Eye shadow has taken on new forms - pencil, pigment, cream-to-powder, mineral - as of late, so we decided it was time to investigate. Several twists on the classic eye color face off against each other and the summer sun.

Tarte EmphasEyes Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner

1 of 5 stars

From the manufacturer: Use the included dual-sided brush to apply a thin line along the lashes, then use the flat-sided brush to apply to the eyelid. Blend as eye shadow.

Pros: The brush quickly became my new favorite. The color is densely pigmented and goes on creamy. As a liner, it stays put better than your average pencil-based formula.

Cons: I love Tarte, but this new product is disappointing. As a shadow, the color is difficult to blend - the best I could do looked like I'd slept with my makeup on. The color creased by midday.

Available at   tartecosmetics.com and Sephora , $22

Make Up For Ever P early W aterproof Eye shadow P encil

4 of 5 stars

From the manufacturer: Line, highlight or give your lids overall color with this chunky, creamy eye shadow pencil.

Pros: The color blends with light pressure from a pinky finger. "Pearly" is an apt description for the rosy tone - the two white shades would be perfect for highlighting the brow bone.

Cons: You might have to buy a bigger sharpener for this short-and-squat pencil.

Available at Sephora, $18

Urban Decay Loose Pigment E ye S hadow

3 of 5 stars

From the manufacturer: Loose mineral powder delivers stronger color than pressed eye shadows. Brush is enclosed; apply directly or tap out a little to use your own brushes.

Pros: The color is vibrant, layers well and has a nice iridescence. True to Urban Decay form, many of the colors look costume-y.

Cons: Despite claims to the contrary, this dippable-brush setup is a bit messy. The pigment is buried at the bottom of the tube, so it's hard to get the amount you want.

Available at urbandecay.com and Sephora, $20

DermaQuest Pressed Treatment mineral eye shadow

5 of 5 stars

From the manufacturer: The highly pigmented color contains dermaxyl peptide, which is purported to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Pros: It can be easily blended and layered. There's no creasing and a nice selection of complementary colors.

Cons: I wasn't able to use it long enough to notice any skin benefits, so the jury's still out on that.

Available at dermaminerals.com, $16