16 Matte Eyeshadows For a Sophisticated Smokey Eye That Lasts

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For years, most makeup palettes have incorporated satin- and shimmer-finish shades, with a matte-finish pot or two mixed in. That’s all well and good, but if you’re someone who prefers a sophisticated smokey eye as opposed to a glistening, glittery one, half of your palette will go unused. However, many makeup artists agree: The best matte eyeshadows are even more versatile than their glitzy counterparts — and often make for the best long-wear looks.

“I always choose a matte eyeshadow when I’m trying to create depth,” Ashleigh B. Ciucci, an NYC-based makeup artist, says. “Mattes absorb light as opposed to reflecting it.”

The best matte eyeshadows don’t just create a void: They’re the baseline for a sophisticated smokey eye, as well as other bold eye looks. (There’s a reason why makeup legend Pat McGrath calls the matte shades in her palettes “structure builders”.)

Because they tend to stay where you put them, matte shadows might take a little getting used to, according to Ciucci. “They can be a bit tougher to blend on bare skin, so make sure you apply a thin layer of concealer or cream shadow first,” she suggests. “It also helps to add a light dusting of translucent powder.” (They also make for a great substitute for eyeliner or your brow pencil, per Ciucci.)

If a holiday-ready smokey eye is your goal, celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge recommends starting with a “mid-tone matte shade, something that’s more of a transition color, applying that all over the lid. Then you can start to incorporate a darker shade into the socket line, before finishing with something sparkly on the center, mobile part of the eyelid, as well as the inner corner. This creates a beautiful, three-dimensional-looking smokey eye.”

To that end, it’s important to have decent light when executing a matte shadow look — and we don’t mean the typical yellow overhead lighting most bathroom designers seem to love.

“When applying eyeshadow, having true daylight or lighting that accurately reflects the skin tone and eyeshadow colors makes a huge difference in helping your eyes pop, and can also assist with blending,” says makeup artist Leila VonSleichter, who recommends the Ilios Lighting Beauty Ring.

The palettes or shades you turn to can vary by skin tone, undertones or just plain preference. Still, just about every expert we spoke to called out Makeup By Mario’s Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette as a favorite for its range of neutral shades. (VonSleichter called it her “go-to palette, as it has both cool and warm shades that work on all skin tones.”) Italy-based makeup artist Rachael Krutchkoff highlights a lesser-known brand, Claropshych, for its colorful Butterfly palette. Ciucci, meanwhile, loves individual pots from brands like Mac and Nars. (The latter’s orange Persia shade “may seem scary, but it’s universally flattering on all skin tones,” she assures.)

During the holidays, the universe tries its hardest to convince the masses that it’s their duty to sparkle — the glitzier, the better. And while that’s generally true for things like tinsel decorations and New Year’s Eve dresses, glittery makeup isn’t for everyone. That’s why we rounded up the best matte eyeshadows (both palettes and individual shades and sticks) to stock up on for all your seasonal needs.