An eyeshadow palette can be the most useful item in a makeup bag, or the most neglected. Large palettes look tempting, but most people reach for the same four or five shades. A good purchase is one in which nearly every pan suits you and has a job to do.
How this guide was prepared
The points below are general principles of shade selection, formula and packaging, compiled from how palettes are typically designed and described. We did not swatch or wear-test specific palettes.
What a useful everyday palette contains
A complete eye look needs only four kinds of shade.
| Role | What it is | Typical finish |
|---|---|---|
| Base or highlight | Close to, or slightly lighter than, your skin | Matte or satin |
| Transition | A soft mid-tone, a little deeper than your skin | Matte |
| Lid | A light to medium color for the mobile lid | Shimmer or satin |
| Deepener | A dark shade for the outer corner and as liner | Matte |
A palette with at least one shade for each role, in tones that suit you, will cover most looks. See Eye Makeup for Beginners: Easy Steps to Follow for how to use them.
Finishes
- Matte: no shine. Essential for blending, shaping and the crease.
- Satin: a soft sheen. Flattering and easy.
- Shimmer and metallic: reflective. Best on the lid and inner corner.
- Glitter: sparkle. Can cause fallout, and needs a sticky base.
A palette that is all shimmer is hard to use alone. Look for at least a third to a half matte shades.
Warm, cool or neutral?
| Palette type | Shades | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Warm neutral | Peach, bronze, terracotta, warm brown | Warm and olive undertones; blue and green eyes |
| Cool neutral | Taupe, mauve, gray-brown, rose | Cool undertones; brown and hazel eyes |
| True neutral | Beige, soft brown, champagne | Everyone; beginners |
| Colorful | Brights, jewel tones | Experienced users; a second palette |
How to Choose Eyeshadow for Your Eye Color matches shades to eye color.
Size
| Size | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Single or duo | Cheap; you use all of it | Limited |
| Quad or five-pan | Complete looks; portable | Fewer options |
| Nine to twelve pans | Variety, without waste | Check that there are enough mattes |
| Large (18 or more) | Many looks | Shades you never use; bulky; often smaller pans |
Fewer, well-chosen shades usually give better value than many.
Signs of quality
- Pigment: color shows clearly with one or two taps.
- Blendability: edges soften without disappearing or turning muddy.
- Texture: smooth, not chalky or gritty.
- Low fallout: little powder drops onto the cheeks.
- Even performance: mattes and shimmers both work well.
You cannot test these through a box, so look for swatches and reviews from people with a similar skin tone.
Consider your skin tone
- Fair skin: check that the darkest shades are not overwhelming, and that the light shades are not all white.
- Medium skin: most palettes work.
- Deep skin: check that there are rich, pigmented mid-tones and darks, and that pale shades will show. Pale, chalky mattes can look ashy.
Powder, cream or liquid?
Powder palettes are the most versatile and the longest lasting. Cream and liquid eyeshadows are quick, and glide on with a finger, but they can crease on oily lids. See Cream vs Powder Makeup Palettes: Key Differences.
Packaging
- A sturdy case with a secure clasp protects pressed powders.
- A mirror is useful for travel.
- Shade names help with tutorials.
- Larger pans last longer. Check the total weight, not just the number of shades.
Judging value
Divide the price by the total weight in grams, and by the number of shades that you will really use. A palette of twelve shades, of which you use four, costs three times as much per useful shade as it seems. See How to Compare Makeup Prices, Sizes, and Value.
Shelf life and care
Powder eyeshadows last up to about two years after opening. Keep the palette closed, use clean brushes, and do not share. If a hard film forms on a pan, lift it gently with sticky tape.
A sensible buying order
- A neutral quad or nine-pan palette that suits your undertone.
- One or two single shades in colors that you love.
- A darker, or more colorful, palette for evenings. See Smoky Eye Makeup: A Simple Step-by-Step Tutorial.
Related on ArniSun
Frequently asked questions
What eyeshadow palette should a beginner buy?
A small neutral palette with mostly matte shades, in tones from light to dark that suit your undertone.
How many matte shades should a palette have?
At least a third to a half. Mattes do the blending and shaping, and shimmers add highlights.
Are large eyeshadow palettes worth it?
Only if you will use most of the shades. A smaller palette of well-chosen colors often gives better value.