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Beauty review roundup

The best eyeshadow palettes, in plain English

One good palette covers everyday looks and going-out looks. We read editor roundups and boiled them down. The palettes editors agreed on are all splurges ($50+). For a budget palette, the LootList Beauty kit builder suggests one under $15.

  • Last reviewed October 20, 2026
  • 3 palettes
  • 4 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Short on time? Start here

Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best overall Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette $48–$52 Creamy, blendable mattes that suit many skin tones. See details Best for smoky eyes Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette $65–$70 Velvety mattes plus cream shadows for depth. See details Most versatile Danessa Myricks Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette $60–$65 Works on eyes, brows, cheeks and lips. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

Neutrals are the safest gift.

Matte, shimmer or both

Matte (flat) shades are easiest for everyday looks and blending. Shimmer adds sparkle on the lid. A mix gives the most looks from one palette.

Neutrals suit almost everyone

Browns, beiges and soft taupes work on almost every skin tone and go with any outfit. Bright colors are fun, but harder to wear every day.

Watch out for fakes

Popular palettes are often copied. On Amazon, check that it's sold by the brand or by Amazon itself, not an unknown seller.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

PaletteBest forTypical priceFinishShades
1. Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette Best overall $48–$52All matte12 neutrals
2. Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette Best for smoky eyes $65–$70Velvety mattes plus 2 cream shadowsWarm and cool nudes
3. Danessa Myricks Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette Most versatile $60–$65Matte powders plus cream pomades10 neutrals in two textures

The 3 best palettes, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best overall

Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette

  • All matte
  • 12 neutrals
  • Original (warmer) or The Neutrals (cooler)

$48–$52typical price

Creamy, blendable mattes that suit many skin tones. Marie Claire names The Neutrals the best matte nude palette, The Everygirl picks both versions, and Harper's Bazaar and Who What Wear include it in their favorites.

Comes as the original Master Mattes (warmer) and Master Mattes: The Neutrals (cooler). Sources picked one or both.

What testers liked

  • Creamy, blendable and well pigmented.
  • Shades that suit a wide range of skin tones.
  • Compact, with a mirror.

Common complaints

  • Matte only, with no shimmer.
  • Pricey.

Skip it if: They love a little sparkle. This palette is all matte.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (4)

Summed up from Marie Claire, The Everygirl, Harper's Bazaar, Who What Wear.

#2Best for smoky eyes

Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette

  • Velvety mattes plus 2 cream shadows
  • Warm and cool nudes
  • Vegan

$65–$70typical price

Velvety mattes with cream shadows for depth. Marie Claire names it the best nude eyeshadow palette overall, and The Everygirl picks it as the best for smoky eyes.

What testers liked

  • Blendable, rich color that lasts.
  • A mix of warm and cool nudes.
  • Cream shadows for layering under the powders.

Common complaints

  • Costs more than the other picks.

Skip it if: You want the most value. Makeup by Mario (#1) costs less for 12 shades.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Marie Claire, The Everygirl.

#3Most versatile

Danessa Myricks Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette

  • Matte powders plus cream pomades
  • 10 neutrals in two textures
  • Works on eyes, brows, cheeks and lips

$60–$65typical price

One palette for eyes, brows, cheeks and lips. Marie Claire names it the best multi-purpose nude palette, The Everygirl calls it the most versatile, and Harper's Bazaar includes it in its favorites.

What testers liked

  • Works on eyes, brows, cheeks and lips.
  • Strong color payoff.
  • Makeup pros like it, and it suits deeper skin tones well.

Common complaints

  • Often sold out.
  • Pricey.

Skip it if: They only want simple eyeshadow. Makeup by Mario (#1) is easier to use.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from Marie Claire, The Everygirl, Harper's Bazaar.

How we pick

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