If you’re a beginner looking to dive into the world of eyeshadow palettes, choosing the right palette is essential. The right palette not only simplifies your makeup routine but also gives you the freedom to explore various looks without feeling overwhelmed.
But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the best eyeshadow palette for beginners? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what makes an eyeshadow palette beginner friendly, what to look for when choosing one, and review the best palettes available today.
Whether you’re into natural looks or want to try a pop of color, you’ll find the perfect match.
What Makes an Eyeshadow Palette Beginner Friendly?
Before we dive into our top recommendations, let’s first discuss the features that make an eyeshadow palette beginner friendly. Understanding these key factors will help you select the right palette for your needs.
Ease of Application
For beginners, a palette that offers smoot, blendable formulas is a must. Some eyeshadows are harder to work with due to their texture or pigmentation, making them difficult to blend. This can be frustrating when you’re just starting out. A beginner friendly palette will have soft formulas that easily glide on the eyelids and blend seamlessly, helping you create a polished look with minimal effort.
Versatility
A good eyeshadow palette for beginners should offer versatility. This means a variety of shades that allow you to create different looks whether you’re going for a natural, everyday look or a bold, smokey eye for the evening.
Look for a palette that includes a mix of neutral and slightly bolder shades so you can experiment without feeling limited.
Buildable Pigmentation
Pigmentation is essential, but for beginners, buildable pigmentation is more important. Highly pigmented eyeshadows can sometimes be intimidating because one wrong swipe can ruin your look.
Instead, opt for palettes with shades that are easy to layer and blend, allowing you to control the intensity of the color. This will give you more flexibility as you experiment with different eye makeup looks.
Compact and Travel Friendly Design
A travel friendly palette is also a great feature to consider. You don’t want a bulky palette that takes up too much space in your makeup bag. Look for compact palettes with a sleek design that are easy to carry, especially if you’re on the go.
Key Features to Look for in the Best Beginner Eyeshadow Palettes
When shopping for an eyeshadow palette for beginners, there are a few important features that will help you decide which one is right for you. Here’s a breakdown of what you should keep in mind:
Blendability
Blendability is one of the most critical features of a beginner friendly palette. Smooth blending creates a seamless look that doesn’t appear harsh or uneven.
Look for palettes with creamy textures that blend effortlessly with the help of your brush or fingers.
Pigment Payoff
While it’s important to go for a palette that isn’t too pigmented for beginners, you still need decent pigment payoff. Look for shadows that show up well on your eyelids after a few swipes but aren’t too overwhelming.
This way, you can build up color gradually without fear of over-applying.
Variety of Shades
Having a good variety of shades is key to making sure you can experiment. Some beginners prefer sticking with neutral tones, while others like to mix in some color.
A palette that provides both mattes and shimmers gives you plenty of options for different occasions.
User Friendly Packaging
When you’re a beginner, user friendly packaging is a must. Opt for palettes with a mirror, so you don’t have to juggle your compact with a separate mirror.
A palette with organized pans and clear labeling (for example, labeled transition shades) also makes the application process much easier.
Price vs. Quality
While some premium palettes can offer fantastic quality, many affordable options are just as good for beginners.
Balance your budget with the palette’s quality, paying attention to whether the price justifies the performance and longevity of the product.
The Best Eyeshadow Palettes for Beginners
Now, let’s dive into the best eyeshadow palettes for beginners that will help you master the art of eye makeup with ease. We’ve selected a mix of high end and drugstore options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
Why It’s Great for Beginners: This compact palette is a perfect introduction to eyeshadow. It includes six neutral shades that range from matte to satin, ideal for creating natural, everyday looks.
Key Features:
- Contains soft, blendable shades
- Includes a mix of mattes and satins
- Great for subtle daytime looks
Best For: If you’re new to eyeshadow and prefer a natural look, the Naked Basics Palette will become your go to choice.
Too Faced Natural Eyes Eyeshadow Palette
Why It’s Great for Beginners: The Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette features a balanced combination of neutral and warm shades. The shades range from light matte to glittery finishes, perfect for transitioning from work to night out effortlessly.
Key Features:
- Easy to blend textures
- Includes both matte and shimmer options
- Comes with an instructional guide for beginners
Best For: Beginners who want to experiment with both matte and shimmer without feeling overwhelmed.
Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
Why It’s Great for Beginners: If you’re looking for an affordable yet quality palette, Maybelline’s The Nudes palette is a winner. It includes a well rounded selection of shades that are pigmented and easy to blend.
Key Features:
- Affordable price range
- Features 12 versatile shades
- Mix of mattes, satins, and shimmers
Best For: Those on a budget but who want a quality palette to create soft or bold looks.
Morphe 35O Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette
Why It’s Great for Beginners: This large palette offers 35 shades, making it a fantastic option for beginners who want to try out a range of warm toned looks. The shades are highly pigmented, yet they blend smoothly.
Key Features:
- 35 shades from neutral to bold
- Great pigmentation for beginners
- Mix of matte and shimmer shades
Best For: Beginners who want to get creative with different tones and build versatile eye looks.
ColourPop Going Coconuts Eyeshadow Palette
Why It’s Great for Beginners: ColourPop is known for producing high quality, affordable products, and the Going Coconuts Palette is no exception. The shades are blendable and perfect for creating warm, natural looks.
Key Features:
- Contains 9 shades, including neutral mattes and shimmers
- Affordable price point
- Great blendability and pigmentation
Best For: Beginners who want a neutral palette that can be worn every day without feeling too basic.
Tips for Beginners When Using Eyeshadow
Getting the most out of your eyeshadow palette for beginners comes down to a few simple tips. Here’s what you need to know to make the application process easier:
Start with Neutral Shades
When you first begin using eyeshadow, it’s best to start with neutral shades. These are the easiest to work with and help you get comfortable with the application process. Gradually introduce darker colors or shimmers as you build your confidence.
Blend, Blend, Blend
Blending is key to creating a seamless eyeshadow look. Invest time in blending out the edges of your eyeshadow to avoid harsh lines. A good blending brush your best friend here.
Don’t Overload the Brush
It’s easy to pick up too much product, especially when you’re excited about using your new palette. But remember, it’s always better to start with less product and build it up gradually. This way, you’ll have better control over the intensity of the color.
Use the Right Tools
Having the right brushes is just as important as the palette itself. Invest in high quality eyeshadow brushes that help you blend and pack the shadow evenly.
How to Choose the Best Eyeshadow Palette for Your Eye Color and Skin Tone
When selecting an eyeshadow palette, consider your eye color and skin tone. Different shades enhance different features, so here are a few tips based on your natural features:
- Warm undertones: Opt for shades like peach, bronze, and gold.
- Cool undertones: Try taupes, mauves, and silvers.
- Green or hazel eyes: Rich earthy tones or purple hues will make these eye colors pop.
- Blue eyes: Copper, bronze, and neutral shades enhance the brightness of blue eyes.
Conclusion
Picking the best eyeshadow palette for beginners is an important step in your makeup journey. Whether you prefer a natural, neutral look or want to experiment with brighter shades, there’s a palette for every beginner.
By considering key factors like blendability, pigment payoff, and versatility, you’ll find a palette that helps you feel confident and creative with your makeup.
FAQs
- What are the best eyeshadow palettes for beginners?
The Urban Decay Naked Basics and Too Faced Natural Eyes palettes are great options for beginners due to their neutral, easy to blend shades. - Can I use shimmer eyeshadows as a beginner?
Yes! Shimmer shadows can be beginner friendly as long as they are buildable and easy to blend. Start with lighter shimmers for a subtle look. - How do I apply eyeshadow for a natural look?
Stick with neutral shades and use soft, blendable mattes. Keep your application light and build color as you go. - Is it necessary to use an eyeshadow primer?
While not absolutely necessary, using a primer can help eyeshadow last longer and prevent creasing. - How do I make my eyeshadow look last longer?
Applying eyeshadow primer before application can help ensure longevity and prevent smudging.