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When buying makeup products, you need to know what you are looking for to avoid skin-related issues like allergies, breakouts, or dryness. Fortunately, your options aren’t ‘luxury retailer or nothing’ — there’s a whole world of drugstore products out there to help you get your fix of the best drugstore eyeshadow palettes. So, if you’re on a budget and are searching for high-quality kits to add more drama to your eyes, you can find fantastic budget-friendly eyeshadow palettes that are skin-friendly and vibrant right here.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the finest drugstore eyeshadow palettes comprising a different range of shades to bring out the dazzling goddess in you.
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14 Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Palettes In 2024, With Buying Guide
1. Best Creamy Formula: Lamora Exposed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
If there was ever a must-have beauty product to bring out the glimmer in your eyes, it’s this professional palette from Lamora. Luxuriously pigmented and ultra-micronized, each of the 16 nude shades gives you a smooth, smudge-free, and long-lasting layer of shimmery perfection that looks good with any outfit. The creamy formula of this long-lasting eyeshadow palette is easy to apply, even when you’re on the go. It comes in a slim, lightweight case with a magnetic lid to make it travel-friendly. Suitable for any skin type and all ranges of skin tones, this palette, known for its proven efficacy, can be used wet or dry, depending on the intensity you desire.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic eyeshadow palette
- Unscented
- Offers a flawless finish
- Smudge-free
Cons
- May be slightly thick
- Slots may be narrow
Quick fact
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 26,488 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
2. Best Blendable: Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette
The collection by Nyx Professional offers you a pro-level palette with 16 ultra-creamy and blendable shades. Designed for all complexions and skin types, the huge palette includes satins, shimmery, metallic, and matte shades, and these eyeshadows won’t need a retouch for hours. The coverage is adequately buildable, and you can blend the colors to look bolder and more intense or try a more natural finish. It’s a cruelty-free range and comes in a compact kit that easily fits in your clutch. Here’s a review video showcasing a tester’s experience to help you learn more about this blendable eyeshadow palette.
Pros
- Comes with velvety-rich complimentary shades
- Long-lasting color
- Vegan-friendly
- Crease-proof
Cons
- Hinge may be slightly flimsy
- Some shades may not be as pigmented
"I adore this palette's lasting power; it holds up for hours without fading. I found the subtle, warm shades great for fall makeup, and the darker colors helped me create dramatic looks. Overall, it's a decent pick!"
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 4,111 good reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Metallic: Maybelline New York The 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
Here’s a beautiful range of 12 metallic nudes from Maybelline New York that can make you dazzle wherever you go. These shades are suitable for experimenting with custom combinations in classic tones. From subtle lines and smoky edges to vivid pops of color, every vibe looks gorgeous without smudging or transferring. You can craft duo, trio, or quad-color combos in minutes with this easy-to-apply formula. Check out this review video showcasing a tester’s experience with this product.
Pros
- Includes duo-applicator brush
- Suitable for intense eye makeup
- Shimmery shades
- Comes with a transparent lid for easy visibility
Cons
- May be chalky for some
- May be less suitable for sensitive skin
"I got this palette for its spectrum of wearable, well-pigmented shades. They work great for my everyday makeup looks. I also love using the darker shades as eyeliner. I only wish the case had a mirror to simplify on-the-go touch-ups."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 4,824 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
Lamora Exposed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Best Creamy Formula | Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette Best Blendable | Maybelline New York The 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Best Metallic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Nude Exposed | Warm Neutrals 1 Count | The 24K Nudes |
| Dimensions | - | 7.09 x 38.98 x 37.8 inches | 3 x 5 x 0.4 inches |
| Weight | - | 0.46 Ounces | 3 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 26,488 | 4,111 | 4,824 |
| Price | $12.95 | $11.97 | $11.98 |
4. Best Long-Lasting: Laura Geller The Delectables Romance in Rose Baked Eyeshadow Palette
The eyeshadow palette features 14 baked eyeshadows in brown, pink, and rosy tones. Having matte and shimmer finishes, they make a wonderful palette to give your eyes a beautiful makeover. Baked from cream pigments, the eyeshadows have smooth and blendable textures with minimal fallout. With a fusion of rich rosy tones and dreamy pink eyeshadows, define your eyes for any occasion.
Pros
- Crease-proof application
- Convenient to apply
- Versatile
- Portable
Cons
- May not be pigmented enough
- May crumble easily
Quick tip5. Best Versatile: e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadows
The luxe-formula eyeshadows feature creamy mix-and-match shades that can help achieve a natural and glamorous look. This affordable eyeshadow palette comprises four different shades with a combination of shimmer and matte to give you dramatic or subtle eyes for every occasion and mood. This cruelty-free, celebrity-endorsed eyeshadow palette is vegan-friendly and is free from toxins, ensuring skin-friendliness.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Blendable formula
- Easy to apply
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- May not be ultra-pigmented
- May crumble easily
"I found this palette lovely for creating simple, natural looks, and it has become my favorite for daily makeup. The blendable colors let me create a beautiful smokey eye, and I like to layer them to deepen the pigment when I want a more dramatic look. The texture is also soft and gentle, which is a bonus!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 1,426 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
6. Best All-In-One: Rimmel Magnif’eyes Nude Edition Eyeshadow Palette
From sultry eyes to subtle nudes, this all-in-one eyeshadow palette from Rimmel can help you create various looks for daily wear or events. It comes in a case of 12 shimmery shades that are intense, long-lasting, and not prone to fading. The high-shimmer formula of this value eyeshadow palette is ultra-smooth and blendable, suitable for all skin tones and eye colors. These crease- and smear-proof shades can last all day, and you can also use them as highlighters and liners.
Pros
- Rich shades
- Comes with a duo applicator
- Provides medium coverage
- Available in six palette variants
Cons
- May contain talc
- Case may be slightly flimsy
"This eyeshadow palette strikes a balance between matte and shimmer. The darker hues show up well, but I felt the lighter ones lack a bit of pigmentation. Overall, this palette has been a good pick for daily use."
7. Best Intensity: Ucanbe Spotlight Eyeshadow Palette
The 40-shade eyeshadow kit offers a wide range of metallic and subtle shades for defined eye looks with enhanced vibrancy. Its smooth and seamless texture provides a single-swipe application and comfortable, long-lasting wear. Soft and highly pigmented, you can build on the intensity of these 18 matte and 22 shimmer shades and wear them wet or dry. Formulated with crease-resistant technology, the vibrant eyeshadow palette provides a complete day-to-night range to complement your wardrobe for any occasion.
Pros
- Ideal for smokey eyes
- Blends effortlessly
- Not tested on animals
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Some shades may be dull
- May not be hypoallergenic
"After using this eyeshadow palette extensively, I am amazed at the range of hues and rich pigmentation. The colors blend well without significant fallout and last a long time. I also like that the shades are versatile enough to work for different occasions, which is a plus."
8. Best Subtle: Wet N Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palette
With this lightweight and high-coverage eyeshadow palette from Wet n Wild, you can create looks suitable for casual outings and cocktail hours. Whether you wish to blend in or stand out, you get ten pigment-rich shades to help you create any look — from shimmery to sultry. Easy to blend due to their buttery-soft texture, the colors glide on smoothly and stay intact for hours without needing a retouch. The shades of this smoky eyeshadow palette are cruelty-free and safe for your skin.
Pros
- Safe to use wet or dry
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Has a transparent lid for easy visibility of shades
Cons
- May crease a bit
- Shades may be slightly duller than expected
"I like this range of subtle shades. They are quite blendable, and I've found them easy to layer for more elaborate looks. It has been a decent buy for a simple everyday palette."
9. Best Luminous: Lorac Unzipped Eyeshadow Palette
The makeup artist-approved eyeshadow palette by Lorac is just what you need to get those stunning eyes. This is an effortlessly blendable palette of ten extra-nourishing professional-grade eyeshadows. It is a curated selection of matte and glitter shades that meet varied makeup needs. The shimmer shades of this nude palette can be used dry and wet, depending upon your choice.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Smooth texture
- Fragrance-free formulation
- Suitable for all occasions
Cons
- May have fallouts
- Color may fade after several hours
"I've been experimenting with this eyeshadow palette and am quite satisfied. The neutral and warm colors are delightful to blend, helping me create various looks suitable for daily wear and evening parties. I love their soft, buttery texture, though the shimmer was a bit intense for me."
10. Best Travel-Friendly: Luxaza Neutral Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
Suitable for quick and easy application, you can grab this compact, lightweight palette and start sculpting your eyes on the go! This travel-friendly eyeshadow palette is designed to help you create neutral looks for everyday wear, especially if you want to look professional without overdoing it. These 12 vibrant colors glide and blend effortlessly. With a creamy texture and a slight powdery feel, the waterproof palette is suitable for beginners and lets you experiment with textures for different occasions.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Highly pigmented eyeshadow palette
- Convenient to carry
- Provides neutral finish
- Doesn’t shed
Cons
- May be hard to remove
- Shades may have slight variations
"What I like the most about these shades is their subtle sheen and creamy texture. They have also impressed me with their pigment and staying power. There's minimal fallout, and the color variety helps me create a range of looks. It's a solid choice for adding a pop of color to my looks."
11. Best Fade-Proof: Revlon So Fierce Prismatic Eyeshadow Palette
The bold, compact palette by Revlon offers high-intensity colors that are easy to apply. Its crystal-like pigments feature a velvet-smooth texture that makes your eyes look gorgeous and smoky. With easy-to-blend bronze shades, the palette combines the smoothness of a cream with the effects of a powder. You can apply the shadows dry for a soft, prismatic look and wet with a brush for more intense results.
Pros
- Fade-resistant
- Crease-proof
- Has no fall out
- Provides bouncy texture
Cons
- May not come with an applicator
- May not be hypoallergenic
"I was looking for a palette with shimmery shades when this one caught my eye. The stunning hues are great for evening looks, and the shimmer is really vibrant. It wears well and lasts all day, especially when I use an eyeshadow primer. I'm pretty happy with it so far."
12. Best For Dramatic Looks: Docolor Eyeshadow Palette
Docolor’s drugstore eyeshadow palette has an intense color payoff as the eight orange shades are incredibly smooth and versatile. The ninth hue contains high-quality metal sequins to give you an effortless edge. Long-lasting, easy to blend, and offering a wide range of color options, this colorful eyeshadow palette will take you from work to happy hour in a seamless flourish. Moreover, these colors are water-resistant and come in a travel-friendly kit for easy application on the go.
Pros
- Fade-resistant
- Doesn’t need frequent reapplication
- Velvety texture
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
Cons
- May stain eyelids for some
- May contain talc
"I recently tried this eyeshadow palette and was quite pleased with the vivid, pigmented colors, especially the gold glitter. It's been great for my more creative makeup looks, and though the darker shades require a bit more effort to blend, the quality has impressed me."
13. Best Fragrant: L’Oreal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette
The 12-shade palette from L’Oreal Paris is one of the best drugstore eyeshadows. Containing a variety of finishes ranging from mattes and metallics to shimmery pearls, the option flatters all complexions and eye colors without looking like you tried too hard. The unique feature that sets this particular color palette apart is that it’s scented with enchanting fruit fragrances to give you the ultimate sensory experience. This drugstore makeup palette also includes a step-by-step guide to help you create four fun makeup looks.
Pros
- Soft and velvety texture
- Ultra-blendable application
- Richly pigmented
- Provides a smooth finish
Cons
- Shades may be much lighter than expected
- May be a bit powdery
"I was surprised by how pigmented the shades were and how smoothly they blended without any fallout. The range of colors is also impressive. It's been a versatile addition to my makeup collection."
14. Best For Smokey Eyes: L.A. Girl Fantastic Eyeshadow Palette, The Nudist
This is a unique palette with 12 richly pigmented shades featuring a combination of satin and matte finishes for a versatile look. These colors are wisely chosen to help you create multiple looks, ranging from an everyday look to a party look. Packed in a high-quality sleek case, this everyday eyeshadow palette is designed to fit your makeup bag and comes with a full-sized mirror to make application easier.
Pros
- Travel-friendly palette
- Blendable shades
- Not tested on animals
- Pigmented shades
Cons
- May crumble easily
- Colors may have an orange tinge
"I've had a good experience with this eyeshadow palette. The variety of nude shades in shimmers and mattes is convenient for creating wearable looks. The colors are pretty pigmented and blend easily, which is great. I'm delighted with its decent staying power, lasting me through the day."
How To Choose The Right Drugstore Eyeshadow Palette?
Here are some factors you should consider to find the best drugstore eyeshadow palette.
- Type and texture: Choose matte, metallic, mineral, or shimmer options according to your needs. Each offers a unique finish and suits different occasions. You can opt for a matte eyeshadow palette for everyday looks and a shimmer eyeshadow palette with metallic shades for more dramatic, high-glam looks. Many eyeshadow palettes come with multiple shades and textures in one case, making it easier for you to experiment without buying multiple palettes.
- Eye color and complexion: You want your eyeshadow to complement your eyes and complexion, so considering these two factors is essential. Those with darker eyes tend to stand out through rich jewel tones like burgundy, but you can also go for warm colors and midnight hues to create a bold, dramatic effect. To accentuate green or blue eyes, you can opt for pretty peaches, warm mustards, shimmering golds, or rust-colored shades to add depth and dimension.
- Range of colors: Consider palettes with various colors to use for daily wear and party looks. Opt for kits with neutral shades to create a subtle shadow and jewel tones for more dramatic eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which eyeshadow palette is best for a natural look?
Eyeshadow palettes that offer nude or neutral colors can help you look natural, but this depends on your complexion and the color texture. Revlon, L’Oreal, UCANBE, and many other brands on this list offer flattering neutral eyeshadow palettes that can work well for day and night.
2. How do I know if an eyeshadow palette is good-quality?
You can find out whether your eyeshadow palette is high-quality with simple tests. If the shades are heavily pigmented, they will swipe onto your skin with ease while looking bold and vibrant. A good palette will also allow you to create multiple looks for every part of your eye — from the brow bones and creases to lids — by offering a variety of shades, textures, and finishes.
3. How long do eyeshadow palettes last?
A high-quality eyeshadow palette can last you for at least three to four years without getting dry or flaky, which is significantly longer than most cosmetic or skincare products. However, it might be less for cream or water-based eyeshadows as they’re packed with oils and preservatives that break down over time.
4. Are all eyeshadows the same?
Not really. Eyeshadows come in numerous colors and textures, ranging from matte to metallic and shimmery to sultry. The primary textures also include satin, mineral, and cream-based hues, each having a unique finish depending on the occasion and your style.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a passionate writer and editor who enjoys unique trends in fashion and skincare. She likes experimenting with different products and scours the internet for high-quality makeup products to help the readers find what they are looking for. In this article, she talks about the best drugstore eyeshadow palettes formulated with premium ingredients at an affordable price. Her review process involves extensive research into the features and benefits of each of these affordable eyeshadow palettes, as well as consumer feedback from multiple e-commerce websites.
When experimenting with eye makeup, there are too many options, formulas, colors, and textures to select from. Now that you know all about the best drugstore eyeshadow palettes and where to find them, you can hopefully find your favorite one that suits your complexion and eye color while being highly pigmented and seamless to apply. The options highlighted here will take you from day to night almost effortlessly and without harming your skin, but make sure that the shades are hypoallergenic and suitable for your skin type before buying.
Infographic: How To Make Your Eyeshadow Pop?
An eyeshadow can bestow a dramatic look on your face. To ensure your eyeshadow creates a bold statement, applying it to maximize the pigment on your eyelids is key. Check out the infographic below to learn how to apply eyeshadow to make its color pop and your personality rock.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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