The Best Eyeshadow Palettes

Eyeshadow has been used for millennia. Of course, it has not always been available in its current form, but people of all kinds have colored their eyelids for ages. Even in some classic paintings show this makeup use. Later, different forms of makeup were even used to express class and hierarchy. Today, we have eyeshadows in literally thousands of colors, adding pops of color to happy faces everywhere. There are many different eyeshadow palettes out there to choose from, all made up of different formulas--liquid, gel, powder, and even cream--to service different looks. Some of the best parts about eyeshadow are its ease of use and quality level at an affordable price. In fact, you would be surprised to learn how effective some of the cheaper eyeshadows can be. Even if you aren’t a pro at makeup application, there are several products that will help you look like you’re a pro anyway. We dug into the vast selection of available eyeshadow palettes and came out the other side with the top five available now.

Lamora Matte Shimmer 16-Piece

A Harmony of Lustrous Hues

With a total of sixteen colors from deep blues to rich reds and baby pinks, this palette provides shades for every mood or event.

Best Overall

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Pros:
Upon first glance, you will notice there are plenty of colors in this palette, which is not common a such an affordable price. The colors themselves are matte for a wonderful finished result that will let your outfit do the speaking. Not only is there a diversity in colors, but these colors can transport you from day to night seamlessly. It applies quickly and evenly to save you time on application and is comprised of natural minerals for overall skin health. With colorful rose golds to rich mauves and blues, the selection here is truly diverse.

From everyday events to special occasions, this eyeshadow palette will seamlessly carry you from day to night. The formula itself is long-lasting so you won’t have to worry about constantly retouching.

Cons:
Firstly, not everyone likes a palette with such a drastic array in color options. Secondly, this is not a well-known brand.

L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Eyeshadow, Nudes

Shimmering Mattes and Nudes, Oh My

This palette features nude shades that smoothly graduate from cream to rose to eggplant.

Best Nude-Tones

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Pros:
The first thing many notice right away is how many colors there are to choose from. While this has already been referenced earlier, it is worth noting again. Beyond this, the colors are highly pigmented for an effective and glowing final product that will carry you through your day without the need for reapplication. Most of these colors are smooth and matte and are packaged in a magnetic case that keeps everything safe for storage.

The applicator is incredibly soft, allowing for a smooth application that remains in place all day long. It features a double-sided design for both coverage and detail. Whether you are looking to present a daytime smokey eye or alluring evening look, you have either option with this eyeshadow palette.

Cons:
The price tag is a bit higher than some would prefer. Otherwise, some of the colors may seem a bit repetitious as they are similar to the others.

Maybelline Eyeshadow Palette, The Nudes

Eye Can't Deny It

This palette mostly contains nudes and works its way from beige to black. With twelve colors, an affordable price, and fast shipping, you simply cannot go wrong with this one.

Best Glam Eyeshadows

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Pros:
With such delicate and bold choices in this palette, this is another one that is ideal for various styles and takes you from day to night–for office use or after-hours events. While this eyeshadow is long-lasting upon application, it is also easy to remove when you’re ready. It will have you looking beautiful without clogging your pores, promoting both health and beauty. Last but definitely not least, these eyeshadow colors are also well-pigmented, offering an effective and striking appearance no matter how soft or loud you want to go with your face.

Cons:
These colors are quite basic, leaving some wanting more. The price is middle-of-the-road which, to some, could be considered a bit much for such a straightforward color scheme. Lastly, some customers found that their palette was irreparably broken from the shipping process.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Shadow Palette, Brights

Unleash Your Creativity

Not only are these colors exquisite, they’re unique and bright for vivid and unforgettable looks.

Most Creative Freedom

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Pros:
The vividness of these colors is something that is hard to find with other brands. From creamy banana yellow to sky blue and glittery mauve, the variety here is also unbeatable. This palette makes it easy to effortlessly live loud or blend in, transforming your look for day to evening with a few swipes. At an excellent price point, this palette is excellent for creativity, convenience, and affordability. With fast shipping and smooth, yet effective formula, we highly recommend this palate for anyone looking to shake things up.

Cons:
This eyeshadow works best with the NYX setting spray, so you might find yourself spending a few extra dollars if you want the best possible results.

Milani Most Loved Mattes Eyeshadow Palette

All Day, Every Day

From soft and velvety nudes to rich and smoky shades, this is another versatile palette geared toward convenient daily wear.

Best for Daily Wear

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Pros:
Firstly, this palette provides everything one needs for a complete look for anywhere. While this palette is not ideal for anything bright or bold, it is perfect for its purpose. The formula is dense but still rests lightly on the eyelids for an optimal and comfortable experience. Milani’s products are cruelty-free.

Cons:
These colors may not be ideal for those with darker skin tones. The formula is also drier than others.

What Really Matters?

Formula

With any sort of makeup or other product that is to be applied externally, one should always focus on things like its ingredients, application, and user experience. Beyond the fact that we do not want to put harmful ingredients in contact with our bodies, the quality of the formula of one’s eyeshadow affects everything. You probably want to find an eyeshadow palette that rests lightly on the eyelid while providing the desired appearance. In other words, if a product claims to provide a creamy and glittery final product, one can expect to receive such a result. Additionally, the formula’s quality is also going to affect its overall efficacy and endurance.

Affordability

It is no secret that cost is a huge motivating factor when it comes to making a purchase, especially when it comes to products we use so frequently. While no one wants to spend a lot, it is important for one to keep in mind that quality often comes at a higher price tag–especially with makeup. While browsing the top eyeshadow palettes, we noticed a wide array of price points, all related to the products’ quality. Despite the fact that a higher price usually means higher quality, there are hundreds of affordable palettes out there.

Endurance

Longevity might not be the first word to pop into your mind when you think about eyeshadow, however, it is a word you to which might want to get accustomed. While researching the top eyeshadow palettes on the market today, this is one of the first things we searched for. What is the point of spending money on an eyeshadow that is going to quickly smudge off? All the aforementioned palettes make for dependable, long-lasting options.

What’s in Right Now?

It has long been seen that trends repeat themselves. In fact, at times it seems they are cyclic. Recently, we saw a revival of 1990s trends. Think crop tops and flannels with bright, expressive makeup that often takes the main stage. From Barbie pinks to sunshine yellows and even neons, the time to really express yourself in a pigmented and loud fashion is here again. Why not use an array of excellent eyeshadow palettes to do just that? Several of the palettes on our list will fit the bill.

FAQs

Are there allergen-free options?

Naturally, when one shops for makeup, there are many options, including organic, mineral-based, cruelty-free, and highly pigmented. There are also many options for those looking for an allergen-free eyeshadow palette. Simply check the back of the palette and you should discover any health-related information in the small print. If you do find that a particular brand is causing you an allergic reaction, stop using it immediately, give your skin and eyes time to heal, and then choose a different eyeshadow palette.

How do I know whether a palette’s color scheme is good for my skin tone?

By doing some very simple research or sticking to your typical makeup shades, you should be able to find a palette that is perfect for your skin tone, skin type, and personal style. You should also consider what look you want to achieve. For example, if you’re going out with friends and want a bold, dramatic eye-effect, you may opt for shocking pinks, bright whites, and shimmery silvers. Alternatively, if you want to look natural, you can find a palette that contains colors similar to your skin tone and then create a fresh, natural look.

Which formulas tend to be more dependable?

Eyeshadow is available in several different formulas. Some of these are more dependable than others or are more ideal for your desired product. On average, the tried and true powder eyeshadow seems to hang on the longest.