Even if you don't experiment with eye makeup looks often, I still believe an eye shadow palette is a basic makeup item that just about everyone needs. Now, I'm not saying you need to create a smokey eye or do something very artistic and creative, but you can create some very pretty and subtle looks with a palette, especially a neutral one.
A neutral eye shadow palette is just so versatile. Sure, you can get some simple everyday looks with it, but with the right mixing and matching, you can also create some dramatic and on-trend eye makeup looks for a night out or special occasions. And then you've got enough shades for everything in between those two as well. Neutral doesn't have to be boring at all.
Seriously, I'm telling you, if you're going to invest in one eye makeup thing, why not make it a neutral eye shadow palette? And for those of you who like to think about cost per wear (like I do), you're probably going to use it so often that the return on investment is going to be impressive. Take a look at some options below and happy shopping.
1. Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette
This wouldn't be an eye shadow palette roundup without including a Naked palette from Urban Decay. This mini one features six shades in taupe hues so you can blend and mix. Plus, the compact case makes it so easy for travel.
2. Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
At just $9 and featuring 12 shades, this palette is one of the best deals on this list. You'll find matte neutrals and shimmery bronzes here.
3. Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette in Mink Mirage
This quad from Tom Ford is a great option if you're a fan of the smokey eye since it has a darker brown-black plus two nudes and a shimmery hue. It has four different finishes: sheer sparkle, satin, shimmer, and matte.
4. Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette in Warm Neutrals
Nyx's shadow palette is another affordable find that can get you probably hundreds of different eye makeup looks. There are a whopping 16 shades in this palette, ranging from lighter neutrals to warmer nudes and sparkly shimmers.
5. Tarte Tartelette in Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette
Made with Amazonian clay, these shadows blend smoothly and leave intense color. There are 12 different shades in both microshimmers and mattes.
6. Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in The Sophisticate
I mean, talk about an essential palette. This has all the go-to neutral hues that work for different types of looks and occasions. The description says it's "desk-to-disco," so you can definitely take it from day to night easily with just four shades.
7. E.l.f. The New Classics 18 Eyeshadow Palette Set in Neutral Tones
There are 18 shades in this palette, so you won't be at a loss for makeup inspiration here. The hues come in different finishes, too: matte, satin, and shimmer.
8. Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Tisse Essentiel
Chanel's four-shadow compact features two medium tones to color and contour, a deep shade to add an intense and dramatic look, and a lighter shade to highlight.
9. Fenty Beauty Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette in Deep Neutrals
For deeper neutral shades, try this one from Fenty Beauty. The colors are easy to blend, highly pigmented, and come in matte, shimmer, and glimmer finishes.
10. Revlon ColorStay Looks Book Eyeshadow Palette in Original
This palette contains eight nude shades that are just so flattering on so many skin tones. The shadows are long-lasting, too—they have staying power for up to 24 hours.
11. Natasha Denona Glam Eyeshadow Palette
One of the coolest things about this palette is that each shade is named after where or how you should apply it to the eye—such as Crease, Blend, Center Eye Lid, and Brow Bone. So if you're not the most adept at creating eye makeup looks, this is your cheat sheet.
12. Rimmel Magnif'eyes Eyeshadow Palette, Nude Edition
This has every eye makeup need since, in addition to shadows, you can use some of the colors as liners and some as highlighters. They're also crease-proof, smudge-proof, and long-lasting.
13. Ilia The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette in Warm Nude
Ilia's palette contains shadows that are talc-free and infused with jojoba seed oil to moisturize the skin and vitamin E to reduce free-radical damage. These colors are buttery smooth and come in matte, satin, and metallic finishes.
14. Bobbi Brown Real Nudes Eyeshadow Palette in Blush Nudes
Not all neutrals need to be browns and beiges—they can have blush tones, too. This palette has shades of mauve and rose that are so flattering on all skin tones.
15. MAC Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette
This pocket-size palette is perfect for taking with you on the go. The shades are smooth and saturated and have matte, shimmery, and glittery finishes. This particular one has warmer shades and your usual neutrals and nudes.
16. Clinique All About Shadow Quad Eye Shadow in Teddy Bear
Clinique's eye shadow quad is completely foolproof. The four shades are complementary and can be worn alone or blended together. The compact also comes with an eye illustration to guide you with application.
17. Maybelline The City Mini Palette in Matte About Town
Each of the eight shades in this palette is super-saturated, long-lasting, and so smooth. The Matte About Town palette is perfect if you prefer to stay away from anything shimmery or glittery.
Next: Sorry, But These Are the Only Eyeliners Worth Owning for Pro-Level Results
