Eyeshadow Palettes You’ll Actually Use

No shade left behind.

two models wearing eyeshadow from one of the best eyeshadow palettes
(Image credit: Hanna Lassen/Getty)

If you’re not head over heels in love with your eyeshadow palette, I promise you: You just haven’t found the right one. Because when you discover the best eyeshadow palette, no shade will go untouched, no look is out of the question, and no loose pigments or pots are necessary. But as is true with most categories in the beauty world, it’s easy to get blinded by pretty packaging and 40,000 options. When you *really* get into the eye makeup of it all, though, you’ll notice that the best eyeshadow palettes should check a handful of non-negotiable boxes. Celebrity makeup artist Ashlee Glazer tells Marie Claire that she asks herself the following questions before investing: “Does it have a variety of colors to be used for more than one function? Is there a medium blending tone and a glitter? Is there a popular, everyday shade I’ll always reach for?”

While there are plenty of 12-plus pan palettes for anyone who likes to switch up their status quo, four shades is really all you need. “A perfect palette has a medium or bright-toned lid color, a rich, deep tone for definition or liner, a blending shade that is a combination of the first two, and something with a sparkly finish or frosty tone to highlight or add a pop,” says Glazer. Of course, there’s no such thing as having too many eyeshadow palettes, so we’re all for purchasing in bulk—or giving your collection a refresh. FYI: Eyeshadow palettes typically expire every year or two.

To help guide you on this very exciting makeup journey, or give you some gift-spo for the holiday season, scroll ahead. With glitter eyeshadows from Charlotte Tilbury and unbeatable neutral eyeshadow palettes from Patrick Ta, these are our tried-and-tested favorite eyeshadow palettes.

The Best Eyeshadow Palettes

Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Original

With 12 universally-flattering matte neutrals, this palette is a great option for a wide variety of skin tones and undertones.

(Image credit: MC Staff)

Lawless The Little One Talc-Free Eyeshadow Palette

This slim compact contains eight essential mattes and shimmers, making it perfect for travel.

(Image credit: MC Staff)

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette Pillow Talk

This four-pan palette is great for creating both subdued daytime and shimmery nighttime looks.

(Image credit: MC Staff)

Prada Beauty Dimensions Multi-Effect Refillable Eyeshadow Palette

These eyeshadows have a light, buttery-soft feel and blend beautifully.

(Image credit: MC Staff)

Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette

The rich pigments in this palette are super flattering on their own, but they layer effortlessly to create a variety of different looks.

(Image credit: MC Staff)

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership VI: Midnight Sun

Quite the party palette, you’ll find ten pigment-packed shades in a range of matte and sparkly finishes.

(Image credit: MC Staff)

Other Eyeshadow Palettes We Love

What to Look For

Skill Level

"When deciding to add an eyeshadow palette to your makeup collection you'll want to consider the type of makeup looks you want to achieve and also your skill level," says Williamson. "If you're a beginner, pick up a palette that you can use from day to night."

Variety

While strictly matte or glitter palettes have a place, a great eyeshadow palette will typically contain a combination. "Look for one that has some really good matte textures (black, brown, and a nude) that suit your complexion as well as two to three shimmers: one more neutral for daytime, a pressed glitter for more glam looks, and a warmer tone or fun pop of color," says Williamson.

Payoff

"When choosing an eyeshadow palette, I tend to gravitate towards a product or brand that has a beautiful color pay-off," says Lerma. "Look for something that is finely milled, which means a little goes a long way during the application process."

How Many Eyeshadow Palettes Do I Need?

How many palettes is too many? Ask a beauty editor this question, and they’ll tell you the sky’s the limit. But really, Baribeau and Peterson agree that most folks can get away with just a few.

Peterson recommends owning a neutral daytime palette and a deeper palette for night. “I find it super helpful to have a mix of deeper matte shades for shaping and lighter shimmer shades for highlighting and adding dimension,” she says. “I also love it when a palette has one poppy color—it’s like a bonus color you can play with.”

What it comes down to is how much you like to play with different shades and colors, adds Baribeau. “If you’re pretty simplistic when it comes to eyeshadow colors, you can get away with owning one or two palettes—there are so many great options that have a range of shades from light to dark with a variety of mattes and shimmer, all in one palette.”

How Do I Use an Eyeshadow Palette?

So, you bought a stunning 12-shade palette…and you have no idea how to use it. As Hubbard explains, eyeshadow palettes allow you to create multiple looks from one product, and most often, these shades are curated to work well with one another. But when in doubt, start from light to dark, says Baribeau. “Lighter or highlight shades should be placed on the inner corner of the eye and brow bone, medium tones in the middle, and the darkest shades on the outer corner of the eye–this will help to keep your eye open.” Peterson recommends thinking of your eye like a painting, using dark colors to deepen and light colors to bring shapes forward. “Light, shimmery colors add incredible dimension and highlight and can be used to make your eyelid or inner corner really pop.”

Pro tip? “If you want shadows to be softer, stick with a fluffier brush, as it will better diffuse the product,” says Baribeau. “Denser brushes will apply the eyeshadow more compactly. But regardless of how you apply, remember to always blend for a seamless look.”

How Long Does an Eyeshadow Palette Last?

Unfortunately, like the rest of your beauty products, your most prized eyeshadow palettes won’t last forever. “Makeup packaging will have an image of a small open jar with a number next to it—that’s your ‘best by’ date, given in months,” explains Peterson. “For example, if it has a number six next to it, your palette is best used within six months. Powder-based palettes can usually go a little further than the date listed, but if you notice a change in texture or the color is off, then it’s best to toss.”

How to Fix a Broken Eyeshadow Palette

“There’s no worse feeling than when your favorite palette goes crashing down on the bathroom floor—but don’t worry, it’s an easy fix!” says Baribeau. To begin, crush the cracked eyeshadow pieces with a toothpick or pencil tip until you form a powder. “Then spray the eyeshadow with isopropyl alcohol until it has a good soaking, then pack it back together with a tissue—I like to wrap the tissue around a small coin for a firmer surface,” she says. Press down for 30 seconds, then wait for your palette to dry completely—it’ll be as good as new!

How to Clean an Eyeshadow Palette

If your palette needs a deep clean, Peterson and Baribeau suggest spritzing a light mist of isopropyl alcohol over the entire palette—the moisture will evaporate relatively fast, so you’ll be able to pick your brush back up in no time. If you notice your colors have spilled into each other, causing them to muddle, Peterson recommends spraying each shade with alcohol and then rubbing the top layer in a circular pattern with a clean spooly brush. Then, gently tap the excess powder out. “This will bring back the brilliance of the original color,” she says. Similarly, Baribeau cleans up muddled shades with a baby wipe. “I tend to prefer this over a makeup wipe, as it doesn’t leave behind any residue on the palette,” she says.

Meet the Expert

caroline baribeau
Caroline Baribeau

Born and raised in Maryland, Caroline discovered her love for the arts from a young age. This love for fine art, theater, and dance drew her to New York City.  It was here that she reconnected with a friend who introduced her to the world of makeup. Caroline felt she was finally able to combine her passion for the arts in one medium: makeup. 

Caroline works as a makeup artist in editorial, advertising, commercial, and TV/film. She enjoys crafting every makeup look through showcasing one’s natural beauty. She is known for her easygoing attitude, professionalism, and attention to detail.

stephanie peterson
Stephanie Peterson

Stephanie Peterson is a skilled and versatile makeup artist whose passion for beauty began at a young age. Growing up in Houston, she worked alongside her mother at the makeup counter, where she also had the opportunity to witness the rise of the Laura Mercier line and collaborate with global artists. Early in her career, Stephanie gained extensive product knowledge while working for iconic brands such as Hard Candy, Chanel, Clinique, Hourglass, NARS, Shiseido, and countless more. After moving to New York City, Stephanie transitioned to working on set, collaborating with photographers and studios, and refining her craft. Her experience assisting top artists and participating in New York Fashion Week solidified her place in the industry.

Now represented by Art Department, Stephanie has contributed to countless exciting photoshoots for national beauty and fashion campaigns flying all over the world, embracing every opportunity to learn, grow, and explore the world of makeup artistry.

Jonet Williamson
Jonet Williamson

Makeup Artist Jonet Williamson discovered her love for art at a very early age. While growing up in New Orleans, one of the world's most eclectic and inspiring cities, Jonet was admitted into the gifted art program of her magnet high school. Here, she began to master color theory, symmetry, texture, and innovation. From paint brushes to makeup brushes, she has used those same skills to solidify her style as a pro within the beauty industry.

In 2005, Jonet began her journey in beauty, working as a makeup artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics. Here, the feeling of connecting with other women and helping them see the beauty within themselves became her greatest passion.

With a willingness to learn and an eye for perfection, Jonet moved to New York City in 2014, determined to further her artistry and career. Since then, her work has been featured in commercial campaigns (Dolce & Gabanna, Levis, Shea Moisture), editorials (Essence, L'Officiel), and TV and film productions (CBS, MTV, TNT).

gregg hubbard
Gregg Hubbard

Gregg Hubbard has touched faces and lives from Bangkok to Berlin, Toronto to Taipei. Select commercial and editorial clients include: Lee Jeans, Cushnie, Eileen Fisher, Carolina Herrera, Lulu Lemon, Nike, Gortex, Allure, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Refinery29, and Vogue.

Dominique Lerma
Dominique Lerma

Dominique Lerma is 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 when she was given the opportunity to work with the world-renowned M.A.C. Cosmetics and soon became a Viva Glam Ambassador. Her 9 years in the beauty industry have 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. 

 

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Samantha Holender
Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.