Editor’s tip: Each mini eye shadow palette set will set you back less than $15, so collecting all five colorways will still cost less than most of the palettes on this list—beauty math truly rules.
Colorways: Broadway & Prince St. (shown above), 82nd & Park Ave., West 4th & Perry St., North 3rd & Bedford Ave., 26th & Madison Ave.
More eye shadow palettes we love from Maybelline New York:
– For the love of nudes: The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette, $14 $12
– For gold-getters: The 24K Nudes Gold Eyeshadow Palette, $14 $12
Best for Everyday Looks: Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eye Shadow Palette
Why it’s worth it: Glazer is a big fan of Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Soft Glam Eye Shadow Palette, and we love it just as much. This modern icon features a mix of 14 mauve-, neutral-, and rose-toned shimmers, foils, and mattes with long-wearing formulas that won’t budge, smudge, or fade throughout the day. “This palette has a wide variety of fun and sexy colors all encased in a lightweight compact,” she says. Don’t neglect the included brush—use the flatter end for packing eye shadow onto the lid and the fluffy end for buffing shadow through the crease.
Editor’s tip: Each buttery shade is totally buildable, but for a flawless look, we suggest sticking strictly to your makeup brushes when applying their formulas for a more precise blend and seamless finish.
Colorways: Soft Glam (shown above), Soft Glam II Mini Eye Shadow Palette
More eye shadow palettes we love from Anastasia Beverly Hills:
– For warmer, romantic looks: Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette, $45
– For ethereal looks: Cosmos Eyeshadow Palette, $55
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the best eye shadow palette for you
Any eye shadow palette will usually do the trick, but those with oilier or crepier lids should be more discerning. Jennifer Nam, a New York City-based makeup artist, previously told Allure that, if you have oily lids, to swap powder eye shadows for cream or liquid eye shadows.
As for crease-prone lids or those with mature skin, cream shadows are your best bet. “They have a smoother texture and are less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles,” New York City-based makeup artist Lisa Aharon previously told Allure. And while cream eye shadows come in multiple finishes, Aharon recommends matte formulas because of the soft and diffused look they provide that helps to smooth over the look of fine lines.
How to apply eye shadow
No matter which eye shadow palette you decide to add to cart, Nam suggests prepping your lids with an eye shadow primer (like Urban Decay’s Primer Potion) to keep mid-day oiliness, smearing, and smudging at bay. As for application tools, you have two options: your (clean!) fingers or your eye makeup brushes. If you’re creating a single-shade makeup look, feel free to pat on with your fingers, but when creating an eye-catching multi-shade look like a smoky eye, you’ll want to whip out your brushes for more precision. Many eye shadow palettes come with their own brushes, but if yours doesn’t have one (or if you just want an upgrade), Nam recommends Chanel’s retractable double-sided eye shadow brush.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
