While black eyeshadow might not sound like the most exciting purchase ever, it’s more important than you’d think to have handy. You can create a dozen classic looks with it, including a smokey eye and cat-eye. Yes, one of those is more of an eyeliner look and that’s what makes black eyeshadow so clutch in a pinch. You can diffuse it and have a sultry dark gray line or wet it for a deep opaque one. The possibilities are endless.

Those who prefer a lighter, more subtle smokey eye will want to choose a matte shadow—maybe even one with a little shimmer. (So fun!) Those who are a little more creative with their makeup and might want to try the floating eyeliner trend, a major cat-eye or a deeper smokey eye with pops of color, a cream or gel eyeshadow is really helpful at getting a more dramatic vibe.

Black eyeshadow looks especially gorgeous with white or silver shadow in the inner corners of the eye. A 12-pan eyeshadow palette with black, gray and white shades is the perfect purchase to achieve just that. Play around with textures, too, with glitters, foils and shimmer finishes.

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