Venturing into the world of makeup can be both exciting and a little daunting, especially when faced with the multitude of options available. Eyeshadow, with its wide array of colors and finishes, often seems the most intimidating for someone new to the craft. But fear not! The right palette can make all the difference, allowing you to experiment with confidence. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through some of the best eyeshadow palettes ideal for beginners—palettes that combine quality, versatility, and ease of use.
Why Choose the Right Palette?
Before we delve into specific suggestions, let’s consider why choosing the right eyeshadow palette is so important for a beginner. A great starter palette should offer a range of colors that complement each other, a selection of both matte and shimmer finishes, and highly blendable formulas. It should encourage creativity without overwhelming you, and most importantly, suit your personal style and skin tone.
1. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
Urban Decay has been a trusted name in eye makeup for years, and their Naked Basics Palette exemplifies why. This palette is perfect as a starter kit for anyone new to eyeshadow. It contains six neutral shades that range from a soft cream to a deep, rich black. This provides a wonderful mix of colors to create both subtle day and dramatic evening looks. The formula is known for its buttery smooth texture, which makes the shades easy to blend—a huge bonus for newbies learning the ropes of achieving that perfect gradient.
2. Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
On the more affordable side, Maybelline’s The Nudes Palette offers a diverse collection of 12 neutral shades that are perfect for beginners on a budget. It includes a mix of textures—matte, satin, and shimmer—that can help new users experiment with different styles. The palette is designed to be versatile, allowing you to go from a natural daytime look to a sultry smoky eye with minimal effort. The pigmentation is impressive for a drugstore brand, offering great value for money.
3. ColourPop Going Coconuts Palette
ColourPop’s Going Coconuts Palette is a fantastic choice for any beginner. Known for their affordable yet high-quality products, ColourPop doesn’t disappoint with this selection. This palette features nine coconut-inspired shades, focusing on warm-toned browns, creams, and shimmers. The shadows are incredibly blendable and pigmented, offering a thoroughly user-friendly experience. It’s great for creating understated chic looks that flatter all skin tones, and its size makes it perfect for travel.
4. Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Palette
Next on our list is the Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Palette, an excellent option for a beginner looking for a more extensive variety while still maintaining a neutral tone. It features 12 shades in both warm and cool undertones, with nine matte and three shimmer shades. This palette allows you to mix and match to suit any occasion and gives beginners the chance to practice using different finishes. Tarte is renowned for its eco-friendly practices, and the Amazonian clay formula of these shadows ensures a lasting hold and vibrant pigmentation.
5. Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette
For beginners ready to get a little bolder, the Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Palette offers an incredible 35-shade collection. While it might seem overwhelming at first glance, it’s designed with beginners in mind. The palette offers a mix of essential neutrals and vibrant colors, perfect for those wanting to experiment. The formula is creamy and highly blendable, making it easy to achieve stunning looks with minimal fuss. If you’re ready to play with more colors and styles, this palette is an excellent choice.
6. Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette
Too Faced has long been synonymous with playful packaging and high-quality products, and the Natural Eyes Palette is a staple for any beginner. This nine-shade palette is crafted from coconut butter for a creamy finish, and it includes an array of soft-neutral tones that suit any eye color and skin tone. The shades are ideal for creating everything from day-to-day natural looks to something more sultry for the night. The palette also includes an easy-to-follow Glamour Guide for those needing a little extra help with application techniques.
Tips for Using Your Palette
Even with the best palette, beginners should keep a few tips in mind to ensure a smooth application:
1. Invest in Quality Brushes: Quality brushes make all the difference. A basic set including a flat shader brush, a blending brush, and an angled brush will cover the essentials.
2. Prime Your Lids: Eyeshadow primer is essential for creating a smooth canvas and ensuring your look lasts all day.
3. Blend, Blend, Blend: Avoid harsh lines by blending your eyeshadow until you achieve a seamless transition between shades.
4. Build Up Color Slowly: Start with a light application of shadow and build up the intensity gradually. This allows for greater control and fewer mistakes.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Makeup is meant to be fun! Play around with different colors and techniques until you find what you love.
Finding the perfect eyeshadow palette is like discovering a new playground. Whether you’re sticking to neutrals or experimenting with pops of color, the right palette will empower you to express yourself and build your skills. Dive in, have fun, and let your creativity shine!
