The eyeshadow palettes that do more than eye make-up

Ria Bhatia
Feb 25, 2026, 07:38 AM

How to pick the right eyeshadow palette for your skin tone

Choosing the best eyeshadow palette is about undertone and pigment strength, says make-up artist Aarti Pal.

What are the best eyeshadow palette formats for Indian weather?

In hot and humid conditions, powder eyeshadow becomes the only reliable anchor of any eye make-up look, especially because eyes are so easily prone to wrinkling, creasing, and producing sebum.

Chanel Beauty Rouge Noir Palette: Best for understated versatility

The tones are restrained, which makes them wearable beyond occasion dressing. Used lightly, they create shadow without heaviness. Built up, they read deliberate rather than dramatic.

Kay Beauty MultiTexture Eyeshadow Palette: Best eyeshadow palette on a budget

Proof that performance does not require luxury pricing, the mattes hold saturation without dustiness, and the foil shades adhere without scattering shimmer under the eyes.

Moira Chasing Eternity Pressed Pigment Palette: Best eyeshadow palette for brown smokey eyes

Owing to the pigment overload, little goes a long way—just a few gentle dabs of the eyeshadow and the brush will pick up enough to show up on the eyelids.

Too Faced Born This Way Nudes Eyeshadow Palette: Best eyeshadow palette for beginners

The inclusion of hydrating ingredients gives the powders a smoother laydown, particularly on drier eyelids.

Dior Beauty Backstage Eye Palette: Best eyeshadow palette for everyday use

Structured with dimension in mind, this nine-pan palette moves easily from contour to highlight without feeling contrived.

Charlotte’s Palette Of Beautifying Eye: Best for controlled colour

The mattes provide anchor, allowing brighter tones to sit comfortably rather than overpower. The shimmer finishes reflect softly instead of flashing harshly, which keeps the look controlled.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam II: Best bridal eyeshadow palette for depth

The strength here lies in undertone control. Warm browns transition into plum and gold without turning muddy—a common issue on deeper complexions.