Choosing the best eyeshadow palette can be a daunting task with so many options on the market. While everyone’s preferences and needs are different, there are a few key factors to consider when selecting an eyeshadow palette. In this article, we will examine the most important criteria for choosing an eyeshadow palette and provide recommendations across various price points and color schemes.
What to Look for in an Eyeshadow Palette
Here are some of the top factors to keep in mind when evaluating eyeshadow palettes:
- Formula – You’ll want to choose a formula that provides good color payoff and blends well. The formula should be easy to work with and last throughout the day without creasing or fading.
- Shade Range – Look for a palette with a versatile selection of finishes and shades. Neutrals, mattes, shimmers, and pops of color allow you to create a variety of looks.
- pigmentation – Highly pigmented shadows deliver rich, vivid color in a single swipe. Palettes with more pigment provide better color payoff.
- Texture – Formulas that feel smooth and creamy upon application typically blend better on the eyes. Powdery or chalky textures can be harder to work with.
- Staying Power – Long wear shadows will maintain their vibrancy for hours without fading or creasing. Consider the longevity required for your needs.
- Packaging – Sturdy packaging and a mirror make a palette convenient for travel and on-the-go touch-ups.
- Price – Eyeshadow palettes range widely in price from drugstore to high-end. Set a budget that aligns with your needs.
Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Palettes
Drugstore eyeshadow palettes offer an affordable way to try out colorful shades and build your collection. Here are top-rated budget eyeshadow palettes under $20:
| Palette | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Maybelline City Mini Palette | Highly pigmented, blendable formula in matte and shimmer finishes. Compact size for travel. |
| NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette | Wide range of 16-20 shades. Good for both neutral and colorful looks. |
| Wet n Wild Color Icon Palette | Impressive pigment and blendability at a very affordable price point. |
| L’Oreal Paris Eye Shadow Palette | Easy to apply and buildable shades with minimal fallout. |
| e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadow | Tiny palettes with just 4 shades, perfect to toss in your bag. |
While color selection is more limited, drugstore palettes perform far above their price point. Formulas continue improving with intensely pigmented and blendable shades. Go for drugstore eyeshadow when seeking affordable options to expand your collection.
Best Mid-Range Eyeshadow Palettes
Stepping up to mid-range palettes between $20-$65 provides access to more shades, unique color stories and formulas. Here are top mid-range eyeshadow palettes:
| Palette | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Tarte Tartelette Palettes | Buttery and blendable baked formulas in neutral matte and shimmer shades. |
| Urban Decay Naked Palettes | Creamy, pigmented shades with tons of finishes and textures. |
| Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palettes | Smells like chocolate! Pigmented neutrals in matte, shimmer and glitter. |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance | Blendable formula and range of berry tones and neutrals. |
| BH Cosmetics Weekend Festival Palette | Affordable price with wide color selection and massive pans. |
Mid-range palettes offer outstanding quality and value. The formulas are easy to use while still delivering intense color payoff. With both neutrals and colors to choose from, you can create everyday looks or more bold artistic eye makeup.
Best High-End Eyeshadow Palettes
Luxury eyeshadow palettes over $65 unlock pro-level formulas with unique textures and dazzling finishes. Here are exceptional high-end eyeshadow palettes:
| Palette | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Natasha Denona Biba Palette | Ultra creamy, pigmented shades in wearable neutrals. |
| Pat McGrath Labs Mothership Palettes | Special packaging with a huge range of shimmer and glitter textures. |
| Viseart Theory Palettes | Silky French formula for blending and layering. |
| Huda Beauty Rose Quartz | Unique duochromes and foolproof application. |
| Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palettes | Elegant artistry-inspired color stories with 5 finishes. |
High-end eyeshadow delivers next-level pigment, lasting power and seamless application. Unique color schemes and formulas create show stopping eye looks. Invest in luxury eyeshadow for unparalleled performance.
How to Choose the Best Eyeshadow Palette
With so many exceptional eyeshadow palettes available, choosing the right one for your needs may feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for selecting the best eyeshadow palette for you:
- Consider your skill level – Beginners may want to start with palettes that are easy to blend. While pros can handle ultra pigmented shadows.
- Identify must-have shades – Make a list of eyeshadow colors and finishes you know you’ll get use from.
- Swatch before you buy – Test out formulas and shades in store whenever you can.
- Read reviews – Get feedback from others on color payoff, blendability and wear time.
- Compare price per ounce – Larger palettes can provide better value over time.
- Think about packaging – Compact palettes are great for travel.
- Ensure there’s a range – Neutrals, mattes, shimmers and pops of color allow for more looks.
Choosing an eyeshadow palette suited for your needs and preferences will ensure you get use from every shade. And don’t limit yourself to just one palette! Many makeup lovers enjoy curating a collection of palettes for variety.
Tips for Using Your New Eyeshadow Palette
Once you’ve selected an amazing eyeshadow palette, here are some tips to get the most out of your new makeup:
- Use a primer – Eyeshadow primer creates a smooth base for longer wear.
- Start with mattes – Apply matte transition shades first to blend and build.
- Layer textures – Add depth by patting shimmers over mattes.
- Blend well – Soften edges for a seamless look.
- Use a mixing medium – Fix glitters and shimmers in place with a dab of mixing medium.
- Play with color order – Experiment with applying shades in different orders for new effects.
- Keep brushes clean – Clean brushes ensure you pick up maximum pigment.
- Store flat – Depotting into a magnetic palette keeps shadows from cracking.
Having the right makeup tools and techniques will help you get the most out of your new eyeshadow palette. Don’t be afraid to play, blend, and layer shades in new ways. Following inspiration from YouTube tutorials can build your skills.
Conclusion
Finding your perfect eyeshadow palette is a personal journey based on your budget, preferences and makeup style. High quality palettes provide stunning color payoff, effortless blending and long wear. Look for palettes with excellent shade ranges and formulas at any price point. Apply tips for makeup application and storage to keep your shadows looking bold and beautiful. With the exceptional eyeshadow palettes available today, you can achieve any eye look you desire.
