Best Eyeshadow Palette 2021: 21 our Beauty Eds *Always* Recommend

2022-03-26 07:33:25 By : Mr. Freeman Lin

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Finding the best eyeshadow palette is a little like trying to find your next date, except even harder, because no one's created a Tinder to match you and your eyeshadow soulmate (yet).

That's where we come along, we've been diligently swatching and swiping the all the latest eyeshadow palettes, to bring you an edit of our all-time faves.

For starters, if you're looking for an everyday palette, it's worth considering something on the neutral colour spectrum (to ensure the shades are as wearable as possible). A great option would be the brand new Huda Beauty Brown Obsession eyeshadow palettes. The trio of mini palettes each contain a selection of chocolate, caramel and toffee-inspired hues, in super-flattering light, range of shades.

However, if neutral colours leave you yawning, be sure to check out the e.l.f. Retro Paradise Eyeshadow Palette. It's packed with 39 super-pigmented, rainbow-inspired hues, in both creamy matte and glossy metallic finishes. You can create endless looks with this multi-coloured palette, from an emerald smokey-eye to a wash of neon pink, it covers all bases... and events.

And finally, if you fancy something with a combination of both, stunning neutrals and bold colourful shades, prepare to fall hard for Anastasia Beverly Hills' infamous Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette. With stunning crimson hues, glossy golds and warm, creamy browns, you'll never get bored of it. We promise.

We know there's a lot to choose from, so we've tried and tested some of the industry's most-talked-about palettes, to help make eyeshadow shopping that tiny bit easier. You're so welcome.

Most drugstore palettes struggle to nail the neutral eyeshadow palette, but not Maybelline. It’s bold to say, but this could very well be the best neutral palette your local Boots has ever seen. Smooth, creamy shades (zero chalkiness in sight) that are just as highly pigmented as our £40+ palette. Even better, we would and will use every single colour.

NARS have somehow managed to craft the perfect travel-size eyeshadow palette, with three creamy mattes in a mix of neutral shades and three ultra-glossy shimmers, it's covers all manner of looks whilst still being tiny enough to pop in your pocket. 

The mix of these 18 colours are perfect for creating fun, bright looks, along with more day-to-day vibes. The shimmers give a real high-shine, glistening finish and the mattes aren’t chalky at all – literally what more could you want from a summer palette?

If you're a fan of gold-toned eyeshadows (aka, everyone) Urban Decay's newest Naked offering will give you all the feels. With a range of mattes, satins and metallic shadows, there's enough variety to create a dreamy eye look. The foil shades in the palette can be worn wet or dry, meaning you can dial up the intensity of your blinding sheen.

RiRi truly snapped when creating this – it’s the perfect little palette for creating an out-out look. If you want to smoke things up then this is a one stop shop with all shades looking fire on all skin tones.

Sunsets, ice tea, Flamin' Hot Cheetos… all good things are on the warmer side of the colour spectrum and you can now add this stunning palette to the list. The 12 shades mix mattes and shimmers to create a variety of looks with hues from deep burgundy to bright orange and warm brown.

 Inspired by the dazzling colours of Marrakech, this newly-launched Couture Colour Clutch is the ultimate palette for a statement eye. From rich ambers and vivid sky blues turquoise to versatile neutrals, it's a bold and opulent way to update your makeup look. 

The faux black leather clutch with the iconic YSL logo is a glamorous finishing touch.

This is a matte shadow lover’s dream with 9 purely matte shades to create striking looks. The shades are super pigment-rich so you don’t have to worry about chalkiness here either. Dreamy.

YSL has also launched a second palette as part of their Couture Colour Clutch collection. This version is inspired by the landscapes of Paris, from the metallic twinkles of the Eiffel Tower at night to the pretty blush hues of the city's 'golden hour' sunsets. 

The mix of shimmery metallics and warm, vibrant hues strike the perfect balance between daring and chic. C'est bon, oui?

I can't quite believe this palette only costs five pounds, yes, FIVE. Yet you get 15 eyeshadows, so it works out at just 33 pence per shade - ah-mazing. All of the shades are creamy and easy to blend; the foils and shimmer shadows are packed with pigment, which means they apply like a dream. The mattes are a liiittle less pigmented, but for the price it's still ridiculously good value. Go pick it up now, trust me, you won't regret it.

If you're looking for one eyeshadow palette that does everything (and then some), this is the one to pick. With a stunning range of neutral shades and bold colours, it's perfect for getting creative with your eye looks. The matte formulas are creamy and super blendable, whilst the shimmer shadows offer up a high-shine metallic finish. 

This palette started something of a revolution across the internet, with every YouTuber out there singing it's praises. It arguably kicked off our obsession with warmer shadows and prompted oh-so many brands to launch their own red and pink-toned palettes. 

As with all the Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadow palettes, the quality is impeccable, so this is a worthy investment for your makeup collection. 

Forget everything you thought you knew about Barry M, they're way, way more than just cute nail polishes and glitter-packed dazzle dusts (you know, the ones you used to slather over your eyelids in year 8).

Now the budget makeup brand have branched out to create some killer formulas. This eyeshadow palette is the perfect example, with eight duo-chrome shimmer shades it's awesome value for money.

There's no denying that Huda Beauty knows how to make an in-cred-ible eyeshadow palette, she's mastered it time and time again. From her Rose Gold Remastered palette to her latest launch, Mercury Retrograde. But our all time fave? It has to be her NUDE Obsessions trio, the three palettes have the ultimate selection of neutral-toned shadows to flatter every skin tone. 

Speaking of drugstore makeup brands that are killing it, Sleek have also upped their game in the eyeshadow dept. Their range of I-Divine palettes contain super-pigmented shadows that look incredible on all skin tones. They're blendable and easy to work with, for £8.99 it's well worth picking up one of these palettes.

Marc Jacobs eyeshadows are famous for their staying power, and this nude-toned palette lives up to the hype. With a range of matte and shimmers it's easy to build up a dramatic berry-bronze eye look. Yes it's expensive, but the sleek packaging and pigmented formulas are A*** quality.

Can we talk about how ridiculously buttery and blendable these shadows are? Because we are in awe. The mix of 14 mattes and shimmers give you a variety of looks to create, while the shades 'Green Screen' and '4D' create dual tone effects on the lids.

This palette is right up our street, like seriously, every variation of nude you could ever want or need. This colour story is far from boring – we love the shade 'Slippery'; it gives the eye a pinkish wet look, a wearable version of the catwalk trend that keeps coming back.

If matte eye looks are your thing and you love a bargain, allow us to introduce you to your perfect palette. The 10 shades suit all skin tones and have zero chalkiness, just a lovely satin-y feel and matte finish.

Bright purples and blues your go-to eye lewk? *Raises both hands, sheepishly* even if you aren’t a pro at application, the texture of the mattes and shimmers in this palette make blending so beyond easy.