Finding the perfect makeup palette can feel like searching for a treasure chest of colors. The right selection of shades and finishes is the foundation for countless looks, from a subtle daytime glow to a dramatic evening statement. With so many options available from trusted brands, it’s easier than ever to build a collection that reflects your personal style and enhances your natural features.
Whether you are a makeup novice building your first kit or a seasoned artist looking for a new favorite, a versatile palette is a must-have. This roundup highlights ten standout options that offer exceptional quality, pigmentation, and blendability. We have curated a list to help you find the ideal palette for your needs, ensuring your next makeup application is both simple and satisfying.
Our Top Makeup Palette Picks
- Tamaki 2 Pack 11.8 x 7.9 Inch Acrylic Paint Palette
- Hulameda 4ps-Paint Tray Palettes, Paint Pallet, Paint Holder
- 22pcs Paint Palettes, Plastic Paint Tray Palette, Paint Pallet
- LNAUJS 8 Pack Plastic Paint Tray Palettes, 6 Well Rectangular Palette
- Anastasia Beverly Hills – Modern Renaissance Mini Eyeshadow Palette
- Morphe 35O Makeup Palette – Supernatural Glow Artistry Palette
- tarte tartelette in bloom mini Amazonian clay palette
- NUDE EYESHADOW PALETTE HUDA BEAUTY 100% AUTHENTIC (RICH)
- Pat Mcgrath Labs Mothership VIII – Divine Rose II for Women
- Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette
Tamaki 2 Pack 11.8 x 7.9 Inch Acrylic Paint Palette
This two-pack set from Tamaki offers excellent value for artists who need reliable mixing surfaces. The pack includes both a rectangular and an oval palette, giving you flexibility depending on your project’s needs. The generous 11.8 x 7.9 inch size provides ample space for color mixing and experimentation.
Constructed from high-quality transparent acrylic, these palettes are highly transparent, allowing you to see true colors and work over any background. The smooth, non-stick surface is safe, non-toxic, and very easy to clean, making them reusable for many sessions. The comfortable edges and included thumb hole ensure a secure and steady grip while you work.
Hulameda 4ps-Paint Tray Palettes
Ideal for group activities or classrooms, the Hulameda set includes four sturdy plastic paint trays. Their molded design is built to be durable and sanitary, with a break-proof structure that can handle frequent use. The smooth surface not only makes cleaning simple but also provides a perfect area for color mixing.
These lightweight palettes are small enough for children to hold comfortably, encouraging creativity without being cumbersome. Beyond painting, they are versatile enough to be used for organizing small craft supplies or even for serving condiments and candies at a creative birthday party. This multi-use functionality makes them a practical addition to any art supply collection.
22pcs Paint Palettes, Plastic Paint Tray Palette
For large groups or prolific artists, this 22-piece set of paint palettes offers an unbeatable quantity. Each palette is made from high-quality molded plastic that is sturdy and resistant to breaking, ensuring they last through many projects. The smooth edges are comfortable to hold, making them suitable for both adults and kids.
A key benefit of this set is its easy storage. The palettes are designed to stack neatly together, saving valuable space in your art cabinet or travel bag. Whether you’re hosting a painting class, running a summer camp activity, or simply want a large supply for your own work, this set provides a practical and cost-effective solution.
LNAUJS 8 Pack Plastic Paint Tray Palettes
The LNAUJS palettes are designed with organization in mind. Each of the eight palettes features six spacious wells, providing dedicated spots for multiple colors and easy separation for mixing. The 1.3-inch well diameter offers ample room for your brushes, making the color blending process smooth and intuitive.
Crafted from smooth, eco-friendly white plastic, these palettes are a breeze to clean, preventing color contamination between uses. Their size is perfect for one-handed use, giving you greater control and freedom while painting. This set balances functionality and convenience, making it a great choice for both watercolor and craft paint projects.
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Modern Renaissance Mini Eyeshadow Palette
The Modern Renaissance Mini palette brings the iconic, beloved color story into a compact, travel-friendly size. It features a curated selection of neutral and berry-toned shades that are incredibly versatile for creating both soft, everyday looks and more defined, dramatic eyes. The formula is known for its high pigmentation and smooth texture.
Each shadow is designed to build and blend with ease, allowing for seamless application. The compact size makes it simple to carry in your purse for touch-ups or to take on the go. This palette is an excellent option for those who want the quality and aesthetic of the original Modern Renaissance in a more portable format.
Morphe 35O Makeup Palette – Supernatural Glow Artistry Palette
With 35 super-wearable shades, the Morphe 35O Supernatural Glow palette is a comprehensive collection for neutral lovers. It includes a balanced mix of rich browns, lush tans, and pops of peach to provide endless possibilities. The palette contains 24 fan-favorite shades from the original 35O series, plus 11 new additions for fresh looks.
The shadows feature a mix of creamy matte and multidimensional shimmer finishes that are made to build, blend, and layer flawlessly. This allows you to create everything from a simple, natural daytime look to a more intense, supernatural evening application. It’s a true workhorse palette for anyone who appreciates a warm, neutral color scheme.
tarte tartelette in bloom mini Amazonian clay palette
The tartelette in bloom mini is a perfectly portable palette featuring neutral and bronze shades designed to make eyes appear bigger and more open. Infused with Amazonian clay, the formula offers better, truer, and longer wear, resisting fading and creasing throughout the day. The compact size is ideal for slipping into your purse for easy touch-ups anywhere.
This palette provides a complete eye look with a selection of lid, liner, crease, and highlight shades. The blendable, lightweight formula ensures smooth application without feeling heavy on the skin. It’s a fantastic choice for achieving a classic, enhanced eye look with minimal effort.
NUDE EYESHADOW PALETTE HUDA BEAUTY 100% AUTHENTIC (RICH)
This authentic HUDA Beauty Nude palette in the Rich variation offers a stunning range of deeper, rustic tones. The palette includes 10 full-size shades that provide a luxurious and complete eye look. The formula is known for its smooth, blendable texture that allows for easy application and seamless color transitions.
Featuring a mix of vibrant metallic finishes and complementary mattes, this palette enables you to create a stunning, dimensional eye look. The rich color selection is perfect for building depth and intensity, making it a go-to for those who prefer a more dramatic and pigmented neutral palette.
Pat Mcgrath Labs Mothership VIII – Divine Rose II for Women
The Mothership VIII: Divine Rose II palette from Pat McGrath Labs is an iconic collection of 10 richly pigmented, floral-inspired shades. It represents a pinnacle of eyeshadow artistry, featuring a breathtaking array of duo-chromes, velvety mattes, and blinding metallics. Each shade is formulated for maximum impact and blendability.
This palette allows for the creation of truly sophisticated and editorial eye looks. The unique color story, with its rosy tones and special-effect finishes, provides a toolset for both everyday elegance and high-fashion statements. For those seeking a luxury makeup experience and unparalleled pigment quality, this palette is a standout choice.
Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette
The Urban Decay Naked3 palette is a classic dedicated exclusively to rose-hued neutral tones. It offers a range of shades from delicate, pale pinks to deep, smoky mauves, all with the brand’s signature buttery texture and high pigmentation. This palette is specially designed to complement all eye colors, adding a romantic and soft-focus effect.
With a mix of matte, satin, and shimmer finishes, the Naked3 allows for the creation of countless looks, from a subtle wash of color to a fully defined, smoky eye. The blendable formula ensures that the colors melt together seamlessly for a professional finish. It remains a timeless option for anyone who loves a feminine, rosy color scheme.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Next Makeup Palette
As someone who has tried more than my fair share of eyeshadow palettes, I can tell you that not all are created equal. Walking into a store or browsing online can be overwhelming with the sheer number of options. To help you find your perfect match, I have put together a list of things I always consider before adding a new palette to my collection.
First, think about your color story. What kind of looks do you want to create? If you are a neutral-lover who sticks to browns and taupes, a rainbow palette with bright blues and greens is probably not the best investment. I look for palettes that have a good mix of matte and shimmer finishes. You need mattes for your crease and transition shades, and shimmers to add a pop of glamour to the lid. A palette with only shimmers is often difficult to use on its own.
Next, pay close attention to the formula and pigmentation. This is where reviews and swatches are your best friend. Some people love highly pigmented, bold shadows that require a light hand, while others prefer a more buildable formula that is easier to control. The texture matters, too. I avoid palettes that seem chalky or have a lot of kick-up in the pan, as that can lead to a messy application and wasted product.
Finally, consider the practical aspects. How does the palette fit into your lifestyle? If you travel often, a slim, sturdy package with a good mirror is a huge plus. The shade range should also work for your skin tone. A palette full of light, ashy colors might not show up on deeper skin, while a palette of dark, rich shades could be too harsh on fair skin. Think about the value as well. A cheaper palette might seem like a good deal, but if the quality is poor, it is money wasted. Sometimes, investing in one high-quality, versatile palette is smarter than buying three mediocre ones. By thinking about these factors—color story, formula, and practicality—you can find one of the best makeup palettes that truly works for you and your routine.
FAQ
What is the difference between a drugstore and a high-end makeup palette?
The main differences often come down to price, packaging, and sometimes, formula consistency. High-end palettes usually have more luxurious packaging and may feature unique, complex shades or special finishes. However, many drugstore brands have seriously upped their game, offering fantastic quality for a fraction of the price. It is not always a rule that expensive means better. I have found some of my best makeup palettes from the drugstore that perform just as well as their high-end counterparts.
How many shades should a good palette have?
There is no magic number! It really depends on your needs. If you like a simple, quick routine, a smaller palette with 6-9 curated shades might be perfect. If you enjoy creativity and variety, a larger palette with 15+ shades gives you more options. I think the most important thing is that the shades work together cohesively, so you can create multiple complete looks without needing to reach for other palettes.
How can I make my eyeshadow last longer and prevent creasing?
Using an eyeshadow primer is the single most effective step you can take. I never skip it. Primer creates a smooth, even base for the shadow to adhere to, which dramatically improves its vibrancy and staying power. It also prevents oils from your eyelids from breaking down the pigment, which is what causes creasing. Set your primer with a light dusting of translucent powder before applying your eyeshadow for even better results.
What is the best way to clean my makeup palettes?
To keep them sanitary, I gently wipe the outside plastic or mirror with a cloth dampened with a little rubbing alcohol. For the pans themselves, I am very careful not to get them wet. If there is a lot of powder buildup between the pans, I use a clean, dry makeup brush or a cotton swab to gently dust it away. Never run the whole palette under water, as this can ruin the shadows and the packaging.
Can I use an eyeshadow palette for my eyebrows or as blush?
Absolutely! Many eyeshadows can do double duty. A matte brown shadow that matches your hair color can be a great powder filler for your brows. Similarly, a matte pink or peach eyeshadow can work beautifully as a blush. Just make sure to test the color on your cheek first to ensure it is not too pigmented, and use a light hand when applying. This is a great way to get more use out of your favorite palettes.
How long do makeup palettes typically last?
Most pressed powder eyeshadows are considered safe to use for about 12 to 24 months after opening. You will usually see a small jar symbol on the packaging with a number indicating the number of months. However, this is more about product performance than safety. If a shadow changes in texture, smell, or causes any irritation, it is time to let it go, regardless of how long you have had it.