Eye Shadow Formulas

Powder eye shadows are classic products that offer some great benefits. Powder shadows are best when you're looking for a subtle look. They usually look darker in the container than they do on your eyes, and they tend to wear off a bit over the course of the day or evening, but you can find them in such a vast array of colors and they can be blended together for cool fade effects like the smoky eye look.

Maybelline New York ExpertWear Eyeshadow Quads (average price $6.00) are a good bet for a drugstore brand eye shadow. The silky powder formula goes on smoothly and helps you avoid the creased look. It comes in 14 color-matched combinations.

L'Oreal Paris' Studio Secrets line offers eye shadows that are intense, bright, and formulated to last through a long day. You can choose from color-coordinated quads or duos that will have your eyes looking camera-ready.

If you're looking for a more posh selection of powder eye shadow, you only have to go as far as your local department store. Most of the cosmetics counters in department stores have samples of their products you can try on as you browse through. You can compare the smoothness, pigmentation, and sheen of these higher-end shadows against the drugstore brands and judge for yourself.