15 Best Eyeshadow Palettes Of All Time, Approved By A Makeup Expert – 2024
Legend has it that you will find these amazing palettes in every makeup artist's kit!
Savanah Norman is a full time professional makeup artist with six years of experience in the field. She originally started college studying fashion design but took a leap of faith to start accepting clients when she knew makeup was her passion. Since 2017, she has put her whole heart into becoming a better artist and business owner.
Read full bio of Savanah Norman
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
Read full bio of Rajeshwari Das
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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Eyeshadow palettes are a staple in your makeup cabinet. They make your eyes look elegant that radiate to your personality as well. The best eyeshadow palettes offer you a bright look and make your eyes look vibrant. They are available in many combinations. You can choose from a cool-toned palette or a colorful palette. These eyeshadows compliment your outfit and intensify your eyes. Makeup artists believe that a good eyeshadow palette enhances your entire energy level and the rich colors lift your spirits.
The gorgeous neutral tones are ideal for sparkling night-outs. Bold colors raise your confidence and change your mood and energy. You can now alleviate your looks at your home with the ideal eyeshadow palettes. However, choosing the right makeup eyeshadow palette brands that match your mood and weather can be a bit tricky. So, in this article, we have put together a list of the 15 best eyeshadow palettes recommended by makeup experts to enhance your appearance. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
15 Best Eyeshadow Palettes To Make Your Eyes Pop
1. Best For Daily Wear:Lamora Au Natural Nudes
This neutral palette is catered to women who have a feminine and gentle approach to their makeup. It provides a wonderful shimmering finish and has 16 gorgeous neutral tones to choose from. The crease-proof formula is highly pigmented and glides on like a dream. The eyeshadow palette is easy to blend, so you can create the perfect eye makeup look without worrying about any patchy colors. Since this palette has a neutral range of colors like chocolate brown and soft beige, it can be used for everyday looks and special occasions.
Pros
- Blendable
- Shimmery finish
- Perfect for daily wear
- Travel-friendly
- Can be used wet or dry
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 26,574 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
2. Best Drugstore:NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette
When they say “go bold or go home” with your eye makeup, they are talking about colorful eyeshadow palettes like these! NYX happens to be a cult favorite drugstore brand, and it also happens to have one of the iconic eyeshadow palettes in the market. Each color is of high quality and the finish ranges from matte to shiny to satin. They are perfect for the Indian skin tone, especially if you are looking to experiment with some quirky eye makeup looks. You can purchase this palette without any guilt because it is cruelty-free. This video will give you a better insight into the product and its features from the tester’s experience.
Pros
- Different types of finishes in one palette
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
- Highly pigmented
Cons
- May crease on the eyelid if the primer is not applied
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 28,779 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
3. Best Glittery Finish:The Blushed Nudes From Maybelline New York
This expertly crafted12-shade nude neutral palette includes dazzling colors like rose gold, soft beige, and bronzes, along with taupes that will make your eyes look angelic. You can create subtle lines, classic tones, and blended blushed looks with this gorgeous palette and its pigmented formulas. The matte and metallic finishes suit all complexions and you can create versatile looks that are great for every occasion.
Pros
- Glittery finish
- Create custom looks from 12 shades
- Travel-friendly
- Suitable for daily wear
Cons
- Not suitable for oily lids
Pro Tip Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 25,005 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
| Lamora Au Natural Nudes Best For Daily Wear | NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette Best Drugstore | The Blushed Nudes From Maybelline New York Best Glittery Finish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | AU Naturel | Brights | Eye Shadow Palette |
| Dimensions | - | 0.71 x 3.9 x 3.78 inches | 2.93 x 4.95 x 0.44 inches |
| Weight | - | 0.46 Ounces | 3 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 26,574 | 28,779 | 25,005 |
| Price | $12.95 | $12.0 | $9.3 |
4. Best Cruelty-Free:L.A Girl Nudes Eyeshadow Collection
If you are looking for an eyeshadow palette for brown eyes that provides a soft matte and glossy finish, then the L. A Girl palette is perfect for you. This cruelty-free product is perfect for daily wear and special occasions. You can use subtle colors like beige and rose for work, and bold colors like chocolate brown and taupe for a Friday night out. The palette also comes with a mirror and double-sided eyeshadow applicator that makes the application super easy. Watch this video for a thorough understanding of the product with detailed insights from the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Shimmer and matte finish
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for Indian complexions
- Includes mirror and double-sided applicator
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 22,339 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
5. Best Waterproof:BestLand 60 Colors Eyeshadow Palette
This colorful eyeshadow palette has a unique feature— the rotary type design allows the palette to be stacked into four layers. Not only is it incredibly convenient to carry, but it also has sixty shades that have various finishes from metallic to matte. So, you can create the best look with tons of options. The summer eyeshadow palette will last you the whole day and it is waterproof. The pigmentation is fantastic, whether it is applied wet or dry, you have assured a makeup look that looks vibrant and colorful.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Long-lasting
- 60 shades
- Rich pigmentation
- Matte and shimmery finish
- Waterproof
Cons
- May not suit dry skin types
6. Best Highly Pigmented:Charmcode UCANBE Twilight Dust Eyeshadow Palette
The twilight dust beautiful eyeshadow palette has 18 shades, which include 10 smooth mattes, shades that are highly pigmented, vibrant mauve tones, and soft nudes. It also has shimmer shades that can be layered over the shades to create a flawless and bold makeup look. The palette is cruelty-free and has a lightweight formula. Its buttery formulation and blendable shades make the application super smooth, suitable for any occasion. You can use this eyeshadow for everyday makeup because it is long-lasting and waterproof.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Highly pigmented
- Perfect for daily use
Cons
- May not suit dry skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 952 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
7. Best For A Soft And Sultry Makeup:Milani Soft & Sultry Eyeshadow Palette
This is one of the most famous eyeshadow palettes, especially if you are looking for a soft and sultry makeup look. The everyday palette is a mix of cool iridescent neutral shades and bold metallic shades, which can be layered flawlessly and customized according to any occasion. It blends easily to create a stunning smoky eye look. The eyeshadow palette is vegan and cruelty-free and is suitable for all skin tones. Whether you want a soft nude look or a sultry smokey eye, this palette has got you covered. According to online reviews, the product is appreciated for its smooth and finely milled texture and blendability.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Matte and metallic shades
- Perfect for day and night makeup looks
Cons
- Might smudge
8. Best For Party Makeup:Afflano Blue Eyeshadow Palette
This is one of the best eyeshadow palettes if you are looking for an all-blue palette. This cool-toned eyeshadow palette includes brown and blue matte shades and silver and gray shimmers that are perfect for party makeup. The colors are highly pigmented and provide a smooth application to create statement-making looks. The powder formulation can be easily layered and blended, won’t irritate your eyes, and suits all skin tones.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Suitable as party makeup
- Highly pigmented
- Travel-friendly
- Matte and shimmery finish
Cons
- Not suitable for daily wear
9. Best Long-Lasting:Revlon ColorStay Original Palette
The Revlon brand includes one of the top-rated eyeshadow palettes in the market. This is because they provide highly pigmented eyeshadows that have a variety of finishes like matte, shimmery, satin, and metallic, and you can mix and match any shade based on your mood. The smooth texture makes blending and layering effortless, and the pigments will stay vibrant for up to 24 hours. You can create any look with this palette, from day to night, each shadow is easily customizable for any occasion.
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Silky texture
- Easily blendable
- Suitable for daily wear
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
10. Best Hassle-Free Blending:Jacob & Eli Eyeshadow Palette
When looking for the most famous eyeshadow palettes, one usually gravitates towards a variety of finishes and pop of colors in one stack. The Jacob & Eli Candy Peaches Palette is perfect for daily wear and a sparkling night out. You don’t have to worry about patchy pigments and powdery texture with this palette. Reviewers claim the colors to be super pigmented and they will last you a long time as well, making it a favorite palette of many. Each shadow can be layered and blended easily, and you can create customized looks that will make your eyes pop for any occasion.
Pros
- Hassle-free blending
- Super pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Great for beginners
- Suitable for daily wear
Cons
- May crease or fallout
11. Best For Any Occasion:Changeable Fantasy Eyeshadow Palette
This is one of the best-rated makeup artistry eyeshadow palettes because it includes iridescent eyeshadow colors that have warm and cool tones. So, you can play around and customize a look for any occasion, day or night. The palette has rich tones that allow versatility and an easy blending experience for exceptional results. Also, you can have fun with the rich pigments and create a unique look for a striking impact.
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- Variety of colors and finishes
- Suitable for beginners and makeup artists
- Easy blending and versatile colors
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 15,427 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
12. Best Shimmer Matte Finish:Docolor Tropical Eyeshadow Palette
If you want to have a colorful look, inspired by tropical vibes, then this palette is perfect and quite fun to play around with. It includes 18 quirky and bold shades that complement each other, along with a bronzer, blush, and highlighter palette. So, you can get the perfect makeup look, every time. The formula is highly pigmented and provides a smooth application, so you don’t have to worry about a patchy finish or harsh lines when you layer the eyeshadows.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Great for oily, dry, and combination skin
- Shimmer matte finish
- Highly pigmented
- Waterproof
Cons
- It may not be suitable for daily wear.
13. Best For Sensitive Skin:Physician’s Formula Rose All Play Eyeshadow Bouquet
This is one of the prettiest eyeshadow palettes in the market, and it is specially formulated for sensitive skin types. This versatile palette can be used for your lips and cheeks, along with your eyes. It’s a great product if you want to add a touch of sheer finish and gorgeous color to your face. The formula has rose extract and SPF, which protects, blurs, and fights early signs of aging, pollution, along with harmful sun rays.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Highly versatile
- SPF protection
- Ultra blendable
Cons
- Subtle pigmentation, may not be suitable for dramatic looks
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 4,886 rave reviews on Amazon.
14. Best Vegan:Catkin Eyeshadow Palette
This is one of the best eyeshadow palettes for beginners because it is safe, has no added essence, is cruelty-free, and vegan. The palette includes highly pigmented eyeshadows that are bright and will stay on the whole day offering enhanced beauty. The application is quite smooth and you can layer on various colors while blending it all without worrying about patchiness and fallout. You don’t have to worry about smudging and fading with this eyeshadow because it is waterproof and will hold its own, through the day.
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for casual and dramatic makeup
- Buttery application
- Travel friendly
Cons
- It May not be beginner-friendly
15. Best Travel-Friendly:Morphe X James Charles Mini Palette
This is one of the cutest eyeshadow palettes and it is a mini version of the OG Morphe X James Charles Palette. It’s a super travel-friendly makeup artistry kit, so you can now create your iconic makeup looks anywhere. The palette contains brushes, eyeshadows, foundation, concealers, lipsticks, and highlighters, and so on. Create a gorgeous full-face look with this luxury eyeshadow palette for an exciting night out.
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Highly pigmented
- Has a variety of products in one palette
- Easy blending and layering
Cons
- Not meant for daily wear
Now that you know about the 15 best eyeshadow palettes available in the market, you must also be aware of what to look for when choosing the perfect eyeshadow palette for you. Don’t forget to go through our buying guide before completing your purchase.
Buying Guide
How To Choose The Best Eyeshadow Palettes For You?
Quality:
When shopping for an eyeshadow palette, look for a high-quality finish that will suit your skin. This means you have to look for powder shadows that will last the whole day, especially if you are looking for eyeshadows to wear daily. Look for quality products that are easy-to-blend and highly pigmented for the best result.
Colors:
Look for a color palette that you will wear. This may sound easy, but it can be overwhelming when you start shopping for eyeshadows. Look for palettes that you see yourself wearing more than once, and where you will use the majority of the hues as well.
Range of tones:
The next factor to look for in a range of tones, you need to ensure that the palette swatch has a mix of light, dark, and medium tones. This is important if you want to use and make the most of your palette. Look for tones where you can use one shade for more than just eyeshadow. For instance, a light shimmery shade can be used as a highlighter and deeper tones can be used as a liner as well. Savanah Norman, a professional makeup artist, says, “Start by pressing the eyeshadow on with a brush then blending it out so you get more color pay off.”
Infographic: 6 Easy Eyeshadow Hacks Everyone Should Know
Mastering versatile eyeshadow looks may seem like a whole task, especially if you find yourself to be a makeup newbie instead of a beauty fanatic. So, do not worry, as we are here to help you with some simple tips that are guaranteed to upscale your skills by a notch. Check out the infographic below for some easy eyeshadow hacks and get ready to bedazzle everyone with your alluring looks!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Whether you want a clean, bold, simple, or dramatic look, having a good eyeshadow palette will take you a long way on that road. It is a staple in your makeup cabinet. You can create various looks, from natural to smoky, with the Lamora Au Natural Nudes. For those wanting both neutral and bold colors, try the NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette. The Blushed Nudes From Maybelline New York contains an amazing collection of soft and muted shades that blend beautifully. These eye palettes will allow you to create vibrant and subtle eye looks. The reviewed options in the curated list have rich and pigmented colors perfect for daily wear and occasional use. There are plenty of options, from shimmers and glitter eyeshadows to a mix of matte and metallic ones. With these versatile makeup palettes, you can create endless unique eye looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an eyeshadow palette last?
An eyeshadow palette has a shelf life of two years, but it’s suggested that you replace it after one year; for hygienic reasons.
How to clean an eyeshadow palette?
Even the best quality eyeshadow palettes need to be cleaned. This is because there will be residue around the borders after every use. So, it is advised that you clean the residue off with a makeup wipe and use little alcohol on the eyeshadow brushes to clean them.
How to fix a broken palette?
You don’t have to panic about your broken eyeshadow palette. If some pieces have cracked or are broken, you will have to crush the entire shadow until it is a loose powder. Then you have to add some alcohol to create a paste and use a flat butter knife to pat it in place. Let the paste dry overnight. If you have sensitive eyes, skip the alcohol and replace it entirely.
Are too-faced eyeshadow palettes good?
Yes, they are quite good. The shadows are of good quality and highly pigmented. The palette is quite versatile and can last the whole day as well.
What is the best eyeshadow palette for beginners?
Nude shades in a matte formula are always a safe option if you are a beginner. The Blushed Nudes From Maybelline New York will be a great palette to start with if you are new to makeup.
How do you know if an eyeshadow is of good quality?
A good-quality eyeshadow will be highly pigmented and will be easy to apply evenly and consistently. The color should be easily buildable.
How many eyeshadow colors do you need?
You will need at least three shades to create an eye makeup look. However, you can always incorporate more shades if you are experienced with eye makeup and know how to create eye looks with multiple colors.
Should you apply eyeshadow before the foundation?
According to makeup artists and experts, it is more convenient to apply eyeshadow first and then move to the foundation in order to prevent any eyeshadow fallout from ruining your base makeup. However, many others prefer to start with the base and gradually move on to the eyes. Do what you find convenient.
Can I use expired eyeshadow?
No, do not use eyeshadow or any other makeup after its expiration date; otherwise, it can lead to side effects such as irritation and redness, and more.
Do you put eyeshadow on before eyeliner?
Yes, apply eyeshadow before eyeliner. This will prevent the liner from smudging and make the line sharp and visible.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Srijita De, is a makeup enthusiast and loves trying on various makeup products. She curated this list of the best eyeshadow palettes after browsing various online forums to check user feedback and thoroughly research the products. The palettes listed in the article come in matte and shimmery effects and are easily blendable, making you gorgeous with every stroke of the brush.
Best Eyeshadow Palettes For BeginnersBest Warm Eyeshadow Palettes That Are Worth BuyingBest Matte Eyeshadow Palettes You Will Need In Your Makeup BagBest Neutral Eyeshadow Palettes You Can Use All Year RoundBest Cool-toned Eyeshadow Palettes
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