Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Collage by Sarah Olivieri Beauty Makeup The 10 Best Neutral Eyeshadow Palettes You'll Actually Use Up The 10 Best Neutral Eyeshadow Palettes You'll Actually Use Up No makeup kit is complete without these artist and editor staples
If you often use only one or two of the most versatile shades from your go-to eyeshadow palette , you’re not alone. Instead of throwing money down the drain on colors you'll probably only use sparingly, we recommend investing in one of the best neutral eyeshadow palettes instead.
“A neutral eye palette is a makeup kit staple,” celebrity makeup artist Nick Lennon tells Bazaar . “You can create a multitude of looks, from natural and defined to a more dramatic smoky eye, out of just a few neutral shades from one palette.” Not only are must-haves from brands like M.A.C. Cosmetics and Dior Beauty virtually seamless to use, but many formulas can also do more than create a cut-crease: “You can even add a mixing medium and use the shadow with a wet brush to create eyeliner,” he says.
As for the best neutral eyeshadow palette for you? We rounded up the very best below, featuring picks from Lennon and Bazaar editors, to make it a breeze to find the one you'll reach for again and again.
Lennon says M.A.C. has always been his go-to for neutral palette options. And right now, the pro uses this palette: “You can use just one shadow for an everyday look or blend out a few of the darker shades and create a grungy '90s eye,” says the makeup artist.
Number of shades: 12 Finish: Matte, shimmer, glitter, metallic
This logo-embossed palette contains a primer and eight shades (a mix of matte and shimmers), giving you truly endless eye options. As Bazaar beauty director Jenna Rosenstein explains: “It’s everything you need and more for day-to-day definition and even something smokier, sexier, and more dramatic.”
Number of shades: Nine Finishes: Matte, shimmer
“When it comes to color payoff, few eyeshadow palettes can compare to this favorite from Danessa Myricks Beauty," says Bazaar’s beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson Davis. "Not only does it include a range of pressed powder eyeshadows in matte, metallic, and shimmer finishes, but the palette also works for day and night.”
You don’t need a ton of shadow options to create an impactful eye look. This budget-friendly palette features four shades in a neutral gradient, including shimmers. And did we mention that it’s available for under $5?
Urban Decay has been crafting viral eyeshadow palettes for years, which is one reason this makeup artist-created palette has earned a spot on this list. Another? Not only is this staple ideal for neutral eye looks, but it also can be used to highlight and contour your entire face, thanks to a variety of finish and color options. Each cool-toned shade is crease- and transfer-resistant, and lasts for up to 16 hours per wear.
Finishes: Matte, shimmer, glimmer, cream
Here’s another eyeshadow palette created by a makeup artist that’s ideal for beauty lovers with warm or olive undertones. The pressed powder palette features a mix of light, medium, and deep shades that won’t feel dry on your lids, thanks to ingredients like carnauba vegan wax and vitamin E that help improve wear and set its formula.
When it comes to the best neutral palettes for mature eyes , experts count Tom Ford Beauty’s versatile Eye Color Qu…