Best Eyeshadow Palettes for Stunning Eye Looks
To create captivating eye looks, you need one essential tool, a well-curated eyeshadow palette. Eyeshadow can transform your eyelids into mesmerizing canvases, enhancing your natural beauty and allowing your creativity to shine.
However, with countless options available, selecting the perfect eyeshadow palette can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of eyeshadow palettes, unveiling our carefully curated selection of the top seven contenders. Prepare to explore the crème de la crème of eye makeup products.
- Monograph Power Eyeshadow Quads Portfolio Kit – Best for Everyday Looks and Beginners
- Shannon De Lima 18 Count Palette – Best for Glamorous and Bold-Eye Looks
- Trio Density Eyeshadow – Best for Creating Natural Looks
- Charlotte Tilbury Palette – Best for a Timeless and Sophisticated Finish
- New Eye Formula Eyeshadow – Best for a Sun-Kissed Glow
- Deluvia Golden Glow Kit – Best for Effortless Day-To-Night Transitions
- Dominique The Essential Palette – Best for Experimenting With Vibrant Color Combinations
Top 7 Eyeshadow Palettes for Every Makeup Enthusiast
Monograph Power Eyeshadow Quads Portfolio Kit – Best for Everyday Looks and Beginners
The Monograph Power Eyeshadow Quads Portfolio Kit is the go-to choice for effortless everyday looks. This versatile palette brings out your natural beauty with easy-to-apply shades in various finishes. It includes natural, shimmery, and matte shades, with each quad featuring one lighter share, two medium shades, and one deeper shade.
The highly pigmented formula ensures vibrant colors and long-lasting wear. It contains skin-friendly ingredients that won’t harm the delicate eye area, and the colors are designed to blend effortlessly with various skin tones. Each kit is equipped with a blending brush and mirror for added convenience on the go.
Brand Reputation
Artis, the brand behind the Monograph Power Eyeshadow Quads Portfolio Kit, is a highly respected beauty company with a strong reputation. It has several endorsements from celebrities like Venessa Williams, Brooks Nader, and Katherine Schwarzenegger. The brand’s popularity extends globally, attracting makeup lovers who appreciate the appeal of simple yet elegant looks.
Eyeshadow Palette Features
Highly Pigmented Shades:
The Monograph Power Eyeshadow Quads Portfolio Kit features highly pigmented shades with an intense color payoff. These shades are carefully designed to appear vibrant yet natural on your skin tone, adding depth and contrast where desired.
Smooth and Blendable Formula:
With their smooth and blendable formula, these shadows ensure a seamless application. They have a silky texture that effortlessly glides onto your eyelids, whether you prefer using your fingertips or a brush. It also adheres well to your skin without any patchiness or unevenness.
Exceptional Staying Power:
One of the standout features of this eyeshadow is its exceptional staying power. The colors remain vibrant throughout the day, reducing the need for touch-ups. You can trust that your eye look will last without fading or creasing.
Color/Shade Range
The Monograph Power Eyeshadow Quads Portfolio Kit offers a versatile color range. With a combination of wearable tones, including neutral browns, pink shades, subtle mauves, and soft taupes, this palette is perfect for creating understated, soft glam, and natural eye looks.
While predominantly featuring neutral shades, the palette also includes a few pop colors to add versatility and excitement to your everyday eye makeup. The shades are suitable for a wide range of eye colors and skin tones.
Number of Shades
32 Shades
Finish
Shimmer, Matte, and Satin Finishes
Cruelty-Free
Yes
Price
$180
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Highly pigmented
- 32 color combinations
- Excellent packaging
Cons
- Expensive
>> Access Monograph Power Eyeshadow Quads Portfolio Kit’s Website <<
Shannon De Lima 18 Count Palette – Best for Glamorous and Bold-Eye Looks
The Shannon De Lima 18 Count Palette is a must-have for those who want glamorous and bold-eye looks. It includes 18 curated shades that provide endless possibilities for creating your eye statement. From sultry neutrals to vibrant, bold pigments, this eyeshadow palette caters to a diverse range of skin tones. The dark shades seamlessly layer and blend for standout eye looks. The palette also contains shimmery and matte shades, providing everything you need to achieve striking pops of color or a captivating smoky eye finish. Additionally, the luxurious packaging makes it an excellent gift for a friend or family member.
Brand Reputation
The brand has a positive reputation in the beauty industry. Many beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists have provided positive reviews demonstrating their trust in this brand. Through successful collaborations, it has delivered high-quality eyeshadow products that are must-haves in your makeup bag.
Eyeshadow Palette Features
Variety of Finishes:
The palette features a range of finishes, including buttery soft mattes, metallic shades, and shimmer shades. Plus, it is cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
Smooth and Seamless Application:
With its velvety texture, the shadow glides effortlessly onto your eyelids, and the color distributes evenly, providing a smooth and seamless application.
Long-Lasting Wear:
These eyeshadows adhere perfectly to your eyelids and stay in place throughout the day. It resists creasing, smudging, and fading, ensuring that your eye makeup remains intact for hours.
Color/Shade Range
The Shannon De Lima 18 Count Palette provides bold and vibrant shades, as well as neutral tones. It includes vibrant purples, electric blues, and fiery oranges, allowing you to experiment with eye-catching makeup looks. Or, you could opt for softer and more neutral tones for a daytime look.
Number of Shades
18
Finish
Matte, Shimmer, Metallic, and Satin Finishes
Cruelty-Free
Yes
Price
$24.99
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile color range
- Smooth application
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Limited availability
>> Access Shannon De Lima 18 Count Palette’s Website <<
Trio Density Eyeshadow – Best for Creating Natural Looks
The Trio Density Eyeshadow Palette is a great addition to any makeup collection. This typical everyday neutral palette keeps you looking beautiful and vibrant all day long. Infused with age-defying antioxidants and soothing botanicals like white tea, pomegranate, sea kelp, and red tea, these shadows leave your lids bright, healthy, and protected against radical damage. Plus, with its compact and travel-friendly packaging, it’s perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
The palette features a blend of neutral and bold hues, as well as matte and metallic shades. Whether you want vibrant, statement-making eyes or a softer look for everyday wear, it’s ideal for any occasion. Additionally, the shades are very pigmented and offer incredible staying power, so they won’t fade throughout your daily activities.
Brand Reputation
Trio Density is a well-known brand in the beauty industry. It is known to create cruelty-free and vegan eyeshadow palettes with age-defying components. It also boasts positive reviews from users around the world.
Eyeshadow Palette Features
Versatile Finishes:
The palette features a variety of finishes, including matte, shimmery, and metallic shades. This allows you to create different effects on your eyelids, whether you prefer a soft and subtle look or a dazzling show-stopper.
Smooth and Blendable Texture:
The eyeshadows have a smooth and blendable texture, making them easy to work with. They effortlessly glide onto your eyelids, blend nicely, and transition well between shades.
Travel-Friendly Packaging:
The palette comes in travel-friendly packaging. It is compact and easy to carry in your makeup bag, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups and creating stunning eye looks when traveling.
Color/Shade Range
The Trio Density Eyeshadow palette offers a well-curated color range with a combination of vibrant and neutral shades. It provides the perfect balance between making a bold statement and offering everyday wearable tones.
The palettes feature a mix of versatile hues like baked browns and taupes. You can also choose the more subtle, neutral, or even darker shades. This allows you to mix and match the colors to create unique combinations that seamlessly blend with your skin.
Number of Shades
3
Finish
Matte and Shimmer Finishes
Cruelty-Free
Yes
Price
$28.99
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Highly pigmented
- Smooth application
Cons
- Limited shade range
>> Access Trio Density Eyeshadow’s Website <<
Charlotte Tilbury Palette – Best for a Timeless and Sophisticated Finish
The highly coveted Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette is a top-choice choice among makeup artists and makeup lovers alike. Known for its luxurious formulations and carefully curated shade range, this pinkish nudes eyeshadow palette offers endless possibilities.
It features warm-toned shades, deep pinkish tones, and dazzling glitter shadows, making it the perfect soft glam eyeshadow palette. The shades effortlessly blend together and allow you to create stunning and unique eye makeup looks. With high pigmentation, easy application, and long-lasting wear, these eyeshadows from Charlotte Tilbury are a dream to work with.
Brand Reputation
The creator of this brand, Charlotte Tilbury, is an influential and highly respected figure in the beauty world. She’s renowned for creating iconic, red-carpet-worthy makeup looks. Numerous celebrities and leading makeup artists have further solidified the brand’s reputation as among the best in the market.
Eyeshadow Palette Features
Vibrant Pigmentation:
The shades in this eyeshadow palette are known for their vibrant and intense pigmentation. They deliver a rich color payoff and make your eyelids glow.
Smooth and Seamless Application:
The palette has a smooth and velvety texture that glides effortlessly onto your skin. Its buttery consistency makes it easy for both beginners and professional makeup artists to achieve a flawless look.
Long-Lasting and Smudge-Proof:
Designed to last all day, this Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow palette resists smudging, fading, and creasing. The colors stay vibrant and maintain their integrity for extended periods.
Color/Shade Range
The Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette has a wide color range that includes matte and shimmery shades. It is perfect for everyday use, as the neutral eyeshadow range offers a subtle yet elegant look. With a combination of shimmery metallics and matte finishes, the shadows effortlessly blend to create various makeup looks suitable for any occasion.
Number of Shades
4
Finish
Shimmer, Matte, and Sparkle Finishes
Cruelty-Free
Yes
Price
$55
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly rated
- Lasts all day long
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Higher price tag
>> Access Charlotte Tilbury Palettes Website <<
New Eye Formula Eyeshadow – Best for a Sun-Kissed Glow
The New Eye Formula Eyeshadow has taken the beauty world by storm. With four versatile shades carefully curated to complement all skin tones, there’s an option for everyone. Its highly pigmented, lightweight formula is designed to give you a sun-kissed glow and stunning color payoff with just one swipe.
The smooth, mouse-like texture of this shadow glides seamlessly onto your eyelids for an even application. It also has a radiant finish that keeps your lids moisturized without leaving a sticky or heavy residue on the lids. This ensures long-lasting wear throughout the day.
Brand Reputation
Dome Beauty has gained a stellar reputation among its users. Many praise the makeup brand for its extensive selection of makeup products that offer intense staying power and superior quality.
Eyeshadow Palette Features
Comfortable and Lightweight Formula:
This mousse-like eyeshadow is formulated with an airy, light texture that feels comfortable on your eyelids. It is not heavy or cakey. The creamy consistency moisturizes your eyelids while also ensuring a quick dry-down and a non-sticky finish.
Even Application:
With its smooth and creamy formula, this eyeshadow palette provides a flawless application. The color distribution is even, without any patchiness or unevenness.
Long-Lasting:
The New Eye Formula Eyeshadow offers long-lasting wear without fading, creasing, or smudging. Once applied, the colors stay intact throughout the day.
Color/Shade Range
New Eye Formula features a carefully curated selection of four shades suitable for all skin types. It includes a combination of everyday wearable neutral shades and bold hues. It also offers both shimmery and matte finishes, allowing you to create a variety of eye looks.
Number of Shades
4
Finish
Luminescent Finish
Cruelty-Free
Yes
Price
$25
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- Highly pigmented
- Travel-friendly
- Great price
Cons
- Limited color range
>> Access New Eye Formula Eyeshadow’s Website <<
Deluvia Golden Glow Kit – Best for Effortless Day-To-Night Transitions
The Deluvia Golden Glow Kit is the ultimate choice for effortless day-to-night makeup looks. With its wide range of intensely pigmented shades, this palette ensures seamless application and flawless blending. Each shade delivers a vibrant color payoff that lasts throughout the day without fading or creasing. Plus, a shadow brush is included with every palette, which makes application easy and smooth.
This luxury eyeshadow palette by Deluvia features four main shades: gold sparkle, naked glow, golden sand, and spring fever. The carefully curated selection of golden and warm shades adds depth and dimension to any eye look.
Brand Reputation
Deluvia is a well-established brand known for producing high-quality beauty products. Many of the products are made using natural ingredients that also provide skincare benefits.
Eyeshadow Palette Features
Vibrant Shades:
The colors are vibrant and pigmented, allowing you to create striking and eye-catching looks that make a statement.
Resistant to Creasing and Fading:
When it comes to longevity, the colors stay vibrant throughout the day without creasing or fading. Additionally, the eyeshadow resists smudging, ensuring that your eye look remains flawless and intact.
Blendable Application:
This eyeshadow has a soft velvety texture that blends effortlessly with other colors for a well-blended eye look.
Color/Shade Range
The Deluvia Golden Glow Kit offers a combination of four shades that are designed to create the perfect look for any occasion. The palette includes shades like gold sparkle, spring fever, naked glow, and golden sand, which complement a variety of skin tones and eye colors.
Number of Shades
4
Finish
Glitter, Shimmer, and Iridescent Finishes
Cruelty-Free
Yes
Price
$34
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Intensely pigmented
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Limited shades
>> Access Deluvia Golden Glow Kit’s Website <<
Dominique The Essential Palette – Best for Experimenting With Vibrant Color Combinations
The Dominique Essential Palette is a must-have for both makeup artists and enthusiasts who love vibrant color combinations. Featuring a perfectly balanced range of colors, this eyeshadow palette allows for experimentation and creativity. The rich pigmentation ensures an intense color payoff with just one swipe, while the smooth texture makes for effortless application on your eyelids.
The palette features ten beautiful shades that cater to all skin tones, including a few dark shades, sparkly options, and velvety matte shades. Not only does it have stunning colors, but it also provides long-lasting wear that won’t smudge or fade throughout the day. This palette keeps you looking fabulous from morning to evening—no touch-ups required.
Brand Reputation
Dominique Cosmetics has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality formulations. Due to its focus on creativity and innovation, it has gained trust and recognition in the beauty industry.
Eyeshadow Palette Features
Highly Pigmented:
This eyeshadow palette features highly pigmented shades that deliver an intense color payoff with just a single swipe.
Endless Transitions:
The combination of shades and finishes gives you the freedom to create everything from subtle and natural looks to bold and dramatic statements.
Velvety Texture:
The shades in this palette seamlessly blend together and have a smooth, velvety texture that’s comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.
Color/Shade Range
The Dominique Essential Palette features a diverse range of ten shades, offering a versatile selection of colors and finishes. From mauve shimmer and rose gold shimmer to iridescent shimmer, the palette provides stunning options for adding a touch of sparkle to your eye looks. Additionally, the matte shades, including mauve matte, light peach matte, deep peach matte, medium brown matte, and soft black matte, allow for creating elegant and subtle looks. The palette also includes red-brown satin and copper foil tones.
Number of Shades
10
Finish
Shimmer, Matte, and Satin Finishes
Cruelty-Free
Yes
Price
$49
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Subtle and versatile shades
- Long-lasting pigment
- Intense color payoff
Cons
- Higher price tag
>> Access Dominique The Essential Palette’s Website <<
Factors to Consider When Choosing Eyeshadow Palettes
Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing an eye shadow palette.
- Pigmentation
Highly pigmented eyeshadows are essential for achieving long-lasting and vibrant eye looks. They provide a true color payoff and an impactful, bold look. Always look for pigmented eye shadow palettes that offer intense staying power.
- Texture and Blendability
Smooth and blendable textures ensure effortless application and seamless transitions between shades. These formulas have a buttery, velvety consistency that makes them easier to work with.
- Color Selection
Having a diverse color selection in your eyeshadow palette is crucial for versatility in creating various eye makeup looks. Look for palettes that offer a range of natural, transition, and bold shades, providing you with options for both every day and more dramatic looks.
- Longevity and Wear
Longevity and wear are important factors to consider when choosing eyeshadows. Look for eyeshadows that stay intact and fresh throughout the day, eliminating the need for frequent touch-ups. Opt for formulas that are long-lasting and can withstand sweat, oiliness, and humidity.
- Packaging and Portability
Packaging and portability are key considerations when choosing an eyeshadow palette. Opt for palettes with sturdy packaging that protects the shades from breaking, especially during travel. Compact and travel-friendly palettes are very convenient to carry with you wherever you go.
How to Use Eyeshadow Palettes to Create Stunning Looks
Below are some tips and tricks to create a stunning eye makeup look.
Basic Eyeshadow Application Technique
Applying eyeshadow can be tricky, especially for beginners. The techniques outlined below will help achieve a perfect application and stunning look.
- Use an Eyeshadow Primer: This helps to create a smooth and even base before applying eyeshadow. It also helps to keep the eyeshadow in place for more extended periods. So, if you’re using a lot of eyeshadow, be generous with the primer.
- Apply Your Transition Shade: Apply a transition shade on the crease of your eyelid with a fluffy blending brush. Use back-and-forth motions to blend the color evenly.
- Add Depth: To add depth to your look, pick a slightly deeper shade to define the crease even further. Concentrate the shadow on the outer corner of the crease, then blend it inward using small circular motions. This helps to build the intensity and eliminate harsh lines.
- Apply Lid Shade: Choose a lid shade that complements the color of your eyes or desired final look. With a flat eyeshadow brush, apply the shade on your lid from the inner corner going outward.
- Highlight the Inner Corner: Use a shimmery or matte light shade to highlight the inner corner of your eyes. This adds dimension and brightness to the look.
- Blend and Refine: Softly blend all the shades using a clean brush for a seamless finish and smooth transition.
Blending Tips and Tricks
Follow these blending tips and tricks to get the perfect eye makeup look.
- Use small circular motions and feathery strokes for a well-blended and seamless look.
- Build color gradually by layering and blending each one in thin layers. This helps your shadow look even and allows you to control the process more easily.
- When blending harsh lines, use a clean blending brush to create a smooth transition between shades.
- If the shades blend too much and lose intensity, add additional color using a denser brush and redefine specific areas.
Eye Makeup Looks
Here is a guide for creating some popular eye makeup looks.
- Natural Everyday Look: For a natural look, first apply a neutral shade all over your eyelid. Define the crease with a slightly deeper shade for definition. Apply a touch of highlighter on the inner corner and the brow bone. You can finish with mascara for a polished, fresh everyday look.
- Halo Eye: Use a lighter shade on your eyelids’ outer and inner corners and leave the center empty. Apply a deeper shade on the crease directing it to the outer corner. To create the halo effect, apply a shimmering color at the center of the eyelid, then blend them for a smooth transition.
- Smokey Eye: For a smokey eye look, apply a medium-toned color in the crease and blend it outward. After that, use a darker shade on the outer corner and along the lash line. To add glamor, apply a shimmering shade on the lid, then blend them all together for a smoky effect.
FAQs About Eyeshadow Palettes
What Is the Shelf Life of Eyeshadow Palettes?
Generally, eyeshadow palettes have a shelf life of one to two years. This can vary based on how often you use it and where it’s stored.
How Should I Clean My Eyeshadow Palette?
To clean your eyeshadow palette, use a clean cloth or tissue to wipe away any excess powder on the surface. For a deeper cleaning, you can soak a cotton pad in makeup remover.
Can I Use Eyeshadow Palettes on Other Parts of My Face?
Yes, you can use eyeshadow palettes on other parts of your face. While eyeshadow is primarily designed for the eyelids, some shades can be used as a highlighter or blush.
Are There Eyeshadow Palettes Suitable for Sensitive Eyes?
Yes, there are eyeshadow palettes formulated for people with sensitive eyes. Check for palettes that are hypoallergenic and use clean ingredients.
How Can I Make My Eyeshadow Colors Pop?
To make your eyeshadow colors pop, use a primer or a white base before applying the shade. This intensifies pigmentation, making the colors look brighter and more vibrant.
The Bottom Line
Whether you prefer a subtle, natural look or a bold, dramatic statement, the right eyeshadow can make all the difference. Choose an eyeshadow palette that aligns with your desired look, has long-lasting staying power, provides excellent pigmentation, and offers a smooth and blendable texture.
To help you get started, here’s a quick recap of some top-rated eyeshadow palettes on the market:
- Monograph Power Eyeshadow Quads Portfolio Kit – Best for Everyday Looks and Beginners
- Shannon De Lima 18 Count Palette – Best for Glamorous and Bold-Eye Looks
- Trio Density Eyeshadow – Best for Creating Natural Looks
- Charlotte Tilbury Palette – Best for a Timeless and Sophisticated Finish
- New Eye Formula Eyeshadow – Best for a Sun-Kissed Glow
- Deluvia Golden Glow Kit – Best for Effortless Day-To-Night Transitions
- Dominique The Essential Palette – Best for Experimenting With Vibrant Color Combinations
Share your experiences and recommendations with these palettes in the comments section below.