Mar. 07, 2024
Beauty & Personal Care
Getting your hands on a great eyeshadow palette is like owning a really good pair of shoes. Just like a statement heel adds a twist to the classic LBD, the best eyeshadow palettes come in a variety of styles and colors, and they work to elevate any existing look (our top pick is the Fenty Beauty Snap Shadows palette, which features a blendable range of mattes and shimmers). While a neon version can pump up a radiant bronzer, a neutral palette can warm up a full-coverage foundation or add just the right amount of sparkle for a night out.
The best eyeshadow palette allows for versatile and flawless makeup for every occasion and all year ... [+] round.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: RetailersCelebrity makeup artist Allison Kaye says, “It’s fun to collect eyeshadow palettes, and it’s easy to want to own a ton of them.” But before you go stocking up on more palettes than you can store, finding the right one is a one-way ticket to flawless makeup for every occasion and all year round, she says. Ahead, ten of the best versions for every budget, makeup look and color preference. And once you’ve perfected your new go-to eye makeup, reach for the best mascaras that give you full, fluttery lashes to complete your look.
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Ulta
Best for: Every day, glowy summer looks, a night out | Number of shades: 6 | Finishes: Matte, shimmer | Cruelty-free: Yes
What’s the use of investing in an eyeshadow palette that’s packed with a bunch of shades you’ll never touch? This mini palette is packed with six standout colors that prove quality is always better than quantity. With a mix of finishes from shimmer to matte and warm hues that pop against all skin tones, this cruelty- and gluten-free pick presents you with exactly what you need for a stunning eye look and nothing more. The best part is when you’re ready for a restock, you won’t be left with a half-finished palette that you don’t know what to do with.
Ulta
Best for: Every day, peachy natural looks | Number of shades: 16 | Finishes: Matte, shimmer | Cruelty-free: Yes
We've never seen an under-$20 eyeshadow palette pull out all the stops quite like this one. It's got a whopping 16 colors—which, if you do the math, equates to less than one dollar per shade—including both warm and cool tones in matte and shimmery finishes. But the most impressive part is the velvety feel, pigmented color and long wear sans creasing. The Ultimate Shadow Palette comes in a slew of color families, from neon colors to smoky hues. Since it’s so affordable, you can get one of each to make sure you're prepared for every occasion on your social calendar.
Sephora
Best for: A night out, statement looks | Number of shades: 10 | Finishes: Matte, shimmer, glitter | Cruelty-free: No
Otherworldly is the best way to describe these pigments from Pat McGrath Labs. They all have a velvety texture, and the palette features a unique combination of metallic, chrome and shimmer finishes. It’s well worth the price tag, as it’s a secret weapon for creating standout and memorable makeup looks.
Sephora
Best for: Every day, bridal | Number of shades: 12 | Finishes: Matte, shimmer | Cruelty-free: Yes
The third iteration of Urban Decay’s Naked Palette includes 12 nude tones for crafting barely-there to more dialed-up makeup looks. You can choose between matte, pearlescent and metallic finishes, and use the included dual-ended, high-quality brush to dust them on.
Sephora
Best for: A night out | Number of shades: 9 | Finishes: Matte, glitter | Cruelty-free: Yes
Here’s what makes this eyeshadow palette obsession-worthy: chic packaging, travel-friendly size and buttery pigments—all of which have an intense color payoff that comes in handy when creating a smoky eye. Need we say more?
Nordstrom
Best for: Winter looks, a night out | Number of shades: 4 | Finishes: Shimmer | Cruelty-free: No
Turn up the cool factor with this icy collection of shades that feature a soft eye-catching shimmer. Use the silver-toned neutrals for a modern take on the smoky eye or incorporate the blue shade for something a bit more avant garde. Pro tip: Pack on the color with your finger for an especially saturated color payoff.
Ulta
Best for: Glowy summer looks, every day | Number of shades: 15 | Finishes: Matte, glitter | Cruelty-free: Yes
Take your makeup looks to the next level (think: gilded and bronze-y) with this 15-pan eyeshadow palette from makeup artist Natasha Denona. It features an assortment of brilliant, copper-tone shades that go on smoothly—with some also leaving a dazzling finish.
Sephora
Best for: Holiday looks, summer, a night out | Number of shades: 4 | Finishes: Glitter | Cruelty-free: Yes
While glitter makeup was once reserved for New Year’s Eve and special birthday celebrations, there’s no wrong time to swipe a shiny shadow on your lids these days. And if you’re going to do it, you better do it right with this molten eyeshadow quad that leaves a diamond-like finish in a single swipe. The colors are a shimmery take on every-day neutrals, which makes them super wearable and an excellent pairing for all skin tones. Apply the shadows wet with your fingers for the best metallic payoff.
Kohl's
Best for: Summer, a night out, every day | Number of shades: 12 | Finishes: Matte | Cruelty-free: Yes
Makeup by Mario’s Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette features 12 luxurious matte pigments that can be used on every skin tone to highlight, contour or add definition to the eye area. Since the shades are buildable and blend easily, the palette is suitable for every skill level.
Sephora
Best for: Every day, summer, a night out | Number of shades: 9 | Finishes: Matte, shimmer, primer | Cruelty-free: No
Professional makeup artists keep this palette at the ready backstage at runway shows, and it’s no wonder why, since it includes everything you need for creating eye looks that go with everything. It comes with a primer and eight versatile, neutral shades—some of which you can also use as a highlighter or eyeliner.
Constantly swatching, applying and critiquing the newest, most coveted as well as tried-and-true formulas, we’re on the front lines of beauty testing every day. We also tap expert makeup artists for their product recommendations and tips for getting the most out of your eyeshadow palettes. We considered the versatility of each pick, color tones, finish, formula, bendability, staying power and price in our final selection.
With so many options for eyeshadow palettes on the market (seriously, have you perused the makeup aisles in Sephora lately?), there’s a lot to consider before spending your hard-earned cash. Aside from the obvious, like price-point and quality, the versatility of the shades, finishes and how they complement your skin tone are all major deciding factors.
There are several characteristics that speak to quality in a palette. “First and foremost, one should consider formulas and finishes and how the textures lay on the skin, plus the level of pigment and fallout for each shadow in a palette,” says Elena Frankel, co-founder of indie beauty brand Flyte.70.
Eyeshadow palettes aren’t a one-trick pony; you can use them to create a breadth of eye makeup looks for day-to-day wear or special occasions. Many feature a range of colors and a variety of finishes. But you can still find more niche offerings to suit your personal preference, whether you’re into neutrals or bold pops of color or pigments with a shimmer or matte effect. If you want the most versatility, look for options that offer a mix of the above.
According to Frankel, it’s important to determine the purpose of the eyeshadow palette. If it’s for everyday use, she suggests looking for an option with flattering and elevating shades for your skin tone. Matte and neutral shades tend to be flattering on every complexion. They’re also the best option for creating a barely-there or natural eye makeup look.
Kaye says the simplest way to create an eye look is to select three colors within your palette that share the same tones (for example, a light, medium and dark shade within the same color family). “Start with the medium shade, called the transition shade, and apply it on the crease of your eye with a fluffy eyeshadow brush, using a windshield wiper motion to blend,” she says. Next, she recommends brightening the eye by popping the lightest shade in the inner corners and blending it toward the middle of the lid. “I recommend blending the darkest shade from the lash line to the crease, creating a V-shaped wing on the outer corners,”she says. Since Kaye’s three-color eyeshadow method can be done using shimmer and matte shadows, you can try it out with any palette you go with.
With palettes that run the gamut from neutral to colorful, cool-toned to warm-toned and light to dark, Kaye says the best way to select the right one for you is to evaluate both your skin tone and eye color. “In terms of the colors, warm skin tones should use warmer shadows like oranges, warm browns and yellow golds,” she says. “Cool skin tones should choose cool-toned shadows, which have blue undertones, like a mauve pink, grayish browns or purples.”
In terms of eye color, Kay says contrast is the name of the game. “I love orange, browns and warm pink colors on blue and green eyes, and golden shades and purple tones for brown and hazel eyes.”
Just like you need to keep your favorite makeup brushes clean, regular palette maintenance will ensure your products last longer, perform better and don’t spread bacteria onto your delicate eye area. Start by cleaning up any shadow residue around the borders of your palette with a makeup wipe. If your palette needs an overhaul, lightly scrape off the top layer of your shadow with a disposable mascara wand. Get into the habit of spritzing a bit of alcohol over your shadows weekly or biweekly to disinfect.
If you follow me on Instagram stories, you have probably noticed that a lot of the times I do my makeup, I simply apply bronzer and/or highlighter to my eyes and simply call it a day with that (for eyeshadow).
Other times, when I am in the mood or have more than 5 minutes in the morning, I actually apply pretty eyeshadows. Here are the palettes I have been loving recently - for both myself and my clients.
What it includes: 6-shade eyeshadow palette including bronze, pink, terracotta & brown shades
Price: $57
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