Eyeshadow Palettes | 2021 Editor's Favorites
There were over 225 eyeshadow palettes reviewed this year, despite it being a “lighter” palette year, so clearly… the trend isn’t going to disappear anytime soon. OF COURSE!! I am going to include my collaboration palettes with Sydney Grace on the list (I just included the deep versions, but the light versions are just as much my favorites). There were a lot of decent palettes, but these were the 26 that I really enjoyed using!
If you’re unfamiliar with how I like to do my year-end favorites, here’s the low down: I pull from the products I reviewed in 2021, regardless of whether they were new, limited edition, or an established range I’ve only just gotten around to reviewing. These are personal favorites, so they may or may not be the highest rated products reviewed during the year (though they will tend to be better rated, naturally!). (You can check out the best of 2020 posts if you missed last year’s.)
Temptalia’s Favorite Eyeshadow Palettes | 2021
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette ($78.00 for 0.684 oz.) is a new, limited edition eyeshadow palette for the holiday...
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette ($78.00 for 0.684 oz.) is a new, limited edition eyeshadow palette for the holiday...
Pat McGrath Bronze Borealis Celestial Odyssey Luxe Quad ($54.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new, limited edition warm-toned neutral quad that included three...
Pat McGrath Bronze Borealis Celestial Odyssey Luxe Quad ($54.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new, limited edition warm-toned neutral quad that included three...
UOMA Beauty Royal Heir-itage Black Magic Color Palette ($44.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that included five matte eyeshadows and...
UOMA Beauty Royal Heir-itage Black Magic Color Palette ($44.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that included five matte eyeshadows and...
The Quintessence palette is inspired by space, which is a theme I've always found to be a rich source of color inspiration. It features a mix of cool...
The Quintessence palette is inspired by space, which is a theme I've always found to be a rich source of color inspiration. It features a mix of cool...
This is my take on neutrals with the overarching theme being grungier neutrals that are more muted, more neutral/cooler-toned, and aren't just shades...
This is my take on neutrals with the overarching theme being grungier neutrals that are more muted, more neutral/cooler-toned, and aren't just shades...
The concept of this palette was to create something rich in jewel-tones and almost rainbow-like, but I didn't want it to be a neon rainbow or use...
The concept of this palette was to create something rich in jewel-tones and almost rainbow-like, but I didn't want it to be a neon rainbow or use...
Sydney Grace Coffee Talk (Light) 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($33.00 for 0.54 oz.) is a new, muted neutral palette that included five matte shades and...
Sydney Grace Coffee Talk (Light) 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($33.00 for 0.54 oz.) is a new, muted neutral palette that included five matte shades and...
Dior Night Bird (459) 5 Couleurs Couture Eyeshadow Palette ($62.00 for 0.24 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette from the brand's fall collection....
Dior Night Bird (459) 5 Couleurs Couture Eyeshadow Palette ($62.00 for 0.24 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette from the brand's fall collection....
Sydney Grace Sweet Indulgence 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($33.00 for 0.54 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that included four shimmer eyeshadows and five...
Sydney Grace Sweet Indulgence 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($33.00 for 0.54 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that included four shimmer eyeshadows and five...
Terra Moons El Barrio 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00 for 0.45 oz.) includes five matte shades paired with four shimmer shades, and it is sold as a...
Terra Moons El Barrio 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00 for 0.45 oz.) includes five matte shades paired with four shimmer shades, and it is sold as a...
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...
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...
NARS Climax 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($49.00 for 0.45 oz.) is a limited edition earthy, neutral color story that included four matte eyeshadows and...
NARS Climax 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($49.00 for 0.45 oz.) is a limited edition earthy, neutral color story that included four matte eyeshadows and...
Pat McGrath Deep Space Divinity Celestial Odyssey Luxe Quad ($54.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new, limited edition smokier, neutral quad that included three...
Pat McGrath Deep Space Divinity Celestial Odyssey Luxe Quad ($54.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new, limited edition smokier, neutral quad that included three...
Natasha Denona Circo Loco 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.2 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that included six matte eyeshadows and nine...
Natasha Denona Circo Loco 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.2 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that included six matte eyeshadows and nine...
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...
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...
ColourPop Hot Chocolate Pressed Powder Shadow Quad ($9.00 for 0.21 oz.) includes one shimmery shade and three mattes in a richer, deeper neutral color...
ColourPop Hot Chocolate Pressed Powder Shadow Quad ($9.00 for 0.21 oz.) includes one shimmery shade and three mattes in a richer, deeper neutral color...
ColourPop Limoncello 12-Pan Pressed Powder Shadow Palette ($18.00 for 0.36 oz.) is a new, 12-pan palette featuring five shimmery eyeshadows and seven...
ColourPop Limoncello 12-Pan Pressed Powder Shadow Palette ($18.00 for 0.36 oz.) is a new, 12-pan palette featuring five shimmery eyeshadows and seven...
ColourPop Of Quartz 9-Pan Pressed Powder Palette ($14.00 for 0.32 oz.) is a new, nine-pan eyeshadow palette that leans cooler-toned and a little...
ColourPop Of Quartz 9-Pan Pressed Powder Palette ($14.00 for 0.32 oz.) is a new, nine-pan eyeshadow palette that leans cooler-toned and a little...
ColourPop The Mandalorian 9-Pan Pressed Powder Palette ($14.00 for 0.32 oz.) is the brand's newest Star Wars tie-in collaboration. The palette...
ColourPop The Mandalorian 9-Pan Pressed Powder Palette ($14.00 for 0.32 oz.) is the brand's newest Star Wars tie-in collaboration. The palette...
LORAC Fairytale Forest Pro Palette (2020) ($35.00 for 0.56 oz.) is a more desaturated neutral eyeshadow palette with a mix of mattes and shimmers. It...
LORAC Fairytale Forest Pro Palette (2020) ($35.00 for 0.56 oz.) is a more desaturated neutral eyeshadow palette with a mix of mattes and shimmers. It...
ColourPop On a Wing 5-Pan Pressed Powder Palette ($10.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new, pink-and-mauve leaning color story that included two shimmers and...
ColourPop On a Wing 5-Pan Pressed Powder Palette ($10.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a new, pink-and-mauve leaning color story that included two shimmers and...
ColourPop Gone Matte 30-Pan Shadow Palette ($34.00 for 0.92 oz.) is a new, all-matte eyeshadow palette that has 30 shades. To my eye, they read as...
ColourPop Gone Matte 30-Pan Shadow Palette ($34.00 for 0.92 oz.) is a new, all-matte eyeshadow palette that has 30 shades. To my eye, they read as...
ColourPop Lush Life 12-Pan Pressed Powder Shadow Palette ($18.00 for 0.36 oz.) is a new, limited edition (limited life? randomly available?) palette...
ColourPop Lush Life 12-Pan Pressed Powder Shadow Palette ($18.00 for 0.36 oz.) is a new, limited edition (limited life? randomly available?) palette...
NARS Bijoux 16-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($59.00 for 0.48 oz.) is a new, limited edition holiday release that is the brand's "biggest" palette yet. The...
NARS Bijoux 16-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($59.00 for 0.48 oz.) is a new, limited edition holiday release that is the brand's "biggest" palette yet. The...
By Beauty Bay Wilderness 20-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($15.00 for 1.0 oz.) is a limited edition elements-inspired palette with 13 matte shades and seven...
By Beauty Bay Wilderness 20-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($15.00 for 1.0 oz.) is a limited edition elements-inspired palette with 13 matte shades and seven...
ColourPop It's a Mood 30-Pan Shadow Palette ($34.00 for 0.92 oz.) is a new palette that includes 26 regular eyeshadows, three Pressed Glitters, and...
ColourPop It's a Mood 30-Pan Shadow Palette ($34.00 for 0.92 oz.) is a new palette that includes 26 regular eyeshadows, three Pressed Glitters, and...
Your Year in Review: Eyeshadow Palette Edition
I thought it would be interesting to read through how readers used products throughout the year, what favorites emerged, what products fell by the wayside… so, if you want to join in, copy and paste the questions below and add your answers via a comment!
- What was your most used eyeshadow palette? Least used?
- Will you repurchase it or will you look for something new?
- Were eyeshadow palettes a big part of your routine in 2021?
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Mega MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette
Palettes are still something I’m interested in, and I did purchase several this year, notably: Natasha Denona Retro Midi (and Bronze), PML Divine Rose II Mothership, your very own Sydney Grace x Temptalia Deep trio and also Mel Thompson’s Tiny Marvels palette, ColourPop Tinkerbell palette. All of which are as wonderful as I was hoping that they’d be! Out of these, I’d say that I’ve used ND Retro, PML Divine Rose II, SG x Temptalia Quintessence and On the Horizon the most.
Was also given as a gift Menagerie Flight Club palette, which is a perfect purple palette!
Of the above, only ND Bronze is a bit too redundant in its shades to be a “favorite”, but it is good for a more basic look in a jiffy.
As for getting more, I’m still using much more restraint than years past, and intend to do the same in 2022.
What was your most used eyeshadow palette? Least used?
My most used eyeshadow palettes were:
Lorac’s Noir, Maybelline’s Burgundy Bar, PMG’s Sublime Mini, SG x Temptalia’s On the Horizon Light, ND’s Glam, UD’s Naked 2, CT’s The Rebel 2020, Pixi Beauty’s Reflex Light, Chanel’s Tisse D’Automne and Dior’s Bonne Etoile.
Least Used:
UD’s Naked 3, Lancome’s Sparkling Intoxication, bareMineral’s The Soft and Smokey.
Will you repurchase it or will you look for something new?
I generally look for something new when I have hit pan on quite a few shades in a favourite palette as there is always something new that comes out that takes my fancy. I probably will repurchase Maybelline’s Burgundy Bar as it is so inexpensive and so good. The burgundy shades are right for me.
Were eyeshadow palettes a big part of your routine in 2021?
Absolutely they were! With all the mask wearing, eyeshadows were the one thing that could be worn and seen. Anyway, I love my eyeshadows in all their glory and I will continue to make them a big part of my beauty routine.
Thank you once again for the work you have done reviewing so many eye palettes (mostly from CP I think). It is always exciting to see a palette review, in the hope it would be something really good.
Most used – I don’t know!! I’ve got a trio of Melt singles (stack form, so they just sit together) that I reach for every day…after that…man, I tried to spread the love among my whole collection just to play and enjoy. I’d say when it came down to really creating looks I reached for both the Lorac Noir and Soliel
Repurchase? lol…who repurchases an eyeshadow palette?
Eyeshadows a Big Part of Routine? I mean…..sort of? I always tightline my upper waterline with powder shadow (usually deep brown) and smudge/smush as much in to my upper lashes as possible – with a super slight gentle “wing.” But that’s pretty basic and not exactly the same as a whole “lid, crease, brow, etc.” look. Some days I’d leave it there, some days I’d put on more eyeshadow if I felt like messing about.
Sydney Grace! Sydney Grace! Sydney Grace! 🙂 I have created many dupe palettes which include some of the above mentioned palettes using my SG singles and palettes plus Quintessence, On the Horizon and Radiant Reflection. Because of all of your hard work here, I can do it so easily! Thank you Christine!! I purchased Rose Quartz and Norvina 5 in 2021 and I find I have to force myself to use them and not my SG shadows. And I just discovered your page, “10 Natasha Denona Mini Eyeshadow Palettes I’d Like to See” and it’s so fun to re-create them! You are a sweetheart!