As anyone who's lived at least a couple of decades can tell you, makeup trends come and go. The ‘80s were all about neon eyeshadow, the ‘90s saw ultra-thin brows, and we're still trying to forget the fake tan craze that plagued the early aughts (today's best self tanners are a lot less...orange). Still, there's one makeup look that’s been a staple through the decades: nude eyeshadow. Neutral shades, taupes, browns, and blacks complement every skin tone and eye color. Think of the best nude eyeshadow palettes as the makeup equivalent of a white button-down shirt—they're timeless classics.
Given a nude shadow palette's versatility, it should come as no surprise that makeup artists reach for these palettes time and time again. “In my personal experience with neutral eyeshadow palettes, they are remarkably versatile, and I have a habit of blending and utilizing all the shades,” says celebrity makeup artist Dominique Lerma. The best palettes can create anything from a glamorous glittery eyeshadow look with dramatic definition to the more subtly contoured makeup styles that are great for daytime wear.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your nude eyeshadow palette collection or start it, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve consulted the experts on how to weed out the best palette for you. From Charlotte Tilbury to the cult-favorite Urban Decay Naked3, these are the best nude eyeshadow palettes of all time.
The Best Nude Eyeshadow Palettes
- The Best Nude Eyeshadow Palette Overall: Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette
- The Best Budget Nude Eyeshadow Palette: Morphe 35U Gilded Desert Artistry Palette
- The Best Cult-Favorite Nude Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette
- The Best Matte Nude Eyeshadow Palette: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: the Neutrals
- The Best Shimmer Nude Eyeshadow Palette: Lisa Eldridge Muse Eyeshadow Palette
Marie Claire's Beauty Editor Samantha Holender swears that this palette is worth the investment, saying she's "hit pan on each and every square." Freelance beauty writer Sophia Vilensky and her little sister, who fight over this silky feeling palette on the daily (who will get the last of the perfect peachy brown shade?!) can concur. Because of its incredible versatility, you'll be hooked too.
Complete with two creamy shadows packed away in their own little plastic safe (a genius move for eyeliner lovers), you can create multidimensional looks for day, night, and every minute in between. Mix and match the long-lasting and highly pigmented shades—a mix of warm and cool nudes—to your heart's content and rest easy knowing you'll use every last color.
Finish: Matte
Formula: Powder and Cream
Shades: 12
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Editor-approved; Blendable; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Vegan formula; A mix of warm and cool nude shades.
Cons: More expensive than other options.
Sophia Vilensky testing a nude eyeshadow look with the Patrick Ta Major Dimension III palette. FYI: The touch of mascara present on the lid is the wearer's fault and has nothing to do with how wonderful this palette is.
Morphe is a beauty brand that gives you a ton of bang for your buck. For under $30, you get just about every neutral shade you could want in this palette (35, to be exact!) and a range of finishes—it's a swatcher's heaven. This palette has everything from warm browns to rose tones and cool nudes, and each shade has an impressive color payoff and applies so smooth. Honestly, you'll be shocked that they are powders—after the initial shock that you can create so many looks from one palette wears off.
Finish: Multiple
Formula: Powder
Shades: 35
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Under $30; Includes 35 colors and a nice mix of finishes; Highly pigmented; Has a range of undertones; Silky formula.
Cons: The packaging feels a bit cheaper than other options.
MC Beauty Editor Samantha Holender created six looks with Morphe's 35U Gilded Desert Artistry Palette. Here is one of them.
An oldie but a goodie, this list would be incomplete without Urban Decay's cult-favorite Naked palette. Sadly, the iconic original palette has been discontinued, but we now have this rose-toned version that, dare I say, may be better than the OG.
"The Naked3 Palette is super-versatile with 12 rose-hued neutral shades created to compliment all skin tones. It’s made with our iconic Naked formula to deliver velvety texture, rich pigment, and easy blendability. Plus, the shades in the palette work for any occasion in any season which is why it’s become a timeless makeup essential," explains Steve Kassajikian, Head of Global Artistry at Urban Decay (FYI, his most-used shades are Dust, Trick, Limit and Nooner).
You can take it from me, too: The rosy eyeshadows glide right on and make my hazel eyes pop from a mile away by highlighting the green tones. Another major bonus is that this palette comes with a mirror and its own eyeshadow brush that works surprisingly well, making this palette a must-have on vacations. (Hint: You can also grab the mini size if you're packing really light.)
And if you need help figuring out your look?
"I love using a matte shade like Limit or Nooner in the crease and then adding a shimmer like Buzz, Trick or Liar on the lid," explains Kassajikian. "Add some liner and mascara and you have a beautiful everyday glam suitable for everyone."
Finish: Multiple
Formula: Powder
Shades: 12
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: A true classic; Editor-approved; Consists of a mix of finishes; Highly pigmented; Blendable; Long-wearing; Includes a mirror and dual-ended eyeshadow brush; Travel-friendly.
Cons: Some of the lighter shades have fallout.
Is this the same simple eyeshadow look that Vilensky wore for her freshman homecoming dance when she got her first Naked palette? Possibly.
Pro makeup artist Isabel Y Rosado says this 90's makeup-inspired palette has so many flattering shades for all skin tones. The magic behind this palette is the truly neutral shades—nothing is too warm, or too cool. I can personally attest that these shadows blend like a dream. I used just three shades (MN2, MN5, and MN8) to create an everyday smokey eye, and was blown away by the final, incredibly wearable result.
Finish: Matte
Formula: Powder
Shades: 12
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Pro- and editor-approved; Shades work for all skin tones; Blendable; Highly pigmented; Applies smoothly; Includes a mirror.
Cons: Includes only matte shades.
A true foil to the previous selection, this gorgeous palette by celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge is heavy on the shimmer shades. The pans all have a pretty metallic finish that you can switch up the intensity of: use an eyeshadow brush for a more subtle finish or use your finger or a damp brush for a high-impact payoff. These aren't the chunky glittery shadows of your middle school days, so you won't experience any of that pesky fallout. Still, it's not a bad idea to use a primer—Vilensky experienced a bit of creasing a few hours after application despite the silky finish.
Finish: Shimmer
Formula: Powder
Shades: 6
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Gorgeous shimmer finish; Easy to apply; Highly pigmented; Includes a mirror.
Cons: Some creasing experienced; More expensive than other options.
Up close and personal with our favorite shimmery nude eyeshadow palette.
Ava Vilensky took the Lisa Eldridge Makeup Muse Luxury Eyeshadow Palette for a spin.
Also Recommended
While this palette is pricey for its size, Charlotte Tilbury products have top-notch quality. Each one delivers major color, doesn't crease, and blends easily. This six-shade palette is as easy as a nude selection comes—it has everything you need for every aspect of your eyeshadow look and then some. Use one or two shades for a pared-down everyday look, or go more multi-dimensional by combining them together. I like to use the lightest shade all over the lid and upper brow bone and the second-lightest shade to enhance my crease. The dark shade is perfect for lining lashes and smoking everything out.
It's also worth noting that I've worn this baby morning to night with zero creasing. It's small enough to throw in a bag, but I never needed a touch up.
Finish: Matte
Formula: Powder
Shades: 6
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Gorgeous satin finish; Easy to apply; Highly pigmented; Includes instructions for three simple looks; No creasing experienced.
Cons: Only comes with matte shades; More expensive than other options.
A Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes Easy Eyeshadow Palette look on Ava Vilensky.
How simple and pretty is the Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes Easy Eyeshadow Palette?
Everything and more is the motto with Laura Geller's Essentials palette. It has all the normal must-haves (highly pigmented, zero fallout, intense color payoff, gorgeous shades) while also incorporating a highlighter and blush shade so you can get a whole face of color in one go. While you can never go wrong with a tan shade, Vilensky appreciates the inclusion of a couple rich greens here. Sometimes, it's fun to have a pop of color—especially when it's in a palette as silky smooth to the touch as this.
Finish: Multiple
Formula: Powder
Shades: 12 (plus a blush and highlighter!)
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: A simple selection of three shades makes it easy to use; The included mirror pops out and can be thrown in your bag; Highly pigmented; Talc-free; Under $30.
Cons: None found.
Laura Geller's Laura's Essentials Artistic & Authentic Palette couldn't be prettier.
Vilensky has long been a Glossier girl, and the company's new(ish) Monochrome eyeshadow trios are one of her all-time favorite products from the brand—especially the nude "Almond" colorway. Featuring a simple selection of three talc-free shadows (you get a smooth matte, a satin eyeshadow with a soft sheen, and a shimmery metallic), these babies look good on their own or paired altogether for a monochromatic look. It's the best palette to pop in your bag for a quick and easy touch of glam—although your look will last all day if you decide to start the morning with some color.
Finish: Multiple
Formula: Powder
Shades: 3
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Multipurpose product; Flatterin colors; Under $30; Easy to apply; Highly pigmented; Fun color selection.
Cons: None found.
A Glossier girl through and through.
Celebrity makeup artist Renée Loiz is a huge fan of Juvia's Place's The Coffee Shop Palette for a couple of reasons: the colors are all different shades of coffee/latte and there's a lovely selection of nude shimmers in the mix. "The color payoff is excellent, meaning what you see is what you get!" she adds. We also love the affordability offered here: you receive a whopping sixteen shades—that apply like an actual dream—for less than $30.
Finish: Multiple
Formula: Powder
Shades: 16
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Affordable; Pro-approved; A mix of matte and shimmer finishes; Highly pigmented.
Cons: None found.
Too Faced is genius for creating this versatile nude palette. Not only are these nude, rose, and brown shades gorgeous, but you'll notice that the matte shades come in a bit larger pan than the sparkly ones. Matte shades are ideal for every day, meaning you'll get more use from them than the glittery ones. This palette earns major bonus points because these shadows are infused with skin-loving ingredients like coconut water and hyaluronic acid, meaning they apply smoothly and easily. You can rock them all day and all night with no creasing, even without a primer.
Finish: Multiple
Formula: Powder
Shades: 16
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Includes a mix of finishes; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Blendable; Infused with skincare ingredients; Includes 16 shades.
Cons: Some of the glitter shades have fallout.
Cassandra Garcia, a celebrity makeup artist, considers this rose-toned palette her "all-time favorite." This particular version (there's a gold-toned and smokey variation, too) is full of neutral blush tones you can use to create a range of looks from a soft, everyday glam to a dramatic smokey eye. We love that this palette has a range of finishes—matte, shimmer, and metallic—so you can switch up your look from day to day. Despite only having five shades, this palette will last you thanks to its big pans.
Finish: Multiple
Formula: Powder
Shades: 5
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Pro-approved; Includes a mix of finishes; Long-wearing; Large pan sizes.
Cons: The shimmer shades have a bit of fallout.
If you want to feel like a pro makeup artist while doing your eyeshadow, turn to Viseart's palettes. Because of their incredible blendability and high-impact color, pros everywhere have this palette stashed in their kits. Case in point: Lerma says she "cannot live without" this palette. "The pigments are long-wearing, they’re easy to blend, highly pigmented, and the packaging is compact and easy to travel with," she explains about her top pick.
And, a bonus! If you're wanting a pro-approved palette that has different neutral shades than you're used to, try the Warm Nudes colorway. Although they are on the warmer side, Lerma says these browns and sunset shades are "universally flattering against every eye color shade and complexion." Don't be intimidated by the rust colors, either. They make for fun shades to play with if you need a pop of color. "Rust browns will forever be staples in my kit and for my personal use," Lerma adds.
Finish: Matte
Formula: Powder
Shades: 12
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Pro-approved; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Blendable; Multi-use formula; Travel-friendly.
Cons: Only comes with matte shades; More expensive than other options.
In my humble opinion, Tarte makes some of the best eyeshadow palettes on the market—and they are a great value, too. This 12-pan palette has some of my favorite smokey colors to blend in the crease for a defined eye. There are also metallic shades, in case you want to have a little more fun with your look. Bonus: You can skip around the palette or work across rows to take out the guesswork in choosing complementary colors. One con? You may need to layer the lighter shades for better color payoff.
Finish: Multiple
Formula: Powder
Shades: 12
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Editor-approved; Under $50; Includes a mix of matte and shimmery shades; Long-wearing; Dermatologist-tested.
Cons: Payoff isn't amazing on all colors.
Don't sleep on Colourpop for affordable, high-quality makeup—the brand offers our favorite pro-approved drugstore eyeshadow and is a fan favorite for luxury-like products at a budget-friendly price. This shimmery, high-payoff palette includes 30(!!!) cool-toned shades with a mix of purples, smokey greys, deep black and browns, and a bunch of fun metallics. The world is your oyster with a palette as gigantic and varied as this one.
Finish: Multiple
Formula: Powder
Shades: 30
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Highly pigmented; Blendable; Includes a mix of finishes; Great value; Under $50; Long-wearing.
Cons: There is some fallout with the lighter shades.
Everyone's preferred smokey eye makeup is going to be a little different. Some may prefer deep, dark, stormy greys, while others may lean toward a shadowy pop of color. Either way, this palette will deliver. The metallic shades Rebelle, Maverick, and Haphazard pack a punch of statement-making color. I also like to use the creamy black shade as eyeliner or, when I'm feeling bold, as a base to make my eyeshadow last longer.
Finish: Multiple
Formula: Powder
Shades: 18
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros: Editor-approved; Includes a mix of finishes and textures; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Blendable; Applies smoothly.
Cons: More expensive than other option; Some fallout with metallic shades.
What to Look For in a Nude Eyeshadow Palette
Not every nude eyeshadow palette on the market is going to fit your needs—and that's ok! To narrow them down, Rosado says to ask yourself two questions: "First, do you like warm or cool tones? Then, do you prefer mattes, shimmers, or both?" Here, we dive into both factors to help you answer those questions.
- Tones
First and foremost, the most important factor to consider when shopping for your next favorite neutral eyeshadow palette is the tones and shades it offers. For Garcia, nude, skin-like shades are a must, as is a taupe shade. “I love a taupe shade to make sure I have my soft defining shade for my crease and under the eye,” she explains.
Lerma recommends a wide range of brown shades. “When I am on the hunt for a new eyeshadow palette, I like to look for one that carries a few matte, neutral brown, warm brown, and rust-colored shades,” she explains.
Nude palettes also typically fall under one of three categories: cool-toned, warm-toned, or true-neutral. While Rosado says the best for you boils down to personal preference, you may find that the palettes that match your skin's undertone will complement you the best.
- Finishes
Having a variety of eyeshadow finishes will ensure you can create any look your heart desires. I, for one, am a huge fan of glitter eyeshadows for both daily wear and going-out looks. I also recognize the power of matte shades though. “Matte eyeshadows tend to be the most universal shades and can be used for daily eyeshadow looks," Lerma says. Unless you have a strong preference, you can't go wrong with a palette that has a mix of finishes.
How to Use a Nude Eyeshadow Palette
The best neutral eyeshadow palettes can create a multitude of looks; use them to nail your smokey eye makeup, create monochromatic looks, or add subtle contour to your eyes.
"A nude eyeshadow palette is a must-have in your makeup kit because it’s so versatile," says Loiz. "You can use it for a simple everyday makeup look, no-makeup makeup, smokey eyes, etc. The list is endless. They’re also user friendly for makeup beginners and never go out of style."
Lerma has two easy recommendations to get you started. First, she suggests choosing a brown shade two to three shades darker than your skin tone and going over your crease in a windshield motion. This will create major depth to the eye and is what Lerma calls "a primed eye." She adds, “This technique is an old makeup hack and has been used by educators for decades.”
The beauty pro also has a go-to look that uses just three shades: A creamy light color to use across the lid and brow; a light brown or caramel-colored brown to add definition in the crease; and an espresso shade to smoke out the outer corners. “The result of using the right tools and intentional technique is remarkable, and that’s only using three eyeshadow shades,” she explains.
Meet the Experts
Renée Loiz is a top celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert with over 20 years in the industry. Renée is best known for her work with celebrities including Quinta Brunson, Cynthia Erivo, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Sherry Cola, Adele, Chelsea Peretti, Uzo Aduba, Danai Gurira, Thuso Mbedu, and Jaylon Barron.
When she’s not creating press-worthy red carpet and editorial looks for famous faces, Renee can be found working with renowned international brands such as NARS, Beauty Blender, Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel, Sephora, J.Crew, Disney, Target, BuzzFeed, Adidas, and Warner Brothers.
Her industry expertise and artistry are regularly tapped by the top fashion publications including InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Essence, EBONY, People, L’Officiel, Who What Wear, Vanity Fair, The Zoe Report, Allure, and featured on Saturday Night Live.
She is also known as the founder of Color May Vary—the ultimate guide to the best black-owned brands for beauty enthusiasts. After launching, Color May Vary was recognized by Ulta Beauty in an initiative to celebrate inspirational Black voices, and won a Refinery29 Beauty Innovator Award. She continues to spread positive change in the beauty industry by representing the underrepresented.
Dominique Lerma a Hollywood bred Internationally published Makeup Artist and Beauty Educator, known for her ability to create flawless complexions and innovative beauty looks. She grew her love for makeup artistry at a very ripe age and began beautifying faces for her fellow classmates at her all girl parochial high school. Her self taught passion flourished while she was given the opportunity of working with the world reknowned Mac Cosmetics and soon became a Viva Glam Ambassador. Her 9 years in the beauty industry has landed her on the pages of Instyle, Nylon, Runway, and Photo Vogue Italia. Dominique’s vast resume includes Beauty, editorial, celebrity, advertising, rebranding and bridal. She serves as a Beauty Educator for Frankie Rose Cosmetics and is a bilingual traveling sales representative for both Enzo Milano Professional Hair Styling Tools and Royal Langnickel Brush. Her creative expertise consists of Makeup artistry, hairstyling and men’s grooming.
Cassandra Garcia is a New York-based makeup artist. As an optimist and naturally curious person, Garcia is at ease working across all types of mediums and creating a broad range of looks, whether it’s an effortlessly undone or an iconic red carpet moment. Her celebrity clients include Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Heidi Gardner, and Vanessa Bayer, and her work can be found in publications such as Glamour, Marie Claire, GQ, and Hollywood Reporter. In addition, brands such as Reem Acra, Cynthia Rowley, Jenny Packham, Tibi, and Veronica Beard have called on Garcia’s expertise for runway looks. Garcia represents Bobbi Brown Cosmetics as its resident editorial makeup artist.
Isabel is a pro makeup artist born and based in New York City. She's worked with brands and publications such as Yves Saint Laurent, Hill House, Moda Operandi, Teen Vogue, Elle Mexico, Glossier, Levi's, Office Magazine, and more. Her work has graced the red carpet with the likes of Sarah Hoover, Michelle Hellman, and Mollie Acquavella. Isabel is also a member of the Latinx Creatives Collective.
Steve Kassajikian is a celebrity makeup artist and the head of global artistry for Urban Decay.
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