I want nothing weighing me down this summer, whether it’s bad vibes or my makeup. Truth be told, I don’t wear a lot to begin with because I’m in this “I want my skin to look better than it ever has” phase where I’m only concerned with nailing a skincare routine that does just that. And I find it’s an easier goal to achieve if I’m not putting on and taking off makeup everyday. But I will admit that this year’s trend forecast has me ready to at least throw on some light eyeshadow.
Besides “lightweight, airy formulas” for sheer face coverage, Laura Mercier Artist Executive Jerry Johnson also told me that everyone will probably do the same with their color products, aka lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow. For the latter, it’s all about finding something that’s “subtle yet buildable,” so you can add on a little something extra (like a high-impact foil formula) without having to start completely over.
Besides the fact that they’re relatively low-maintenance, what I love about light eyeshadow in particular is that any shade will give you that artsy, “I just woke up, threw this on, and still look amazing” aesthetic. And this happens whether you go the monochromatic route or mix a bunch together like a watercolor painting. Here are 17 that fit the bill.
Almay.
Almay Shadow Squad Eyeshadow Holographic in Surreal
An ethereal quad of iridescent pinks and purples.
$1.79 at Ulta
Danessa Myricks Beauty.
Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix 24-Hour Cream Color in Beaches
Swipe on just one layer of this sky blue multitasker or keep building for intense color payoff.
$18 at Danessa Myricks Beauty
Kylie Cosmetics.
Beach Babe Eyeshadow Single
A bit of this in the corners of each eye is all you need for a beach day.
$7 at Kylie Cosmetics
RMS Beauty.
RMS Beauty Eye Polish in Myth
A taupey brown infused with essential oils for a second skin finish.
$28 at Free People
Clinique.
Clinique Lid Pop in Aqua Pop
A silky wash of blue that’s formulated specifically for those with sensitive eyes.
$18.50 at Ulta
Stila Cosmetics.
Stila Magnificent Metal Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in Dollish
$24 at Revolve
100% Pure.
100% Pure Pretty Naked Palette
$55 at Revolve
NOTO Botanics.
NOTO Botanics Hydra Highlighter
$25 at Revolve
Supergoop!
Supergoop! Shimmershade in Golden Hour
$24 at Free People
Make Beauty.
Make Beauty Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Alabaster
$25 at Anthropologie
Natasha Denona.
Natasha Denona Chroma Crystal Top Coat in Nude
$28 at Sephora
bh Cosmetics.
bh cosmetics Nouveau Neutrals Eyeshadow & Blush Palette
$18 at Urban Outfitters
Urban Decay.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Fireball
$20 at Ulta
Marc Jacobs.
Marc Jacobs Beauty See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow in Copperazi
$28 at Sephora
MAC Cosmetics.
MAC Matte Eyeshadow in Yogurt
$17 at Ulta
NARS Cosmetics.
NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Silk Road
$35 at NARS Cosmetics
Bobbi Brown.
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow in Petal
$24.95 at Amazon