette uses a variety of orange, rose gold, pink, silver, and black-hued shades to inspire multiple metallic looks in multiple finishes, whether you’re in the mood for a sparkly-matte or a glazed/wet-lid-look, this palette has it all.

The Lethal Cosmetics’ Magnetic™ Pressed Multichrome Shadows are designed to exceed every one of your expectations. Multi-chrome and just magical, these eyeshadows offer the lid an impressive and long-lasting pigment with a blendable formula. FYI: These magnetic pan eyeshadows are compatible with any magnetic palette (and your eyes) for show-stopping looks on the go. 

Jefferey Star Cosmetics’ Artistry Singles will quickly earn a place in your makeup bag. Perfect for travelling or on-the-go touch-ups, these eyeshadows can bring the best out of any eye colour with their loud light-reflecting pigment and super blendable formula, once you swipe them on. 

Prepare to be wowed by the Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Colorfix Metallics 24-Hour Cream Colour. Super versatile and inclusive, these quick-drying cream colours offer the eyes, lips, and cheeks 24 hours of glistening goodness. Its smudge and waterproof formula works well with wax, silicone, and oil-based products so don’t be afraid to layer up! 

Despite the name, Pley is a brand that does not play when it comes their pigment, especially with their Date All Over Color Sticks. Formulated with a hydrating blend of shea butter and vitamin E, these colour sticks are kind to the skin and swipe on a pearlescent pop of colour that is sure to hypnotise. Whether you use it as a highlighter or eyeshadow, you’re bound to be obsessed.

The MAC Cosmetics’ Dazzleshadow Extreme Eyeshadow forecasts a mesmerising metallic look on your horizon. These pressed powder eyeshadows are so easy to pull off and apply thanks to their cream-like texture that delivers a wet metallic look for up to 12 hours once applied.