From multi-finish eyeshadow palettes to waterproof mascaras and smudge-resistant eyeliners, there are plenty of makeup items to help us achieve brighter, more defined eyes.
For Zula’s first-ever Beauty Awards, we searched for long-lasting, budge-proof formulas that are as easy to use for novices as they are for professional makeup artists. Eye makeup that stays put on oily lids are most welcome too, of course.
Presenting our judges’ picks of the 9 best eyeshadow palettes, mascaras and eyeliners launched over the past year.
From matte to shimmer finishes, Fenty Beauty’s limited-edition eyeshadow palette features 16 long-wear shades. You can play with sultry smokey shades, vivid brights and flattering neutrals to create numerous looks for every mood.
Social media influencer Chevonne Cheng said the colours “are versatile for Asian skin tones with earthy golds and blue tones that look great against my brown eyes. The buttery smooth, pigmented shades are blendable and long-lasting.”
Huda Beauty’s palette flaunts 18 velvety eyeshadows in glitter, matte, pearl and duo-chrome textures. The pigmented peach, terracotta and burgundy hues allow for various combinations, from subtle to dramatic.
Hair and makeup artist Christian Maranion loved the “beautiful concentrated colours that apply easily and blend beautifully.” Makeup artist Cheryl Ow was a fan of how pigmented the shades were “so not much layering is required.”
A warm-toned palette, Rimmel’s Spice Edition has 12 shimmering, satin and matte shades that blend easily onto the lids. To amp up the intensity of any shade, dampen your eyeshadow brush with water or a facial mist before picking up a colour with it.
Christian liked that the colours had “very little fallout and they blend really well together when layered. The shimmers go on really well even with a dry brush.” Cheryl Ow was “very impressed with this, especially with the intensity of the colours.”
Also read:
Available in 9 colours, YSL Beauté’s mascara coats lashes in a smooth lacquer-like texture. It gives your eyelashes clean definition, while boosting shine and volume for a vinyl finish. Each mascara comes in a clear, sleek tube.
Zula’s Video Producer Cheryl Chiew said the mascara “lifted my eyelashes with one coat. The formula smells nice and isn’t clumpy or sticky, so it’s good for those with very straight lashes. The brush makes it easy to apply, even at the inner corners of the eyes that are hard to reach.”
Maybelline’s waterproof mascara has a curl-locking formula that contains a sealing wax to keep your lashes voluminous from root to tip. It promises up to 18 hours of wear time.
Christian said the mascara was “truly waterproof and buildable. Wand [has] a slight curvature, which makes it so easy to apply.” Cheryl Ow liked “how the tip of the brush is smaller so you can get the tiny lashes. My lashes stayed up and curled throughout the day, and did not smudge at all.”
Pretty Vulgar’s cruelty-free mascara was made for those who love the look of dramatic lashes. The long-wearing formula is enriched with pro-vitamin B5 to moisturise and thicken your lashes, so one coat gives you length and buildable volume.
Makeup artist Dollei Seah liked that the mascara formula was “thick with very black pigment,” while Cheryl Chiew said it gave her lashes “good volume. The best application method is short, zig-zag strokes through the underside of lashes and using the tip to catch the corners.”
A waterproof gel formula, Marc Jacobs’ Highliner eye crayon comes in 6 limited edition colours in glitter finishes that promise up to 12 hours of wear. Designed with a sharpener at the base of the liner, it allows for smooth, precise application.
Cheryl Chiew found the formula “creamy; it glided on easily with minimal tugging, and it didn’t budge when I rubbed my eyes by accident. Glitz Blitz is a subtle shade with a bit of glitter, so it amps up my everyday makeup look.”
This waterproof eyeliner from K-Palette boasts a sweat-proof formula that stays on during outdoor activities, so you won’t have to touch up your eyeliner throughout the day. The long-lasting liner is also infused with 7 skincare essences to keep your eyelids moisturised.
Dollei Seah found the formula “really waterproof and lasting,” while Cheryl Ow said, “This had an easy-to-use tip and stayed on really well. You have to store the pen with its tip downwards so it won’t feel like it’s dried out.”
A water-resistant liquid eyeliner, Fenty Beauty’s Flyliner has a unique flex tip and an ergonomic triangle pen shape that will make lining your lids a breeze. The long-wear formula glides on easily for a crisp black colour that won’t fade or transfer.
Chevonne said the liquid liner was “budge-proof and super black with a good quality brush tip that makes it easy to draw with precision.” Christian liked that it was easy to draw “on top of eyeshadows without losing its pigment.”
For our first-ever Beauty Awards, our panel of judges tested notable eyeshadow palettes, mascaras and eyeliners launched or reformulated within the past 12 months. Go ahead and update your collection with the best-performing products for infinite eye makeup looks.
Also read:
Just girly tings.
A K-beauty lover's dream.
Take notes if you're looking to plan a smaller wedding.
Another way to doll up your Labubu.
One month of discounts?! Yes please.