The best eyeshadow palettes present endless possibilities—not only for makeup looks ranging from subdued to sparkly and flat-out otherworldly, but for vibes. Do you want to radiate ethereal magic with a pearly, light-catching wash of color, or is this the day to catch the sunrise, still wearing the holographic sparkle from last night’s party? Maybe you need an all-in-one kit for a quick, no-makeup-makeup look that makes you look polished at school dropoff. Or, perhaps you want to have a first date for the books with a soft, shimmery pink eye that casts your face in a candlelit glow.
Whatever look you’re after, you have options. The only question remaining is, how do you find the best eyeshadow palette for you? Ahead, find the eyeshadow palettes that Vogue editors, celebrity makeup artists, and celebrities dip into on repeat, with expert tips on how to use them. This is by far the most glamorous form of shadow work—enjoy it!
Vogue’s Top Picks for Eyeshadow Palettes:
- Best Universal Shades: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Original, $50
- Best for Holiday Shimmer: Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette, $52
- Best for Beginners: Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette, $55
- Best Multipurpose Kit: Danessa Myricks Groundwork: Blooming Romance Palette, $65
- Best for Earthy Hues: Ilia The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette, $40
- Best for Soft Glamor: Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette, $45
In This Article:
- What to Look for in an Eyeshadow Palette
- How to Use an Eyeshadow Palette
- How to Choose the Eyeshadow Palette for You
- Meet the Experts
Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Original
Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Original
- Why We Love It: Natural skin tones inspired the 12 warm shades in this cache of universal mattes. With a light, creamy feel, the shadows provide medium coverage; they’re also buildable, easy to blend, and grip the lid with little fallout. Designed by Kim Kardashian’s go-to makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, the palette comes in an additional color range, The Neutrals, which features a mix of matte shadows in warm and cool shades. “Think about your skin tone and undertones when selecting shades—warmer tones look great on warm, olive, and medium to dark skin, while cooler tones can flatter fairer complexions,” Dedivanovic says. Meanwhile, for a mix of finishes, Makeup by Mario’s Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette in Moonlight contains shimmery, metallic, and matte hues.
- Number of Shades: 12
- Finishes: Matte
- Best For: Dedivanovic tells Vogue that he designed The Original Palette as a catchall for subtle and “more sculpted” eye looks. For casual days, use the colors that most closely match your natural skin tone—when a statement eye is in order, dip into the darker shades for a smokier, more defined look.
Urban Decay The Original Naked Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay
The Original Naked Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Those who completed formative makeup training at the University of YouTube, circa 2010, will appreciate the reissue of Urban Decay’s classic palette. The cult collection of 12 neutral shades has colors ranging from Virgin, a creamy beige with a satin finish, to Smog, a bronze metallic hue. At the smokiest end of the spectrum, there’s the glitter-flecked, jet-black Creep. The palette was discontinued in 2018—much to the chagrin of Nicole Richie, who led a cheeky funeral for it via Livestream—but it’s back for a limited time. The relaunch offers a few tweaks on the classic, including a new, double-ended vegan brush and a certificate of authenticity tucked into each palette. British Vogue’s Tracy Achonwa tested the coveted palette and wrote: “The silky new formula practically blends itself, making it an easy choice for beginners, as well as the workhorse of any professional makeup artist’s kit.” And don’t let the throwback appeal fool you. Achonwa also reported, “More than merely nostalgic, the Naked palette is a timeless buy boasting a wardrobe of shades you’ll get plenty of wear out of.”
- Number of Shades: 12
- Finishes: Matte, shimmer, satin, metallic
- Best For: Day-to-night neutrals. Start the day with a lightly shimmering base of taupe, pink, and tawny, then smoke it out with Creep and Gunmetal for evening cocktails.
Ilia The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette
Ilia
Ilia The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: With warm, woodsy hues of brown, terracotta, gold, and copper, Ilia’s palette brings autumnal coziness to any makeup look. (Think of it as a cashmere sweater for the eye.) The palette holds six highly pigmented shades in matte, satin, and metallic finishes. With a smooth, buttery texture that makes them easy to apply, the shades were built for blending and have little fall-out. What’s more, the powders are enriched with nourishing vitamin E, jojoba seed oil, and honeysuckle flower—and free of talc, which can irritate sensitive skin.
- Number of Shades: Six
- Finishes: Matte, satin, and metallic
- Best For: An elevated, earthy look. Use it to freshen up after a bouldering workout, stash it in your Aspen travel bag, or lean into autumn by pairing the palette with an apple-picking expedition.
Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette
Dior
Backstage Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Celebrity makeup artist Ammy Drammeh previously told Vogue that Dior’s nine-pan palette, which includes a shadow primer and eight shades, is a staple in her kit. “[The shadows] are high pigment, have matte and shimmery finish, and their shades are neutral,” she said. Also a favorite of Zoey Deutch, the Backstage palette comes in four shade ranges—including the plum-and-gray-flecked “Smoky Essentials” and the ambery “Warm Essentials”—that were designed to flatter any skin tone. The newest iteration, the limited-edition “Celestial Purple,” expands on the traditional finishes, pairing five satiny shades with two glittery colors and one rich, velvety matte.
- Number of Shades: Eight shades plus one primer
- Finishes: Matte, shimmer, glitter, satin
- Best For: A softly glamorous holiday look—get shimmery for a festive high tea or swipe on a little smokiness for a casual cocktail.
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette
Charlotte Tilbury
Luxury Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury collection features palettes that make it easy to achieve, well, a luxurious eye. (Tilbury has mastered this art, after all, having played up the gaze of everyone from Nicole Kidman to Amal Clooney.) Each palette contains four shades, which are chosen according to a four-step system. First, use the lightest shade as a primer, dusting it over the entire lid. Next, use the shade in the palette’s top right corner to enhance the look, blending it into the crease of the eyelid and along the upper and lower lash lines. The shade on the bottom left is the “pop” shade—press it into the center of the lid to give the eye a little shimmer. The darkest shade, in the bottom right pan, is the “smoke” color. Blend it from the outer corner of the eye up into the crease, then smooth it into the crease and along the lash lines. The palettes come in several color ranges— if you’re not certain where to start, consider Pillow Talk. Much like the matching cult lipstick, the palette was designed to flatter any skin tone; its shimmery, pink-nude shades are a fun toolkit for designing a softly romantic statement eye.
- Number of Shades: Four
- Finishes: Shimmer, satin, matte
- Best For: The simple prime, define, pop, and smoke system will appeal to any palette novice, while the Pillow Talk shades, in particular, are perfect at a dinner for two. They give the eyes a luminous glow that’s even more enchanting by candlelight.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Actor Maitreyi Ramakrishnan uses this coveted palette to create a warm, orangey-brown look using the Orange Soda and Cyprus Umber shades —and it looks so lovely, she doesn’t even mind a little fall-out. (“You just Beauty Blender, concealer up that s—,” she told Vogue.) With 14 shades in all, the collection also features Glistening, which casts a pink reflection on iridescent gold. The mix of earthy and ethereal shades has everything one needs for a softly smudged eye or a bold, gleaming look—and it has built-in highlighters, too. The Glistening, Bronze, and Fairy shades can all be used to accentuate the high planes of the face.
- Number of Shades: 14
- Finishes: Matte, metallic, duo chrome
- Best For: With varying degrees of sparkle and shine—from iridescent gold to highly pigmented, metallic bronze—this kit adds the finishing touch to an ethereal look. (It’s fitting that it has a shade called “Fairy.”) Wear it for a night of whimsy at a Shakespearean ballet or to the Wicked matinee.
Chanel Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette
Chanel
Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: A favorite palette for glitzy movie premieres and Oscar parties—just ask Lily-Rose Depp and Margot Robbie—Chanel’s glossy black compact holds four shades in finishes ranging from matte to satin and shimmer. In each palette, shades are highly pigmented and meticulously selected. There are two shades for color and contour, a darker shade to add intensity, and a lighter shade to highlight the eye. The shadows have a smooth texture that glides easily onto the eyes, and the compact has a built-in mirror for checking your work as you swirl and blend.
- Number of Shades: Four
- Finishes: Matte, satin, and shimmer
- Best For: With a vast array of finishes and colors, there’s a Chanel Les 4 Ombres palette for any occasion. But if you have a high-profile event to attend, take a cue from Robbie’s Oscar-party look and opt for the palette in “Candeur et Expérience.” The beiges, browns, and burnished reds set a subtle backdrop for a bold lip—and an even bolder ensemble.
Pat McGrath Mothership IX: Huetopian Dream Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Labs
Mothership IX: Huetopian Dream Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath filled her futuristic palette with colors inspired by the cosmos. The 10 creamy shades come in six finishes, which range from matte and satin to shimmery, duo-chrome, and full-on shine. Colors, meanwhile, include nudes, roses, coral, and golds and bronzes with sparkling hints of chartreuse and blue. The shadows can be used wet or dry, and they lend a dash of space-age glamor—replete with holographic sparkles and color-shifting hues—to any beauty look.
- Number of Shades: 10
- Finishes: High shine, shimmer, matte, metallic, satin, duo chrome, tri chrome
- Best For: Making a bold, artistic statement. Whether you have plans to attend a Margiela Artisanal Fashion Show or want to mingle with a boundary-pushing crowd, the palette is a guaranteed attention grabber.
Danessa Myricks Groundwork: Blooming Romance Eyeshadow Palette
Danessa Myricks
Groundwork: Blooming Romance Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Danessa Myricks’s multitasking palette is an all-in-one kit for the eyes, face, brows, and lips. Housed in a metallic-pink case, the talc-free palette has an innovative design that pairs velvety pomades with matching powders. Start by swiping the pomade across the lid to define the eye. The powder, which has oil-absorbing properties, serves as a topcoat to lock in the look. The 10 shades focus on universally flattering hues of pink, brown, and berry. What’s more, the pomades and powders can be used to sculpt the cheeks, fill in the brows, or line and color the lips.
- Number of Shades: 10
- Finishes: Matte
- Best For: Tackling your entire makeup regime—particularly if you’re en route to dinner after the gym and a long day at the office. The blushing, berry-hued colors are just the thing for a dreamily romantic look.
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette
Tom Ford
Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Tom Ford is synonymous with sultry glamor—who else would develop a fruity gourmand that feels so elicit, it could only be called Lost Cherry? The designer’s signature, sexy touch infuses his eye color quads, which have decked the lids of models at NYFW. The quads come in finishes ranging from sheer sparkle to matte. There’s also a wide color selection, which includes the dusky pink and plum Disco Dust and the pink, cool purple, and dirty red Electric Cherry. In each quad, the colors coordinate to build out soft or bold looks, and the shadows can be applied wet or dry. Pro tip: Take a cue from Ford’s NYFW artist, and seal the powders with a touch of balm for an all-night hold.
- Number of Shades: 4
- Finishes: Sparkle, satin, shimmer, matte
- Best For: Putting the finishing touch on a nighttime look with a little edge—the glittery shades are a perfect match for chainmail, while smoky mattes play well with velvet and leather.
What to Look for in an Eyeshadow Palette
“When it comes to eyeshadow palettes, it’s good to have something that’s versatile enough for everyday wear but can also be used to dial up your look for the evening,” says celebrity makeup artist Sofia Tilbury. “For an everyday palette you can use all the time, look for something that contains light to mid-tone neutral matte shades that you can use in your crease or all over the lid, plus at least one deeper neutral that can build depth and smokiness. If you like shimmer, look for one that also includes at least one metallic shadow to create a dreamy, dazzling eye look that catches the light beautifully.”
Dedivanovic shares more advice on choosing a palette based on shades, finishes, and pigments.
Shades: “Shades are personal preference, but for me, a well-rounded palette includes a range of light, medium, and deep shades within a color story so you have everything you need to create a full eye look: lighter shades that can be used as a base or highlight, medium options to softly sculpt the eye, and deeper shades for definition and intensity,” he says. “A nice range of tones offers the flexibility to create anything from a natural, everyday eye to a more dramatic evening look. If you aren’t sure which shades work best for you, neutrals are always a safe bet.”
Finishes: “Finishes are what add dimension and versatility to your eye looks,” Dedivanovic continues. “Palettes typically come in matte, shimmer, or metallic finishes. For me, mattes are a classic formula, look good on everyone, and are essential in shaping and creating structure on the eyes. They also work beautifully both day and night. Shimmer and metallic finishes are a fun accessory and perfect for adding extra dimension and interest to your eye makeup.”
Pigment: “Quality pigmentation is important for both color payoff and even application,” says Dedivanovic. “Some artists like high pigment shadows, but I prefer a buildable formula so I can work in layers to get my desired effect. Whatever your preference, look for a palette where the formula is smooth, buildable, and easy to blend, so you can control the intensity whether you want a sheer wash of color or a bold, dramatic eye.”
How to Use an Eyeshadow Palette
To use a palette, “Start with a skin-toned shade across the lid to create a smooth base,” Dedivanovic instructs. “Build dimension by adding mid-tone shades to the crease and darker shades to the lash line and outer corners for definition. Shimmer or metallic shades can be applied to the center of the lid or inner corners to catch the light. Don’t be afraid to mix and match finishes to add depth and interest to your look. Whatever look you’re trying to create, layering shadows a little at a time and blending out any harsh edges are key techniques.”
Celebrity makeup artist Michele Probst adds that it’s key to have the right brushes to create a variety of looks.“Here’s what you need: a plush brush that is for all-over blending, a paddle-shaped brush for creases and precision on corners and smudges, and a small straight-edge brush that helps perfect tight-lining eyes and evens out brows,” she says.
How to Choose the Eyeshadow Palette for You
When choosing which palette to purchase, “Consider your daily makeup routine and the occasions you’ll be using the palette for,” says Dedivanovic. “A neutral-toned palette is a great staple for everyone as it can be used for everyday wear and easily transitioned into evening looks. If you enjoy adding a touch of shimmer or sparkle for special occasions, a palette that includes metallic or satin finishes is a great choice. Most importantly, be sure to start with a palette that doesn’t overwhelm you. If you’re new to makeup or just looking for essentials, opt for a palette with shades you know you’ll wear regularly. As you gain confidence and want to experiment more, you can expand your collection with more varied options.”
To further customize your selection, “Know your undertones—warm or cool— and consider your eye color for the perfect, blendable collection,” Probst advises. To determine your undertones, Probst suggests using a technique she calls the “jewelry test.” Gold typically looks better on warm tones, she explains, while silver flatters cooler tones. Another trick Probst uses is the “white-towel test.” Hold a white towel against your face to see what color cast it makes: A pink cast indicates cool undertones, while a yellow cast is created by warmer tones.
As for the best shade for each eye color, Probst says that there are no hard-and-fast rules—but a good rule of thumb is to think of the color wheel. “Each hue does have a complimentary color,” she says. For example, orange is the complementary color of blue, while green and blue are the complementary colors of brown. In the end, there are no wrong choices. “The purpose of the eyeshadow palette is to allow yourself to be creative and become your own makeup artist,” Probst says. “Don’t get analysis paralysis while trying to pick the best one for you!”
Meet the Experts
- Mario Dedivanovic is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder and CEO of Makeup By Mario. His clients include Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande.
- Ammy Drammeh is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Harry Styles and model Adut Akech.
- Michele Probst is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Worth Beauty Company. She has worked with Stevie Nicks, Katie Couric, and Barack Obama.
- Sofia Tilbury is a celebrity makeup artist with clients such as Phoebe Dynevor, Celine Dion, Bella Hadid, and Kate Moss.
