Finding the perfect eyeshadow palette is never the easiest task.
It can be an expensive purchase so you really need to factor in whether you’ll use every single one of the many shades provided. But once you’ve found The One, you never let it go.
Unlike other makeup and beauty items, eyeshadow palettes unite all beauty lovers. Whether you’re just beginning to dabble in the creativity of mixing the powdered hues or have mastered the cut crease, having a palette with a range of colours is essential. Sometimes it might feel like an eyeshadow palette is strictly for the festive season or nights out, but The One will have subtle everyday tones that will naturally become part of your daily makeup routine.
Choosing a new palette can be pretty daunting because there are so many to choose from and yet so few that get 10s across the board. So when looking for your perfect one, here are the things to consider: firstly, staying power. Of course this can be helped with the use of primer, concealer and setting spray, but an eyeshadow alone must be able to have some staying power without any help.
Next, how pigmented the hues are. If you’re investing in a palette, you need the hues to have a colour payoff instead of leaving a faint hue that requires layers upon layers to see a subtle tint and leaving us feeling cheated. The texture is equally as important because, let’s be clear, a heavy chalky consistency is never the one. The best palettes contain shades that are highly blendable and have a pillowy or velvety texture.
Finally the range of colours. We need shades that transition from day to night, or that we can create different looks with. You want a mixture of base, statement, neutral, metallic and matte hues to cover the full spectrum and make sure you only need to bring one of the larger item with you when you’re on the move.
To get the most out of your colours Rupert Kingston co founder of delilah cosmetics says “Dabbing a touch of concealer on to the lids prior to applying your shadow is a great way to ensure maximum colour payoff and will also help to keep the shadow on.
“Oily lids are the reason that eye makeup tends to move around and smudge, so another trick to keep your look in place is to apply a little loose powder before the eyeshadow, to prevent the make-up slipping. Some people find applying their shadow before their foundation can be a great way of preventing fallout during application.”
I’ve been trialling palettes for the longest time and these are the crème de la crème.
Naomi Sade Bronze Lookbook
After years working as a makeup artist London-based Naomi Sade’s most requested look was her bronze smokey eye - and just like that, the Bronze Lookbook was born.
After working closely with darker skin tones, the aim of this palette was for the pigments to work with all skin colours. This palette contains 12 shades with five shimmers and seven warm matte shades. The cherry on top of the pigmented cake has to be that the formula that contains nourishing jojoba oil with means the texture is so buttery for a smooth application. This is one of my firm favourites, you won’t regret this purchase.
Buy now £29.99, Naomi Sade
Beauty Pie x James Molloy
If there’s anything that James Molloy loves it’s eyeshadow, explaining “when I started out as a makeup artist, it’s the first product I picked up.” This silver palette is truly one of the best I’ve seen. Silver tones can often appear chalky and very cold, but this is far from that, giving us classic shades, that are infinitely wearable. One of my favourite things about this quad, is that the colours don’t look strange if they’re worn on their own and you’re able to create a number of looks with just four shades.
Buy now £14.64, Beauty Pie
Dear Dahlia Timeless Bloom Collection Palette
The eight shades in this palette contain rose golds and marbles for maximum glam. If you’re into shimmers, look no further than this. You’re able to create more of a subtle daytime look and then add a pop if you want to create an evening look. The vegan formulas are infused with Dahlia Varibilis Flower Extract, which is rich in antioxidants. The textures are so soft they could be applied using either your fingers or a brush.
Buy now £57.00, lookfantastic
KVD Beauty Planet Fanatic Eyeshadow Palette
These 14 high pigment vegan colours are inspired by the Earth’s terrains and even come in recyclable packaging. It’s got both warm and cool tones, so you can choose depending on your mood. If you’re wanting to create a slightly bolder look, try using a wet brush to enhance the pigment of these looks, even the mattes.
Buy now £38.00, Feel Unique
Natasha Denona Retro Palette
Loved by makeup artists and beauty lovers alike, Natasha Denona does some of the best palettes - trust me on this one. This shade range was created so that you can combine any three hues in a row to create an entire look.
If you’re wanting a work-suitable look, opt for the nude mauves, but when the sun sets, layer up with pops of shimmer to create a more glam look. These pigments blend seamlessly and let me tell you, they last all day.
It’s giving us lilacs, pinks and gold. Not one to be missed.
Buy now £60.00, Cult Beauty
Makeup By Mario Master Mattes
There couldn’t possibly be a round up of the best palettes without Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist included. When the legendary Mario Dedivanovic unveils a product, the beauty world takes note. These 12 shades are uniquely formulated to flatter any and all skin tones as the colours were inspired by cells after the eponymous brand creator took a microscopic look at the human body. They are so buildable and one of the best things, is that they become a cream when applied, so there’s no fallout and they will last all day. If this is your first foray into shimmer, this will be your new best friend. It’s got the Kardashian seal of approval so no doubt it’ll get yours too.
Buy now £41.00, Cult Beauty
Charlotte Tilbury Easy Eyeshadow Charlotte Darling
Calling all eyeshadow novices, this may just be the palette for you. It contains the most gorgeous six shades which can create anything from a light glow to a more smokey look. The formulas contains powder coating technology with an emollient oil blend that keeps them soft as you swipe across your lids. These textures melt onto the eyes and have the miraculous ability to transform from powders to cream. You can never go wrong with a rosy finish and a touch of sparkle.
Buy now £45.00, Cult Beauty
Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam
This is the true MVP of the palette world. Anastasia Beverly Hills offers a beautifully-curated collection of eyeshadows that are highly pigmented and long lasting with colours to suit everyone. My favourite shade is definitely Orange Soda, a matte pastel peach that gives retro vibes.
If you’re wanting the shimmer shades a little bolder, I would spray the brush with a face mist and it will really make these shades pop. This palette really does have something for every skin tone and on the muted to statement spectrum with its balance of neutrals and metallics.
A one stop shop, if you buy anything today, let it be this.
Buy now £46.00, Cult Beauty
Huda Beauty Naughty Nude Eyeshadow
This palette is quite frankly unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. There are 18 shades and wait for it… five different textures. It contains reflective marble creams, soft mattes, high shine metallics, and a revolutionary gloss which has bronze and berry pearls in it. There are so many beautiful tones that you can create just about any look. Start with a light matte base and add some metallic or use a sponge brush for a high shine foil effect. Don’t run, walk to the checkout.
Buy now £58.00, Cult Beauty
Rimmel Magnifeyes Spice
There is something so enchanting, or dare I say it, spicy, about these shades. The formula is intense and rich but crease proof, so there is no fear of patchy eyeshadow throughout the day. The colours blend beautifully and depending on your mood, can be used wet or dry. The careful shade selection means that these colours can be used in quads or mixed up to your liking.
Buy now £9.99, lookfantastic
