As a self-proclaimed beauty connoisseur who was introduced to make-up before Youtube tutorials were even a thing, skincare and make-up just simply make me happy. With that said, I have been forced to learn much of my knowledge through trial and error. Finding the best eyeshadow palettes has been no exception. I have basically tried them all so that you don’t have to waste your time or money.
I have been on a lifelong hunt for ways to enhance, maintain and appreciate my natural beauty. Makeup is so fun for a lot of people. For others, it is a confusing and inflated industry constantly fighting for our attention. Let my years of research benefit you.
My favorite feature is my eyes, despite that, I have not been blessed with large eyes. I mean, eyes are often referred to as the windows to our soul, and they are just so dang pretty! So, I have been on a continuous search for ways to make my eyes “pop,” which is always a leading makeup trend.
I want my eyeshadow to help emphasize my eyes, to give the illusion of large eyes. This led me to the understanding that “the perfect eyeshadow palette” is quite an individualized search. I searched, more specifically, for a palette that would work best with my blue, and yes, small eyes.
At one time, my budget was actually the most important element in my search. Now, I care more about ingredients and the lack of chemicals in the product. Lasting power and pretty pigment is always a top priority. So, the perfect palette may look a little differently for each person. Likewise, skin care is increasingly more personalized, so, here is my research based on individual needs – a look at the best eyeshadow palette for you.
Best Eyeshadow Palette for Brown Eyes: Lilah B Palette Eyeshadow Palette Perfection Eyeshadow Quad, color: b Stunning
Brown eyes can be light and shiny or they can be deep and mesmerizing, either way, you will want to draw the focus to them.
This palette has been praised as a beautiful high-end palette with gray tones that create a stunning contrast to brown eyes. With a silky mixture of sparkle and smoothness, this color combination will draw the eye to yours. If you have brown eyes that you want to show off, this is your palette.
Best Eyeshadow Palette for Blue Eyes: Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette
I have done my research on blue eyes, believe me! When looking to brighten your blue eyes, day or night you should be showing off those baby blues!
Warm shades, including copper, coral, and bronze brighten and complement blue eyes. Blue is typically a cool color so matching it with warm ones builds the contrast needed to pop.
This brand is also buttery going on and has the staying power to make it through the whole day. Additionally, like most high-end palettes you can add water for a bolder look at night.
Best Eyeshadow Palette for Green Eyes: Byredo Eyeshadow 5 Colors
Warm shades are also suited for green eyes. Any eyeshadow palette with red hues, like maroon, coral-orange, or pinkish-red, will accentuate green eyes.
Gold works on both but your purples look much cleaner with green eyes than blue. Make sure to pick the palette with gold in the middle, you will also see blue, which looks pretty fly paired with green eyes as far as cool colors go.
This option is pricey but the lid coverage and lasting power of this incredible green eyed-combo will not give you any buyers’ remorse.
Best Vegan Eyeshadow Palette: Thrive Cosmetics Focus Eyeshadow Palette
If your highest priority is the ingredients used to create the make-up, then this is the palette you have been searching for.
Powered by Semi-Permanent Micropigment Technology™, each palette delivers rich pigments and is guaranteed cruelty-free, 100% vegan, and formulated without parabens, sulfates, or latex.
Personally, it felt breathable yet held its lid coverage throughout my day. This palette has the essential nude color options and it won’t irritate your skin. When I sampled this palette it easily maintained its visibility all day and actually kept my lids feeling hydrating, which is something I didn’t even know I was missing.
Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Palette for the Budget-Conscious: NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette – Warm Neutrals
If you are not looking to break the bank there are still options in your local drugstore. This palette has many options, warm and cool, so regardless of your eye color, this can work for you. While you’re at the drugstore, pick up one of these great concealers to smooth and cover undereye circles allowing your eye look to pop!
It goes on smoothly and has a great pigment. If you check out the reviews on Amazon you will see mostly satisfied and repeat customers. The packaging leaves plenty to be desired but with this price, it is more than worth it.
Final Word: The Best Eyeshadow Palettes
As the world of beauty becomes a more specific and more complicated world, knowing what is important to you helps immensely. It also doesn’t hurt if you have any Ulta Rewards points to save money!
Eyeshadow is an essential part of my beauty routine so picking the right palette has been a journey full of research, lots of colors, and learning what I like and what I don’t. For tips on how to use these palettes, see these tips for hooded eye makeup!
So now, the windows to my soul can shine, and so can yours. Learn what’s important to you and make the move to obtain it; pick your palette based on your wants, your needs, and your favorites and you will not be disappointed.
Sara Zimmerman holds a master’s degree in English from Texas Woman’s University and has been an avid beauty connoisseur for over 20 years. She lives in Denton, Texas.