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16 Green Eyeshadows To Add to Your Beauty Kit ASAP

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Photo by Michael Loccisano / Staff / Getty Images

While green eyeshadow isn’t something we typically associate with an everyday makeup look, it might be time to reassess. This unconventional color has the power to elevate your look and make a bold statement, and there are just about a million different ways to utilize it as an eyeshadow shade. Not to mention there’s a version of the color that looks good on everyone: Fair-skinned folks might try looking for a pastel green to complement their skin’s complexion, while deeper skin tones are flattered by saturated green pigments.

Of course, these are just jumping-off points. As is always the case with beauty, it’s all about personal expression and discovering what makes you feel your best. Below are 16 green eyeshadows you should consider adding to your makeup kit—nine of which have been vetted by our IPSY members from past Glam Bags. Whether you’re looking for shades inspired by nature or excited to set your wild side free, don’t forget to have some fun with it!

1. Best Green Eyeshadow for All Skin Tones:

SPACE CASE COSMETICS Eyeshadow in Messy Lochnessy

SPACE CASE COSMETICS Eyeshadow in Messy Lochnessy

No matter what skin tone or eye color you have, this perfect, glowy green looks flattering on virtually everyone. And if you’re in a pinch, the longwear shadow can be easily applied using either a brush or a finger. Pro tip: This shade applies lighter than it looks, so there’s no need to be intimidated by the rich color.

One IPSY member wrote, “I use it more as a highlighter because the shade is a bit sheer, but it's a beautiful iridescent shade.” Use it just like that or apply a light layer on top of concealer or eyeshadow primer for even more pigment.

2. Best Eyeshadow for Dark Skin Tones:

URBAN DECAY 24/7 Eyeshadow in Freak

URBAN DECAY 24/7 Eyeshadow in Freak
Courtesy of URBAN DECAY

Want your green shadow to really pop? If you have a dark skin tone, try layering a lime green shade like this one over concealer or eyeshadow primer. The bright, ultra-saturated shadow will absolutely glow in the expertly crafted contrast. This high-performance formula makes head-turning looks easy to achieve with its ultra-velvety, super-even application and long-lasting pigments that stay put on the lid for up to 12 hours—no creasing, cracking, or fallout happening here.

3. Most Effortless Green Eyeshadow Palette:

F.A.R.A.H Eyeshadow Quad in Forest Green

F.A.R.A.H Eyeshadow Quad in Forest Green

Return to the wild with this nature-inspired eyeshadow quartet. Each complementary pigmented green shade is designed for blendable and buildable coverage. Apply the deeper shades to the outer corner and on the lower lash line or use to create a smoked-out look. Finish off with the shimmery shades as toppers to make your eyes pop!

4. Best Green Eyeshadow for Oily Lids:

LAURA SANCHEZ Moods Eyeshadow in Martini Olive Green

LAURA SANCHEZ Moods Eyeshadow in Martini Olive Green

This metallic, mossy green infused with gold shimmer perfectly blends into an alluring muted tone with just a hint of glam. This shadow is also specially formulated to avoid creasing, even on those with oily lids.

IPSY members love how easily this green eyeshadow can be incorporated into their everyday makeup looks. “Great staying power and a great neutral to have. I use this under my lower lash lines for a smokier effect,” one IPSY member wrote.

5. Most Universally Flattering Green Eyeshadow Palette:

HUDA BEAUTY Obsessions Palette in Emerald

HUDA BEAUTY Obsessions Palette in Emerald

Create stunning emerald green looks with this nine-shade powder eyeshadow collection of matte and chrome hues curated by professional makeup artist and beauty blogger Huda Kattan herself. This intensely pigmented palette features gorgeous olive, gold, and green tones to illuminate every single eye color while providing epic color payoff.

6. Most Multidimensional Green Eyeshadow:

URBAN DECAY Eyeshadow in Lounge

URBAN DECAY Eyeshadow in Lounge

There’s a reason URBAN DECAY has been one of the biggest names in eyeshadow for nearly a decade. Their colors are hard to beat, as proven with this illuminating shade of green. Its chameleon-like color changes ever so slightly depending on what type of lighting you’re in, going from a reddish-brown to a teal-green shimmer.

One IPSY member wrote in their product review: “This product was pleasantly surprising. Very nice shade and amazing pigmentation with no creasing after wearing for 10 full hours.”

7. Best Green Eyeshadow for Smoky Eye Looks:

THE BEAUTY CROP Eyeshadow in Halcyon

THE BEAUTY CROP Eyeshadow in Halcyon

Why do brown and gold always get all the glory in the smoky eye department? We’re here to make a case for green as the new smoky eye base color. Our go-to shadow to achieve this eye makeup look is this perfectly smoky shade of green. Apply this as an all-over lid color for something bold, or incorporate it as the crease color with more matte shades to bring the drama down just a touch.

After using this shadow, one IPSY member wrote, “Gorgeous metallic dark olive shade with golden shimmer. Applies like a dream. Glides on the skin. Can be applied with the fingers if you want a shinier finish.”

8. Most Eye-Catching Shimmery Green Eyeshadow:

NOMAD COSMETICS Nomad x Iceland Fire & Ice Intense Eyeshadow in Gallow’s Lava

NOMAD COSMETICS Nomad x Iceland Fire & Ice Intense Eyeshadow in Gallow’s Lava

Inspired by the beauty of Iceland’s volcanic greens, this highly pigmented, ultra-creamy, metallic shade is perfect on its own and also plays well when layered. Go bold or transform more muted hues with this shimmery finish. Don’t forget to prep with an eye primer for longer-lasting wear.

IPSY member @danielle_h60 wrote, “Absolutely beautiful! Please keep sending colors like this, the color shift is super fun, it’s really buildable, and you could even use it as a highlight if you’re feeling adventurous.”

9. Most Buildable Green Eyeshadow:

ESTATE COSMETICS Eye Shade in Schmoney

ESTATE COSMETICS Eye Shade in Schmoney

This jade eyeshadow might look dark in the palette, but don’t be intimidated by the deep eye color. It’s extremely buildable and blendable, so you can use it in a handful of ways. Apply a super light coat for just a hint of green, dip a wet eyeliner brush in the shadow and apply it along your lash line, or blend it in with a lighter neutral to incorporate a glowy hint of green to an otherwise neutral eye makeup look.

“Loved this shade of eyeshadow,” IPSY member @Golddawn wrote. “The pigmentation was great and did not have any fallout. I would recommend this.”

10. Best Green Eyeshadow Palette for Newbies:

SMASHBOX COSMETICS Cover Shot Eye Palette in Bold Glitter

SMASHBOX COSMETICS Cover Shot Eye Palette in Bold Glitter

Not totally convinced of the green eyeshadow trend? It’s all good—because this eyeshadow palette gives you options. The jewel toned-shades pair beautifully with brown eyes, hazel eyes, and medium to dark skin tones. For a glam eye makeup look, apply the green eye makeup all over your eye and along your lower lash line. Top it off by incorporating a little bit of the gold in the inner corners of the eye and in the middle of the eyelid.

“Perfection in one box,” wrote one IPSY member. “Glittery, highly pigmented, beautifully bold colors. I use it daily. Lasts forever. Love Smashbox!!!!”

11. Best Bright Green Eyeshadow:

STEVE LAURANT BEAUTY Eyeshadow in Green Apple

STEVE LAURANT BEAUTY Eyeshadow in Green Apple

On the other hand, if you're ready to really go for it, use this borderline lime green shadow to make a statement. The formula starts out as a liquid and is then baked dry, making for an extremely high-pigment powder. Apply it all over your lid if you’re feeling super bold, or for a subtler way to style this shadow, leave the eyelids bare and use a wet liner brush to apply this color along the upper and lower lash line. Allow it to dry, then finish off the look with liquid eyeliner, a bit of mascara, and maybe even a quick swipe of lip gloss.

After trying the Green Apple shade, one IPSY member wrote, “Loved the color!! It shows up super well on my fair skin.”

12. Most Versatile Green Eyeshadow Palette:

VIOLET VOSS Olive You Forever Eyeshadow Palette

VIOLET VOSS Olive You Forever Eyeshadow Palette

This 12-shade palette features luxurious olives and coordinating hues that complement each other flawlessly. With an array of creamy mattes, mesmerizing metallics, and impactful foils that blend with ease, it’ll help you serve endless looks in no time, from soft and sultry to seductive and smoky.

13. Best Green Eyeshadow for Dry Lids:

IBY BEAUTY Eyeshadow in Fire & Ice

IBY BEAUTY Eyeshadow in Fire & Ice

Similar to URBAN DECAY’s dual-toned shadow, this option also comes with a bit of beauty magic baked in. In darker settings, the color will show up as a glittery brown. Move into the light, and army green undertones will shine through. This eyeshadow is also infused with rosehip seed oil to help keep lids hydrated throughout the day.

“Love this eyeshadow! My go-to every day [eyeshadow]," one IPSY member wrote. "Love the shade. Love how it applies and will definitely want more when this one runs out.”

14. Best Green Cream Eyeshadow:

GLOSSIER Lidstar in Herb

GLOSSIER Lidstar in Herb
Courtesy of GLOSSIER

Sometimes nothing beats the buttery-soft application of cream eyeshadow formula. This easy-breezy option from GLOSSIER goes on like velvet and creates a sheer veil of color that stays crease-free all day long. The herbaceous shade features a yellow gold pearl tint that gives the color a luminous glow. If you’ve got warm undertones in your skin, this might become your new daily go-to.

15. Best Neon Green Eyeshadow:

M·A·C COSMETICS Pigment in Green Space

M·A·C COSMETICS Pigment in Green Space
Courtesy of M·A·C COSMETICS

For a wild festival look (or just your average Tuesday), reach for this intensely bright green eyeshadow. Not for the timid, this neon shade offers glorious, in-your-face color. What's even better, this classic pigment from M·A·C COSMETICS is unbelievably versatile. Use it as shadow, liner, or even as an unconventional highlighter. The world is your oyster with this iconic beauty product.

16. Best Longwear Green Eyeshadow:

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Smoky Shadow in Jungle

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Smoky Shadow in Jungle
Courtesy of MAKE UP FOR EVER

If you need a makeup product that will stay put no matter what you put it through, MAKE UP FOR EVER's beauty essentials can always be trusted. This ultra-pigmented eyeshadow stick offers versatile, intense color pay-off that won't budge for up to 24 hours. Fully waterproof, sweat-proof, and smudge-proof, it's destined to become a summertime essential.

Want in on all the IPSY fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

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About the author
Deana Saukam
Deana Saukam
Deana is a writer at IPSY and a bon-vivant-at-large with an insatiable appetite for beauty, food, travel, and fashion. With 15+ years of experience, her work has been featured in Glamour, Food & Wine, Eater, Le Fooding, Conde Nast Traveler, and more.
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Article Last Updated July 17, 2023 12:00 AM