I’ve tried so many eyeshadow palettes over the years. Some are chalky, some have zero pigment, and some just disappear by lunchtime. It’s tough to find a good one, especially an affordable eyeshadow palette that actually performs.
So, I went on a mission. I swatched, blended, and wore dozens of palettes to find the absolute best ones out there right now. I found some amazing budget eyeshadow options and a few splurges that are totally worth the money.
Here are the makeup palettes that made the cut.
This one’s a splurge at $65, but I can see why. If you’re a true makeup lover, the quality is just undeniable. The formulas are so creamy and pigmented, they practically blend themselves.
I love the mix of finishes you get. The mattes are buttery, the shimmers are intense, and the duochromes are stunning. You can create so many looks, from simple everyday to full-on glam. It just feels expensive and luxurious.
The Downside: The price point is definitely high.
At just $16, this is such a good deal. ColourPop always delivers incredible quality for the price, and this palette is no exception. It’s perfect if you love a good metallic look without breaking the bank.
The palette is packed with golds, silvers, and rose golds in matte, metallic, and even glitter finishes. The pigmentation is seriously impressive for a budget eyeshadow palette. Plus, the packaging is super cute.
The Downside: I did notice some fallout from the shimmer and glitter shades, so I’d recommend doing your eye makeup first.
For only $11, this is the perfect cheap eyeshadow palette for beginners or anyone who loves a good neutral eye. The quality honestly feels like it should cost way more. The shadows are smooth and blend out with no patchiness.
I was really surprised by the pigment, especially in the shimmers. It’s a great little palette for everyday looks, and you can easily shade, highlight, and define your eyes with these 10 shades.
The Downside: The mattes are nice, but you might need to build them up a bit to get the full color payoff.
This palette costs $45 and it’s a cult favorite for a reason. It is the definition of soft, everyday glam. Every time I use it, I feel put-together.
The shadows are so buttery and pigmented that a little goes a long way. They blend seamlessly, and you can easily go from a simple daytime look to something more dramatic for the evening. It’s one of the best neutral palettes I’ve ever used.
The Downside: The pans are a bit smaller than some other palettes at this price point.
The Naked3 palette is $59, and it’s an absolute classic if you love pink-toned neutrals. These shades are so flattering on so many different skin tones and eye colors.
The mix of soft pinks, mauves, and rose golds is just beautiful. They have great color payoff and blend out really easily for a soft, feminine look. I always get compliments when I wear this one.
The Downside: It’s another one with premium pricing.
This one is $44, and I think the concept is so smart. Patrick Ta created these palettes with specific skin tones in mind, so you can find one that’s perfectly curated for your complexion.
The shadows blend effortlessly and have fantastic color payoff. You don’t need to keep building and building to get the color you see in the pan. The mix of silky mattes and metallic shimmers is just right for creating a dimensional look.
The Downside: Because it’s a smaller, curated edit, you don’t get a huge number of shades to play with.
Okay, this one is pricey at $69, but if you’re a cool-toned person, you might fall in love. It’s so hard to find good cool-toned palettes that aren’t just boring grays.
The mix of cool pinks, lavenders, silvers, and purple-grays is so wearable for every day. I especially love the matte formula; it’s really smooth and doesn’t emphasize texture, which is great for my lids. The shimmers are buildable and add a nice pop.
The Downside: I did get some fallout from the shimmers, so a good primer is a must.
For just $13, this is an amazing affordable eyeshadow palette. Revolution Beauty really knows how to make great makeup on a budget. The pigmentation and blendability can easily compete with higher-end brands.
It has a great mix of creamy mattes and shimmery neutrals that let you create a bunch of different looks. With a primer underneath, the shadows lasted all day on me without creasing. It’s such a fantastic value.
The Downside: A couple of the shades felt a little less pigmented than the others and needed more building up.
If you’re looking for an affordable eyeshadow that performs like a champ, you can’t go wrong with e.l.f. or ColourPop. They prove that a cheap eyeshadow palette can be just as good as the expensive stuff.
But if you have the cash and want to treat yourself, the formulas from Natasha Denona and Anastasia Beverly Hills are absolutely beautiful. They just feel special to use. No matter your budget, there’s a great option out there for you.
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