6 Essential Eyeshadow Palettes for Makeup Beginners
November 04, 2021
Considering a new eyeshadow palette seems to drop every week, it can be difficult to figure out which you should add to your collection, especially if your stash is in the early stages of development. Personally, we feel like a kid in a candy store when it comes to shopping for new eye palettes. If you’re an eyeshadow beginner, makeup artists and beauty influencers alike recommend stocking up on essential palettes that you’ll reach for everyday, and we couldn’t agree more. What exactly is an “essential” palette? One that’s super versatile (think: dozens of shades or a variety of textures) that allows you to experiment with different eyeshadow looks and techniques.
Editor Tip: Need an easy makeup tutorial to start with? Check out this list.
Ahead, we’re recommending our favorite eyeshadow palettes for beginners, from the perfect collection of nudes to one that contains the must-have shades for creating a smoky eye. Trust us when we say you’ll want every single one.
Maybelline New York Nudes of New York 16 Pan Eyeshadow Palette
This 16-pan palette has everything you need to create an infinite number of nude eye looks. The finishes range from ultra-pigmented mattes to creamy shimmers. You can easily transform your look for any occasion with these neutral shades, making it a true must-have.
NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Utopia Shadow Palette
Ultimate Utopia is a perfect option for a makeup rookie because it gives you both nude-toned and deep-pigmented eyeshadow colors to work with. The looks you can create with this collection are endless — from bold cut creases to simple everyday shadows.
Urban Decay Naked Cyber Eyeshadow Palette
Every makeup lover needs at least one Urban Decay Naked palette in her stash, and Naked Cyber is one of our new favorites. It contains 12 buildable neutrals, ranging in finishes from satin and matte to shimmer, metallic and glitter. With it, you can create a neutral eyeshadow look with a pop.
Lime Crime Venus XL 2 Eyeshadow Palette
A cult favorite, this eyeshadow palette by Lime Crime lets you get creative with light pinks, coppers and soft greens. We especially love how easy it is to create a multi-toned eye look with this thanks to its variety of shades.
Valentino Beauty Color-Flip Eyeshadow Palette in When in Roma
Looking for an eyeshadow palette with just the essentials? We love this portable compact from Valentino Beauty. It contains eight shades with varying finishes, plus a set of mini brushes.
Lawless The One Eyeshadow Palette
We’re firm believers that you can never have too many warm nude palettes. This deluxe 18-pan palette looks like it was plucked straight from a makeup artist’s kit. The shades feel rich and velvety when you apply them, making this a treat for everyday wear.
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