The best eyeshadow palettes

Best eyeshadow palettes by color

Whether you’re all about sunny golds, smoldering neutrals or those adventurous pops of purple, the right eyeshadow palette brings every beauty mood to life. Discover palettes designed to complement every skin tone and style while letting your creativity shine.

What to look for when buying an eyeshadow palette?

When buying an eyeshadow palette, consider three key factors: the color story, the formula, and the finishes. The color story should align with your personal style and the types of looks you want to create. The formula is crucial for a smooth application and long-lasting wear—look for shadows that are pigmented, easy to blend, and have minimal fallout. Finally, a good mix of matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes will give you the most flexibility to create everything from subtle daytime looks to dramatic evening glam.

How to choose an eyeshadow palette?

The best way to choose an eyeshadow palette is to consider your eye color, skin undertones, and personal style. Using a color wheel can be a helpful guide—complementary colors (those opposite on the wheel) will make your eyes stand out the most.

Neutral palettes are a great starting point for any makeup kit, while bolder palettes are perfect for adding a pop of color and creativity to your looks. If you’re new to eyeshadow, start with a palette that offers a mix of base, transition, and deep shades so you can create complete eye looks without needing extra products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best eyeshadow palette for beginners?

If you’re just starting, look for palettes with versatile, neutral shades. They’re easy to blend and work for any occasion. A compact palette with step-by-step shade guides can also be helpful. Some bestselling options available at Ulta Beauty include:

• Lorac Pro Palettes: These user-friendly palettes feature velvety formulas and a mix of mattes and shimmers, perfect for creating effortless everyday looks.
• Morphe Eyeshadow Palettes: With versatile shade options and highly blendable textures, these palettes make experimenting easy.
• Tarte Tartelette™: Perfect for beginners to create soft, natural looks with ease.

What brand is the best for eyeshadow?

It depends on your goals! Ulta Beauty offers options from high-pigment pro favorites to everyday, affordable essentials. Some bestselling options include:

• Urban Decay: A pro go-to, their palettes like Naked deliver bold pigments and iconic colors.
• Anastasia Beverly Hills: Known for rich colors and buttery finishes, their palettes are a blendable dream.
• e.l.f. Cosmetics: Budget-friendly and high-performing, e.l.f. proves you don't need to splurge for amazing shadows.
• NYX Professional Makeup: Loved for their innovative formulas and trend-driven palettes, NYX offers big impact at a wallet-friendly price.

What is the best eyeshadow for mature eyes?

Creamy, satin-finish formulas are key. They don’t settle into fine lines and deliver smooth, luminous color. Stick to soft neutrals, earthy tones and buildable formulas for an effortlessly polished look. Some bestselling options at Ulta Beauty include:

• Clinique All About Shadow™: Their satin finishes glide smoothly and stay crease-free, making it perfect for mature skin.
• Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks: Creamy and easy-to-apply, these stick shadows deliver a soft-focus finish without settling into fine lines.
• bareMinerals Gen Nude palettes: Packed with flattering neutrals, these palettes are designed for a sophisticated, polished look.

Explore our Best Makeup for Mature Skin guide for more tips and recommendations.

What color eyeshadow makes your eyes pop?

Use complementary colors to enhance your natural eye color:

• Brown eyes: Golds, bronzes, purples, and blues
• Blue eyes: Warm browns, coppers, peaches, and rusts
• Green eyes: Plums, mauves, reddish-browns, and deep greens
• Hazel eyes: Golden tones, greens, and warm browns

How long does an eyeshadow palette last?

Most palettes last 12–24 months after opening if stored properly. Check the packaging for a PAO (period after opening) icon and keep your palette clean by regularly sanitizing brushes.

How to fix a broken eyeshadow palette?

Gently crush the broken shadow into a fine powder, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol, and press it back into the pan with a clean tool. Let it dry completely before using.

What eyeshadow is best for cool undertones?

Shades with blue, purple, or pink undertones—like cool taupes, mauves, silvers, and icy blues—tend to flatter cool-toned skin.

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