We’re not saying eyeshadow is dead but it’s definitely been MIA. Somewhere between the rise of the clean girl aesthetic and TikTok’s obsession with minimalism, our once beloved palettes have been left untouched, collecting dust next to unused primers and sparkly pigments we haven’t dared to blend since 2019.

Back in the day (pre 2022), eyeshadow had range. Cut creases, neon lids, Euphoria core, blown out metallics — it was all happening and it was loud. Then came glazed skin, brushed up brows and the “I woke up like this” energy that took over every feed. And with it? Eyeshadow quietly slipped out the back door.

It’s not just us. Even the brands seem to be over it. Eyeshadow palettes used to launch with every collection drop, every influencer collab, every limited edition seasonal moment. Now? Crickets. Most brands have pivoted to skin first essentials like highlighters, lip oils, brow gels and hydrating base products, leaving multi pan palettes in the archives.

It’s not that we’ve completely abandoned eye makeup. Smoky liners and soft browns still hold court and we love a lived in smudge as much as the next person. But experimental colour? Multi tonal shimmer? Gems? Anything that requires more than one brush? Rare sightings.

This shift feels less like a trend cycle and more like a collective mood. People want products that are fast, wearable and fuss free. Eyeshadow, in all its layered glory, just doesn’t fit the current vibe of dewy undone beauty. These days it’s more about enhancing than transforming.

That said, we’re not mourning just yet. Beauty moves in loops and maximalism always makes a comeback. There’s already chatter about the return of grunge and we’ve spotted the occasional wash of pastel or silver on runways and red carpets. So maybe eyeshadow isn’t gone. It’s just taking a little break.

Until then, here’s a reminder of a few eyeshadow looks that ate.