(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)
When it comes to eyeshadow, expensive doesn’t always equal better. Whether you want to play it safe with buttery neutrals or experiment with on-trend neon hues, there are plenty of drugstore options that give their luxury counterparts a run for their money. To help you find your perfect match, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite intensely-pigmented drugstore eyeshadow palettes. Warning: your makeup stash is about to get a lot bigger.
Less than $5 will get you one of the most impressive eyeshadow palettes to ever hit the drugstore. Each shade is opaque and vibrant from the first swipe. The palettes are available in 8 shades, but we're partial to Berry Bad, a collection of hues that range from metallic plum to matte deep burgundy.
Bite-Size Eyeshadows in Berry Bad, $4, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Whether you want to create a trendy Instagram-worthy lavender eye or a shimmery neutral look, a light tap of your brush is all you need with these intensely pigmented pans.
So Fierce! Prismatic Eye Shadow Palette in The Big Bang, $15, shoppersdrugmart.ca
A bold take on neutrals, this beautiful 12-pan palette is filled with vibrant shadows that look stunning on any skin tone.
Insta Bae Eyeshadow Palette, $17, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Bright violet, rich mustard, deep green—this colourful palette by Milani has everything you need to experiment with spring's buzziest makeup trends.
Gilded Terra Eyeshadow Palette, $27, shoppersdrugmart.ca
This fiery Colourpop palette quickly gained a cult following when it launched in 2017 thanks to a perfect balance of blendable mattes and sparkly metallics.
Yes, Please! Shadow Palette, US $18, colourpop.com
No matter your go-to style, this versatile palette has you covered. Each shade is infused with the brand's blend of tucuma, cupuaçu and murumuru butter, giving them a creamy texture that's a breeze to blend.
Butter Eyeshadow Palette in Tropical Days, $22, shoppersdrugmart.ca
With its gorgeous candy-coloured hues, this velvety eyeshadow palette infused with hemp oil is the perfect way to add something sweet to your daily routine.
Cosmic Reflect Eyeshadow Palette, $28, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Matte eyeshadows can sometimes be chalky and powdery, but this palette offers a range of buttery shades in both shimmer and matte formulas. Fun fact: it's also a perfect dupe for a much pricier luxury palette.
Color Icon 10 Pan Palette Eyeshadow Palette in Rose in the Air, $7, well.ca
The perfect mix of neutral and rosy shades, this compact 16-pan palette effortlessly transitions from day to night.
Nudes of New York 16-Pan Eyeshadow Palette, $19, shoppersdrugmart.ca
If you're dying to dabble in bold colours but don't want to spend a fortune on a new palette, this $20 option ticks all the boxes with a mix of mattes and shimmers that deliver ultra-pigmented, long-lasting colour.
Forever Flawless Palette in Constellation, $20, shoppersdrugmart.ca
This universally flattering palette offers 16 easy-to-wear shades with incredible colour payoff.
Ultimate Shadow Palette in Warm Neutrals, $24, nyxcosmetics.ca
This selection of warm, shimmery shades is formulated with vitamin E, a powerhouse ingredient that helps protect and nourish skin. Each shade is silky and easy to wear for a natural, understated look.
Eye Effects Eyeshadow Palette in Rosette Ray, $30, shoppersdrugmart.ca
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