The Tamesis
Having the best eyeshadow palettes at your disposal may be the quickest way to feel like a pro makeup artist. The sheer variety of shades, finishes, and required brushes alone opens the door to a world of possibilities—from endless color combinations to matte, sparkle, or matte with sparkle looks. And while the palettes can evoke a kid-in-a-candy-store feeling for makeup lovers, they can also overwhelm those who don’t quite know, well, how to use them. This is where the pros come in.
Vogue’s Favorite Eyeshadow Palettes:
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Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette
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Chanel Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette
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Ilia Ilia The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette
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“First, prime your eyelids,” says Jennifer Lopez’s makeup artist Scott Barnes, creator of Scott Barnes Cosmetics. “Just like artists prep the canvas, same here.” Though makeup artists have varying opinions on how to best prime the lids, Barnes’ personal approach is to use a synthetic brush to sweep a thin layer of concealer across the lid to neutralize any discolorations.
Barnes emphasizes that using the right makeup brush is just as important as shade selection and placement. A denser, flat brush is best for the base shadow; an angled eyeshadow brush is ideal for the crease area; and fluffy, loose brushes are made for blending, he says. Finally, “Smaller defining brushes are perfect for working in darker colors and smoking out the eye.”
To load the product onto the brush, Barnes swirls the tool into the pan twice and taps it twice to prevent fallout. “Then, place the product where you want to see it,” he says. “For example, press the brush firmly in the inner crease and swipe the color solidly in. Come back with a clean, fluffy brush to blend the shadow out.”
And finally, heed this tip: “The most common mistake I see—in everyday women and even quite frankly with some makeup artists—is they start blending before the eyeshadow is even placed properly,” he says. “The end result looks muddy and messy.”
Now that you’re briefed on technique, it’s time to consider which eyeshadow palette is right for you. Ahead, find the palettes that celebrity makeup artists and Vogue editors dip into for every kind of eye look, whether it’s holiday-party-ready shimmer or everyday nudes.
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Best for Beginners: Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury collection features palettes that make it easy to achieve, well, a luxurious eye. (Tilbury has mastered this art, after all, having played up the gaze of everyone from Nicole Kidman to Amal Clooney.) Each palette contains four shades, which are chosen according to a four-step system. First, use the lightest shade as a primer, dusting it over the entire lid. Next, use the shade in the palette’s top right corner to enhance the look, blending it into the crease of the eyelid and along the upper and lower lash lines. The shade on the bottom left is the “pop” shade—press it into the center of the lid to give the eye a little shimmer. The darkest shade, in the bottom right pan, is the “smoke” color. Blend it from the outer corner of the eye up into the crease, then smooth it into the crease and along the lash lines. The palettes come in several color ranges—if you’re not certain where to start, consider Pillow Talk. Much like the matching cult lipstick, the palette was designed to flatter any skin tone; its shimmery, pink-nude shades are a fun toolkit for designing a softly romantic statement eye.
- Number of Shades: 4
- Finishes: Shimmer, satin, matte
- Best For: The simple prime, define, pop, and smoke system will appeal to any palette novice, while the Pillow Talk shades, in particular, are perfect at a dinner for two. They give the eyes a luminous glow that’s even more enchanting by candlelight.
Best Refillable: Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe: Night Flash
- Why We Love It: A favorite of Vogue editors and makeup artists alike, Victoria Beckham’s eyeshadows are known for their buttery textures and seamless blendability. In this refillable palette, four shades—including shimmering grey and metallic black—can be used together or separately to create a smoldering, perfect-for-nighttime look. To create smoky eyes the pros’ way, Barnes says, “gradually add in the darkest shades and work in the pigment in tiny circles, lifting upward.” Don’t sleep on the matte hues of warm ivory or hunter green, either: According to pro makeup artist Natalie Drescher, “Using a matte shadow palette, focusing on one to two colors, and really blending them out will allow the application to look more professional.”
- Editor’s Experience: “When Victoria Beckham’s shadow palette launched last February I was instantly hooke—from the luxe packaging to te modern shades. The texture of these shadows are ultra-velvety and the color payoff is excellent. Plus, the mini size is perfect for throwing in your bag for after work touch-ups. Admittedly, I’m also a sucker for how weighty the refillable contact feels in my hands.” —Concetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Number of Shades: 4
- Finishes: Matte, metallic, shimmering
- Best For: An elevated smoky eye that befits a black-tie dress code or a night of late-night caviar.
Best Festive Shades: Chanel Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: A favorite palette for glitzy movie premieres and Oscar parties—just ask Lily-Rose Depp and Margot Robbie—Chanel’s glossy black compact holds four shades in finishes ranging from matte to satin and shimmer. In each palette, shades are highly pigmented and meticulously selected. There are two shades for color and contour, a darker shade to add intensity, and a lighter shade to highlight the eye. The shadows have a smooth texture that glides easily onto the eyes, and the compact has a built-in mirror for checking your work as you swirl and blend.
- Editor’s Experience: “I treat the Chanel Les 4 Ombres palettes like Pokemon cards—gotta catch ‘em all. Seriously, they’re a bit of a beauty collector’s piece. There are currently eleven palettes in a range of color combinations to behold; and, Chanel is known release a limited-edition option or too. Sadly, at time of writing, those are sold out.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Number of Shades: 4
- Finishes: Matte, satin, and shimmer
- Best For: With a vast array of finishes and colors, there’s a Chanel Les 4 Ombres palette for any occasion. But if you have a high-profile event to attend, take a cue from Robbie’s Oscar-party look and opt for the palette in “Candeur et Expérience.” The beiges, browns, and burnished reds set a subtle backdrop for a bold lip—and an even bolder ensemble.
Best Luxury: Hermès Ombre D’Hermès Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Ideal for getting a model-off-duty shimmer, this palette is a favorite of runway regular Angelina Kendall. When spilling her Beauty Secrets to Vogue, the Australian native said: “They actually gave this to us backstage, and I love it. As you can see, it’s super metallic and shiny.” Each of the six palettes in this Pierre Hardy-designed line has color schemes inspired by nature. In this case, the four hues—including a smoky gray and a glitter-flecked silver—were selected to evoke stormy skies, cool light, and celestial twinkles. Meanwhile, the finishes are inspired by luxe fabrics, with mattes channeling silk chiffon, satin shades that gleam like silk twill, and glittering hues that are like silk lamé for the eyes.
- Number of Shades: 4
- Finishes: Matte, satin, shimmer
- Best For: The holiday-party circuit begs for shimmer this refined—but even when you’re not feeling festive, the palette has everyday hues like brown, taupe, and nude.
Best for Minimalists: Ilia The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: With warm, woodsy hues of brown, terracotta, gold, and copper, Ilia’s palette brings autumnal coziness to any makeup look. (Think of it as a cashmere sweater for the eye.) The palette holds six highly pigmented shades in matte, satin, and metallic finishes. With a smooth, buttery texture that makes them easy to apply, the shades were built for blending and have little fall-out. What’s more, the powders are enriched with nourishing vitamin E, jojoba seed oil, and honeysuckle flower—and free of talc, which can irritate sensitive skin.
- Number of Shades: 6
- Finishes: Matte, satin, and metallic
- Best For: An elevated, earthy look. Use it to freshen up after a bouldering workout, stash it in your Aspen travel bag, or lean into autumn by pairing the palette with an apple-picking expedition.
Best Blend: Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Celebrity makeup artist Ammy Drammeh previously told Vogue that Dior’s nine-pan palette, which includes a shadow primer and eight shades, is a staple in her kit. “[The shadows] are high pigment, have matte and shimmery finish, and their shades are neutral,” she said. Also a favorite of Zoey Deutch, the Backstage palette comes in four shade ranges—including the plum-and-gray-flecked “Smoky Essentials” and the ambery “Warm Essentials”—that were designed to flatter any skin tone. The newest iteration, the limited-edition “Celestial Purple,” expands on the traditional finishes, pairing five satiny shades with two glittery colors and one rich, velvety matte.
- Editor’s Experience: “At first I thought this palette was just pretty to look at, but when I kept seeing it peering out of my makeup bag I couldn’t help playing with it. The pressed powder pigments are on the sheerer side, which make them more wearable for me. And with nine hues to choose from, plus a primer, you can achieve many eye looks.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Number of Shades: 8 shades plus 1 primer
- Finishes: Matte, shimmer, glitter, satin
- Best For: A softly glamorous holiday look—get shimmery for a festive high tea or swipe on a little smokiness for a casual cocktail.
Best Color Payoff: Pat McGrath Mothership IX: Huetopian Dream Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath filled her futuristic palette with colors inspired by the cosmos. The ten long-lasting creamy shades come in six finishes, which range from matte and satin to shimmery, duo-chrome, and full-on shine. Colors, meanwhile, include nudes, roses, coral, and golds and bronzes with sparkling hints of chartreuse and blue. The shadows can be used wet or dry, and they lend a dash of space-age glamour—replete with holographic sparkles and color-shifting hues—to any beauty look.
- Editor’s Experience: “No one does shimmer, sparkles, and metallics quite like Pat McGrath. Annually around winter I like to amp up my look with a bit of frosty shimmer for nighttime glam—quite literally any pearlescent shade from my Mothership palette sparkles like a diamond. Dare I say, it’s dazzling like a DeBeers.” —Concetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Number of Shades: 10
- Finishes: High shine, shimmer, matte, metallic, satin, duo chrome, tri chrome
- Best For: Making a bold, artistic statement. Whether you have plans to attend a Margiela Artisanal Fashion Show or want to mingle with a boundary-pushing crowd, the palette is a guaranteed attention grabber.
Best Quad: Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Tom Ford is synonymous with sultry glamour—who else would develop a fruity gourmand that feels so elicit, it could only be called Lost Cherry? The designer’s signature, sexy touch infuses his eye color quads, which have decked the lids of models at NYFW. The quads come in finishes ranging from sheer sparkle to matte. There’s also a wide color selection, which includes the dusky pink and plum Disco Dust and the pink, cool purple, and dirty red Electric Cherry. In each quad, the colors coordinate to build out soft or bold looks, and the shadows can be applied wet or dry. Pro tip: Take a cue from Ford’s NYFW artist, and seal the powders with a touch of balm for an all-night hold.
- Number of Shades: 4
- Finishes: Sparkle, satin, shimmer, matte
- Best For: Putting the finishing touch on a nighttime look with a little edge—the glittery shades are a perfect match for chainmail, while smoky mattes play well with velvet and leather.
Best Soft Glam: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Natural skin tones inspired the 12 warm shades in this cache of universal mattes. With a light, creamy feel, the shadows provide medium coverage; they’re also buildable, easy to blend, and grip the lid with little fallout. Designed by Kim Kardashian’s go-to makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, the palette comes in an additional color range, The Neutrals Palette, which features a mix of matte shadows in warm and cool tones. “Think about your skin tone and undertones when selecting shades—warmer tones look great on warm, olive, and medium to dark skin, while cooler tones can flatter fairer complexions,” Dedivanovic says. Meanwhile, for a mix of finishes, Makeup by Mario’s Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette in Moonlight contains shimmery, metallic, and matte hues.
- Editor’s Experience: “This is my all-time favorite eyeshadow palette—the one that convinced me to start sweeping a pigment across my lids to enhance my look. While some palettes have vibrant hues, these are more flesh-toned for more approachable color. Plus, the blend is seamless.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Number of Shades: 12
- Finishes: Matte
- Best For: Dedivanovic tells Vogue that he designed The Original Palette as a catchall for subtle and “more sculpted” eye looks. For casual days, use the colors that most closely match your natural skin tone—when a statement eye is in order, dip into the darker shades for a smokier, more defined look.
Best Matte Finish: Danessa Myricks Groundwork: Blooming Romance Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Danessa Myricks’s multitasking makeup palette is an all-in-one kit for the eyes, face, brows, and lips. Housed in a metallic-pink case, the talc-free palette has an innovative design that pairs velvety pomades with matching powders. Start by swiping the pomade across the lid to define the eye. The powder, which has oil-absorbing properties, serves as a topcoat to lock in the look. The 10 shades focus on universally flattering hues of pink, brown, and berry. What’s more, the pomades and powders can be used to sculpt the cheeks, fill in the brows, or line and color the lips.
- Editor’s Experience: “I am obsessed with many Danessa Myricks goodies but especially this palette which offers ten colors in both velvet, cream eyeshadows and oil-absorbing powders. Each has a plush texture unlike anything I’ve felt before—blending easily onto the eyes, though the palette is also suited for the brows, cheeks, and lips.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Number of Shades: 10
- Finishes: Matte
- Best For: Tackling your entire makeup regime—particularly if you’re en route to dinner after the gym and a long day at the office. The blushing, berry-hued colors are just the thing for a dreamily romantic look.
Best Day-to-Night: Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette
- Why We Love It: Actor Maitreyi Ramakrishnan uses this coveted palette to create a warm, orangey-brown look using the Orange Soda and Cyprus Umber shades —and it looks so lovely, she doesn’t even mind a little fall-out. (“You just Beauty Blender, concealer up that s—,” she told Vogue.) With 14 shades in all, the collection also features Glistening, which casts a pink reflection on iridescent gold. The mix of earthy and ethereal shades has everything one needs for a softly smudged eye or a bold, gleaming look—and it has built-in highlighters, too. The Glistening, Bronze, and Fairy shades can all be used to accentuate the high planes of the face.
- Number of Shades: 14
- Finishes: Matte, metallic, duo chrome
- Best For: With varying degrees of sparkle and shine—from iridescent gold to highly pigmented, metallic bronze—this kit adds the finishing touch to an ethereal look. (It’s fitting that it has a shade called “Fairy.”) Wear it for a night of whimsy at a Shakespearean ballet or to the Wicked matinee.
Everything You Need to Know
What to Look for in an Eyeshadow Palette
“When it comes to eyeshadow palettes, it’s good to have something that’s versatile enough for everyday wear but can also be used to dial up your look for the evening,” says celebrity makeup artist Sofia Tilbury. “For an everyday palette you can use all the time, look for something that contains light to mid-tone neutral matte shades that you can use in your crease or all over the lid, plus at least one deeper neutral that can build depth and smokiness. If you like shimmer, look for one that also includes at least one metallic shadow to create a dreamy, dazzling eye look that catches the light beautifully.”
Dedivanovic shares more advice on choosing a palette based on shades, finishes, and pigments.
Shades: “Shades are personal preference, but for me, a well-rounded palette includes a range of light, medium, and deep shades within a color story so you have everything you need to create a full eye look: lighter shades that can be used as a base or highlight, medium options to softly sculpt the eye, and deeper shades for definition and intensity,” he says. “A nice range of tones offers the flexibility to create anything from a natural, everyday eye to a more dramatic evening look. If you aren’t sure which shades work best for you, neutrals are always a safe bet.”
Finishes: “Finishes are what add dimension and versatility to your eye looks,” Dedivanovic continues. “Palettes typically come in matte, shimmer, or metallic finishes. For me, mattes are a classic formula, look good on everyone, and are essential in shaping and creating structure on the eyes. They also work beautifully both day and night. Shimmer and metallic finishes are a fun accessory and perfect for adding extra dimension and interest to your eye makeup.”
Pigment: “Quality pigmentation is important for both color payoff and even application,” says Dedivanovic. “Some artists like high pigment shadows, but I prefer a buildable formula so I can work in layers to get my desired effect. Whatever your preference, look for a palette where the formula is smooth, buildable, and easy to blend, so you can control the intensity whether you want a sheer wash of color or a bold, dramatic eye.”
How to Use an Eyeshadow Palette
To use a palette, “Start with a skin-toned shade across the lid to create a smooth base,” Dedivanovic instructs. “Build dimension by adding mid-tone shades to the crease and darker shades to the lash line and outer corners for definition. Shimmer or metallic shades can be applied to the center of the lid or inner corners to catch the light. Don’t be afraid to mix and match finishes to add depth and interest to your look. Whatever look you’re trying to create, layering shadows a little at a time and blending out any harsh edges are key techniques.”
Celebrity makeup artist Michele Probst adds that it’s key to have the right brushes to create a variety of looks.“Here’s what you need: a plush brush that is for all-over blending, a paddle-shaped brush for creases and precision on corners and smudges, and a small straight-edge brush that helps perfect tight-lining eyes and evens out brows,” she says.
How to Choose the Eyeshadow Palette for You
When choosing which palette to purchase, “Consider your daily makeup routine and the occasions you’ll be using the palette for,” says Dedivanovic. “A neutral-toned palette is a great staple for everyone as it can be used for everyday wear and easily transitioned into evening looks. If you enjoy adding a touch of shimmer or sparkle for special occasions, a palette that includes metallic or satin finishes is a great choice. Most importantly, be sure to start with a palette that doesn’t overwhelm you. If you’re new to makeup or just looking for essentials, opt for a palette with shades you know you’ll wear regularly. As you gain confidence and want to experiment more, you can expand your collection with more varied options.”
To further customize your selection, “Know your undertones—warm or cool— and consider your eye color for the perfect, blendable collection,” Probst advises. To determine your undertones, Probst suggests using a technique she calls the “jewelry test.” Gold typically looks better on warm tones, she explains, while silver flatters cooler tones. Another trick Probst uses is the “white-towel test.” Hold a white towel against your face to see what color cast it makes: A pink cast indicates cool undertones, while a yellow cast is created by warmer tones.
As for the best shade for each eye color, Probst says that there are no hard-and-fast rules—but a good rule of thumb is to think of the color wheel. “Each hue does have a complementary color,” she says. For example, orange is the complementary color of blue, while green and blue are the complementary colors of brown. In the end, there are no wrong choices. “The purpose of the eyeshadow palette is to allow yourself to be creative and become your own makeup artist,” Probst says. “Don’t get analysis paralysis while trying to pick the best one for you!”
How to Apply Eyeshadow Like a Pro
Start With Primer
Before you begin dusting on the shadow, take note: “Eyeshadow primer is a must!” says Tonya Riner, an editorial and celebrity makeup artist based in Houston. “It is formulated to prevent creasing and control oil on the lids, which makes all the difference in how your shadow wears throughout the day. Concealer is meant to hydrate and stretch with movement, so I never use it on the eyelids. Primer keeps your shadow in place and ensures a smooth, even application.” Barnes, on the other hand, prefers the concealer approach: “I don’t believe in eye primers—they tend to be too thick and can crease. Who needs another layer?” he asks.
Whichever priming technique you choose, Riner says to apply where it is most needed—across the lid and into the crease—with only the teeniest bit of product reaching the brow bone. “Many primers come in a range of shades, including universal tones, to help mask discoloration,” she says. “This helps your shadow’s hues show true.”
Finish
“I use application techniques that open up the eyes and create a lifted effect,” Riner says. “Matte shadows are best for building definition and enhancing your natural eye shape, while shimmer placed at the center of the lid and in the inner corners brings light and makes the eyes look bigger and brighter. Powder shadows today are incredibly blendable, so getting a seamless finish is easier than ever.”
Color
For the most impact, choose a mix of light, medium, and deep shades, Riner says. “Start with the medium shade and sweep a soft wash across the entire lid, blending up into the crease high enough to stay visible when you are looking straight ahead. Then blend up and out for lift!” Adding a deeper shade to the outer third of the lid brings depth and structure, she adds.
Blending Technique
“I always tap my brush into the pan and press the shadow into place before blending the edges for that soft, watercolor finish,” Riner continues. She advises against big sweeping movements, which can send shadow where you don’t want it and make the eyes appear smaller or deeper set.
Brushes
“My golden rule is: the darker the shadow, the smaller the brush,” Riner says. “A flat, tapered brush is wonderful for depositing color exactly where you want it, and I keep a clean ponytail brush just for blending. It is always easier to add than take away.” Even the smallest touch of the same shade along the outer corner of the lower lash line adds structure and helps create the look of a larger, more almond-shaped eye, she notes. “Finish by pressing a bit of shimmer onto the lid with your finger for the perfect brightening pop.”
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity makeup artists—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to eyeshadow palettes, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: texture, finish, color payoff, number of shades per palette, and blendability. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each palette with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
- Mario Dedivanovic is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder and CEO of Makeup By Mario. His clients include Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande.
- Ammy Drammeh is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Harry Styles and model Adut Akech.
- Michele Probst is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Worth Beauty Company. She has worked with Stevie Nicks, Katie Couric, and Barack Obama.
- Sofia Tilbury is a celebrity makeup artist with clients such as Phoebe Dynevor, Celine Dion, Bella Hadid, and Kate Moss.
- Tonya Riner is an editorial and celebrity makeup artist based in Houston.
- Scott Barnes is a celebrity makeup artist and the creator of Scott Barnes Cosmetics.
- Natalie Drescher is a pro makeup artist based in New York City.
