Some say that the eyes are the window to the soul, and what better way to highlight this part of your face than with some sultry eyeshadow? Eyeshadow palettes conveniently offer colors that can blend together and create any look, from a nice day-to-day lid to a nighttime smoky eye, and are an indispensable part of anyone’s makeup routine.
The best eyeshadow palette will fit your individual style and complexion. For instance, if you want a cult classic palette that will be sure to stun, The Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette would be an ideal investment for your makeup collection.
What to know before you buy an eyeshadow palette
Why buy an eyeshadow palette instead of individual eyeshadows?
While it may be cheaper to purchase just one color of eyeshadow, investing in a palette consisting of compatible colors offers a one-stop solution to your lid makeup needs. Instead of having to guess whether colors will blend well with each other, you can be creative and play with the colors in your palette, knowing that they are complementary colors that will match each other in special combinations unique to the palette.
Blendability
Being able to blend your eyeshadows is a must; no one wants to work on their eye makeup for twenty minutes only to look up and see that none of the colors have melded together to create that final look you’ve been imagining! Look for silky, buttery textures in your palette; textures that are softer and even verging on semi-solid will make for easier blendability. User reviews will often remark about the blendability of a certain palette, which can help you make your decision on which palette to pick. For more information about blending your eyeshadow out with the best tools, check out the full eyeshadow brush buying guide from BestReviews.
Pigment
The particular pigmentation of the ingredients used in an eyeshadow palette helps determine the vibrancy and shelf life of your eyeshadow. Be sure to avoid palettes with reviews that complain of colors fading or going dull over time.
Eyeshadow palette features
Long-lasting formula
Some eyeshadows are designed specifically to last throughout the day or night, and some make the claim that they can last 24 hours or longer.
Organic
Some makeup companies manufacture eyeshadow palettes with all-natural mineral or plant ingredients so that you can rest assured you’re using the best products on your skin. These palettes do tend to cost more, though.
Hypoallergenic
Many eyeshadow palettes are formulated so as to be sensitive enough for allergy-prone skin, and some specifically are marketed as hypoallergenic. Still, it’s a good idea to always check the ingredients before you buy to avoid any ingredients that could give you a bad skin reaction.
Eyeshadow palette cost
Depending on the size of the palette and any other special considerations such as hypoallergenic or organic ingredients (which will drive up the price, typically), eyeshadow palettes cost $20-$60.
Eyeshadow palette FAQ
How do you use an eyeshadow palette?
A. Feel free to get creative and do whatever you’d like with your eyeshadow palette! That said, makeup artists typically recommend starting with a neutral foundation on the eyelid and layering brighter or darker colors to create either a pop-of-color eye or a smokey eye.
How long does it take for an eyeshadow palette to expire?
A. As long as you don’t expose it to the elements, moisture or extreme temperatures, your eyeshadow palette should stay good for at least 2-3 years.
Which eyeshadow palette should you get?
Best of the best eyeshadow palette
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette: available at Amazon, Sephora and Ulta Beauty
Our take: With easy blending and vibrant but sultry colors that can create any look, this popular palette has garnered quite the following among makeup aficionados.
What we like: This palette consists of 14 eyeshadows, with a silky ABH formula that is wildly simple to blend. Colors range from matte to metallic and are boldly pigmented with long-lasting staying power. Customers love that the colors range from shimmery neutrals to bright hues to everything in between with warm tones to create the perfect eye makeup for you. For the number of eyeshadows in this palette, the price point is quite fair.
What we dislike: Some users complain that the powder can shake out of the palette if you press it too hard.
Best bang for your buck eyeshadow palette
tarte Tartelette in Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette: available at Amazon, Sephora and Ulta Beauty
Our take: A highly layerable and affordable collection of warm-toned neutral and berry tones that will give your eyes that extra bit of pop.
What we like: Reviewers adore the Amazonian clay material of tarte’s eyeshadows, which allows you to blend and layer colors effortlessly. These colors lend themselves to either day or nighttime wear, and people with all skin tones shine in these colors. They include both mattes and also delicate bronze shimmer to highlight your eyes.
What we dislike: The lighter shades of this palette may not be as pigmented as you like.
Honorable mention eyeshadow palette
Natasha Denona Mini Gold Eyeshadow Palette: available at Amazon, Sephora and Kohl’s
Our take: If you’d like to try a luxury palette with enough basic colors to blend the perfect daily look or smokey eye without investing in a large palette, this mini palette would be the perfect choice for you.
What we like: Though you’ll be paying for it, Natasha Denona’s eyeshadow is famously luxurious and hits on all the high notes you’d expect from a high-level eyeshadow palette: great blendability, delicious buttery texture, rich pigmentation and a nice variety of matte versus shimmer. While there are only five shades, you can accomplish an amazing amount of versatility in your looks with this palette, and it’s conveniently small and easy to store and travel with.
What we dislike: For only five shades, this palette lands on the pricey side of palettes, and may be out of some customers’ price range.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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