Eyeshadow palettes are arguably one of the most versatile makeup tools you can have in your collection. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, the right palette can totally transform your look. Today, I’m diving into 5 game-changing eyeshadow palettes that cater to different needs, preferences, and skin types. They’re all available in the UK, and I’ll guide you through the specific features that make them stand out. Let’s go!
1. Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette: Smoky Eyes Are Forever
Best For: Medium to deep skin tones
Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
Why You’ll Love It:
This luxurious palette is a dream for creating sultry, glamorous eyes. With a combination of 12 shades in matte, shimmer, and satin finishes, the Smoky Eyes Are Forever palette is ideal for both beginners and advanced makeup enthusiasts. Charlotte Tilbury is known for creating formulas that are incredibly easy to blend, and this palette is no exception. It features a variety of neutral tones that can be built up for day-to-night looks, with extra emphasis on sultry smoky hues, making it perfect for creating bold yet elegant eye makeup. The formulation is soft, non-chalky, and long-lasting—plus, the shades have a great color payoff without any fallout.
How to Use:
- Daytime: Stick to the light matte shades for a natural wash of color on the lid and a pop of shimmer in the inner corner for brightness.
- Evening: For a sultry smoky eye, layer the deeper shades in the outer corners and crease, then apply one of the rich metallics across the lid for a glam finish.
Where to Buy:
2. Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette
Best For: Fair to medium skin tones
Skin Type: Ideal for dry to normal skin, but works well for all skin types due to its smooth formula
Why You’ll Love It:
The Naked3 palette is a cult classic for a reason. The shades are primarily rose-hued neutrals, which gives it a unique twist compared to typical brown-based neutral palettes. The 12 shades in this palette include a mix of matte, satin, and shimmer finishes, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Urban Decay’s formula is known for being buttery smooth, easy to blend, and providing excellent pigmentation. The shades are particularly flattering on those with cooler or neutral undertones, but they can be adapted for warmer skin tones as well.
How to Use:
- Soft look: Use the lighter matte shades like “Strange” and “Dust” all over the lid with a touch of “Burnout” on the center of the lid for a soft glow.
- Dramatic look: Apply “Blackheart” in the outer corner and crease for definition, then layer “Liar” or “Trick” for an intense metallic pop.
Where to Buy:
3. Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette – Warm Brown
Best For: All skin tones, but especially great for warm undertones
Skin Type: Suitable for oily to combination skin due to its long-lasting formula
Why You’ll Love It:
The Warm Brown Obsessions palette from Huda Beauty offers a stunning collection of 9 highly-pigmented shades in a combination of matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes. The shades range from rich, earthy browns to fiery copper tones, making this palette perfect for anyone who loves a warm-toned look. The formula is intense, with minimal fallout, and blends seamlessly, making it an excellent choice for creating both soft, natural looks and full glam styles. Plus, the compact size makes it travel-friendly, so you can take it on the go without sacrificing quality.
How to Use:
- Natural look: Apply the lighter brown matte shades like “Bare” or “Luxe” to the crease and lid for a soft, warm eye.
- Bold look: Layer the darker shades, such as “Spice” and “Cinnamon,” into the crease and outer corner to add depth, and finish with the rich copper shimmer “Infuse” on the lid.
Where to Buy:
4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette
Best For: All skin tones, especially great for those with warm undertones
Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types
Why You’ll Love It:
The Soft Glam palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills is an essential for anyone who loves a mix of warm neutrals with a few jewel-toned pops. With 14 highly-pigmented shades, the palette offers a blend of matte, shimmer, and satin finishes. What makes this palette stand out is its versatility—you can create everything from soft, everyday looks to bold, dramatic eyes. The shadows are incredibly easy to blend, and the mix of matte and shimmer shades allows for both daytime wear and more intense, evening looks. The formula is smooth and doesn’t crease, making it a fantastic option for all-day wear.
How to Use:
- Everyday look: Start with the matte shades like “Orange” and “Dust” for a warm wash across the lid, then apply “Glistening” on the inner corner for a pop of brightness.
- Evening glam: Add depth with “Mulberry” and “Cypress Umber” in the crease and outer corner, and finish with the stunning metallic “Sultry” across the lid.
Where to Buy:
5. Pat McGrath Mothership V: Bronze Seduction
Best For: Deep skin tones, but works beautifully on all skin tones
Skin Type: Best for oily to combination skin
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re looking for a palette that makes a bold statement, Mothership V: Bronze Seduction from Pat McGrath is a must-have. This palette is filled with 10 rich, sultry shades ranging from fiery copper to deep plum tones with a mix of matte, shimmer, and glitter finishes. The textures are out of this world—ultra-pigmented, smooth, and luxurious. The metallics in this palette are particularly standout, with a rich, foiled finish that catches the light beautifully. Whether you’re going for a smoky eye or a statement look, this palette is a game-changer. Pat McGrath is known for creating high-impact, eye-catching products, and this palette is no exception.
How to Use:
- Subtle glam: Apply one of the lighter matte shades like “Blitz Flame” on the lid, and then use the shimmer “Rapture” on the center of the lid for a glowing, sultry look.
- Bold look: Mix the deep purples and reds like “Venusian Orchid” and “Guilt Trip” in the crease, then apply one of the bold metallics, like “Bronze Rebellion,” all over the lid for a striking look.
Where to Buy:
These 5 game-changing eyeshadow palettes are all unique, versatile, and offer high-quality formulations. Whether you’re looking for something neutral and everyday-friendly or bold and statement-making, there’s a palette here for every occasion. Make sure to choose one that complements your skin tone and fits your makeup style, and you’ll be able to create stunning eye looks every time.
