What could be more exciting than a new eyeshadow palette? For any make-up lover, the promise of opening a brand new treasure trove of eyeshadows, all encased in beautiful packaging, is the stuff of which dreams are made. New beauty products launch all the time, but eyeshadow palettes always feel like a real indulgence, especially if you're treating yourself.
What's the magic formula for the ideal eyeshadow palette we wonder? A handful of go-to eyeshadow shades of course. Don't be tempted to make a grab for a pretty compact if you know that two out of the four shades of shadows encased won't ever come within a hair's breadth of your lids. If you're investing money into an eyeshadow palette you need to know that you'll be certain to use each and every shade in there at some point - cost-per-use if you will.
To help you on your way, scroll on down for our curation of the best eyeshadow palettes on the market.
What Should I Look For In An Eyeshadow Palette?
If you're a big experimenter in the eyeshadow department, larger than life palettes that offer up a veritable spectrum of eyeshadows are always going to be a winner - the possibilities are endless. If you know what you like however, go for a smaller option that focuses on tones and shades you're already a huge fan of. Then there's the size of it. When will you be using it most? If you want something to carry in your bag at all times, keep things dinky.
Last but not least, a rule that applies to all eyeshadow palette shoppers - make sure it has a decent mirror.
_Main image credits: Instagram @charlottetilbury_
SHOP: Grazia's Favourite Eyeshadow Palettes
1 of 7Fenty Beauty, Snap Shadows Eye Shadow Palette, £22
Summary: 6-pan palette with unique colours to be mixed and matched for every type of eye look, from smoky to neutral to pastel. Can even be mixed with another 6-pan palette for limitless looks.
Product detail: Global Makeup Artist for Fenty Beauty, Hector Espinal, recommends using two to three shadows to create the perfect smoky eye. First up, enhance the crease with a warm brown before running a black liner along the lash line. Next, apply the shimmer shadow to the centre of the eyelid and voila - you've got a sultry, smoky eye.
2 of 7Anastasia Beverly Hills, Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette, WAS £46 NOW £36.80
Summary: The high-pigmented formulas make up the universally flattering neutrals. Transforming your look for desk to date, from day to night.
Product detail: This palette comes with a mirror in the palette and also includes a brush. It has 14 different shades of brown and nude tones work well to create the ultimate soft glam look. The shade 'Smudge Noir' is perfect for using on the lash line to give a smokey look. The metallic and shimmer shades work best when applied with a damp brush.
3 of 7Charlotte Tilbury, Pillowtalk Instant Eye Palette, £60
Summary: If there's a woman who knows her way around an eyeshadow palette, it's Charlotte Tilbury. This Instant Eye Palette is the ultimate day-to-night beauty tool, offering you four different eye looks, all clearly labelled to make it easier to use. You'll wonder how you ever did your make-up without it.
Product detail: This palette contains 12 eyeshadow colours, split into four different looks. The colours are various champagne, caramel and pink tones - from soft to matte to metallic finishes - a look for every occasion.
4 of 7Pat McGrath Labs, Mothership VI Eyeshadow Palette Midnight Sun, £115
Summary: If you're looking for rich pigments and bold colours, all housed in a beautiful palette then this is for you. Pat McGrath has created the Mothership palette.
Product detail: 10 shades of coppers, bold bronzes, crimsons, glittering golds and violets, which can all be mixed and blended together to create a truly spectacular make-up look.
5 of 7Tom Ford Beauty, Eye Color Quad, £68
Summary: If you want to feel more bougie than ever before, treat yourself to one of Tom Ford's eyeshadow palettes. There are a number of different quads to choose from and it even comes with its own travel pouch.
Product detail: The quad palettes come in natural shades to more glam shades. The colours in each individual palette compliment each other to complete an eye look, quickly and easily.
6 of 7Huda Beauty, The New Nude Palette, £56
Summary: With cool and warm tones, this palette houses the perfect nude for everyone. 'I wanted to reinvent the traditional nude palette with unexpected shades and textures because today everyone has their own interpretation of nude', says Huda. We're obsessed with Barely There for day and Lace for night.
Product detail: This palette is so versatile allowing you to create so many various eye looks, with them all working beautifully on their own or layered with other shades. There are 18 shades - consisting of 11 mattes, four reflective, two glitter, and one pressed pearl.
7 of 7Mac, Eyeshadow x 9: Burgundy Times Nine, £26
Summary: Honey Lust, Embark and Star Violet look as good as they sound and can be blended together for the ultimate smoky plum lid.
Product detail: Nine-pan palette full of soft burgundy tones, ideal for both day and night looks. Includes various textures from matte through to velvet.