13 Best Eyeshadow Palettes For Beginners, As Per A Makeup Artist (2024)

Learn the art of decorating your eyes with vibrant colors and stand out at a party!

Reviewed by Marin McCarthy, Professional Makeup Artist
Written by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Edited by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

Choosing the best eyeshadow palette for beginners is important to nail the perfect eye makeup look. However, the art of makeup is not easy. It takes a good amount of practice and patience to perfect the looks. While not all of us can nail elegant glamorous looks that are tricky, we sure can start easy! The first step is to get the right makeup products. For eye makeup, these would be good kohl and a good-quality eyeshadow palette. Make sure you set out with the right colors, to begin with subtle, easy looks. But if you are confident, by all means, go all out with the brightest colors!

Good eye makeup attracts a lot of eyes and compliments. People often notice your eye makeup as the first thing on your face. However, selecting your eyeshadow palette can get tricky. You have to look for the right highly pigmented shades that last long hours. Several brands offer multiple shadow palettes, and choosing one for yourself is not easy. To help you narrow down the search, we have listed the 13 best eyeshadow palettes for beginners right here. So go ahead and take a look.

Top Picks
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Best All-In-One:Prism Makeup Highly Pigmented Eye Makeup Palette
Price on Amazon
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Best Pocket-Friendly:Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eye Shadow
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Best Long-Wearing:Lamora Au Naturel Nudes Eye Shadow Palette
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Best Cost-Effective:The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Maybelline New York
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Best Crease-Free:wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow
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Best Travel-Friendly:Milani Most Loved Mattes Eyeshadow Palette
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Best With Glitter Shades:CLIO Pro Layering Eye Palette
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Best Ultra-Buttery Formula: DE'LANCI New Nude Neutral Eyeshadow Palette
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Best With Warm Shades: Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Palette- Modern Renaissance
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Best For All Skin Tones:L'Oreal Paris LA Palette Nude
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Top 13 Eyeshadow Palette for Beginners In 2024

1. Best All-In-One:Prism Makeup Highly Pigmented Eye Makeup Palette

The Prism Makeup Eyeshadow Palette is a magical eyeshadow palette that covers all the shades you would ever need for your eye makeup needs as a beginner. This rainbow luxury palette has over 40 gorgeous shades, including glitters, shiny metallics, shimmers, and neutrals. These eyeshadow shades are intensely pigmented and give a one-swipe application. The shades are versatile to suit all skin tones. You can mix and match them as you like for endless possibilities.

The eyeshadows have a smooth and blendable texture and are long-lasting. This artistry palette is lightweight and thus, travel-friendly. Whether you are a professional or a beginner at makeup, you can create light-catching looks for different occasions easily with this all-in-one palette. This complete eyeshadow collection has all the shades for shading, highlighting, transition, and definition.

Color: Colorful Palette | Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 5.2 x 8.1 inches | Weight: 6.35 Ounces

Pros

  • Intensely pigmented
  • Long-lasting
  • For all skin types and skin tones
  • A mix of matte, metallic, shimmer gloss, foil, neutrals, and satin shades
  • Value for money
  • Easy to blend shades
  • Lightweight and travel-friendly size

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Pro Tip
If you have oily lids, apply a light layer of translucent setting powder to prevent your eyeshadow from settling into your creases.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 15,427 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

2. Best Pocket-Friendly:Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eye Shadow

Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow is available in 4 oh-so beautiful and versatile shades that last long and are perfect for beginners. The rich and velvety shades are designed to create a look right from subtle to sultry and are crease-resistant, smudge-proof and do not fade away easily. It’s an ophthalmologist-tested and verified product to ensure that you use a safe product on your skin. So, what are you waiting for?

Color: 500 Addictive | Product Dimensions: 2.56 x 2.56 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces

Pros

  • The product lasts for up to 16 hours
  • Does not cause irritation
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Pocket-friendly

Cons

  • Not suitable for all skin tones

Our Tester's Experience

"The eyeshadow palette has vibrant colors that I can play around with. The shades are very pigmented, which requires a lighter hand for application. They blend smoothly for both subtle and dramatic looks."


protip_icon Pro Tip
For hooded eyes with less eyelid space, blend the eyeshadows up and outwards for more depth to the lid space.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 13,962 rave reviews on Amazon.

3. Best Long-Wearing:Lamora Au Naturel Nudes Eye Shadow Palette

Lamora Au Naturel Nudes Eye Shadow Palette with 16 gorgeous shades is a must-have for every woman. Prepared using top-quality ingredients, this ultra-micron-sized highly pigmented eyeshadow has lasting power and blendability. The rose gold shimmers and dark browns give a regal and glamorous look. Multiple reviewers shared that the product remains smooth and stays on for long. Using an eyeshadow base or an eyelid primer will bring out the actual, bright colors, making it a perfect choice for everyday wear. Be it shimmery, matte, or metallic, these earthy colors create a naturally beautiful to dramatic smokey eye makeup look.

Color: AU Naturel

Pros

  • Sleek with a magnetic lid makes it a perfect travel partner
  • Can be used in both dry or wet form
  • Stays on for long hours

Cons

  • Some pigmentation issues were reported by users

protip_icon Pro Tip
For a lifted effect, drag the eyeshadow outwards and up towards the end of the brow. This also creates a subtle cat-eye effect.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

A whopping 26,574 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.

Prism Makeup Highly Pigmented Eye Makeup Palette
Best All-In-One
Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eye Shadow
Best Pocket-Friendly
Lamora Au Naturel Nudes Eye Shadow Palette
Best Long-Wearing
Color Colorful Palette 500 Addictive AU Naturel
Dimensions 0.5 x 5.2 x 8.1 inches 2.56 x 2.56 x 0.5 inches -
Weight 6.35 Ounces 1.06 Ounces-
Rating
Reviews15,42713,96226,574
Price$7.99$9.99$12.95

4. Best Cost-Effective:The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Maybelline New York

4.3
Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Makeup Palette Image: Maybelline New York

The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette has been formulated using advanced technology and comes in 12 dazzling shades of beige and bronze infused with rose gold pigments which is a perfect palette for beginners. These beautiful and expertly curated shades create a versatile and sensuous look. This statement-making, luxury eyeshadow palette comes with a double-ended applicator that surely elevates the application experience.

Color: Eye Shadow Palette | Product Dimensions: 2.93 x 4.95 x 0.44 inches | Weight: 3 Ounces

Pros

  • Having double-ended sponge applicators is an added advantage
  • Beautiful and user-friendly packaging and perfect for gifting
  • Cost-effective

Cons

  • Some users reported low color payoff

protip_icon Pro Tip
To intensify the color, pick up the eyeshadow on a small synthetic brush and spritz a little with a water mist before applying it to the eye.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 25,005 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

5. Best Crease-Free:wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow

4.3

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow glides on the eye, giving a buildable coverage without giving a cakey or creased finish. These 5 shimmery and 5 matte shades add flawless color to your eyelids. Its silky smooth and highly pigmented formula prevents fading and gives an all-day fresh and natural look. The reformulated Color Icon Eyeshadow Palette comes in a mixture of exciting and eye-enhancing colors giving that impeccable blending.

Color: Comfort Zone.

Pros

  • 100% cruelty-free
  • Extremely cost-effective
  • Light-weight and crease-free
  • Affordable
  • Natural finish

Cons

  • Product quantity maybe a little less

Our Tester's Experience

"If you're a beginner and on the lookout for a budget-friendly eyeshadow palette, this one should be your pick. It has neutral and vibrant shades that are ideal for everyday wear. The shades are highly pigmented and the palette is travel-friendly."


6. Best Travel-Friendly:Milani Most Loved Mattes Eyeshadow Palette

The Milani Most Loved Matte Eyeshadow is a highly pigmented eyeshadow with beautiful shades in a matte finish. The perfectly curated compact case comes in a range of neutrals and bolds, from alluring lighter to deep shades. The shades add depth and definition when blended but with such fine colors, they look equally good when worn alone too. The rave reviews recommend the rich color payoff of the palette for enhanced beauty and a sultry look. The product is cruelty-free too.

Color: Bold Obsession | Product Dimensions: 4 x 0.63 x 4.06 inches | Weight: 0.48 Ounces

Pros

  • A mirror is included in the case
  • Color combinations are awesome
  • Travel friendly can be carried on vacations

Cons

  • Rare issues of fallout

Our Tester's Experience

"This Milani eyeshadow palette offers vibrant colors that are great for creating neutral and dramatic eye looks. The shades apply smoothly and blend easily on the eyes. The fall out is almost neglibible and the wear time is decent."


7. Best With Glitter Shades:CLIO Pro Layering Eye Palette

4.5
CLIO Pro Layering Eye Palette Image: Clio

CLIO Pro Layering Eye Palette features the most desirable shades of pink. The shades, when played around with, offer a finishing touch that will turn heads wherever you go! All the shades can be easily layered and are suitable for both beginners and professionals. A small built-in mirror helps in checking your makeup before entering any room. The compact case comes with a fine brush too.

Color: Caffeine Holic | Product Dimensions: 10.59 x 4.17 x 1.14 inches | Weight: 3.1 Ounces

Pros

  • Has limitless varieties of matte to glitter to the new crystal glitter shades
  • Complete with mirror and brush
  • Being compact it can fit into your purse too

Cons

  • Crystal glitter tends to get scattered in the case

8. Best Ultra-Buttery Formula:DE’LANCI New Nude Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

4.2
DE'LANCI New Nude Neutral Eyeshadow Palette Image: De-lanci

The DE’LANCI New Nude Neutral Eyeshadow Palette is designed to provide you with endless possibilities for creating stunning and sophisticated makeup looks with its smooth and buttery formula. The 15 highly pigmented shades, from shiny metallic finish to soft matte and natural tones, offer an array of options for you to mix and match and explore creative looks. These beautiful, metallic shades work wonders with every eye color and skin tone, providing maximum coverage. The formula is super easy to blend and has an intense color payoff that is water-proof and long-lasting. With a unique blend of softer powders that adhere to the eyes, it provides you with a smooth and even application. This versatile eyeshadow palette is the perfect choice for creating creative and sophisticated looks. It is ideal for both beginners and makeup enthusiasts alike.

Color: Pink package

Pros

  • Long-lasting formula
  • Soft texture
  • Easy to blend
  • High coverage
  • Ultra-velvety
  • Includes shimmery and matte shades
  • Rich color payoff
  • Easy to use
  • Versatile
  • 15-color wide shade range
  • Water-proof formula
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Easy to carry
  • Suitable for sensitive eyes and skin
  • Beginner-friendly

Cons

  • Cracks easily

Our Tester's Experience

"The palette offers vibrant colors for beginners to play around with. The shades apply easily and do not have any fall out. The hues blend well and stay on for long."


9. Best With Warm Shades:Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Palette- Modern Renaissance

4.5
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette Image: Anastasia Beverly Hills

Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Palette includes one satin, two metallic, and 11 matte finish shades that are highly pigmented, have a seamless finish, and come with an easy-to-blend formula. The case comes with a dual-ended brush and a mirror, which make touch-ups possible wherever you are, and hence are a good addition for beginners. This essential eyeshadow collection offers a versatile color range to give that dramatic eye look.

Color: Modern Renaissance | Product Dimensions: 1.14 x 18.19 x 4.21 inches | Weight: 0.63 Ounces

Pros

  • Has rich, warm-toned shades
  • Comes with an applicator brush and mirror
  • Rich and stunning color payoff

Cons

  • Shades may vary

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 2,428 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

10. Best For All Skin Tones:L’Oreal Paris LA Palette Nude

4.4
L’Oreal Paris LA Palette Nude Image: L’oreal Paris

L’Oreal Paris LA Palette Nude contains 10 highly pigmented shades that flatter every skin tone. This is a must-have palette for all makeup enthusiasts who wish to master the art of nude tone makeup. The compact palette comes with a dual-tipped brush having a foam side for application and a bristle side for blending and layering. Upon flipping, it reveals a mirror, a thoughtful gesture from the manufacturer, thereby allowing you to carry it with you everywhere to achieve exceptional results in no time and is a perfect suit for official meetings, parties, and gatherings.

Color: Nude | Product Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches | Weight: 0.81 Ounces

Pros

  • Compact and handy to carry in your purse
  • Application is smooth and even
  • Flattering on all skin tones

Cons

  • Shades may not match the picture

11. Best Pigmented:ETUDE HOUSE Play Color Eyes- Caffeine Holic

4.5

ETUDE-HOUSE Play Color Eyes in Caffeine Holic as the name suggests, is replete with lovely shades of coffee enticing you to create beautiful looks. The gorgeous shades are soft and long-lasting just perfect for a formal as well as party look and is also a perfect choice for weddings and halloween makeup. This glitter eyeshadow gives you that extra sparkle to take on the day!

Color: Caffeine Holic | Product Dimensions: 10.59 x 4.17 x 1.14 inches | Weight: 3.1 Ounces

Pros

  • Vibrant shades of pink-red browns that are perfect for all skin tones
  • Glittery shades offer great payoff
  • Perfectly pigmented

Cons

  • Glitters and shimmers may need your eyelids to be primed for best results

12. Best Blendable Shades:Too Faced Natural Matte Palette

The Too Faced Natural Matte Palette is an amalgamation of 9 stunning shades. The powdery shades when paired together blend easily. This award-winning neutral palette with a subtle and pretty matte finish gives one a stunning look. The neutral colors can be worn all day without creasing making it simple and easy for beginners. The reviewers also mention the eyeshadow does not crease and suits a wide range of skin tones.

Package Dimensions : ‎ 5.08 x 4.96 x 1.14 inches | Weight: 4.8 Ounces

Pros

  • Blendable shades
  • Perfect size for travel
  • Has an appealing scent
  • Stays on for long hours

Cons

  • Price may be slightly high

13. Best In 3 Finishes:NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Shadow Palette

This eyeshadow palette is what dreams are made of! These 12 shades from the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Shadow Palette are super smooth and offer high pigmentation. The eyeshadow palette is cruelty-free, certified by PETA, so you can rest assured that none of your furry friends were harmed in the production of this gorgeous palette. This shadow palette is also trusted and curated by makeup artistry professionals.

Color: Sugar High | Product Dimensions: 0.71 x 3.9 x 3.78 inches | Weight: 3.74 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting look
  • Best shades for an eye-popping look
  • Comes in matte, metallic, and shimmer finishes

Cons

  • Price may be slightly higher than competitors

Our Tester's Experience

"This palette has a versatile range of pigmented shades with a mix of matte, shimmer, and satin finishes. The shades are ideal for both daytime and evening looks. I love how smoothly they blend. A spritz of setting spray on the brush before application makes the shimmers really pop."


*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Choosing an eyeshadow palette that works well with your needs and your skin tone might sound like a task that makes you want to pull your hair out. Check this buying guide out to know more.

Choosing The Best Eyeshadow Palette That Works Well For You – A Buying Guide

With such a wide variety of shades coming in a single palette, selecting the best eyeshadow is especially tough for beginners. To make your life easier we have compiled a list of some useful tips to keep in mind on your next eyeshadow splurge:

  • Eye color
    Choosing eyeshadows that complement the color of your eyes is important. Do a few swatches and try out different shades before you settle on a single palette if you are new to the whole eyeshadow game. For example, black or brown eyes should go for darker and deeper shades of green, blue, and red. Someone with blue or gray eyes should opt for crimson hues such as wine red, copper, and bronze. Amber-eyed women should choose colors like mocha, purple, or deep burgundy, while green-eyed women should opt for lighter shades of pink or purple.
  • Complexion
    Shades that suit your complexion should be your next priority when purchasing the perfect eyeshadow palette for yourself. Your skin undertones can help you make the correct choice. Someone with cooler undertones could opt for a light green shade or a shimmery gold one. Warmer undertones warrant the use of brown shades and bronze with purple.
  • Occasion
    Choose your eyeshadow palette based on the kind of usage you expect from it. If you want an eyeshadow palette specifically for work, choose one with matte shades that make you look like the #bossbabe that you are! When choosing a palette for party looks, opt for one with more glittery and dark shades to complement your look in low light settings. Smokey eyes and shimmery eyeshadows will make your eyes pop.

A Beginners Guide To Eye Makeup

To nail that perfect look be it for your office or a night out with #squad is important. But what does it take to look picture-perfect when it comes to doing your eye makeup? Read these easy-to-follow tips below to find out how your eye makeup can make you look like the glamorous queen you are:

  • Always use a primer to get that perfect base for your eyeshadow to adhere to your eyelid, giving you the long-lasting look.
  • Start small, use a basic palette for an everyday makeup look that preferably has a highlighter, a mid-tone matte shade, a darker shade for contouring, and finally a black shade to finish the look.
  • Have the right tools to apply your eye makeup correctly. These include a flat brush for application, a fluffy brush for blending, and a smudging brush. Shimmer shades are best applied with your fingers.
  • First, apply the lightest shade to the inner corner of your eye and near the tear duct area. Always tap your brush to remove excess product from it. Also, use this same color to highlight the eyebrow arches. You can dip the brush in a little water to gain maximum pigmentation from the color.
  • Apply the mid-tone shade using the blending brush by blending inwards close to the crease.
  • Now use the contouring shade on the crease but not higher than the mid-tone shade. Apply a layer of the mid-tone and contour shade underneath the bottom lash for added depth.
  • Now apply the matte black shade on the outer edge of the crease and let it meet the bottom of the end of the bottom lash line.
    Complete the look with eyeliner and mascara.

Infographic: Eyeshadow Palettes For Beginners: How To Choose

It is critical to select the best eyeshadow palette for beginners in order to achieve flawless eye makeup. Perfecting any look takes a lot of practice and patience and the right formula. The infographic below will help you understand how to choose the perfect eyeshadow palettes for beginners. Check it out!

Eyeshadow Palettes For Beginners: How To Choose (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

As a beginner, it is slightly difficult to master the art of makeup. But using these eyeshadow palettes is an easy start. They help enhance the eyes and impart you an attractive look. These palettes help define your eye and make them pop. They are available in various finishes like shimmer, satin and matte. The eyeshadow palettes easily blend with other makeup products. Unleash your creativity with options like the Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eye Shadow with its reliable and cost-effective formula, suitable for beginners, the Lamora Au Naturel Nudes Eye Shadow Palette that enables experimental neutral looks, or the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette that delivers premium-quality, vibrantly pigmented shades. These eyeshadows are non-creasing, smudge-proof, and lightweight. Avoid eyeshadow palettes that do not provide enough coverage and have a chalky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get eyeshadow to stay on all day?

The best way to get your eyeshadow to stay on all day is to apply an eye primer on the base of your eyelids. The primer acts like an adhesive and makes your eyeshadow hold onto your skin longer.

How long does an eyeshadow palette last?

That entirely depends on your usage and the pigmentation the eyeshadow offers.

Does eyeshadow expire if unopened?

An unopened box of eyeshadow, if stored correctly, will last for about 3 years post which its preservatives start losing their effects rendering the eyeshadow useless. Make sure to store it in a cool and dry place.

What color eyeshadow will make gray eyes pop?

Shades of red like maroon and burgundy along with brown, copper, and bronze are the best eyeshadow shades to make gray eyes pop.

How do you do good eyeshadow for beginners?

Always start with a good-quality brush and an eye primer for a long-lasting effect. Next, create a base by applying a neutral shade to your eyelid and highlighting the crease of your eyes with a darker tone. You can add a shimmer or any shade of your choice on the center of the lid and blend it well. Finish off the look with some mascara and eyeliner.

How do you apply eyeshadow every day?

For an every day look, you can stick with browns and neutral shades. Emphasize on the crease to make your eye appear larger. Use an eyeliner pencil on the waterline and add a light shade layer of mascara to complete the look.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Srijani Roy Chowdhury, the author, is a makeup enthusiast who loves writing beauty articles and is passionate about experimenting with new trends. She conducted in-depth research of product specifications and analyzed user reviews posted on trusted online platforms to curate this list of the best eyeshadow palettes for beginners. The recommended products offer great coverage, last long, and have crease-proof and waterproof formulas.


Recommended Articles:

Best Neutral Eyeshadow Palettes
Incredible Drugstore Eyeshadow Palettes
Best Matte Eyeshadow Palettes
Best Selling Warm Eyeshadow Palettes


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