The Best Neutral Eyeshadows For Everyday
Image: @Merit
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The Best Neutral Eyeshadows For Everyday

Soft neutral eyeshadows aren’t just easier to work with than darker colours. They’re more wearable too. Be it a warm taupe or a pretty champagne, they’re still the quickest way to create a polished look. From creams to liquids and a do-it-all palette, these are the ones we go back to time and again.
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Image: @Merit

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

The Powder

Solo Shadow, £21 | MERIT

We love these compact – but impactful – eyeshadows from Merit. They apply smoothly and offer great coverage with a powder finish that’s flattering on everyone. If you opt for ‘Cool Taupe’, it acts like a soft, peachy highlight on your lids, while ‘Midcentury’ is more of a buttery brown that adds definition and shape. Unlike some powders, these don’t crease up or settle into fine lines. Instead, the velvety texture hugs your lids and feels weightless once it’s on. 

Available at MERITBEAUTY.COM


The Chunky Crayon

Shadow Stick, £22 | Glossier

New from Glossier, these chunky crayons can be scribbled on and blended out with a finger or a brush. Buildable and blendable, they’re so easy to use, with five versatile shades to suit everyone. We love ‘Roadie’ – a soft, shimmering champagne tone that’s pretty for daytime – while ‘Riff’ is a traditional bronze colour that gives your sockets warmth and shape. The sticks don’t dry down immediately, giving you time to smudge and play. Ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested, they work for those with sensitivities. 

Available at GLOSSIER.COM

The Palette

The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette, £40 | ILIA

If you’re in the market for an eyeshadow palette full of wearable shades, try this one from Ilia. It houses both matte and shimmer shades for creating a variety of different looks. We love that there’s a mixture of textures – from matte to satin and metallic – all of which you can build on and layer with ease. The pigments are also impressive – rich and intense, they catch the light beautifully and have serious staying power. Free from irritating talc but full of nourishing vitamin E, the formula is ideal for anyone with sensitive eyes. 

Available at SPACENK.COM

The Stick

Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick, £9.99 | KIKO

We swear by this ‘scribble on and go’ cream stick. Affordable and easy to use, it has a silky texture that can be applied either as a muted wash or layered up for more definition and intensity. You only need a small amount – use your finger or a brush to buff the colour into your lids. You’ll find it wears well throughout the day without smudging or creasing. ‘Light Mauve’ is our favourite shade for its fleshy undertones that subtly brighten and lift the eye, but if you’re after a bit more intensity, try ‘Golden Brown’ and ‘Shell’.

Available at KIKOCOSMETICS.COM


The Liquid

Stay Vulnerable Liquid Eyeshadow, £21 | Rare Beauty

These liquid shadows have been a huge hit. Available in a range of warm tones – from dusty rose to soft brown – they suit all eye shapes and colours. Simply sweep them on and blend them in with your ring finger to create a professional look at speed. We love that the texture lasts so well on its own, but it plays well with other products too. Smooth and never sticky, this shade is our favourite for daytime wear – you could even try using a little on the lips.

Available at SEPHORA.CO.UK

The Liner

Satin Kajal Liner, £32 | Victoria Beckham Beauty

For the minimalists among us, it’s hard to beat these satin liners from Victoria Beckham. The shade ‘Cocoa’ is one of the best for a soft, subtle smokey effect. Almost like a gel, it glides on smoothly and is so easy to buff out with your finger or the sponge applicator. You can wear it as a wash all over the lids, or as a subtle flick at the inner and outer corners – either way, it gives the perfect amount of definition. There are other shades that are brilliant for daytime too – ‘Ash’ is a soft grey that’s more wearable and flattering than black.

Available at VICTORIABECKHAMBEAUTY.COM

The Cream

Pro Longwear Paint Pot, £22 | M.A.C

Make-up artists often refer to this as ‘the most universally flattering’ eyeshadow. With taupe-beige undertones, it looks great on its own, enhancing all eye colours with a subtle sheen. It’s an excellent base for other eye make-up too. The creamy, putty consistency is easy to work with but dries down quickly, and you’ll find it won’t budge at all. We recommend the shade ‘Bare Study’ if you’re after something peachier in tone. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, these pots never irritate your eyes.

Available at MACCOSMETICS.CO.UK

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