Article by BR Natalie
When I first started dabbling with makeup, eye shadow seemed like the easiest thing to buy. A coloured powder, how complicated could it get? Fast forward 18 years and when considering a new eyeshadow I want to know is a powder, pressed or loose? Or maybe it's a cream shadow? How pigmented is it? How well does it blend? Is it matte, shimmer, sheen, glitter? How long does it last? Palette or Single? Do I need to prime to get a good colour pay out?
SO MANY QUESTIONS. And so, to help narrow the field I give you the ten most rated eyeshadows in New Zealand. But it's not based on brand's, editor's or even the Beauty Crew's opinions. All of these eyeshadows have been rated and reviewed by real consumers, real Kiwis - that's you!
Maybelline Eye Studio Colour Tattoo - 4.4/5 - 244 reviews
They Say: Dare to wear 24 hour shadow. Ink technology creates super-saturated color and the cream gel smoothes on for vibrant color that does not fade
You Say: I quite often prefer palettes to single pots but these little gems are winners for me. The colours are gorgeous and super long lasting.
I do apply mine with brushes as my fingers are quite large and my nails are a bit too long not to use a brush. The formula is rich and creamy and so easy to apply and really stays in place all day. I havent tested the 24 hour claim, I am way too old for that game now, however it lasts all day and that is good enough for me. - kim_rose
Urban Decay Naked 2 - 4.8/5 - 156 reviews
They Say: Naked2 has 12 pigment-rich, taupe and greige neutral eyeshadows. Our palette proves once again, neutral is anything but boring,
You Say: I love the colour and pigmentation of the Naked Palette 2. The casing makes it ideal for me to take when I'm travelling. When applied, it has lasted me the whole day without reapplication. The colours makes it easy to use in an everyday look. Before I brought my own set of eye shadow brushes, I used the brush provided and that worked fine for me, but the brush became stiff really easily and after a while it started irritating my eyes, so I stopped using it. Overall, worth adding to your makeup collection! - roxycakes
Chi Chi Glamourous Eye Palette - Nudes - 4.7/5 - 143 reviews
They Say: Chi Chi's collection of velvety soft, highly pigmented eye shadows are easily blended to create individual looks. They may be worn sheer or dramatic, wet or dry to reflect your mood or desire.
You Say: I love this palette, it's a wonderful basic to have in your kit. Can be used as a subtle day time or work makeup look, and can be easily built up to create a more dramatic night time look. The palette has wonderful quality for the price. I never use eyelid primer (don't have any) and it is still pigmented and quite long wearing on me. Definitely a great staple to have especially for the price. - disi
Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour Eyeshadow 4/5 - 120 reviews
They Say: Available in rich, velvety shadows that blends smoothly and effortlessly, and lasts up to 16 hours from the time of application. It even comes in 16 matched Quads to choose from.
You Say: I got this on sale and I have to admit this is surprisingly good! The shadows are very smooth and blend in so easily. The pink and the plum look amazing together. The powders are really fine so they stick to my eyelids really well. It doesn't crease and doesn't have enormous fallout. I haven't worn it for any longer than 8 hours but from what I've seen it stays put and behaves all through the day.
This quad is great to take on holiday or just carry around in my handbag because I can get a nice soft day look and a smokey eye out of it. - Charmmy-Kitty
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil - 4.4/5 - 106 reviews
They Say: A radiant eye liner that also doubles as an eye shadow. Made with a blend of mineral oil and powder, our creamy Jumbo Eye Pencils glide on effortlessly—no pulling, tugging or fading—and come in a rainbow of vivid hues.
You Say: This was so highly raved about back in the day especially the shade milk which is basically a white pigment. It helps intensify the shadows you put on top and you can definitely use it as a base to stop your shadow from creasing. I love how it's so creamy and you can just blend with your fingers. The heat of you fingers helps apply this product so much easier than using a brush or a sponge and it blends so well.100% recommend if you're looking for a base shadow - Ktt1219
Urban Decay Naked - 4.9/5 - 105 reviews
They Say: Everybody wants to look good NAKED! Far from a group of boring beige shadows, Naked Palette's long, lean, seductive case is packed with TWELVE gorgeous bronze-hued neutrals, and includes our pro-quality Good Karma Shadow Brush.
You Say: The Naked Palette is definitely a palette that every eyeshadow loving person should own! It is great for a neutral look, or at least having some neutrals in your collection to pair up with other colours.
I first bought it when I was just starting out learning to create eyeshadow looks and it wasn't until using other various palettes I truly appreciated this one's formula! The colours blend so easily and they really do stay all day (with the use of a primer). - jisssss
Sleek iDivine Eyeshadow - 4.5/5 - 97 reviews
They Say: 12 shades of super-pigmented, longlasting, mineral based eyeshadow, designed to suit all. Each i-Divine contains pearlescent shades, which contain mica particles that highlight and illuminate giving an overal radiant effect.
You Say: Perfect for a smokey eye and perfect for an everyday look. This is why I love this palette so much. It can be worn dramatically or not so. Very versitle. The colours are really pigmented and silky not quite buttery but they are soft and easy to blend! - Amyxxoo
Maybelline The Nudes Palette - 4.3/5 - 74 reviews
They Say: Create infinite looks with 12 nude hues that are anything but ordinary. With bold beiges, sultry sands, brazen bronzes and over-the-top taupes – create a stunning nude eye look for every occasion.
You Say: There are seven shimmer shades and 5 matte shades. You also get a double ended sponge applicator. I like the variety of shades, from a shimmery white to a matte black with nice taupes,browns and bronzes. I feel like you can do a tonne of looks with this palette alone. The shadows are nice, not overly pigmented but this makes it perfect for beginners such as myself. There is some fall out (which I guess is to be expected) and they blend quiet easily. I would defiantly recommend this product for newbies, and am considering getting the other nude pallets in this line. - LaurenMockett
MAC Paint Pot - 4.7/5 - 72 reviews
They Say: A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking.
You Say: This is a creamy, blend-able product with a decent amount of product within the pot. Soft Ochre is a neutral, almost skin colour shade so it's fantastic as a base and I've used this multiple times to carve out a really clean line for cut creases etc. and it's worked like a dream. It's incredibly easy to work with and it dries quickly but not too fast. It's also adds to the longevity of the eye shadow and when I used this as a base my eye shadow lasts forever! - aletheagracexo
Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Collection - 4.8/5 - 65 reviews
They Say: The eye shadows are pigmented with pure, antioxidant-rich cocoa powder and includes 16 matte and shimmer shades of natural browns, delicate pinks and luscious plums.
You Say: After falling in love with the shades of this pallet, I decided to get up early and try different eye shadow looks to my day. I was surprised that it lasted on beautifully all day and I didn't feel like my eyes were heavy and covered. I actually forgot I has this beautiful smokey look on a couple of days ago and I walked into the bathroom and to see this beauty on my eyes (seriously gave me a boost of self confidence haha. - Olakhalifa
So there you have it - The Top Ten Eyeshadows in New Zealand, as rated by real NZ women who have bought them and used them! Did your favourite make the list?
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The naked urban decay is my all time favourite palette from this NZ top list. I am quite surprised to see no colourpop eyeshadow products have not been mentioned as these are more affordable than our drugstore beauty products and are amazingly pigmented and stunning.