The Best Eyeshadow Palettes
It's said that the eyes are the window to the soul, and every window of course needs some decor. It can be daunting to figure out what look suits you best, though, which is why comprehensive palettes of eyeshadow are so popular. We've chosen a few that we think will work for any budget, occasion, or texture need, so read on to discover our favorites.
L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Nudes
A Birthday Suit For Your Eyes
Nude eyeshadow sets are to makeup collections what the little black dress is to a wardrobe: an absolute must-have. This versatile staple can be worn for a clean and simple look in a professional setting like an office, but the options don’t stop there. Just because these hues are neutral doesn’t mean they have to be boring — they can also double as a mere starter, or be embellished upon for a night out. You can easily layer other tones and finishes to bring some extra flair to really complete your look.
Pros:
- Quality and color are comparable to other pricier options
- Small and easy to bring on the go
Cons:
- Those with darker skin may need to apply more than one layer to get their desired color result
Lamora Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette
Adding some shimmer to your eyelids can look great in literally any situation. It can create a lovely sun-kissed glow aesthetic, add some glamour for a night out, and also help with contouring. Though it may seem difficult to know how to apply it properly, this palette is actually extremely easy to use, as none of the colors themselves are too out-there. Each shade is also super pigmented, which ensures you’ll have a bold and long-lasting look that won’t fade throughout the day.
Pros:
- Can be worn both as both a subtle highlight as well as in a more showy manner
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Will not cake into creases in eyelids
Cons:
- Some may experience “fallout,” which is when too much excess powder transfers to the makeup brush
NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette – Brights
Confession: We absolutely love everything about NYX, as the company continuously puts out insanely high-quality products at just a fraction of the cost of the fancy designer brands. And this palette is no exception. This sixteen-color set creates some truly eye-popping looks and lasts for hours on end without fading or becoming cakey. We also love that the vibrancy works with all skin tones — it will look equally as bold on those with darker skin as on those who are on the paler side.
Pros:
- Easily blendable with a silky finish
- Since so little is needed at a time, this palette is super long-lasting
Cons:
- Some of the shades are sparkly, which may not be what everyone is looking for
QiBest Eyeshadow Palette with Makeup Brushes
Brush Up On Your Skills
There are so many things that we like about this palette. It comes in a whopping 63-colors across the spectrum from nudes to mattes to shimmer. Every hue is waterproof. It won’t cause an allergic reaction to sensitive skin. But the best thing is that it comes equipped with five brushes, each with its own specific use. In addition to the contour brush, you also get one for small details, two for more overall applications, and one for your brows. And when you’re done, this entire set folds up nicely into a lovely sparkly case.
Pros:
- Incredible value
- Can be applied either wet or dry
Cons:
- If you’re looking for a super bright result, some shades may require a primer to make the color pop
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Eyeshadow Palette
Creme De La Creme
If you’re someone who isn’t into spending hours doing makeup, cream eyeshadow is going to be your new best friend. No brushes are necessary — simply dab some of your preferred shade on your finger, apply it to your eyelid, and you’re good to go. Due to their thicker consistency, cream eyeshadows also have incredible staying power and are amazingly smooth and soft. This 12-color set has wonderful options for both day and nightwear, and all of Physicians Formula’s products are free from 150 chemicals and harsh ingredients most commonly added to beauty products. Your face will thank you for this one — we promise.
Pros:
- Works great on aging skin, as the cream is less likely to become sticky in fine lines and creases
- Extremely easy to blend
Cons:
- Has a light coconut scent that may bother some people
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of my shadows are cracking. Do I have to throw them away?
Definitely not — there’s a super simple fix for this one. All you have to do is finish the job — i.e., crush up the entire pot of shadow — and add a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol to the holder and mix. Once the powder becomes pasty in texture, smooth it over with something blunt like a butter knife, and by the morning, it will have dried back into a usable product.
Do I have to clean my brushes even if I’m the only one using them?
Yes, and this should be done quite often actually — once a week or so. Even though your face may be clean when you use your brushes, bacteria, oil, and other yucky things can all build up in the bristles over time, and you’ll ultimately end up transferring those unwanted elements back onto your skin. And washing your brushes is easy, too: just dip them in warm water with anti-bacterial soap, rinse them until the water runs clear, and lay them flat on a towel to dry.
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.