Best Eyeshadow Palettes: From Budget to Luxe

Imagine the validation we felt when our daily go-to, “Clair-Obscur,” was one of makeup artist Tyron Machhausen’s “absolute favorites.” Chanel does exquisite color curations, but this quad of matte taupes and neutral browns is one we continue to reach for year after year, no matter how many new launches are sent our way. “I can create the most subtle, ‘no makeup,’ contoured eye look with this quad and I am also able to build a proper smoky eye that doesn’t look heavy,” Machhausen says. “It is versatile enough, depending on the application technique or brush, to be used as shadow, eyeliner, or contour.”

The formula, too, is noteworthy. Color payoff is vibrant—not quite matte, more satin-like on skin—yet utterly forgiving even for those who are perfecting their application and blending technique. (Which isn’t the norm in most demi-matte to ultra-matte formulas.) The texture is what makes these shades so easy to layer as well, making it the perfect palette for day to night, work to weekend, and everything in between.

There’s a good reason why Pat McGrath is mother—and her makeup line is a living extension of her genius. Color payoff (which is super saturated and almost creamy in one swipe because of the emollient, pigment-intensive formulas), blendability, and lasting wear are consistent across all of her Mothership Palettes, but “Subversive” is the standout. It’s unique though not unapproachable; the diversity in shade range is what gives you incredible breadth and depth to play. Go full avant-garde Club Kid, or add an unexpected pop of color (and dimension!) to your usual smoky eye.

A tip: do take your night-out pictures with a flash when wearing this palette. You’ll be amazed at how the bejeweled violets and holographic finishes photograph.

Inspired by Machhausen’s advice, we zeroed in on shimmery formulas for this category. Less is more—especially for those new to eyeshadow or want to venture outside their signature single-shade looks—and this trio was just the palette we were searching for. All of these three-pan minis make it easy to explore different color stories in manageable amounts, but for the beginner, “The Zen Trio” is impossible to get wrong. The shades are perfectly neutral (not too cool, not too warm), offer a pretty shimmer (not glitter) for shine, and we love that the largest pan (seashell with a hint of peach) makes for a beautiful cheek highlight, too.

Consider this the drugstore find of the century. A unicorn, even: the pigmentation is on par with plenty of your favorite prestige brands at Ulta and Sephora, and yet it’s only $3 a pop. If you’re new to shadows, building upon your current collection, (responsibly!) exploring new-to-you shades before investing in something pricier, or traveling (and precious about your palettes), this Bite Size quad is bite-sized perfection. Color payoff is impressive but applies best with your fingertips (which helps minimize any fallout), and we recommend using patting motions especially when working with deeper shades. There’s some patchiness, but nothing a solid eyeshadow base or patience while blending can’t fix.

You’ll notice that for some palettes, we were particular with the color story that made our list—but for these Byredo five-color palettes, all are worthy. Consider this a choose-your-own-adventure scenario: every version is thoughtfully created and even the more neutral options (like “Corp Colours”), boast an undeniable it-factor signature to the brand. We’re partial to “Sciomancer” for its rich jewel tones and adore “Syren” for its electric eccentricity, but truly, you can’t go wrong with the palette you choose. The gold pebble compact further puts this pick in a class of its own: this is an objet d’art you’ll want to pull out any given moment even if a touch-up isn’t necessary.

Most of us remember (and reminiscence over) the original Naked palettes, but the Basics—miniature versions of the velvet-flocked and metal tin cult favorites—are far more budget-friendly… and pragmatic, too. This edited (though far from limited) range is evidence that less is more; never has it been easier to mix and match for barely-there to smoky-eye looks. We love that it takes up minimal real estate, of course, but what we appreciate most is how Urban Decay made the cooler side of the spectrum approachable. Go too grey and you veer on the chalky side, but these taupe-toned browns give just enough warmth without appearing jarring on those with neutral or pink undertones.

If Urban Decay and Anastasia Beverly Hills were at the forefront of the maximalist eyeshadow palette craze (millennials will remember), Charlotte Tilbury’s curated quads—which launched by aesthetic rather than by color family, which was quite ahead for its time in hindsight—were the standouts of the luxury space. They’re just as impressive all these years later. “The Bella Sophia” was introduced to the line-up more recently, and for those who love warmer shades but don’t want to go the obvious rust or coppery routes, this russet and bronze-led quad is simply divine. We’re never one to push forth trends, but you subscribe to or enjoy experimenting with micro moments, this palette is the Mob Wife aesthetic in pigment form.

Mario Dedivanovic’s makeup line, like Pat MacGrath’s, is a bona fide example of perfect alignment between the artist and the physical manifestation of their work as tangible products. Yes, “Ethereal Eyes” is worth every penny (but it is hard to get a hold of and perpetually sold out at Sephora since it officially joined the ranks as a mainstay product)—and just as deserving of all the hype is “Master Mattes.” Pigmentation is rich, and the formula across all shades is so buttery that even the deeper browns blend like a dream. It’s an absolute must for any collection, to be honest—especially if you love neutrals or want to be able to add depth and definition to any glitter, metallic, or shimmer-based looks.

Isamaya is made by and for the artists, and for those of us who simply love playing with makeup, it’s just as successful in evoking our most uninhibited, creative selves. This palette could’ve ranked high on our list for packaging alone—but we’re happy to report that the actual shadows (pressed pigments, technically) and unexpected versatility are what solidify its place on our list. You have your neutral mattes—the black and deeper brown are incredible when used dry and perform like liners applied wet—plus an array of easy-to-build metallics and stunning glitters. The color story may not seem intuitive at first glance, but these are shades that are universally flattering on all skin tones and surprisingly wearable, especially in small bursts above the iris, in your inner corner, or along your bottom lash line for a pop with a neutral lid look).

It was love at first sight when we discovered Mob Beauty through makeup artist Erin Parsons, and we’re happy to report that the eyeshadows did not disappoint. It’s hardly surprising given that the brand’s co-founder Victor Casale was the former chief chemist and managing director of MAC, as well as co-founder and chief innovation officer of Cover FX: two brands known for their commitment to moving the beauty industry forward. Do go for this palette if you’re fluent in shadows or after following Machhausen’s tips, and you are ready to curate a collection of your own. Pigmentation is stunning on these shadows, and the assortment is exceptional. Neutrals are where they shine (no chalkiness or patchiness to be found!), and the statement shades are delicious to wear.

Originally $49, now $44

True, this isn’t technically a palette, but this set is a curated trio that takes up less space than most palettes—and its formula (clean by most standards and paraben-free) is best suited for a sterile aluminum tube packaging anyway. RMS makes two trios, but “Starlight” is the most universally flattering on all ages and skin tones—a rarity in softer, shimmer-based shadows—and requires minimal effort to wear well. Most astounding is how truly long-wear and crease-proof this formula was (even on oily eyelids); the luminous, reflective finish lasted all day long and was easy to deepen to take the look from AM to PM.

If there was a palette that paletted, this is it. “Groundwork” is the do-it-all of multitaskers, featuring 10 shades in two textures each: velvety pomade (like a cream, but with greater grip and color payoff that can be used to set brows), and a pigment-locking powder that coordinates with the pomade. Use them wherever, however, to add color, contour, or definition on your eyes, brows, cheeks, and lips. For pro artists, this is a kit staple. For travelers, this is just as essential and quite the space saver; consider a third of your makeup routine taken care of just by packing this palette alone.

These dual-ended sticks aren’t technically palettes either, but they do combine two shades in one component—just not in a pan each. Think of Smokesticks as a mini palette on the go in pencil form. One end is a cream crayon you can use all over the lids or as a liner, the other is a pre-dipped sponge applicator that delivers the perfect amount of powder eyeshadow to help set and smoke out your cream base. The color coordination cuts out the work of finding your perfect match, and if you’re out and about (or simply venturing into the beauty space as a newcomer), these grab-and-go stylos make creating a complete eye look a breeze. Simply scribble on and go.