How to Choose an Eyeshadow Palette: Finishes, Shades and Size

An eyeshadow palette can be the most versatile buy in your makeup bag or the one that ends up forgotten in a drawer. The difference is choosing it based on how you actually do your makeup. In this guide we cover what to look at before you buy: finishes, color range, size and formula.

First, think about how you'll use it

Ask yourself three quick questions:

• Everyday or special occasions? For everyday, neutral shades are the most practical. For parties, go for a palette with shimmer or bold colors.
• How experienced are you? If you're just starting, a small palette with a few well-matched shades is easier.
• Do you travel or keep it in your bag? Compact palettes with 4 to 9 shades take up very little space.

Finishes and what each one is for

Matte

No shine. It's the foundation of any look: great for the crease, for adding depth and for daytime. A good palette should have at least one light, one medium and one dark matte.

Shimmer or satin

A soft sheen that lights up the center of the lid. Works for daytime in gold or champagne tones.

Metallic

Intense, foil-like shine. Looks best applied with your finger or a damp brush.

Glitter

Chunky sparkle for parties. Usually needs a sticky base. We show you how in how to apply glitter and pigments.

Neutral, warm, cool or colorful

• Warm neutrals (browns, terracotta, golds): flatter almost everyone and are ideal for beginners.
• Cool neutrals (grays, taupe, silvers): elegant and perfect for a softer smoky eye.
• Pinks and mauves: give a romantic feel and look great with green and hazel eyes.
• Color palettes (blues, greens, neons): for anyone who has the basics down and wants to experiment.

Want to know which shades flatter your eyes? Read eyeshadow by eye color.

Size: how many shades do you need?

• 4 to 6 shades: perfect for beginners and travel. Enough for a complete look.
• 9 to 12 shades: good variety without being overwhelming. Covers day and night looks.
• Large palettes: for makeup artists or color lovers. Make sure there are transition shades.

There are also face-and-eye palettes that include blush, bronzer or highlighter: super handy if you want everything in one product.

How to tell if a palette is good

1. Pigmentation: the color should show up in one or two swipes.
2. Blendability: mattes should melt together without patchiness.
3. Minimal fallout: it shouldn't leave a lot of powder under your eyes.
4. Transition shades: a light or medium matte to soften edges.
5. Logical combinations: you should be able to create several looks with the shades included.

How to use your palette: the 3-shade formula

1. Light shade all over the lid.
2. Medium matte in the crease, with windshield-wiper motions.
3. Dark shade on the outer corner, in a soft V.
4. A touch of shimmer on the center of the lid if you want some light.

Detailed step by step in how to apply eyeshadow. To finish the look, see eyeliner for small eyes.

Common mistakes when choosing a palette

• Buying an all-shimmer palette with no base mattes.
• Choosing by the packaging without looking closely at the shades.
• Getting a huge palette when you always use the same three colors.
• Skipping eye primer: shadows fade faster and crease.

Shop it at BeautyRosee

We carry eyeshadow and face palettes from Kevin & Coco, Beauty Creations and Amuse, plus pigments and glitter. Browse them all in makeup.

FAQ

Which eyeshadow palette is best for beginners?

A small warm-neutral palette with at least three mattes (light, medium and dark) and one shimmer.

Matte or shimmer?

Both. Matte creates shape and depth; shimmer adds light. Ideally, your palette has both.

How long does an eyeshadow palette last?

Powder shadows usually last 18 to 24 months once opened. Check the symbol on the packaging.

Can I use an eye palette as blush?

Some matte pink or terracotta shades work. Make sure the formula is safe for the face.

Keep reading

• Makeup Guide: Everything You Need, Step by Step
• Eyeliner for small eyes
• Makeup for photos