The Best Under-$25 Liquid Eye Shadows That'll Last Through Your Wildest New Year's Eve

Glossier.
Glossier.
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It's 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 and time is running out. Your best friend is getting in an Uber, en route to pick you up for the big New Year's Eve party. You're dressed in head-to-toe sequins, hair twisted into the only kind of updo that can potentially withstand the excitement of the ball drop, and yet . . . still no makeup. And you totally thought the most stressful part of your night would be choosing which bar to go to with your 30 closest friends. Then, you go to your vanity and realize ironing out a party eye makeup is harder than you imagined. Our advice: go with a liquid eye shadow.

Instead of worrying about finicky cat eyes and messy powders, we suggest opting for a liquid eye shadow on New Year's Eve. The milky fluid is not only the easiest and fastest way to complete a full look without all the fuss, but the best formulas out there are surprisingly affordable. In fact, we've found a whole bunch of options for less than $25, ahead.

Huas Laboratories Glam Attack Liquid Shimmer Powder
hauslabs.com

Huas Laboratories Glam Attack Liquid Shimmer Powder

If anyone knows how to get party makeup right, it's Lady Gaga, and the Haus Labs Glam Attack ($20) is Mother Monster-approved. The best part: these multifunctional liquid-to-powder formulas work all over the face, from your eyes to your lips to your cheeks.

Glossier Lidstar
glossier.com

Glossier Lidstar

If intense glitter isn't your thing, there's Glossier Lidstar ($18). It's soft, muted, and offers a sheer veil of color that — despite its subtlety — will last past midnight.

Urban Decay Sparkle Out Loud Heavy Metal Glitter Gel
ulta.com

Urban Decay Sparkle Out Loud Heavy Metal Glitter Gel

OK, but if you love glitter so much you want to leave a trail of it behind you everywhere you go, there's the Urban Decay Glitter Gel ($22). TLDR: you'll be shining brighter than a revolving disco ball.

Flower Beauty Warrior Glitter Shadow
ulta.com

Flower Beauty Warrior Glitter Shadow

It's not often that we say a product looks perfect in just one swipe, but we feel confident saying it about the Flower Beauty Warrior Glitter Shadow ($11). Plus, the color options are too fun to pass up (our favorite is Flame, the copper gold).

Smith & Cult Glitterbaby Metallic-Shift Eye Shadow
ulta.com

Smith & Cult Glitterbaby Metallic-Shift Eye Shadow

When it comes to liquid eye shadow, creasing is our biggest dealbreaker. Luckily, the Smith & Cult Glitterbaby ($14, originally $24) doesn't do that, ever — not even when you're sardined on the dance floor for approximately four hours.

BareMinerals Gen Nude Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow
ulta.com

BareMinerals Gen Nude Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow

Are earthy metallics your game? You'll love the BareMinerals Gen Nude Liquid Eyeshadow ($22). Whether you opt for Sunstone (rose gold) or Golden Topaz (golden metallic) these smooth and comfortable shadows will level up your entire look.

Huda Beauty Matte & Metal Melted Double Ended Eyeshadows
sephora.com

Huda Beauty Matte & Metal Melted Double Ended Eyeshadows

Whether you're looking for a sparkling wing or velvet eye, the Huda Beauty Matte & Metal Melted Double Ended Eyeshadows ($25) will have you covered — literally.

Beauty by POPSUGAR Make Waves Liquid Metallic Eye Shadow
kohls.com

Beauty by POPSUGAR Make Waves Liquid Metallic Eye Shadow

If your New Year's resolution is to never settle, consider trying the Beauty by POPSUGAR Make Waves Liquid Metallic Eye Shadows ($23). Not only are the product names inspiring (see: Unstoppable and No Bad Day), the shadows offer a wash of color that looks flattering no matter what time of it night it is.

Stila Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow
ulta.com

Stila Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow

Skipping the bedazzled dress this year for a sexy suede ensemble? Pair the cool fabric with the Stila Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow ($24) that goes on a liquid, but dries down to a velvety-matte finish.

Nyx Glitter Goals Liquid Eyeshadow
ulta.com

Nyx Glitter Goals Liquid Eyeshadow

The worst part about wearing traditional glitter is that it melts off your face before you even get out of the cab. The Nyx Glitter Goals Liquid Eyeshadow ($6, originally $8) won't.

CoverGirl Exhibitionist Liquid Glitter Shadow
ulta.com

CoverGirl Exhibitionist Liquid Glitter Shadow

Twinkle brighter than the holiday lights with the CoverGirl Exhibitionist Liquid Glitter Shadow ($13). It's bright, it's lightweight, and it's cheap. We consider that a win-win-win.

Milani Hypnotic Eyeshadow Lights Glitter Eye Topper
target.com

Milani Hypnotic Eyeshadow Lights Glitter Eye Topper

The Milani Hypnotic Eyeshadow Lights Glitter Eye Topper ($7) is just what you need to spice up your LBD. Layer this shimmery shadow on top of a powder base and your bold look won't budge until you need it to.