The 13 Best Nude Eyeshadow Palettes for Every Day and Special Occasions, Tested by Editors

These kits do it all.

the best durgstore eyeshadow palettes
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Fact: makeup trends come and go. The ‘80s were all about neon eyeshadow, the ‘90s saw ultra-thin brows, and we're still trying to forget the tanning bed craze that plagued the early aughts (today's best self-tanners are much safer and significantly less orange). Still, one makeup product has remained relevant throughout the decades: the best nude eyeshadow palettes. Neutral shades in taupes, browns, and blacks complement every skin tone and eye color and can be worn for both every day makeup or a special occasion look. Think of the best nude eyeshadow palettes as the makeup equivalent of a white button-down shirt—they're timeless classics.

Given a nude shadow palette's never-ending color combos, it should come as no surprise that makeup artists reach for them time and time again. “In my personal experience with neutral eyeshadow palettes, they are remarkably versatile, and I have a habit of blending and utilizing all the shades,” says celebrity makeup artist Dominique Lerma. The best palettes can create anything from a glamorous glittery eyeshadow look with dramatic definition to the more subtly contoured makeup styles that are great for daytime wear.

Whether you want to refresh your nude eyeshadow palette collection or start from scratch, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve consulted the experts on how to choose the right palette for you. These are the 13 best nude eyeshadow palettes on the market right now, from Charlotte Tilbury to the cult-favorite Urban Decay Naked3.

The Best Nude Eyeshadow Palettes

Emma Aerin Becker

Emma Aerin Becker uses Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette

(Image credit: Emma Aerin Becker)

Emma Aerin Becker

Emma Aerin Becker uses Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Original

(Image credit: Emma Aerin Becker)

Emma Aerin Becker

Emma Aerin Becker uses the Anastasia Beverly Hills Spice Mini Eyeshadow Palette

(Image credit: Emma Aerin Becker)

Emma Aerin Becker

Emma Aerin Becker uses Lisa Eldridge Makeup Muse Luxury Eyeshadow Palette

(Image credit: Emma Aerin Becker)

Emma Aerin Becker uses Tartelette in Bloom Mini Amazonian Clay Palette

Emma Aerin Becker

(Image credit: Emma Aerin Becker)

Emma Aerin Becker uses Juvia's Place The Coffee Shop Palette

Emma Aerin Becker uses Juvia's Place The Coffee Shop Palette

(Image credit: Emma Aerin Becker)

Other Nude Eyeshadow Palettes I Love

What to Look For in a Nude Eyeshadow Palette

Not every nude eyeshadow palette on the market is going to fit your needs—and that's okay! To narrow them down, pro makeup artist Isabel Y Rosado says to ask yourself two questions: "First, do you like warm or cool tones? Then, do you prefer mattes, shimmers, or both?" Use those parameters as a starting point when shopping for a new palette.

  • Tones

The most important factor to consider when shopping for your next favorite neutral eyeshadow palette is the tones and shades it offers. For Garcia, nude, skin-like shades are a must, as is a taupe shade. “I love a taupe shade to make sure I have my soft defining shade for my crease and under the eye,” she explains.

Lerma recommends a wide range of brown shades. “When I am on the hunt for a new eyeshadow palette, I like to look for one that carries a few matte, neutral brown, warm brown, and rust-colored shades,” she explains.

Nude palettes also typically fall under one of three categories: cool-toned, warm-toned, or true-neutral. While Rosado says the best for you boils down to personal preference, you may find that the palettes that match your skin's undertone will complement you the best.

  • Finishes

Having a variety of eyeshadow finishes will ensure you can create any look your heart desires. I, for one, am a huge fan of glitter eyeshadows for both daily wear and going-out looks. I also recognize the power of matte shades though. “Matte eyeshadows tend to be the most universal shades and can be used for daily eyeshadow looks," Lerma says. Unless you have a strong preference, you can't go wrong with a palette that has a mix of finishes.

How to Use a Nude Eyeshadow Palette

The best neutral eyeshadow palettes can create a multitude of looks; use them to nail your smokey eye makeup, create monochromatic looks, or add subtle contour to your eyes.

"A nude eyeshadow palette is a must-have in your makeup kit because it’s so versatile," says Loiz. "You can use it for a simple everyday makeup look, no-makeup makeup, smokey eyes, etc. The list is endless. They’re also user friendly for makeup beginners and never go out of style."

Lerma has two easy recommendations to get you started. First, she suggests choosing a brown shade two to three shades darker than your skin tone and going over your crease in a windshield motion. This will create major depth to the eye and is what Lerma calls "a primed eye." She adds, “this technique is an old makeup hack and has been used by educators for decades.”

The beauty pro also has a go-to look that uses just three shades: A creamy light color to use across the lid and brow; a light brown or caramel-colored brown to add definition in the crease; and an espresso shade to smoke out the outer corners. “The result of using the right tools and intentional technique is remarkable, and that’s only using three eyeshadow shades,” she explains.

How Long Does an Eyeshadow Palette Last?

How long an eyeshadow palette lasts really depends on how often you use it, but in general, eyeshadows can last around two to three years. Just be sure to store them in a clean and dry place.

However, Cooper notes that there are some exceptions to this rule because you don't know how long a palette was on the shelf before you purchased it or what conditions it has been stored in. She says, "My rule of thumb is that if it smells off, feels chalky, or isn’t performing the way it’s supposed to, it’s time to let it go."

How Do You Fix a Broken Eyeshadow Palette?

We've all shattered are favorite shadows (right? Please tell me it's not just me), and there's truly no worse feeling. Fortunately, you can definitely fix them in four easy steps, as Cooper explains. All you need is a little patience and love. Full disclaimer: They won’t look as pretty as before, but they’ll still get the job done.

Step 1: Crush up the broken shadow completely (I know it feels so wrong, but just trust me).

Step 2: Add rubbing alcohol to the crushed shadow until it forms a thick paste.

Step 3: Smooth the paste back into the pan with a spatula, spoon, or even your finger.

Step 4: Let it dry overnight, and she’s ready to clock back in for work!

Meet the Experts

Renee Loiz Headshot
Renée Loiz

Renée Loiz is a top celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert with over 20 years in the industry. Renée is best known for her work with celebrities including Quinta Brunson, Cynthia Erivo, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Sherry Cola, Adele, Chelsea Peretti, Uzo Aduba, Danai Gurira, Thuso Mbedu, and Jaylon Barron.

When she’s not creating press-worthy red carpet and editorial looks for famous faces, Renee can be found working with renowned international brands such as NARS, Beauty Blender, Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel, Sephora, J.Crew, Disney, Target, BuzzFeed, Adidas, and Warner Brothers.

Her industry expertise and artistry are regularly tapped by the top fashion publications including InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Essence, EBONY, People, L’Officiel, Who What Wear, Vanity Fair, The Zoe Report, Allure, and featured on Saturday Night Live.

She is also known as the founder of Color May Vary—the ultimate guide to the best black-owned brands for beauty enthusiasts. After launching, Color May Vary was recognized by Ulta Beauty in an initiative to celebrate inspirational Black voices, and won a Refinery29 Beauty Innovator Award. She continues to spread positive change in the beauty industry by representing the underrepresented.

.Dominique Lerma on white background
Dominique Lerma

Dominique Lerma a Hollywood bred Internationally published Makeup Artist and Beauty Educator, known for her ability to create flawless complexions and innovative beauty looks. She grew her love for makeup artistry at a very ripe age and began beautifying faces for her fellow classmates at her all girl parochial high school. Her self taught passion flourished while she was given the opportunity of working with the world reknowned Mac Cosmetics and soon became a Viva Glam Ambassador. Dominique’s vast resume includes Beauty, editorial, celebrity, advertising, rebranding and bridal. She serves as a Beauty Educator for Frankie Rose Cosmetics and is a bilingual traveling sales representative for both Enzo Milano Professional Hair Styling Tools and Royal Langnickel Brush. Her creative expertise consists of Makeup artistry, hairstyling and men’s grooming.

Portrait of Cassandra Garcia on dark background
Cassandra Garcia

Cassandra Garcia is a New York-based makeup artist. As an optimist and naturally curious person, Garcia is at ease working across all types of mediums and creating a broad range of looks, whether it’s an effortlessly undone or an iconic red carpet moment. Her celebrity clients include Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Heidi Gardner, and Vanessa Bayer, and her work can be found in publications such as Glamour, Marie Claire, GQ, and Hollywood Reporter. In addition, brands such as Reem Acra, Cynthia Rowley, Jenny Packham, Tibi, and Veronica Beard have called on Garcia’s expertise for runway looks. Garcia represents Bobbi Brown Cosmetics as its resident editorial makeup artist.

Portrait of Isabel Y Rosado on white background
Isabel Y Rosado

Isabel is a pro makeup artist born and based in New York City. She's worked with brands and publications such as Yves Saint Laurent, Hill House, Moda Operandi, Teen Vogue, Elle Mexico, Glossier, Levi's, Office Magazine, and more. Her work has graced the red carpet with the likes of Sarah Hoover, Michelle Hellman, and Mollie Acquavella. Isabel is also a member of the Latinx Creatives Collective.

T. Cooper
T. Cooper

T. Cooper is a world-renowned celebrity makeup artist with over thirteen years of expertise in the beauty industry. She founded Major Face, an on-location beauty service company offering a full range of on-demand services, including makeup, lashes and more. As a Black-owned business, her mobile beauty agency specializes in inclusion, servicing diverse skin tones including African American, Mediterranean and Asian Skin. T. Cooper also served as Keyed Makeup Artist for many of NYFW’s FW 2025 runway shows & presentations.

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Emma Aerin Becker
Freelance Beauty Writer

Emma Aerin Becker is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire, where she deep-dives into makeup, skincare, and hair trends, rounding up the latest and greatest products. She has a lifelong love of style and beauty — especially when it comes to the way the latest trends and must-have products intersect with celebrity and culture. Emma also works for People magazine as a writer on their parents team, where she stays on the pulse of pop culture and covers breaking celebrity parents news daily. She has been working in the industry for four years, covering topics such as beauty, fashion, pop culture, celebrity news, and entertainment. Her words have also appeared on The New York Post’s Decider.com, Aspen Magazine, Philadelphia Style, Boston Common, Capitol File, College Fashionista, The Crescent, and ViaNolaVie.

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