Cheap but highly-pigmented eyeshadows?

[YouDoTheMath]

I usually buy MAC but I'm looking to cut down the amount I spend on cosmetics as I'm soon to become a SAHM.

So which inexpensive, high street brands are good? I've had a few experiences with the cheaper brands where you have to apply LOADS to get it to look anything like the colour in the pan, by which time a lot of it has started to fall out all over the cheeks...

I've heard Sleek Makeup from Superdrug are good. Any others?

Cheers!

do you use a primer? I find that eyeshadow holds its colour better if you do

Yes, I use Painterly Paintpot by MAC - do you think it would bring out the colour of cheaper shadows better?

i quite like bourjois eyeshadows

I wondered about them... I used to use Bourjois Beige Rose as a brow highlight.

yy to Sleek eye shadows. They are Immense, so bold. I LOve them

Definitely Sleek, superdrug also sell MUA which is great too, same with Accessorize. I also say you'd definitely need Primer, MAC paintpots aren't the same thing, go for urban decay's primer potion or the Too Faced eyeshadow insurance one. Boots Natural Collection and 17 ranges are also surprisingly good.

Definitely Sleek, superdrug also sell MUA which is great too, same with Accessorize. I also say you'd definitely need Primer, MAC paintpots aren't the same thing, go for urban decay's primer potion or the Too Faced eyeshadow insurance one. Boots Natural Collection and 17 ranges are also surprisingly good.

second the Sleek palettes. I have Original, Storm and new Au Naturel ones. First two are great for evening/smoky looks, and the third one more matte, 'day' colours (tbh not tried them yet, but look great in palette).

I think they are just as good as MAC, cheap as chips and really intense pigmented colour. you do need a decent eye primer with them though, I use Urban Decay Primer Potion (makes ANY cheap eyeshadow look great IMO). oh, and don't bother with the sponge applicator supplied, 'tis crap! You will need a flat eyeshadow and kinda press/pat it on IYSWIM.

Thanks - looking forward to stocking up on a few Sleek palettes! So Primer Potion is better than a paintpot? Part of the reason I've stuck to MAC paintpots is because a pot lasts me the best part of a year, and I use it almost every day. Does Primer Potion last well?

Anyone tried Barry M?

yes it lasts ages as you only need a tiny amount (less is more). pat evenly over lid and kinda let it dry before applying shadow.

are you thinking of the Barry M Dazzle dust? think they are just as good as the MAC pigments, fab range of colours, perhaps a bit sparkly for daytime (unless a neutral colour). should work well with primer potion too.

I find the dazzle dusts take a bit too much effort to avoid fall out when I'm in a rush, but they are gorgeous. And yep my UDPP lasted me a good year, paint pots are a base, not a primer so don't work as well but can help similar shades to them pop a bit more if that makes sense? I have painterly and never use it lol, I'm a bad paint pot user ;). It is a good base for matte eyeshadows tho, but not so much shimmery ones - honestly try the udpp and you'll be amazed.

I find the dazzle dusts take a bit too much effort to avoid fall out when I'm in a rush, but they are gorgeous. And yep my UDPP lasted me a good year, paint pots are a base, not a primer so don't work as well but can help similar shades to them pop a bit more if that makes sense? I have painterly and never use it lol, I'm a bad paint pot user ;). It is a good base for matte eyeshadows tho, but not so much shimmery ones - honestly try the udpp and you'll be amazed.

If you're in London, Inglot, a polish brand who have a shop at Westfield in Shepherd's Bush do some great colours which are very highly pigmented and blend very well. They are only a few pounds each too.

Thanks kittens, my SIL lives near the brand new Westfield, maybe they'll open a branch there.

Have just purchased UDPP and as tomorrow is payday I will stock up on some Sleek palettes!!! [beside self with excitement emoticon]

I bought the aldi one in dark grey/silver and it lasted all night with a little bit of YSL matte touch primer underneath. And it doesnt crease ime.

let us know how you get on with the Sleek stuff Youdothemath!

Definitely get some sleek palettes. They are the best eyeshadows you can buy on the high st IMO. I have been buying their products for ten years when they were an unknown brand in African/ Caribbean beauty stores. The brand was originally aimed at darker skinned women which is why their colours are so rich and bold.

Can you tell I have brand loyalty to them

That's good knowledge skills LDN!

Yes MooMinwill defo let you know. I was hoping to get the three palettes you have so watch this space...

The Coastal Scents palettes are really good - you can get them from eBay. Also the MUA £1 makeup range from Superdrug is pretty good. I use Urban Decay Primer Potion. Painterly Paint Pots are NOT a primer, just a base colour.

And yes I used to be strictly MAC and high end only

Yay for the UDPP! Can't wait to hear your amazement over it and the Sleek palettes ;)

As for Inglot, I am envious if you can get hold of it! I've read such fabulous reviews online!

Yay for the UDPP! Can't wait to hear your amazement over it and the Sleek palettes ;)

As for Inglot, I am envious if you can get hold of it! I've read such fabulous reviews online!

Just to make you feel like you can still get more uses out of your Painterly Paint Pot - If you wear bright lipsticks and have problems with lipsticks bleeding, a little tiny bit of Painterly blended around the very edges of your lips and let to set before applying your lipliner will help with that

Sorry, never came back yesterday but see loads of others did. I think a primer does help bring out colour/reduce creasing. Have used Urban Decay after it was recommended on here. If you want a budget primer, Barbara Daly @ TEsco eye primer is good - tho thicker than UD.

Well, I went out yesterday and purchased three palettes.

Storm, Bad Girl and Sunset.

I wasn't sure about them at first - there seemed to be a lot of shimmery shades in there and I tend to wear matte. Anyway I figured it would make a change to go for shimmer, plus I think a bit of sparkle helps the eyes "pop"...

I tried some on this morning and I LOVE them - they've stayed in place all day, too! Just as good as MAC so far. Also they blended really well.

Does anyone know of any palettes which have a lot of green shades? I'm was after some new greys (of which I now have LOADS!!!) and also some greens.

Thanks to all for the recommendation! I just can't believe I got 36 eyeshadows for under £20, when just TWO from MAC would cost £23!!!