The beauty of eyeshadow palettes is the ability to create various looks from one compact of colors in a range of matte, satin and metallic finishes. Even if you’re a beginner and still learning how to properly apply eyeshadow, palettes make it easier for you to pick up your makeup brush and feel confident in experimenting with complementary shades.
We asked our seasoned beauty editors for their go-to shadow palettes, and got personal tips and recommended products from makeup artists Ashunta Sheriff (who’s done carpet-ready makeup for Rihanna and Alicia Keys) and Sharon Gjieli. “Browns and beiges are easier to learn with instead of jumping head-first into bold colors that might take practice blending together seamlessly,” Sheriff says. Plus, neutral shades are foolproof and look great on anyone.
At the end of this story, check out our recommendations on how to shop for the best eyeshadow palette for you, how to find out what eyeshadow shade is best for you and more. Still looking for more eye makeup content? Here, our guides to the best eyeshadow sticks and best eyeshadow primers on the market. Ahead, the best eyeshadow palettes of 2023, from top-rated drugstore options to neutral shadow palettes, all with shades that you can really use.
Offered in a range of finishes, including matte, satin, pearl and metallic, these GH Beauty Award-winning shadow quartets define and gild lids with silky, wearable hues. Between neutral and bold color palettes, there’s something for everyone: “The colors are nicely curated and complement one another very well,” says GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. Plus, Beauty Lab assessment confirmed that the powders glided on smoothly, gave eyes dimension and didn’t settle into lines.
GH Beauty Director April Franzino raves about these Maybelline palettes because the shadows are silky and pigmented without breaking the bank. “You get much more high-end quality for a bargain price of less than $10 for six shades,” she says. She also loves that it’s compact and easy to stash in a makeup bag.
These palettes come in a range of shades and finishes, so you can have the essentials for any eye makeup wardrobe or try some bolder, brighter looks. Some online reviewers wish the packaging could be improved, as they’ve experienced the powder breaking up too easily, making it difficult to use.
| Number of shades | 6 |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Matte, shimmer |