The Best Nude Eyeshadow Palettes for Every Budget (And Skin Tone!)

In a sea of colorful eyeshadow shades, it can be easy to overlook nude eyeshadow palettes — you know, taupe, chocolate-y and copper shades perfect for embracing a natural eye look. As much as we love stocking our makeup bags with the brightest and boldest palettes, it’s entirely necessary to own (at least) one nude palette. Ahead, find out how to find your ideal shade of nude, then pick out one of our best palettes to make a permanent part of your get-ready routine.

Find Your Best Nude

Makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci explains that there truly is no such thing as a universal neutral. “Nude eyeshadow is basically your skin tone. It’s the color of the skin on the inside of your wrist. That’s how you find the perfect nude for you.” Ciucci notes that nude shadows are not meant to blend into the skin like a foundation should, but rather a shade that’s subtle enough for someone to still see you are wearing color. Using a neutral palette, you can create everything from a smoky eye to a fun liner look.

How to Use a Nude Eyeshadow Palette

One easy way to make nude look its best? Add dimension. Ciucci creates a textured effect by sweeping on a flat, matte shadow first. Then, she pops a swipe of shimmer (or glitter if you want to go all out) in the center of the lid. This modern interpretation makes for a more impactful, yet still chic effect.

Another favorite of Ciucci’s is the monochromatic look. Think early 2000s J. Lo. bronzed skin, bronze eyes, nude lips — sticking to one general hue makes for a beauty look that is anything but basic. “Playing with having the same tone on your full face is actually really modern looking,” says Ciucci, adding that another perk is that it’s next to impossible to mess up. “You’re wearing a trend in a way that is more understated.” She adds that mixing up your textures with this type of look is especially important because it creates a more flattering effect.

Nude Shadow Pairings

When it comes to nudes, there really are no rules. They can help you do no-makeup makeup like a champ, create sophisticated styles that make you look like the boss lady you are at work, and make application oh-so-simple for even the most novice makeup lover. But one of coolest tricks with nudes is that they allow you to unleash your sassy side.  “Nudes create balance — they make those brighter colors more wearable because you aren't competing with anything else. Nudes are just the perfect blank canvas but they make you look polished.” Below, check out three perfect color combos to start you off.

Berry + Peach

Straight from the vine, a ripe berry lip is the perfect accessory for all of your summer soirées. While usually most popular in the fall, Ciucci says that berry is actually summer’s best lip hue. “I love a berry lip because it makes your teeth look white! When you pair that with a peachy nude eyeshadow, it’s very summery and girly.”