The best thing about eye makeup looks these days: All of the choices! The worst thing about eye makeup looks these days: All of the choices! With a dizzying array of eyeshadow formulas on the market, it can be hard to figure out what each type of eyeshadow actually does -and which kind to choose based on your skin type, your lifestyle, and the kind of look you're going for. Here, an eye-opening look at the five main types of shadow (liquid, gloss, cream, cream-gel, and the old standby: powder), plus what makes each so special and unique.

LIQUID EYESHADOW

This loyal eyeshadow sticks with you all day How long it lasts: and all night. Plus, unlike powders, "liquids won't flake off and leave tiny particles of eyeshadow dust under your eyes and across your cheeks," says makeup artist Emily Oliver.

Application tips : These are very buildable. In other words, you can go very subtle or very bright, depending on how-and how much-you apply. If you want just a hint of color, paint liquid shadow on with a big fluffy synthetic eyeshadow brush. (Synthetic brushes are better than natural ones for applying liquid makeup because the bristles-which are usually made of nylon or other man-made materials-tend to cling together allowing for very even, precise application, and they don't absorb too much product.) If you're in the mood for a bolder look , apply the shadow with a short compact synthetic brush that will deposit more pigment. You can also use the applicator that comes with the eyeshadow, which will deliver more color than a big brush but less than a compact one. If the shadow is a matte, neutral shade, apply it on the lid and then you can take it up to the brow bone; if you're wearing a shimmery or bright colored liquid shadow, stop at the crease, says Oliver. Just keep in mind that you need to let liquid eyeshadow dry before layering on other colors.

Urban Decay Liquid Moondust Eyeshadow , YSL Full Metal Eyeshadow , Lancôme Le Metallique Liquid Eyeshadow , Maybelline New York Color Tattoo Eye Chrome Eyeshadow

EYE GLOSS

Think of this as clear lip gloss for your lids .It's thick and a little sticky-almost like Vaseline-and is intended to be layered over colored shadows to give lids a shiny, wet, sexy look. "Glosses are super dramatic, so they're more of a party look than something you'd wear during the day," says Oliver.

Who it's best for: Glosses work on any skin type, and are ideal for those looking for an extra glow. "If you love shine, there's nothing else like it," says Oliver.

CREAM EYESHADOW

Whipped and velvety, cream shadow imparts a medium amount of color, making it very versatile. "You can use a matte cream shadow and sheer it out for a natural look or use a or shimmery one and build it up for a ," says Oliver. Plus, it's quick to apply and can conceal skin imperfections (more on that later).

CREAM-GEL EYESHADOW

Asoft, fluffy, airy type of eyeshadow that's almost mousse-like in texture, often used to create natural, no-makeup makeup looks. "Cream-gels aren't heavily pigmented, making them perfect for spring and summer," says Oliver. You can also use them when you want to create a toned down version of a bold look, like a smoky eye.

Try Maybelline New York Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal 24HR Cream Gel Shadow .

POWDER EYESHADOW

Lancôme Paris Auda[city] in London Palette , L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Dual Effects , Urban Decay Eye Shadow , Maybelline New York The 24Karat Nudes EyeShadow Palette