Trust Me, These 11 Eye Shadows Look Spectacular on Dark Skin

Originally, this was one of those last-minute purchases that I snapped up to copy a look I saw on Instagram and wanted to replicate for the festive season. Low and behold, this turned out to be a product that I now bring out for any party year after year. I always favour a smoky or metallic eye, and whether all over the lid or as part of an eye shadow combination, this stick has never let me down.

Not all brands understand the power of pigment, which is especially true on dark skin. Because of our darker complexion, eye shadow can be prone to disappearing or melting into the skin, eliminating the pow effect. Researching this, Fenty Beauty created a high-impact formula that means its eye shadows stand out and complement dark skin. As a complementary duo, both Peach and Deep Neutrals form an alliance any individual could create.

Everyone knows that MAC was one of the first to deliver shade ranges that those with dark skin could trust. From its lip liners and foundations to its multitude of lipsticks, MAC has always impressed me. Not falling short in the eye shadow arena either, the single shadow in the shade Cork has been in my vanity since I started wearing makeup. Its muted golden-brown acts as the perfect base to build on any look afterwards. Highly pigmented and buttery upon touch, cork is timeless and a classic.

I don’t use eye shadow sticks often, but when I do, I always reach for Bobbi Brown, mainly for its creamy formula. Each shade glides onto the eyes without much effort. Bold in colour and smooth in application, the creamy eye shadow stick exceeds all expectations and is easy to carry making it a cosmetic bag repeater.

At an eye-watering £115, this eye shadow palette is certainly an investment buy, and if you are anything like me, you have to get your worth out of a purchase like this. When I splurge on anything, I need to know its cost per wear. It needs to carry me through the season and through any look Monday to Sunday. This palette does just that. Covering cool, neutral and warm shades, there are tones for everyone. 

I know this is slightly cheating by creating a category that separates colour combinations, but if you have already tried this palette, you would understand why it would have to be included. I love warm tones, golds, bronzes and anything that will make me glow, and this palette does just that. It contains 15 shades covering matte, metallic, sparkling and duo-chrome finishes with an array of tan, ochre and warm gold hues make this the perfect palette.

If you have read any of my other articles for Who What Wear, you will know I am a huge advocate for Nars Cosmetics, and it doesn’t just stop at its complexion products. The brand's eye shadow pigments are beyond this world and its colour combinations are always a step ahead in performance. The Afterglow Palette is my favourite to travel with, as its compact but sleek design. This palette carries all the warm tones a person could ever want. It's certainly more on the glitz and glam side of things, but with the buildable hues, these shades can be tailored to what and when you need them.

A brand that celebrates and champions brown skin, Juvia’s Place is an expert in elevating dark skin and her eye shadows highlight any shade of brown. It's simply impossible to pick between its selection, but The Warrior (best for rich shades), The Warrior II (best for matte everyday shades) and The Afrique (best for deep shades) have every finish and creation covered. 

The smaller the better, right? Usually, I love dipping and diving into a big palette, but the Topaz Obsessions is small��yet mighty. It's pigment-packed and mixes duo-chrome shimmers with creamy mattes. The combination of the ambers, polished bronzes and vibrant oranges mean that this palette offers the perfect smoky bronze eye shadow look without the need of a huge selection.

Known for her lavish and luxurious looks on the runway, Pat McGrath always turns eyelids into a work of art. This is definitely a palette that I only dabble in when I want to be brave. Richly formulated and eye-defining, this eye shadow palette will elevate any artistry skills you have, and each look will unveil a sense of richness and power. You only have to glance at her Instagram account to witness the magic. 

I received this palette as a gift from a friend years ago and it has created many looks for both a normal day in the office and a little extra something when it comes to the weekend. At an amazing price point with 35 beautiful shades, this palette covers every look and finish I'm ever after. Covering the bases with cool, neutrals and warm tones, this palette has seen me through many eye creations.