Narrowing down our makeup essentials is by far the most difficult thing we've ever had to do, especially when it comes to necessities like eye shadow ( and lipstick)! But, somehow we were able to get the job done. To help keep our lids prepared for whatever life may throw at us, here are the four shadow shades we need in our lives - and so do you!

This unassuming shade works to instantly brighten eyes by neutralizing any redness or discoloration of the lid. Layered over an eye shadow primer, it's the perfect color to be worn daily as is, or it can be used as a base to intensify brighter shadows. And because it's matte, it feels (and looks) like you're not wearing anything at all! Try NYX Hot Singles Eye Shadow in Immaculate for a clean and bright-eyed look!

The shade that really does it all. Use it on the ball of your eyelid to add a little shimmer to your base shadow or on the inner corners of your eyes (and brow bone) for an illuminated look. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Midnight Cowboy Rides Again has just the right amount of glitter to be worn alone or atop your fave, go-to shade!

Whether it's riding solo for a daytime look or used to accentuate a smoky eye, a neutral brown should be on standby in every girl's makeup kit. Try a rich tone like Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo in #4 for a natural swipe of color or to land this totally not boring brown eye makeup tutorial.

Step aside deep and dark smoky eye, because you can never go wrong with a classic pink that works on any skin tone! Find a light, dusty rose like YSL Couture Mono Eyeshadow in Paris with a hint of shimmer for the ultimate romantic and girly effect.