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Along with using a pigmented liner and lash-boosting mascara , incorporating one of the best eyeshadow palettes into your routine is often the easiest way to craft a high-glam makeup look. Many top-rated palettes include a range of shimmer and matte tones that quickly add dimension and a wash of color intensity to the eyes. And while these staples are available just about everywhere, experts note that not all eyeshadow palettes are created equally.
“When considering an eyeshadow palette, the most significant factor for me is the value for quality, professional makeup artist Eddie Duyos and senior manager of pro education and artistry at Make Up Forever, tells Bazaar . “This isn't about seeking the cheapest option, but rather investing in a product from a reputable brand that consistently delivers highly pigmented, long-wearing shadows at a reasonable price point.” Using higher-quality eyeshadows not only helps ensure optimal color payoff, in addition to minimal fallout, a common pain point among beauty enthusiasts.
We also understand the urge to start fingerpainting with your palette of choice, but Duyos adds that using a variety of brushes is typically the most effective and hygienic approach. “It is always recommended to use brushes when working with eyeshadows ,” he says. “Using your fingers can transfer natural oils onto the product, which may create a film on the surface and make it more difficult to pick up and use the shadow later.”
Ready to upgrade your makeup favorites? To give you some inspiration, we've rounded up the best eyeshadow palettes worth shopping, according to Duyos and Bazaar editors who have tried them firsthand. Read on for top picks from Make Up Forever , Dior , Louis Vuitton , and more to add to your collection.
Master Metallics Eyeshadow Palette
We could simply stare at this vibrant palette from Makeup by Mario for hours before using it. Inspired by celebrity artist and founder Mario Dedivanovic's love of nature, the 12-pan favorite features a mix of shimmer and metallic shades that can be used wet or dry depending on your beauty look.
Customer review:“I love all of the colors! I apply with a brush all over the lid. I have had no fallout over the course of the day. So glad that I chose this palette because it did not initially appeal to me.” — neuro2166
The Classic Matte Palette
If you're looking for a collection of no-frills, neutral colors that are largely office-friendly, look no further than Kylie Cosmetics' The Classic Matte Palette. It's ideal for anyone who prefers a matte finish to their makeup, and nicely includes both warm and cool tones to play with.
What our editors are saying:“It's hard to go wrong with this 10 shade palette that's perfect for doing an everyday makeup look.” — Jenna Rosenstein, beauty director
Customer review:“It’s easy to blend, does not crease, amazing pigment and formula! I can do many different looks with this one palette. Overall, amazing.” — Anonymous
Backstage Eyeshadow Palette in Warm Essentials
This popular option from Dior has it all. Along with an actual eyeshadow primer, the palette also contains eight matte and shimmer shadows to channel a true backstage runway beat. And since each shade is universal, they look great on just about anyone.
Customer review:“Best palette I ever bought. I can use it for everyday work and for a date night with my husband.” — Rosa2025
Mini Artist To Go Eyeshadow Palette in 606 Wherever Walnut
Who says you need an extensive palette to create a showstopping makeup look? “The beauty of the Make Up For Ever Artist To Go palettes is not only their excellent quality-to-price ratio, but also their compact size, which makes it easy to travel with all four wherever I go,” says Duyos. Featuring six matte and shimmer shades, this streamlined collection of shadows is ideal to throw in your bag for impactful glam on the go.
Customer review:“An excellent palette for my everyday life. It's easy to mix and match, very practical for travel, and lasts all day.” — brsandrinha
LV Ombres Eyeshadow Palette in 951 Force of Nature
This eyeshadow quad from Louis Vuitton is almost too pretty to use. Outfitted with the house's iconic monogram logo, the luxe compact houses four metallic shadows with 12-hour wear, each formulated to be crease-proof for up to 24 hours.
Mothership X Eyeshadow Palette: Moonlit Seduction
This coveted 10-pan palette from Pat McGrath Labs is viral for a reason. It not only contains a mix of satin, shimmer, and matte tones, but also has a pressed powder formula to reduce potential fallout and make the shadows more buildable. Use them wet or dry to activate your glam.
Customer review:“Absolutely love this palette!!! I frequently get compliments on it. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s so so worth it.” — mimicasse
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette
Here's another Bazaar -loved option from Chanel that makes it a no-brainer to boost your natural glow. It contains five neutral shadows plus two applicators for easy yet impactful glam at home or away. Plus, each shade can be worn as a base, highlighter, or liner.
What our editors are saying:“I can't do too much shimmer anymore these days when it comes to my everyday eyeshadow, but I love the elevated glow that comes from a Chanel eye palette. The peachy neutrals in this set pair perfectly with my skin tone and can be utilized for warm and cool seasons alike.” — Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
Customer review:“Absolutely lovely for soft everyday makeup. Blends beautifully.” — Ann
e.l.f. Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette
You don't have to spend a fortune to get quality eyeshadow options. For under $15, this 10-shade palette from e.l.f. Cosmetics contains all the essentials needed for a smoldering smoky eye, including both matte and shimmer shades.
Customer review:“This is a nice beginner-friendly eyeshadow palette. I love all the neutral shades.” — Kayla
Dysco Eyeshadow Palette
This stunning palette from Byredo is reminiscent of a gilded oyster shell before it's opened, and inside, it holds a range of pigmented shimmer and matte eyeshadow shades. From peachy beige to matte brown, each color wears beautifully alone or layered together.
What our editors are saying:“I don't usually wear eye makeup, but when I'm looking to add a subtle wash of color or sparkle, I grab for this Byredo palette. The warm, neutral tones start off transparent and build with ease depending on the level of intensity I'm going for. The shape of the case is also stunning—sometimes I like to just hold it in my hands and marvel at it!” — Michella Oré, fashion commerce editor
Eyeshadow Palette in Sorcery
Lisa Eldridge's eyeshadow palette offers plenty of inspiration for a high-glam makeup look. Not only are each of its shadows extremely rich and vibrant, but they're also long-wearing and unapologetically bold. We're betting you'll want to own this palette in every available shade after trying it.
Customer review:“I’ve never owned eyeshadows that were truly great quality. I blamed my brushes or my technique for previous patchiness or poor wear. It was always a gamble whether my eyes would turn out terrible or not. These shadows last, have zero fallout, and blend so easily while keeping pigment. It makes doing my eyes enjoyable since I know they’ll look great with less work.” — Lisa C.S.
Naked Shaped Multi-Tasking Eyeshadow Palette in Cool
Urban Decay is well-known for its viral eyeshadow palettes, and this versatile option from the brand provides even more opportunity for playful glam. Along with 14 cool-toned shades, the palette contains four different shadow finishes—cream, matte, shimmer, and glimmer—that can be used for full-face application.
Customer review:“Bought this two weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I have all the naked eyeshadow, and this is one of my favorites.” — Lowe
Meet the Experts:
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Eddie Duyos is a professional makeup artist and the senior manager of pro education and artistry at Make Up Forever.
How Can I Minimize Eyeshadow Fallout?
According to experts, using an eye primer is always a game-changer for eyeshadow that can potentially cause fallout. However, if using primer isn't in the cards, Duyos suggests reaching for a full-coverage concealer instead. “Use a full-coverage concealer, like HD Skin Full Cover concealer , as a base to create an even canvas and help reduce fallout,” he explains. “A full-coverage concealer can also enhance the look and vibrancy of your eyeshadow.”
What's the Typical Shelf Life of an Eyeshadow Palette?
Professionals say the shelf life of eyeshadow can vary depending on its formulation. “Usually, shadows can last two to three years; however, the cleaner the formula, the shorter the life span,” Duyos continues. He advises always purchasing palettes from a reputable brand that clearly indicates the shelf life of its products on the outer packaging.
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