Cool-Toned Eyeshadows That Gives Us Major ’90s and ’00s Vibes

A few years ago, almost every eyeshadow palette we owned contained an assortment of warm browns, reds and fall leaf-inspired golden colors. In 2023, however, we’re branching out to a cool-toned color palette, packed with silvers, grays and icy lavender. Don’t worry, cool tones are just as versatile as our beloved warm shadows — you can go ’90s grunge with a simple smoky eye, or pack on the silver pigment for a fun Y2K-inspired look. Below, find the cool-toned eyeshadows we’ll be reaching for all year.

NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette in Cool Neutrals

If it’s your first time experimenting with cool tones, start with an affordable eyeshadow palette that lets you play with different shades, like this $18 pick from NYX Professional Makeup. It contains 16 easy-to-blend eyeshadows, including ballet-pink neutrals, soft grays and a striking royal blue. 

Valentino Beauty Dreamdust Glitter Eyeshadow in Silver Spark

Silver glitter screams fun, and the shimmery color is a statement-making way to light up your eyes for NYE. You can apply this icy, holographic shade in a thin line for a subtly sparkly look, or pack it all over your lid for full-on glitz and glamour.

Lancôme Hypnôse 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Smokey Chic

For a smoky eye worthy of a Y2K socialite, reach for this palette. We recommend patting the palest silver shade all over your lids, then smoking out your outer corners and bottom and top lashlines with the rich black and deep gray shadows. 

Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow in Ice

These liquid shadows are the ideal one-and-done makeup product — all you need to do is swipe them on using the doe-foot applicator and tap with your finger to blend. Ice is a dimensional silver that’s smudge- and crease-proof for up to 16 hours.

Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette

Whether you use this all-matte palette to create soft everyday makeup looks or subtle smoky eyes, the various shades of gray and taupe are ultra-wearable and universally flattering. The palette is small enough to travel with, and the mirror makes it easy to touch up while you’re on the go.  

NUDESTIX Magnetic Eye Color in Slate

This chubby, cool gray crayon lets you achieve a grunge-y smoky eye in just one swipe. The formula is creamy and easy to blend but also waterproof, which helps it last without creasing for 24 hours. Even if you go for an intentionally smudgy look, your shadow will stay exactly where you placed it. 

Design: Juliana Campisi