Eye Shadow Palettes Guide
Variety of shades
Look for a palette that offers a wide range of colors to create different looks and experiment with varying styles. For those who prefer neutral tones, the Urban Decay Naked Palette is an excellent choice, as it includes a mix of matte and shimmer shadows in warm and cool-toned neutrals. If you're someone who loves bold and vibrant shades, the Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette is perfect, as it features an assortment of rich jewel tones, earthy hues, and pops of shimmer for creating striking eye makeup looks. Additionally, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette is ideal for those who enjoy a combination of warm, rosy-toned shades mixed with a few neutral shades, allowing for versatile and dynamic eye makeup looks. These palettes offer a great variety of colors to suit different preferences and allow for endless creativity.
Pigmentation
Look for palettes that offer highly pigmented shades, as these will provide vibrant and bold colors with just a single swipe. Some noteworthy options in this category include Urban Decay's Naked Ultimate Basics palette, known for its richly pigmented and long-lasting matte shades. Another great choice is Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette, featuring intensely pigmented shades that blend seamlessly for both dramatic and everyday looks. Additionally, the Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions palette offers intense pigmentation with its creamy and densely packed formulas, perfect for creating striking eye looks.
Long-lasting formula
No one wants their eye shadow to smudge or fade away throughout the day. Look for palettes that are specifically marketed as long-lasting, such as the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette. This palette boasts a collection of intensely pigmented shades with a velvety texture that lasts all day without creasing or fading. Another option is the Urban Decay Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette, known for its long-lasting and blendable formula that offers gorgeous rose-toned shades. For those who prefer matte shadows, the Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette is a stellar option, with its buttery, long-lasting formula that helps minimize creasing and keep the eye shadow in place for hours on end.
Blendability
A good eye shadow should be easy to blend, allowing for seamless transitions between shades and enhancing the overall look. Look for palettes that feature finely milled and smooth formulas, as these tend to be highly blendable. One excellent choice is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette, renowned for its buttery texture and excellent blendability. Another option is the Urban Decay Naked2 Eyeshadow Palette, which offers a range of neutral shades that effortlessly blend together for a flawless finish. Finally, the Huda Beauty Rose Gold Remastered Eyeshadow Palette showcases a selection of highly pigmented, creamy eyeshadows that are exceptionally blendable and provide a stunning assortment of looks.
Matte finish options
Look out for a palette that offers a wide range of matte shades in neutral tones, allowing you to create various looks from natural to smoky. The Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette is an excellent choice as it includes 12 versatile and highly pigmented matte shades that are perfect for every day or special occasion makeup. Another reliable option is the Tarte Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette which is a warm-toned palette featuring 12 pigmented matte shades that can easily transition from daytime to evening looks. For those who prefer a more affordable option, the Maybelline New York The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette is a great choice, offering a mix of matte and shimmer shades with twelve versatile colors at an accessible price point.
Shimmer finish options
If you prefer a dazzling and luminous look, opt for palettes with a shimmer finish. These shadows contain finely milled particles that catch the light and create a stunning, glittering effect on the eyelids. One example of a shimmer finish eye shadow palette is the 'Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 4'. It features a combination of vibrant and celestial shades with intense shimmer finishes that are perfect for creating bold and sparkling eye looks. Another option is the 'NARS Ignited Eyeshadow Palette' that offers a versatile range of shimmering shadows, including both warm and cool tones, designed to heighten and highlight the eyes. With its highly pigmented and long-wearing formula, this palette ensures a mesmerizing shimmer that lasts all day and night.
Metallic finish options
When it comes to selecting an eye shadow palette with a metallic finish, there are several options to consider. Metallic finishes are known for their intense shine and reflective properties, making them perfect for creating bold and eye-catching looks. One popular choice is the Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette, which features 12 rose-hued shades with a metallic finish. These highly pigmented shadows are known for their blendability and longevity, allowing you to create a range of stunning metallic looks. Alternatively, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 2 offers a wide array of metallic shades with unique undertones, ranging from vibrant pinks to deep purples. This palette is known for its vibrant and long-wearing formula, making it a great choice for those who love experimenting with metallic shades.
Cream/powder consistency options
Some palettes contain creamy eyeshadows while others contain powder eyeshadows. Cream eyeshadows typically come in a pot or a stick form and offer a smoother and more intense color payoff. They are great for creating bold and dramatic eye looks. On the other hand, powder eyeshadows come in a pressed or loose form and provide a sheer to buildable coverage. They are easier to blend and are ideal for creating everyday natural looks.
In the cream eyeshadow segment, Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow is a popular option. It features a unique water-infused texture with a buildable formula that allows for easy application and seamless blending. For those who prefer powder eyeshadows, the Urban Decay Naked Palette is a top contender. It includes a range of versatile neutral shades in a highly blendable and long-lasting formula. Other notable powder eyeshadow palettes include the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette, known for its pigmented velvety shades, and the Morphe 35O Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette, offering a mix of warm tones that can be effortlessly blended for various eye looks.
Nude/Natural tone options
One great option is the Urban Decay Naked Palette, which offers a range of versatile neutral shades that are highly pigmented and blend easily. Another popular choice is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette, which includes a mix of warm and cool-toned neutrals for creating everyday natural looks. For those who prefer a smaller palette, the Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette provides a compact selection of nude tones with a variety of different finishes, from matte to shimmer. These palettes offer a wide range of nude shades to suit different skin tones and preferences, making them ideal for achieving natural, everyday eye makeup looks.
Vibrant/bold color options
Look for palettes that offer a range of vibrant shades such as the Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette, which includes highly pigmented, neon colors. Another great option is the Juvia's Place The Zulu Eyeshadow Palette, featuring bold, matte shades in stunning, vibrant hues. For those who prefer a more creative and artistic approach, the Suva Beauty Saffron Palette offers a selection of intense, high-impact shades for daring and unique eye looks. These palettes are designed to make a statement and will help you achieve vibrant and dramatic eye makeup looks.
Cool tone options
For those with cool undertones, it's important to select eye shadow palettes that complement and enhance your features. Cool tones are generally characterized by pink or blue undertones in the skin, and the best eye shadow palettes for this tone are typically ones that offer shades in cooler colors such as gray, purple, and blue.
One popular eye shadow palette that caters to cool undertones is the Urban Decay Naked2 Palette. This palette consists of 12 neutral shades with a mix of cool and warm undertones, making it suitable for a wide range of cool-toned skin. Another great option is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette which features a captivating array of cool-toned colors inspired by Renaissance art. If you're looking for something more affordable, the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette in Cool Neutrals offers an impressive selection of cool-toned shadows at a budget-friendly price.
Warm tone options
For those with warm undertones, opt for palettes that feature warm shades such as rich browns, golds, and warm oranges. One excellent option is the Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette. This palette includes 12 shades of warm-toned eye shadows that range from neutral mattes to fiery metallics. Another popular choice is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette, which offers a selection of warm, berry-toned shades. Lastly, for a versatile warm-toned option, the Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette features a mix of matte, shimmer, and glitter shades in warm hues inspired by desert sunsets.
Neutral tone options
Neutral tones are versatile and can be worn for any occasion, making them a must-have in your makeup collection. Look for palettes that offer a range of neutral shades, including matte, shimmer, and satin finishes, to create various eye looks. One excellent option is the Urban Decay Naked3 Palette, which consists of 12 rose-hued neutrals in matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes. Another popular choice is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette, known for its buttery texture and blendability. It features 14 shades ranging from soft neutral mattes to shimmery satin finishes. Other notable options include Too Faced Natural Eyes Eyeshadow Palette, Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette, and Huda Beauty Nude Eyeshadow Palette, all offering a wide range of neutral shades to suit different skin tones.
Smoky eye options
When it comes to smoky eye options, there are a few factors to consider to find the best eye shadow palette. First, look for a palette that offers a range of dark, rich shades such as Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette, Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry Eyeshadow Palette, or Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Dark Magic Eyeshadow Palette. These palettes often include intense matte or shimmer shades like charcoal, plum, or dark brown that can create a sultry and smoky effect on your eyes.
For those who prefer a softer smoky eye look, opt for palettes that feature lighter shades of gray, taupe, or brown like Too Faced Natural Mattes Eyeshadow Palette, Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette, or MAC Cosmetics Cool Neutral x 15 Eyeshadow Palette. These palettes often incorporate a mix of warm and cool tones that can create a more natural and wearable smoky eye. Remember, when choosing an eye shadow palette for a smoky eye, pay attention to the pigmentation, blendability, and longevity of the shadows to ensure a stunning and long-lasting result.
Everyday/work appropriate options
Look for palettes with neutral tones such as warm undertones of browns, beiges, and taupe, which can complement a variety of skin tones and suit different occasions. The Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Palette is a great option as it features six matte neutral shades that can be mixed and matched for various natural and subtle eye makeup looks. Another recommended product is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette, which offers a range of warm and cool-toned neutrals in both matte and shimmer finishes, allowing you to easily transition from day to night. Both of these palettes are highly pigmented, long-lasting and easy to blend, making them ideal choices for everyday wear.
Travel-friendly packaging
Look for palettes that are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry in your makeup bag or travel case. The Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Palette is an excellent example of a travel-friendly eye shadow palette. It has a sleek packaging design, making it compact and perfect for travel. Another option is the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette. Its slim, sturdy packaging is durable for traveling and conveniently compact for on-the-go touch-ups. For those seeking more variety in colors, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette offers a travel-friendly packaging with a diverse range of shades, packed in a sleek, slim case.
Mirror included
Having a mirror is not only convenient for touch-ups on-the-go, but it also allows for easier application and creating different eye looks. Many popular eye shadow palettes on the market include a mirror, such as the Urban Decay Naked3 Palette. This palette features a full-size mirror inside the compact, making it perfect for travel or quick touch-ups throughout the day. Another option is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette, which not only includes a convenient mirror, but also boasts a highly pigmented and blendable formula for flawless eye looks. Both of these palettes offer the benefit of having a mirror for added convenience and ease of use.
Cruelty-free
Cruelty-free eyeshadow palettes are those that have not been tested on animals during their production process. By opting for cruelty-free options, you can make a conscious decision to support brands that prioritize animal welfare.
There are several cruelty-free eye shadow palettes available on the market. For those who prefer a budget-friendly option, the e.l.f. Cosmetics Bite Size Eyeshadow Palette is a great choice. This palette features a range of versatile shades that are highly pigmented and easy to blend. Another notable cruelty-free palette is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette. This popular palette offers a beautiful selection of neutral shades that can create stunning everyday and evening looks. The Soft Glam palette is known for its buttery and long-lasting formula, making it a favorite among makeup enthusiasts. Overall, there are numerous cruelty-free eye shadow palettes to choose from that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Vegan options
Opting for vegan eye shadow palettes ensures that they are not made with any animal-derived ingredients or tested on animals. One excellent option that fits these criteria is theUrban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette. This palette contains 12 versatile shades that are vegan and cruelty-free. Another great choice is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette, which offers a range of warm, highly-pigmented shades perfect for creating various eye makeup looks. Both these palettes have gained popularity among makeup enthusiasts for their outstanding quality and compatibility with vegan preferences.
High-end brand options
Ultimately, the perfect high-end eye shadow palette will be the one that matches your personal preferences and needs.
Drugstore/affordable brand options
When it comes to drugstore/affordable brand options, there is a wide range of eye shadow palettes available that offer good quality at a budget-friendly price. One popular drugstore brand, Maybelline, offers a variety of eye shadow palettes to suit different preferences. Their popular product, the Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette, features 12 nude shades in both matte and shimmery finishes, making it a versatile option for everyday use. Another affordable brand option is NYX Professional Makeup, known for its high-quality products. Their NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette is highly regarded for its range of vibrant and pigmented shades perfect for creating bold and unique eye looks. Finally, if you're looking for even more value for your money, ELF Cosmetics offers affordable eye shadow palettes such as the ELF Bite Size Eyeshadow Palette which consists of four complementary shades in a compact and travel-friendly size. Overall, these drugstore/affordable brand options provide a great selection of eye shadow palettes suitable for any style and budget.
Buildable coverage
This feature allows you to control the intensity of the color by gradually layering and blending to achieve your desired look, whether you prefer a sheer wash of color or a more intense, dramatic effect. Many popular eye shadow palettes in the market now offer buildable coverage, such as the Urban Decay Naked3 Palette. This palette features 12 rose-hued shades that blend flawlessly with a buildable and even application. Similarly, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette offers buildable coverage with its highly-pigmented, blendable shades that cater to both natural and bold eye looks with ease. These palettes have received rave reviews for their ability to provide buildable coverage, allowing users to effortlessly create a variety of eye makeup styles.
Crease-proof formula
Nobody wants to spend time creating a beautiful eye look only for it to smudge or fade away throughout the day. Look for palettes that specifically mention their crease-proof formula, such as the Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 1. This palette boasts highly pigmented, crease-proof shades which are designed to stay in place for hours without smudging. Another option is the Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette which features an ultra-smooth, velvety texture that stays put and resists creasing. For those on a budget, the Colourpop No Filter Shadow Palette is an excellent choice. It includes 9 affordable, crease-proof shadows that blend effortlessly and hold up well throughout the day.
Waterproof formula
This feature ensures that your eye shadow stays in place all day and does not smudge, crease, or fade, giving you a long-lasting and flawless look. There are various eye shadow palettes available on the market with waterproof formulas, catering to different preferences and budgets. A popular option is the Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette, which features a range of warm-toned shades with its proprietary formulation that resists water effectively. Another excellent choice is the Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow Set, known for its high-shine, long-lasting formula that dries down to a waterproof finish. It includes a selection of shimmery and vibrant shades to create stunning eye makeup looks.
Easy to apply
Nobody wants to spend precious time trying to blend and layer eye shadows that are difficult to work with. Look for palettes that offer smooth and creamy formulas, as these are easier to apply and blend effortlessly. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette is a great option as it features a range of easy-to-apply shades with a highly-pigmented, buildable formula. Another excellent choice is the Urban Decay Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette, which boasts a velvety texture and intense color payoff that make application a breeze. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the ColourPop Yes, Please! Pressed Powder Shadow Palette offers a selection of warm hues that are not only affordable but also easy to work with due to their silky texture.
Minimal fall-out
Fall-out refers to the loose powder that can drop onto your cheeks or under your eyes during application, leading to a messy and uneven look. Opting for palettes that are known for their minimal fall-out can save you time and frustration. One excellent option is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eye Shadow Palette. With its finely-milled and ultra-pigmented formula, this palette has minimal fall-out, ensuring easy application and long-lasting wear. Another great choice is the Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette. This palette features 12 rose-hued shades that are specially formulated to minimize fall-out, creating a clean and flawless look.
Non-irritating to sensitive skin
Look for palettes that are specifically labeled as non-irritating and gentle for sensitive skin. One great example is the Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette, which is designed with a blend of matte and shimmer shades to create various stunning eye looks. This palette contains 12 gorgeous rose-toned neutrals, perfect for those with sensitive skin as it is formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Another notable option is the Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette by Tarte Cosmetics. With its 12 warm, matte shades, this palette is ophthalmologist tested and ideal for sensitivities, offering long-lasting pigmentation that is free from gluten, mineral oil, and talcum.
To simplify the market's wide range of eye shadow palettes suitable for sensitive skin, they can be divided into groups based on the specific concerns they address. One group is the hypoallergenic palettes, like the Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad Eye Shadow, which contain a gentle formula suitable for sensitive skin and eyes. Another category is the mineral-based palettes, such as the bareMinerals Gen Nude Eyeshadow Palette. These mineral-infused formulas are specifically designed to be non-irritating while providing excellent color payoff. The final group is the vegan palettes, like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette. These palettes are created without animal-derived ingredients and are ideal for sensitive skin types due to their high-quality and soothing formulations.
Suitable for different eye shapes
For those with monolids or hooded lids, matte shadows that are buildable and easily blendable work best. Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette offers a range of warm neutrals with a mix of matte and metallic finishes, providing versatility for monolid or hooded lid shapes. For almond-shaped eyes, palettes with a variety of shades and finishes can complement the natural curvature of the eyes. The Urban Decay Naked3 Palette features 12 rose-hued shadows in matte, satin, and shimmer formulas, perfect for enhancing the beauty of almond-shaped eyes. Additionally, individuals with round eyes may benefit from palettes with colors that contour and lift the eyes. The Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette includes a range of rich, warm shades with matte, shimmer, and glitter textures, allowing for unique combinations to accentuate round eyes. Whether it's for monolids, almond-shaped, or round eyes, considering eye shape when choosing an eye shadow palette can help create stunning looks tailored to enhance natural features.
Versatile for different looks
Opting for a palette that offers a range of shades and finishes allows for endless creativity and the ability to experiment with different makeup looks. One example of a versatile eye shadow palette is the Urban Decay Naked3 Palette, widely known for its assortment of 12 rosy and neutral-toned shades that suit a variety of skin tones and can be effortlessly blended for a subtle everyday look or a dramatic smokey eye. Another popular option is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette, featuring 14 warm and cool-toned neutrals, including matte, metallic, and satin finishes. Additionally, for those interested in bold and vibrant colors, the Huda Beauty Neon Obsessions Palette offers nine vivid shades that can be used to create vibrant and eye-catching looks for parties or special events. These palettes provide a wide range of options for users to achieve different eye makeup looks, making them excellent choices for anyone seeking versatility.
Palette with transition shades
Transition shades are essential for creating a seamless blend between different colors on your eyelids. These shades typically have a matte finish and are positioned between your skin tone and the darker shades you'll be using.
One example of a palette that offers a good selection of transition shades is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette. This palette contains a range of warm neutral shades, including several matte transition shades such as 'Raw Sienna' and 'Buon Fresco'. Another option is the Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette, which features a variety of rosy-toned shadows with transition shades like 'Limit' and 'Nooner'. These transition shades help soften the edges of your eye makeup and create a professional, blended look. Other palettes on the market that have a great variety of transition shades include the Too Faced Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette and the ColourPop Yes, Please! Pressed Powder Shadow Palette.
Palette with highlight shades
Highlight shades are lighter colors meant to accentuate certain areas of the eye, such as the brow bone and inner corners. These shades add a touch of luminosity and brighten up the eyes, making them appear more awake and refreshed. Some excellent palette options that include beautiful highlight shades are the Urban Decay Naked3 Palette, known for its rosy tones and a range of shimmery highlight shades such as Strange and Dust, and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette, featuring must-have warm tones and a striking matte highlight shade, Tempera. Other notable choices are Tartelette in Bloom Clay Palette with versatile shades like Funny Girl and Charmer, and the ColourPop Yes, Please! Pressed Powder Palette which offers a stunning golden-toned highlight shade called Mischief. Remember, a palette containing highlight shades is essential for achieving a multi-dimensional eye look.
Palette with crease/contour shades
Look for palettes that offer a range of matte shades specifically designed for sculpting and defining the crease area. For example, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette is highly regarded for its buttery smooth formulas and richly pigmented crease shades, such as the warm-toned shades "Raw Sienna" and "Burnt Orange". Another excellent option is the Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette which includes a selection of neutral-toned matte shades perfect for creating subtle contours and defining the crease, like the cool-toned shadows "Cover" and "Primal". Whether you prefer warm or cool tones, these palettes offer versatile color variations ideal for achieving flawless crease and contour looks.
Palette with lid colors
A palette with a variety of colors will give you the freedom to experiment with different looks and create versatile eye makeup styles. For instance, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette offers a selection of stunning warm-toned shades that can be used on the lids. Featuring 14 highly-pigmented eyeshadows with a mix of mattes and shimmers, this palette allows you to effortlessly create both subtle and bold eye looks. Another option includes the Morphe x Jaclyn Hill The Vault Armed & Gorgeous Palette, which offers a range of rich and vibrant lid colors. This palette comprises a collection of 10 shadows with a buttery smooth texture for seamless application. Regardless of the specific brand or product you choose, a palette with an array of lid colors will enhance your makeup game and allow for endless creative opportunities.
Price
Eye shadow palettes come in a wide price range, and it's important to determine how much you are willing to spend before making a purchase. Affordable options such as the Maybelline New York The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette or the Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow Quad provide an excellent selection of shades without breaking the bank. If you're looking for a mid-range palette, consider the popular Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette, which boasts stunningly rich pigments and a combination of matte and shimmer finishes. For those willing to splurge, high-end options like the luxurious Pat McGrath Labs Mothership Eyeshadow Palette offer extraordinary color payoff and exceptional textures to create high-intensity looks.
Variety of brands
Each brand has its own unique characteristics, and some are better suited for specific needs and preferences. For instance, Urban Decay is highly regarded for its high-quality, long-lasting formulas that offer intense pigmentation and a vast color range. Their Naked Heat Palette, with its warm tones and blendable shades, is a popular choice for creating sultry and versatile looks. On the other hand, Bobbi Brown is known for its more subdued and natural-looking palettes, like the Sparkle Eyeshadow Palette, which features a selection of shimmery shades perfect for adding a touch of glam to everyday makeup. Additionally, drugstore brands like Maybelline and L'Oréal offer affordable options that can deliver surprisingly good color payoff and blendability, such as the Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette. It's important to consider these various brands and their pros and cons to find the perfect eye shadow palette that suits your preferences and needs.