Discover your new go-to talc free eyeshadow palettes in our carefully curated selection. From everyday minimalism to dazzling glam, these palettes deliver top-notch performance without compromising on clean ingredients.
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What To Look For When Choosing An Eyeshadow Palette
Talc
Obviously, based on the title of this blog post, you probably know that talc is a heavy hitter when it comes to what to avoid in your eyeshadow palette.
Talc is used in cosmetics, personal care products, and even in food products as an anti-caking agent. Talc is a soft mineral that absorbs moisture and provides a smooth texture.
Unfortunately, it can become contaminated with asbestos through the mining process or manufacturing processes.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) says talc contaminated with asbestos is “carcinogenic to humans.” (source)
And on top of that, when used in aerosol-based products or products that can easily be inhaled, the risk of using a product with talc is definitely worse.
It’s also important to note that even asbestos-free talc can irritate skin and if accidentally inhaled, can lead to breathing problems.
Asbestos-free talc can also be carcinogenic when used on the perineum according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
So ultimately it’s an ingredient I try to avoid in my personal care products!
Related Content: Best Talc Free Makeup Brands
Other Ingredients To Avoid
But talc isn’t the only ingredient you need to be on the lookout for in your eyeshadows. Here are a few that can be commonly found:
- PTFE– Yes, this is the same ingredient I avoid in my cookware and some brands are putting it in makeup products. Check out my Non Toxic Cookware post for all the details on this ingredient.
- Phenoxyethanol– There are clean sources of this ingredient, you just need to check with the brand if you see it listed in a product. It has the potential to be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, which is a known carcinogen.
- Parabens (-methyl, -butyl, -propyl, etc)
- BHT/BHA
- Aluminum Powder
- PEG’s
- Petrolatum
Artificial dyes and colorants are also a big topic when it comes to makeup that is used to create bold colors. While I don’t love seeing these in products, and often I will choose to avoid products with these ingredients, it’s hard for companies to be able to create certain products without them.
Colorants or dyes such as FD&C Blue or Yellow-5 are derived from petroleum and contain irritating compounds such as benzidine, a known carcinogen. (source)
But, you need to keep in mind that artificial dyes are often a very small percentage of the actual ingredients overall in the product.
Do I still wear lipsticks with artificial dyes in them- absolutely! Is it all the time- no. It is something that each consumer needs to decide what they are comfortable with.
How To Best Apply Eyeshadow
Knowing how to apply your eyeshadow plus using the right tools can be the key to getting the most out of your products.
Eyeshadow Tutorial
Check out my step by step tutorial for eyeshadow application! You can also watch my full video tutorial here.
My final eye look with liner and mascara!
Tools Needed
For a nice eyeshadow application, I like to have a few tools to make the whole process a little easier. Here are my faves:
- All Over Eyeshadow Brush- I like to have a larger eye shadow brush that I use for lighter colors on my entire lid. Check this one out.
- Smaller Lid Defining Brush- This is great for getting the shadow into the crease and defining the eyes. Check this one out.
- Crease Brush- This helps to blend the lighter and darker shadows together from crease to brow bone. Check this one out.
- Liner Brush- This is great for when you want to use a powdered shadow for a liner. Check this one out.
Related Content: Best Talc Free Setting Powders
Best Talc Free Eyeshadow Palettes
Beautycounter Essentials Eye Palette
This palette features five versatile shades, including matte and shimmery neutrals, with each formula being silky-smooth and blendable. You can wear the shades alone or blended together. Lauroyl Lysine, which is derived from coconut fatty acids, adds a conditioning boost for seamless application.
- Cruelty Free
- Tested for heavy metals
- Uses artificial dyes/colorants.
- Travel-friendly palette with a built-in mirror
- Partnered with How2Recycle, a labeling system that clearly communicates disposal instructions.
Price
$45
Review
First, I love that Beautycounter tests for heavy metals. I also love how the packaging has a built-in mirror. One thing I do wish was different is that there were more matte colors in the palette overall. I do like the two neutral shades, but find those are the only ones I use consistently. I like the darker brown for in the crease and then for lining the eyes. The sparkle one I tend to only use during the holiday season. It wouldn’t be my top choice for mature eyes since you want to avoid sparkles or shimmer with mature eyes. The eyeshadows do last if I prime my eyes with a concealer and powder. But I also make sure and tap off excess before applying because I’ve noticed the product can get everywhere on my eye otherwise.
Related Content: Beautycounter Review (Hits & Misses)
Crunchi Shadow Bar Eyeshadow Palette
Crunchi eyeshadows offer rich pigments with ethically sourced mica for seamless application. Talc-free, with skin-loving oils, they’re third-party tested for purity and free from harmful dyes. Available in your choice of three palettes: Enchanted Neutrals, Spiced and Volume II, there are a variety of matte, shimmer and metallic shades.
- Non-GMO, Gluten-free, Leaping Bunny Certified, Cruelty-free, Vegan
- Certified Plastic Neutral
- Third party tested for heavy metals
- 100% pure earth pigments, free from FD&C or Lake Dyes
- Sustainable packaging- a paperboard makeup compact with an aluminum pan and inserted into a 100% recyclable and biodegradable paper sleeve
Price
$48
Review
I love the Crunchi Palettes! Their longevity on the palettes is next level. They really stay put the whole day. They also feel a little heavier in texture than some of the other palettes. The pigment really stands out. I love the Enchanted Neutrals Palette. It does have a bit of sheen to some of the shadows but not too much. Definitely a good versatile palette for everyday wear. I do love that they don’t use any artificial dyes or pigments in these shadows, just earth pigments. If you’re into quality eyeshadows, I highly recommend checking out their palette!
Ilia The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette
Ilia’s palette offers 6 talc-free eyeshadow shades with buttery textures for smooth application. The assortment of matte, satin and metallic finishes make it so easy to go from day-to-night looks with this one product.
- Best Clean / Natural Eyeshadow, InStyle (2021)
- Uses artificial dyes/colorants
- Packaging is mirror-free, mono-material compact for easy recycling
Price
$40
Review
I love that these come in a compact palette. Makes it so easy to travel with or stash in your makeup bag. The Necessary Eyeshadow palette comes with the perfect amount of colors to wear during the day or to spice it up at night. The staying power is great and the pigment strong. Such a great gift idea as well.
Related Content: Ilia Beauty Review
Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette
A talc-free, pigment-rich eyeshadow palette with 10 velvety shades for versatile looks. Create gradients and smokey eyes effortlessly. Shades are offered in a range of mattes, shimmers, and satins.
- Animal Test Free – Peta
- Free of FD&C or Lake Dyes
Price
$26.99
Review
This reminds me of when I was a teenager and would ask for the special holiday eyeshadow sets from Sephora for Christmas. I may have switched to clean makeup, but I can still have my large eyeshadow palettes! This one is loaded with all the shades. If you have a budding makeup artist on your hand, this would be a great gift idea, or if you just like to dabble in different eyeshadow colors yourself, this is the palette. I was impressed with how well they performed and stayed. Plus, a great budget friendly option for what you get!
Related Content: Honest Beauty Review
MOB Beauty Eyeshadow
High-quality, talc-free eyeshadows with rich pigments and smooth texture. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like chamomile, Vitamin C, and E. Designed for easy blending and long wear without drying out the skin.
- Ethically sourced, Cruelty Free, Vegan
- Contains artificial dyes and colorants
- Biodegradable/recyclable packaging
Price
$16 per one color choice
$106- $145 – Options to build your own palette or choose a prebuilt palette (8-12 shades)
Review
This is my newest obsession when it comes to clean eyeshadows. They have great pigment, a ton of matte shades and the staying power is excellent. You can also customize your palette depending on what shades you are loving at the moment. They really have thought of the sustainability piece so well. I find myself reaching for their shadows because they have so many great matte shades. I find the older I get, the less shimmer I want and more matte for my eyes. Shimmer can accentuate wrinkles. I do like some of their sheen shadows however for under the brow bone to lift the eye up. The texture on the shadows feels so buttery. I’m hooked!
Pacifica Eyeshadow Palette
A user-friendly, mineral eyeshadow palette featuring highly pigmented shades and textures, from velvety mattes to glistening metallics. Infused with ingredients that will allow for smooth application. Offered in three different palettes: Purple Nudes, Cocoa Nudes and Pink Nudes.
- Vegan, Cruelty Free
- Depending on the palette- some are free of FD&C or Lake Dyes
- FSC Paper Box packaging
Price
$18
Review
This is a newer palette I tested out and was really impressed by the quality and color options. The colors are all great neutral everyday colors that would go with anything. I found the pigments weren’t quite as rich as some of the other shadows I used, but the staying power was still good. I didn’t get quite as bold of an eyeshadow look. You can’t beat the price or that they offer the palette in 3 different shades. This would also be a great option for a teen just getting into makeup.
W3LL People Power Palette Eyeshadow
A plant-based eyeshadow palette with five matte and shimmer shades for vibrant color. Enriched with Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Rice Starch for a smooth, long-lasting formula. Perfect for creating versatile looks with intense color payoff. Three palette options are available: Taupe, Violet and Sepia.
- Cruelty Free, Vegan, Leaping Bunny Certified
- Uses artificial dyes and colorants
Price
$22
Review
This is one of my tried and true eyeshadow palettes. I love that it offers great neutral everyday shades, is budget friendly and easy to find. The staying power is great on them as well. I find by the end of the night my shadows still look great. Comes in a couple different options for palettes which makes it nice for gifting.
Conclusion: Is it bad to have talc in your eyeshadow?
Yes, I do believe talc is an ingredient to avoid in your eyeshadow along with your other beauty products. Even if it has been tested for asbestos contamination, talc on its own can bring its own side effects. And, with all these talc free eyeshadow options, there is no need to choose eyeshadows with talc!
What’s your favorite talc free eyeshadow? Share below!
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