There's something so enticing about an eyeshadow palette. Having a variety of colors and textures never fails to spark my makeup creativity. That being said, it's important to know how to select the right one to avoid patchy, unpigmented shades that don’t complement your skin tone.
If you're searching for a new palette to expand the types of looks you can create, our reviews of the best eyeshadow palettes of 2024 can help. From neutral bronze options, like our top pick by Chella, to bright, bold, and glittery shades, these eyeshadows can take your makeup to the next level.
With the Chella Manifest bronze eyeshadow palette in hand, get ready for the prettiest, yet easiest eye look you’ve ever done. This full-sized palette is a convenient go-to for creating mesmerizing looks with its mix of three captivating pearls and one velvety matte shade.
The beauty of this palette lies not just in the shades but also in its buildable and blendable nature. Whether you’re going for a subtle everyday look or smoking it out for a night on the town, this palette has your back. The neutral tones make it versatile and suitable for all skin tones.
What’s even more impressive is Chella’s commitment to your well-being and the environment. Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and recyclable—this brand doesn’t mess around. It’s makeup you can feel good about. Due to its versatility, blending capabilities, and safe ingredients, this palette has earned its spot on our list.
It might sound superficial, but I believe the best makeup is not only functional but also gorgeous to look at. That’s why I love Catkin’s Bronze Neutral eyeshadow palette. The beautiful Chinese-inspired koi fish art on the front makes this palette stand out from the rest, and the full-sized mirror on the inside is an added bonus.
Not only is this palette pretty, but it’s also practical with nine gorgeous gold, orange, and red shades that come in a mix of glitters and mattes. The color selection on this palette is perfect for creating a warm, bronzy look that’s perfect for any season.
I appreciate that they focus on making their makeup skin-friendly and that their mission is to help users enhance their natural beauty. It’s refreshing to see a beauty brand comment on that particular beauty discourse. This palette does a really good job of putting out a neutral bronze palette without it looking like all the other bronze palettes. The little touches of red and mauve will give a much more sun-kissed, natural type of look.
With 16 pressed pigment shadows in a wide range of wearable warm neutrals, NYX’s Ultimate eyeshadow palette is a go-to in any collection. Whether this is the first palette you’re buying or you’ve tried nearly every eyeshadow under the sun, this is definitely one you’ll want in your makeup bag.
The consistency is a mix between powdery and creamy so it’s super easy to blend and build to get the exact color payoff you’re envisioning. I think this makes it great for beginners. There’s also a good mix of mattes and shimmers so you can use one palette for multiple different looks.
If warm bronzy browns, peaches, and golds don’t suit your skin tone, there are also 10 other versions of this palette that have cooler tones as well as super bright rainbow options. It’s also extremely affordable, so if two different versions catch your eye, you could pick up them both for the same price as some of the more expensive options on the list.
If you’ve kept up with the beauty community over the past decade, you’ve definitely heard of the Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow palette. This cult-classic beauty essential offers 12 versatile nude shades of richly pigmented mattes and high-shine shimmers.
Perfect for any occasion, these blendable shadows can effortlessly take you from a subtle day look to a sultry evening ensemble. No need to worry about touch-ups either, as this palette promises up to 12 hours of wear.
I like this palette best for doing smokey eyes on pretty much any skin tone. Simply start with a light color all over the lid and then follow up with progressively darker colors near the lash line. Because there’s such a wide range of neutrals, you can find the perfect combos for your desired smokey look.
Juvia’s Place is well-known for creating inclusive products that are uniquely tailored to darker skin tones, and this palette is no different. This impressive collection of 16 unique shades will give your eyes a mesmerizing pop of color and shine.
I especially like the Bright and Bold palette because it has the best of both worlds when it comes to color range. Half of the palette features warm-toned reds, oranges, and golds, while the other half has cool jewel tones like purple, blue, silver, and green.
The pans are also much larger than other palettes, so this will last a long time. Plus, it’s super affordable so you’re really getting a lot of bang for your buck.
For those who love a glittery eyeshadow look, the Rom&nd Better Than eyeshadow palette is a must-have addition to your makeup collection. With 10 dazzling shadows in shades of pink, orange, purple, and gold, this palette has everything you need to create super delicate and glittery eye looks.
What sets this palette apart from others is the intensity of the glitter. It catches the light in ways that other shadows just don’t. You can use these glitters on their own for an ethereal look or use them as a final step on top of your darker, more dramatic looks.
This South Korean brand is no stranger to the makeup world, and no stranger to viral social media makeup looks like “soft girl” or even “clean girl” aesthetics. The great thing about this palette is that it can be as pigmented and glittery or as natural and neutral as you want it to be.
Looking for a mini palette that you can easily take with you on the go? The e.l.f Bite-Sized eyeshadow palette is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a compact option that delivers big results. With four shades (two matte and two shimmers) that are easy to blend and super long-lasting, this palette has already earned over 10,000 5-star reviews on Amazon.
Whether you’re going on vacation or just need something to stash in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day, this mini palette is the perfect choice for anyone who wants top-quality eyeshadow that’s both portable and affordable.
I will always speak up about e.l.f. products because this is one of my favorite cosmetics brands of all time. I appreciate that, along with being affordable and good quality, e.l.f. products are also always vegan, cruelty-free, and never irritate my skin.
If you’re looking for an eyeshadow palette that really packs a punch on a budget, look no further than the Fade into Hue eyeshadow palette by Colourpop. With 30 different shades that span the entire rainbow, you’ll have endless options to create eye-catching looks. The mix of mattes, shimmers, and glitters provides plenty of texture and depth.
But the real star of the show is the pigmentation—these colors are bold, bright, and make a statement without having to layer on multiple times. Whether you’re experimenting with bold makeup looks or just want to add some pops of color to your everyday routine, try adding this palette to your makeup bag.
Colourpop gained popularity through social media, and its hype has simply never slowed. They’ve won several makeup beauty awards since launching and are extremely well-known in the industry.
In the makeup world, the best eyeshadow palettes are more than just a collection of colors—they’re an artistic tool that reflects your style and enhances your beauty. In this guide, we’ll delve into crucial factors to consider when selecting your ideal palette, including understanding your skin undertones, defining your makeup goals, exploring texture and finish options, evaluating pigmentation, and the battle against fallout. So, whether you’re a makeup beginner or an experienced artist, get ready to discover the key elements that will guide you to the eyeshadow palette that’s as unique as you are.
Begin by identifying your skin’s undertone—it can be warm, cool, or neutral. Choosing eyeshadow shades that complement your undertone will make your eye makeup pop and enhance your natural beauty.
Not sure what your skin’s undertone is? You can find it by looking at the veins on your wrist. If your veins look greenish, you have warm undertones. If they look blue or purple, you have cool undertones. If you can’t tell what color your veins are, you probably have a neutral undertone.
Whether you’re aiming for an everyday natural look, sultry smoky eyes, or vibrant artistic creations, your goals will guide your palette selection. If you prefer versatility and want an eyeshadow palette that can easily transition from day to night, opt for one with a mix of neutrals and statement shades.
On the other hand, if you have specific looks in mind, like bold and colorful designs or romantic soft hues, choose a palette tailored to those goals. Ultimately, understanding your eyeshadow aspirations ensures that the palette you choose aligns perfectly with your creative vision.
Eyeshadow palettes come in various textures—matte, shimmer, metallic, satin, and glitter.
The palette you buy should align with your preferred finishes, so you can effortlessly achieve the eye looks that suit your style and mood. Decide which textures align with your style and goals. If you’re not sure what you want, look for a versatile palette with a mix of textures.
Eyeshadow pigmentation is a make-or-break factor in palette selection. Highly pigmented eyeshadows provide vibrant, true-to-color results, making your eye makeup stand out—they also make application way easier for beginners. To gauge pigmentation, simply swatch the shades on your skin or look for user review swatches if you’re shopping online.
If you desire bold and striking eye looks, prioritize a palette with high pigmentation. On the other hand, if you prefer subtler, buildable colors for a more understated style, you can opt for palettes with a mix of highly pigmented and less intense shades, giving you flexibility in achieving a variety of looks. Your palette choice should align with your pigmentation preferences to ensure your eye makeup always pops.
Blendability is crucial for seamless eye looks. When eyeshadows blend seamlessly, they allow you to create smooth transitions between colors and achieve a professional finish. A palette with excellent blendability ensures that even if you’re a beginner, you can effortlessly blend your eyeshadows without leaving harsh lines or patchy areas.
It grants you the creative freedom to experiment with different looks and achieve that flawless, airbrushed effect. When selecting a palette, consider the blendability of the eyeshadows to ensure your makeup application is a breeze and your eye looks are cohesive.
No one wants their carefully crafted eye look to fade or crease before lunchtime. A palette with long-lasting eyeshadows ensures that your hard work pays off, and your eye makeup stays put from morning until evening. When choosing a palette, prioritize those with formulas designed for extended wear.
This way, you can confidently rock your eyeshadow all day or dance the night away without worrying about touch-ups. A palette with excellent longevity is the key to maintaining your eye-catching look for as long as you desire.
Fallout occurs when excess eyeshadow particles drop onto your cheeks, often smudging your foundation and concealer. A palette with minimal fallout not only saves you time on cleanup but also ensures that you use every bit of the product efficiently.
Look for palettes known for their low fallout, as they’ll keep your under-eye area looking flawless and your eyeshadow precisely where you intended it to be. I would pay specific attention when considering glitter eyeshadows, as they tend to have the most fallout.
The size of an eyeshadow palette can have a significant impact on your makeup routine. It’s all about finding the right balance between having enough variety and not feeling overwhelmed. If you’re new to eyeshadow or prefer a more minimalistic approach, a smaller palette with a curated selection of shades might be the ideal choice.
On the other hand, if you love experimenting with different looks and color combinations, a larger palette with a wide range of shades can offer more versatility. Your palette’s size should align with your makeup style and how adventurous you want to get with your eye looks, ensuring that you pick the best eyeshadow palette for your specific needs.
The right combination and variety of colors and textures allow you to unleash your creativity and create diverse looks for different occasions. Look for palettes that strike a balance between essential neutral shades and eye-catching colors that align with your style and preferences.
The palette you choose should cater to your unique tastes and provide a spectrum of shades to match your mood and outfits, making it a pivotal factor in your palette selection process. While it’s tempting to gravitate towards palettes with striking colors, make sure they also offer essential neutral shades. This way, you can create a complete eye look without needing multiple palettes.
You’re now armed with the knowledge to choose your ideal eyeshadow palette. Remember, it’s all about understanding your style, prioritizing quality, and considering your budget. Whether you’re aiming for subtle sophistication or bold and vibrant looks, there’s a palette out there with your name on it.
So go ahead and choose the eyeshadow palette that will elevate your eye game. Your perfect palette is waiting to unleash your inner artist, and with this guide, you’re well on your way to becoming an eyeshadow connoisseur.
A: Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth base. Then, using an eyeshadow brush, apply your desired shades to your eyelids. Blend the colors together for a seamless look.
A: Fallout refers to the excess eyeshadow that falls onto your under-eye area or cheeks during application. To minimize fallout, tap off excess product from the brush before applying and consider doing your eye makeup before your foundation.
A: The lifespan of an eyeshadow palette depends on factors like usage and storage. Generally, eyeshadows have a shelf life of 1-2 years. However, if you notice changes in texture, smell, or color, it's best to replace the palette.
A: To make your eyeshadow last longer, start by applying an eyeshadow primer. Additionally, set your eyeshadow with a translucent powder to prevent creasing. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes throughout the day.
A: To prevent eyeshadow from creasing, make sure to apply an eyeshadow primer before applying your eyeshadows. Additionally, avoid applying too much product and set the eyeshadow with a translucent powder to lock it in place.
A: Yes, you can use eyeshadow palettes for other makeup applications such as contouring, highlighting, and filling in eyebrows. The versatility of eyeshadow palettes allows for creativity in your makeup routine.