All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index

Get In on the Multichrome Eyeshadow Trend With These Eye-Catching Picks

Elizabeth Denton DefaultElizabeth Denton Default
By
Published on Jun 4, 2021
Close-up of a glam Soo Joo Park rocking shimmery silver eyeshadow and bold red lips MobileClose-up of a glam Soo Joo Park rocking shimmery silver eyeshadow and bold red lips Desktop

It’s a moment to remember. You’re admiring a pigmented eyeshadow when the color shifts—and shifts again. Maybe it moves from green to yellow to rose gold or purple to blue to green. No matter the color, the pigment takes on a chrome-like effect that’s simply mesmerizing. So, what is this magical makeup called? Meet multichrome eyeshadow. Unlike a textured or two-tones eyeshadow, multichrome eyeshadow shifts between three and four colors as you move it. And it’s seriously cool.

Makeup lovers credit indie brands including Devinah Cosmetics, JD Glow, and Notoriously Morbid for pushing multichrome eyeshadow into the mainstream. These colorful hues come in single, loose pigments or loose multichromes, pressed eyeshadow singles, eyeshadow palettes, and even liquid eyeshadow. Now, dozens of brands are creating their versions of multichrome eyeshadows in matte and shimmer shades.

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY
Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

Multichrome vs. Duochrome Eyeshadow

You’ve probably seen eyeshadows that shift from one color to another (like silver to black). These are definitely chromatic eyeshadows, but because they only shift between two colors, they’re called duochrome. They can be just as cool to incorporate into your makeup routine and maybe even easier if you’re new to a chromatic look. A multicolored-lid look can be a little intimidating, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered (read on below).

Wearing Multichrome Eyeshadow IRL

Wearing a few eyeshadow colors at once can seem daunting enough, but when you throw in a shade that color shifts you’re talking a whole different game. Good news, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Multichrome eyeshadows are super versatile. Use multichrome eyeshadow alone for a multicolor look by applying it to the lids just above the lashes, and then blending it into the crease. This will allow each color shift to stand out.

You can also apply your usual eye makeup and add a chromatic topper to the middle of each eyelid for a pop of multichrome color. Just be sure to choose a complimentary hue that won’t clash with your other eyeshadow. We also love applying neutral matte shades with a colorful chromatic shade on top.

Ready to dive into multichrome eyeshadows? Here are some of our favorite formulas to get you started.

Our Top 8 Multichrome and Duochrome Eyeshadow Picks

1. Boldest Multichrome Liquid Eyeshadow Shades

NATASHA DENONA Chromium Liquid Eyeshadow - Ultraviolet MobileNATASHA DENONA Chromium Liquid Eyeshadow - Ultraviolet Desktop

You might not be used to seeing liquid eyeshadow and color shift in the same sentence, but NATASHA DENONA Chromium Liquid Eyeshadow is the real deal. Each pearlized shade has three shifts, one main and two additional, to seamlessly go from bold color to color.

2. Most Colorful Eyeshadow Palette

VIOLET VOSS Sugar Crystals Pressed Pigment Palette MobileVIOLET VOSS Sugar Crystals Pressed Pigment Palette Desktop

VIOLET VOSS Sugar Crystals Pressed Pigment Palette contains 18 pigmented mattes and duochromes. Some vibrant shades look gorgeous worn alone and others make perfect toppers. You won’t find a wider range of chromatic shades in any other palette.

3. Best Chromatic Topper

MILANI Hypnotic Lights Eye Topper in 01 Luster Light MobileMILANI Hypnotic Lights Eye Topper in 01 Luster Light Desktop

Add MILANI Hypnotic Lights Eye Topper on your favorite eyeshadow color and turn it into a head-turning chromatic hue. You’re going to want to add this duochrome liquid shimmer to your summer makeup wishlist.

4. Easiest Multichrome Liquid Eyeshadow

CIATÉ LONDON Shadow Flip Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow MobileCIATÉ LONDON Shadow Flip Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow Desktop

CIATÉ LONDON Shadow Flip Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow is seriously fun to use. It’s lightweight, creamy and dries down in seconds to easily fit into any makeup look.

5. Best Cruelty-Free Liquid Eyeshadow

DOMINIQUE COSMETICS Daydreamer Beautiful Mess Liquid Eyeshadow MobileDOMINIQUE COSMETICS Daydreamer Beautiful Mess Liquid Eyeshadow Desktop

DOMINIQUE COSMETICS Beautiful Mess Liquid Eyeshadow doesn’t just feature wearable duochrome hues, but the formula is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and vegan so it’s makeup you can feel good about.

6. Best Duochrome Singles

PAT MCGRATH LABS Eyedols™ Eye Shadow in Gold Standard MobilePAT MCGRATH LABS Eyedols™ Eye Shadow in Gold Standard Desktop

There are 17 gorgeous shades of PAT MCGRATH LABS Eyedols™ Eye Shadow to choose from but for this look, we’re sticking with the duochrome shades. The high-impact pearlescent shimmers have a shocking amount of pigment with just one swipe.

7. Biggest Single Shadow Range

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Eyeshadow Singles in Sunset MobileANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Eyeshadow Singles in Sunset Desktop

Choose from a whopping 60+ shades of ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Eyeshadow Singles to add to cart and you won’t be sorry. There are six duochrome shades to add to any of the matte or shimmer hues for a multi-dimensional look. We especially like using the gold and silver shades as highlighter.

8. Most Affordable Shadow Shades

COLOURPOP Super Shock Shadow in Moonwalk MobileCOLOURPOP Super Shock Shadow in Moonwalk Desktop

COLOURPOP Super Shock Shadow is a fan-favorite for its bouncy texture and crease-free formula. Check out the offerings closely and you’ll even find a few duochrome shades, including our favorite in Moonwalk—a trendy rusted orange that switches to a gorgeous yellow.

Score all the latest trendy eyeshadows in the IPSY Glam Bag! Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!

Liked this post? Share!

Related Stories

Jennie Kim at The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York, New York. Jennie Kim at The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York, New York.

Makeup

So...We’re Highlighting Our Ears Now

4 min read

Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton attends the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton attends the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Makeup

The Beauty Lessons We'll Always Remember From Dolly Parton

5 min read

Portrait of smiling young woman and teenage girls with eye make-up against purple backdropPortrait of smiling young woman and teenage girls with eye make-up against purple backdrop

Makeup

We're Calling It—Colored Eyeliner Is Officially Back

5 min read

Flat lay featuring three Benefit Cosmetics favorites on a pink background: Plushtint Moisturizing Matte Lip Tint, Hoola Powder Bronzer, and Floratint Liquid Lip + Cheek Blush Stain.Flat lay featuring three Benefit Cosmetics favorites on a pink background: Plushtint Moisturizing Matte Lip Tint, Hoola Powder Bronzer, and Floratint Liquid Lip + Cheek Blush Stain.

Makeup

The Best BENEFIT COSMETICS Products We Can't Stop Recommending

5 min read

DRUNK ELEPHANT Kamo Triple-Peptide™ Cover DropsDRUNK ELEPHANT Kamo Triple-Peptide™ Cover Drops

Makeup

DRUNK ELEPHANT Finally Made Makeup—Was It Worth the Wait?

4 min read

Keke Palmer attends the 2026 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 28, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Keke Palmer attends the 2026 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 28, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Makeup

Virgo Season Is Here—These Makeup Looks Just Make Sense

3 min read

Rowan Blanchard attends the premiere of Hulu's "The Testaments" at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.Rowan Blanchard attends the premiere of Hulu's "The Testaments" at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Makeup

Meet the Makeup Artist Behind Hollywood's Coolest Beauty Looks

3 min read

Close-up of a model creating a lifted winged eye look while holding an eyeliner pencil, showcasing the eyemaxxing makeup trend with softly blended brown shadow, defined liner, and fluttery lashes.Close-up of a model creating a lifted winged eye look while holding an eyeliner pencil, showcasing the eyemaxxing makeup trend with softly blended brown shadow, defined liner, and fluttery lashes.

Makeup

What Is Eyemaxxing? The Makeup Trend That Makes Your Eyes Pop

6 min read

Default Bottom Subscribe Module NEWDefault Bottom Subscribe Module NEW

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $15/month. Cancel anytime.

Join IPSY