Best Eyeshadow Palettes (2022) | Editor's Top Picks
I’ve seen a continued slow down in the release of new eyeshadow palettes, though there were still plenty of new permanent and limited edition releases over the last year, so here are the top eyeshadow palettes of 2022 — these are permanent and available to purchase but exclude limited edition releases from prior years (regardless of current availability). I’ve tried to include a mix of brands, shades, and formulas so that our list of best eyeshadow palettes offers something for everyone.
Every product recommended below has been tested and reviewed by me, your editor-in-chief, and I test thousands of products every year–so each product really had to earn their way onto this list. To read more about a specific shade or view swatches, make sure to use the drop downs and buttons below, as we’ve tried to make this guide comprehensive and easy to use!
Natasha Denona Retro
Natasha Denona Retro 15-Pan Small Eyeshadow Palette ($65.00 for 0.67 oz.) is the newest mid-size palette release from the brand. It includes a mix of... Read full review.
Pat McGrath Midnight Sun
Pat McGrath Midnight Sun Mothership Eyeshadow Palette ($125.00 for 0.47 oz.) is new, permanent palette that features 10 shades across a myriad of... Read full review.
Sydney Grace Coffee Talk (Deep)
Sydney Grace Coffee Talk (Deep) 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($33.00 for 0.54 oz.) is a new, muted neutral palette from the brand that include five matte... Read full review.
Natasha Denona Zendo
Natasha Denona Zendo 15-Pan Small Eyeshadow Palette ($65.00 for 0.67 oz.) contains a real assortment of finishes: four cream-powders, four creamy... Read full review.
Sydney Grace Enduring Love (Light)
Sydney Grace Enduring Love (Light) Eyeshadow Palette ($52.00 for 0.95 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that launches on January 13th at 9AM PT. The... Read full review.
Natasha Denona Sunrise
Sunrise is the perfect size–compact, travel-friendly, but there’s no shortage of actual product in each pan, so it’ll last long enough (maybe a lifetime!). It has a mix of warmer tones across yellow, copper, and plum and is designed to complement the brand’s larger Sunset palette.
Melt Cosmetics She's in Parties
Melt Cosmetics She's in Parties 8-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($48.00 for 0.58 oz.) is a new, likely-permanent palette that takes the brand's original stack... Read full review.
Natasha Denona Biba
Biba’s become a workhorse for me when I want easy, go-to neutrals that aren’t too warm-toned (though it’s a warmer-toned palette, overall!). There’s a fantastic mix of shimmers and mattes, and the mattes are the brand’s much-improved Creamy Matte formula that’s velvety, blendable, and pigmented.
ColourPop It's My Pleasure
ColourPop’s It’s My Pleasure is another winner from their monochromatic series. For purple lovers, it features a mix of pink and blue-based purples across finishes.
Sydney Grace Chase Your Dreams
Sydney Grace Chase Your Dreams 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($33.00 for 0.54 oz.) is a new eyeshadow palette that included three matte shades and six... Read full review.
Kaja Orange Blossom
Kaja’s Orange Blossom is one of my favorites from their trios, which are compact, travel-friendly, and more affordable (all things relative, of course). I love that they’re all sparkling shades because the trio complements the many, many palettes that have released over the years that many of us already have!
Natasha Denona Star (2020)
Natasha Denona Star (2020) 18-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($169.00 for 1.44 oz.) includes a mix of metallics and mattes across a mix of earth tones paired... Read full review.
Sugarpill Fun Size
Fun Size is a delightful mix of brighter, richer pastel-inspired shades. I love that there’s enough vibrancy in each shade that they don’t look washed out or faded when applied. This is several steps down from neon brights, too, so it is a nice way to introduce yourself to color if you’re new to it. Plus, it’s also a fun size and is infinitely more affordable than Sugarpill’s individual eyeshadows (which are massive in size, too).
ColourPop Just My Luck
Just My Luck is the green-hued monochromatic palette in the brand’s line-up, and it features a nice mix of cooler and warmer greens across mattes and shimmers.
Coloured Raine Queen of Hearts
Queen of Hearts has become my updated go-to for rosier tones, almost like a more shimmery, more vibrant Modern Renaissance.
ColourPop Going Coconuts
ColourPop Going Coconuts 9-Pan Pressed Shadow Palette ($12.00 for 0.36 oz.) is a new, muted neutral palette featuring a mix of mattes and shimmers... Read full review.
Natasha Denona Bronze
Natasha Denona Bronze 15-Pan Small Eyeshadow Palette ($65.00 for 0.67 oz.) is a new, seemingly-permanent warm-toned palette that includes five matte... Read full review.
Urban Decay Born to Run
Born to Run remains one of the better, permanent palettes released in a long while. I feel like this palette is what Naked was when it first debuted. It’s incredibly cohesive and versatile with the quality to back it up.
ColourPop Blowin' Smoke
ColourPop Blowin' Smoke 9-Pan Pressed Powder Palette ($12.00 for 0.36 oz.) is a new addition to the brand's series of monochromatic palettes, and it's... Read full review.
Pat McGrath Bronze Seduction
Bronze Seduction is one of the best, permanent palettes from the brand and is also one of the more cohesive color stories.
Our Methodology
The way I approach my guides is by focusing permanent palettes that have stood the test of time–they are high quality, consistent, and all have performed well. Every palette is thoroughly tested and reviewed (every single shade!) so I know it’s a truly fantastic product that stands out!
More product guides: Best Blushes, Best Highlighters, Best Single Eyeshadows, Best Lipsticks, Best Lip Glosses, Best Blush Brushes, Best Eyeshadow Brushes, Best Highlighter Brushes.
Top Rated Eyeshadow Palettes from 2022
Check out the current top 10 highest-rated eyeshadow palettes reviewed by the editor in 2022–this list will update automatically and focuses solely on the rating, so it includes both a mix of limited edition and permanent products reviewed in 2022 (the list above considers any and all permanent products available for purchase, not just new releases).
ColourPop Studio 1400 Super Shock Shadow Set ($18.00 for 0.28 oz.) includes four cream eyeshadows. You can also purchase the shades individually if...
ColourPop Studio 1400 Super Shock Shadow Set ($18.00 for 0.28 oz.) includes four cream eyeshadows. You can also purchase the shades individually if...
ColourPop Fancy Feathers Super Shock Shadow Duo ($12.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a double dose of gold--lighter, peachy gold paired with darker, traditional...
ColourPop Fancy Feathers Super Shock Shadow Duo ($12.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a double dose of gold--lighter, peachy gold paired with darker, traditional...
ColourPop Oh That Jazz Super Shock Shadow Duo ($12.00 for 0.07 oz.) includes cream eyeshadows in light, golden bronze and a sparkling black. I wish...
ColourPop Oh That Jazz Super Shock Shadow Duo ($12.00 for 0.07 oz.) includes cream eyeshadows in light, golden bronze and a sparkling black. I wish...
ColourPop Somepawdy to Love Super Shock Shadow Duo ($12.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new, charitable product that donates 100% of net profits to the Best...
ColourPop Somepawdy to Love Super Shock Shadow Duo ($12.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new, charitable product that donates 100% of net profits to the Best...
ColourPop Sommel-yay Super Shock Shadow Duo Set ($12.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new, likely limited edition duo that includes a previously-released shade,...
ColourPop Sommel-yay Super Shock Shadow Duo Set ($12.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new, likely limited edition duo that includes a previously-released shade,...
bareMinerals The Epiphany Eyeshadow Duo ($20.00 for 0.10 oz.) contains two shades: A-Ha and Foreshadow. This duo launches in October, and it’s...
bareMinerals The Epiphany Eyeshadow Duo ($20.00 for 0.10 oz.) contains two shades: A-Ha and Foreshadow. This duo launches in October, and it’s...
NARS Kauai Eyeshadow Duo ($34.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a new and permanent duo from NARS' spring collection. Both...
NARS Kauai Eyeshadow Duo ($34.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a new and permanent duo from NARS' spring collection. Both...
Tom Ford Nude Dip Eyeshadow Quad ($79.00 for 0.21 oz.) contains four shades of warm-leaning neutrals that go...
Tom Ford Nude Dip Eyeshadow Quad ($79.00 for 0.21 oz.) contains four shades of warm-leaning neutrals that go...
Tom Ford Beauty Apres Ski Eye Color Quad ($90.00 for 0.35 oz.) is a new, limited edition warm-toned neutral color story that featured the brand's...
Tom Ford Beauty Apres Ski Eye Color Quad ($90.00 for 0.35 oz.) is a new, limited edition warm-toned neutral color story that featured the brand's...
MAC Stroke of Midnight/Nude Eye Bag ($39.50 for 0.295 oz.) is a small, zippered bag that contains a Paint Pot ($20.00 value), Fluidline ($16.00...
MAC Stroke of Midnight/Nude Eye Bag ($39.50 for 0.295 oz.) is a small, zippered bag that contains a Paint Pot ($20.00 value), Fluidline ($16.00...
11. Holiday 2014 Mini Caviar Stick Eye Colours Set Laura Mercier
LELimited Edition. $38.00/0.12 oz.
Laura Mercier Mini Caviar Stick Eye Colour Quartet ($38.00 for 0.12 oz.) includes four, miniature cream...
Laura Mercier Mini Caviar Stick Eye Colour Quartet ($38.00 for 0.12 oz.) includes four, miniature cream...
Makeup by Mario Master Metals 5-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($48.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a new, five-pan palette featuring a gel-powder formula that can be used...
Makeup by Mario Master Metals 5-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($48.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a new, five-pan palette featuring a gel-powder formula that can be used...
Tom Ford Beauty Smoky Quartz Eye Color Crème Eyeshadow Quad ($89.00 for 0.31 oz.) is a new, warmer-toned quad that features a new cream-powder...
Tom Ford Beauty Smoky Quartz Eye Color Crème Eyeshadow Quad ($89.00 for 0.31 oz.) is a new, warmer-toned quad that features a new cream-powder...
Chanel Tisse Rivoli (226) Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad ($61.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a set of warm-toned neutrals. It is very reminiscent of Chanel...
Chanel Tisse Rivoli (226) Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad ($61.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a set of warm-toned neutrals. It is very reminiscent of Chanel...
Chanel Tisse Camelia (202) Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad ($61.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a soft, pink and purple...
Chanel Tisse Camelia (202) Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad ($61.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a soft, pink and purple...
Tisse Rivoli is one I’ve had since you first reviewed it, Christine, and I never cease to enjoy using it. Ditto my more recently purchased Blurry Grey quad. Of new this past year palettes, I really liked the ABH Sultry palette and the Tarteist Pro Remix palette (there might be a 2nd “Pro” in the name). I have Born to Run and I’m glad I have it but it doesn’t really make my heart “sing” like the others. I continue enjoying the Pat McGrath Bronze Seduction palette (one of the smaller ones and the only PMG product I own) and that Viseart Cashmere little gem. Some of the Smashbox 8-pans (Smoky, Minimalist and Punked) also are mainstays for me. Oy – so many palettes and only 2 eyes!
Sultry is a good one, too – a smoky, neutral shade – very appropriate for the season it was launched in originally, IMO.
ND Biba is still on my short list of ‘next gets’. Might not be an absolute necessity, but I do feel that the neutals contained within aren’t like anything else I own.
TF Nude Dip could make for a simpler, easier eye look than most of my palettes can do, so I may be giving that quad a much closer look!
Odd that I chose 2 nude palettes… nothing colorful, huh?
Biba pairs well with a lot of ND’s other palettes, too – thankfully it is permanent!
Nancy did you get it during the sale??
Nope! I didn’t. At least not yet, Valerie. Spring Rouge sale for one of these, though!
Hi Christine and fellow readers,
Natasha Denona’s Sunset Palette is on sale 10/15/2019 for $99.00 USD if you are looking to pick it up. Great list, my favorites are Coloured Raine’s Queen of Hearts Palette and Sugarpill’s Fun Size Palette.
Thanks for sharing, Carolyn!
I ordered Smoke Show and have no regrets, even though I don’t wear those dark smokey eyes much anymore. As I have aged, too much darkness around the eyes just makes me look like an aged Goth and it isn’t a pretty look. There are several shades in the palette that actually make gorgeous one and done looks so overall, I am happy with it. I am well represented in this grouping also although I don’t have Sydney Grace’s Autumn Reign and wondering why I never picked it up. It is definitely going on my wishlist.
Smoke Show is really nice addition to their monochromatic range!
I love these lists! I actually paired Biba with Autumn’s Reign this morning and the result was an instant favorite. Both palettes really play well with others.
Ooh, I’ll have to try that!
I have the first 4 palettes then none after that. I’m picky about what I buy and try to purchase really good quality palettes.
Four off the list is pretty good! Any on the list you didn’t like (specifically)?
Sultry remains one of my most favourite neutral palettes and I do love the latest Colour Pop Smoky too.
Whenever you get the chance to use your Nude Dip quad, everyone here raves about your eye look, so it must be a fabulous set of eyeshadows.
I think it’s that “melted” look they have on the eye – so seamless!
Christine do you use it wet or dry? Primer or no? I can’t seem to get it to look great but I haven’t tried all the permutations.
I don’t use primer generally, and whether I use it wet or dry really depends on the look and what I’m going for but certainly don’t need to use it wet!
Ok maybe that’s the issue. I have gotten in the habit of using primer daily because I get heavy creasing from my hooded lids otherwise. I’ll try it that way.
It would be strange if primer was causing the issue, since that should only help! I tend to use thin, more translucent primers, so my experience is heavy on that side as I don’t find thicker bases/concealers work well for me at all.
It seems that everyone forgets about glitter glue. I don’t wear chunky dangerous pressed glitter like Colourpop has, but if I wear any shimmer or glitter shade, from Pat McGrath, Natasha Denona, Tom Ford or Charlotte Tilbury, I use Too Faced glitter glue right before.
I have hooded eyes, so that prevents transfer and spackles it on. No glitter gets all over your face. Simple solution. I have to wear eye primer as well. My eyelids are so oily, that only Covergirl Lid Lockup works for me. I have tried Urban Decay, ect, and everything else does not stop creasing.
Definitely want Smoke Show , it looks so beautiful and unique . I used to love wearing greys and silvers .
I am so pleased to see Sugarpill’s Fun Size palette here. It is my favorite purchase this year. I was, at first, not sure I could pull it off in my thirties but I can, I do and I look forward to continue using it. I love it so much!
Fun Size is of my favorite colorful palettes! It’s so versatile and pairs well with so many of my other palettes.
From the list I own three:
1. ND Sunrise
2. CR Queen of Hearts
3. PMG Bronze Seduction
My favorite of the is PMG Bronze Seduction. Lux, Glam & every Shadow is beautiful on its own.
LOL! Several of these palettes are on my “buy someday when I win the lottery” list. 🙂
Same lol
Love this round up and this series of “best of” posts! Thanks for sharing!!
Great list — I have 10 of these, and Smoke Show is on the way. So many good palettes came out this year. The ColourPop monochromatics have been little gems. I ended up getting all of them except the peach one.
Nude Dip is the only palette I own from this list. I had It’s my pleasure but gave it away, I liked shades but didn’t like formula at all. I think Eyeshadows I loved most this year are UD Naked Cherry, TF Nude Dip, Dior summer LE in Terra and old UD singles Sellout and Stray Dog.
Wow, nice mix and a few I wouldn’t have expected like Huda’s Neon Orange. Thanks !
Still interested in Biba, but I can dupe it crazy, so I’ll try to avoid it . ?
I own 5 of these! 😀 I have been waiting for restock of Chase Your Dreams seemingly forever and can’t wait until it’s back so I may purchase it!!
Thank you so much for this as always! Have shopped several of your recommendations this year and have not been disappointed (as always! :))
The next ones on my list are a Tom Ford quad (still unsure), and ND Bronze. I think I will save Sunrise for next year. I really wanted to get Biba on the Rouge sale but ran into a surprising number of reviewers where they said that their black shade Spot fell out. I noticed in Kinkysweat / Alicia’s last video with Biba, she had to hold one shade of her shades in place because I think it had come loose in the pan. Doesn’t seem worth it to have to do that when paying 170 dollars for a palette.
Over the next year I would really like to try the Dior Quints though but they are sold out online here
Also wanted to add that I loved Bronze Seduction but I have shelved it now. Reading your post on PET glitter was very informative and I emailed the brand to ask about it about 5 – 6 times and never received a response about the safety of this ingredient and why it was not disclosed as not eye safe given the FDA position of PET glitter in the US. Sad because again one of my favourites but my eyes are not worth a palette.
This is a helpful guide! especially with all of the great sales going around. I own 6 of these. I really wanted Sydney Grace’s Chase your Dreams but it sold out. Now that I’m loving Charolette Tilbury eye shadow formula I may get The Rebel eye shadow palette soon. Thanks for the list!
CT’s formula has definitely gotten better lately!
A fabulous list here Christine, but I am wondering why ND’s Glam palette didn’t make the cut, as it received an A from you.
I really appreciate the time and effort you make to complile these lists for us.
If it was solely on performance, it would be hard to keep the list concise! Glam was good quality, but I think that other Natasha Denona palettes are better overall, including color story, versatility, usability by more (rather than less people), etc.
I was curious on this too. Thanks for responding! I was glad to see the brand website show different arrangements for different skin tone depths. I don’t have the palette yet, but it’s my next one to purchase! It’s difficult to find cool-friendly palettes beyond a shade or two, but this seems like it will work!
I’m really surprised that you didn’t include Mario’s Master Mattes in 2020 Best Eyeshadow Palettes.
You gave it high praise and a great review. Was it an oversight or did you not feel it was worthy.
It’s a good palette, but it doesn’t quite live up to the claims (it’s more pigmented than marketed from my experience), and while it might be on a best of 2020 list, I did not feel it earned a place on “best of all time” compared to other neutral palettes already on the list (ND Biba, CP Going Coconuts, Viseart Paris). Please keep in mind this is an all-time best list (as long as the product is permanent & still available!), which means that there are lots of highly-rated products that don’t get on the list – and the point of having a list like this is to offer something edited and concise with a variety of types of palettes + price points.
Two of my favorite palettes came out this year. Divine Rose II is quite possibly the prettiest palette I’ve ever owned and The Glam Palette by Natasha Denona is the most flattering palette I’ve ever used.
Two good things from 2020.
What can I say? Concur, even though I don’t have most of these. But then, it’s about color tastes and that’s fine with me. Thanks for this list and hopes that I’m able to purchase at least one or two that are still on my mind. 😉
I own and love ND’s Bronze palette- probably my favorite palette, ever.
I recently picked up TF’s Suspicion and have to say I like ND’s formula in the Bronze palette, more.
Surprised Charlotte Tilbury palettes didn’t get a spot on your list??
Agree with many that you selected, even some I don’t have; however, I was a little stunned that ND’s Glam wasn’t on this list. I understand why, Biba is and I know you tend to prefer darker, rich colors. I do like the photos of Retro, but when you tested it just seemed so pinkish – rose to me (and too many dupes). Oh well, penny (lots of them) saved!
Hello Christine!! I love this post…. well I love ALL of your posts! Thank you for putting so much effort and talent into this website. As I have mentioned before, I am so addicted to Sydney Grace that nothing else makes me happy! I have so much fun using your reviews and swatches to re-create other palettes with my SG singles (including your SGxTemptalia shadows!). I have never tried Natasha Denona and only one Pat McGrath and Charlotte, but they just didn’t stand up to my Sydney Grace. Thank you for being so AMAZING!! 🙂
You are too sweet, Bren! Thank you so much <3