If you could only wear one pre-made eyeshadow palette for a year, what would you pick? Share!
Viseart Paris Nudes!
Do you have a question idea? Submit yours here.
We're here to help you make better beauty purchases that you'll enjoy and love! We recommend signing up to take advantage of personalized features like tracking products you own, viewing dupes that you already have, and more!
Here are some useful resources for you:
Curious how two shades compare to each other? Type in the shades below to get instant side-by-side swatches!
Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!
Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).
We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!
We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!
Urban Decay Naked one. But I will run out of sin and have.
Too faced chocolate bar palette
I’d have to go with UD Naked. Because neutrals work with everything and there’s enough variety to create countless looks, from very nude to smoky.
I agree with you! And actually it already is the only eyeshadow palette that I use|
The Balm Nude Dude. Just got it recently and i am so obsessed.
MAC Warm Neutrals or MAC Amber x 9!
I second the Mac warm neutrals x 15 palette! ???
As a drag queen I’d say the urban decay electric palette!
I have Viseart Paris Nudes and love it, but it doesn’t have any blues and greens for me. I think the Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca palette would be good, since it has a wide range of colors and matte and shimmer shades
Wow, it’s cool to see someone pick such a colorful palette! I am getting it for my birthday in about 10 days and I can’t wait!
Happy Soon To Be Birthday Tammy!!! Enjoy the Mi Vida Loca palette!!!
The Flirt! Limited Edition 40 Eyeshadow Set
It contains a great variety of shades and finishes for all the seasons, so I wouldn’t feel limited at all.
Where can I find that one, Momo? It sounds great!
Hi Nancy,
They are/were sold at Kohl’s, usually during the holiday season. I had bought mine from a CCO (Cosmetics Company Outlet) a few years ago. The palette costs $20 (at the CCO or during a Kohl’s sale), but it’s normal retail value is $30.
You can find the palette on eBay (someone is selling it for $24.99). Just search this phrase on eBay, “Flirt! LIMITED EDITION EYESHADOW GIFT SET”, and it will take you to the listing. It seems to be the only one being sold on the internet. I couldn’t find it on any other retail site; not even Kohl’s. I guess that’s why it’s called “limited edition”, right? LOL
If you choose to purchase it, you’ll love it. It’s so versatile! And some of those shades are drop dead gorgeous!
Thank you for that info! I’m going to keep an eye out for it. Who knows, maybe Kohl’s will have it this winter!
Urban decay vice 3
I haven’t got a clue! UD Vice LTD? Or the palette I have coming on Friday, MUFE 15 Artist Shadows Palette? Or last year’s answer, Lorac Pro Palette? Or one I don’t own yet, but have on a wishlist, MAC Warm Neutral Palette? Yeesh!!! o_O
I would pick the Kat Von D Shade and Light eye palette. Perfect for day or night, and I would use my highlighter for a little sneaky bit of shimmer.
Louise walkaboutbeauty
Edward Bess Cosmic Bliss!
The contour eye palette by Kat Von D.
DIOR BEIGE MASSAI #705
Of the ones that I own, probably the Naked 2. It’s got a mix of matte, satin, shimmer, metallic-ish and glitter-ish, though I’d prefer a few more mattes myself, but for what it is it would work. It also is mostly neutral shades which suits me nicely as I could always add some colored liner or mascara to up the oomph factor.
I think I would go for UD Vice 3 because I can go for softer/nude looks but also for boom-in-your-face looks.
Very true! I still love mine for precisely that reason. It is super versatile and every single shade works with my warm olive coloring. Except that one pale highlighter is quite chalky on mr.
I always go back for UD Naked 3 Palette 🙂 That is enough for me.
The Smashbox Cherry Smoke Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette.
This “only one for a year” questions are almost painful! Initially, I thought Naked 1 or 2, since those are such standbys for me but I know I’d miss a bit of colour so instead, I’d choose Vice 2 or possibly Too Faced’s Enchanted Glamourland from many years ago. It’s a full face palette (with blush and highlighter) but it has some lovely coloured shadows as well as the neutrals and it has a lot of them.
Lorac Unzipped
The Chocolate Bar palette! Everything about it makes me so happy, and you don’t really need anything else.
Urban decay naked palette 3
My first thought was Naked 3 but eventually I’d crave some colour so I’ll say Vice 3.
Mac warm neutral 15 eyeshadows palette! It is a boring palette to look at but I have been using it nonstop for 3 weeks now and still feel inspired by the colors and the quality!
Naked Basics 1 from Urban Decay. Even without shimmery colours, I think it’s very versatile, and handy for travel as well. Which is good if it’s going to be used an entire year ?
The Naked Basics is the one I turn to regularly, although I have got other palettes.My favourites are WOS and Naked and it`s nice to use the darkest shade as a liner
Really?? I have this and it has been collecting dust for a while. I’ll give it another try!
I think I would pick either the Tarte Tartelette or the Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar palette.
Ugh! Naked 2, I guess.
My MUFE 30/30 palette
Going to go with my tried-and-true, the Too Faced Romantic Eyes palette!
I always feel like I’m cheating a little with this answer but it’s true so! MUFE 30-30 Artist Palette. Sure, I’d miss my Viseart palettes and their absolute effortlessness. And I’d miss my baby, Tom Ford Lavender Lust. And there’s a few more I’d consider. But the 30 Years palette is an easy way out with a full range of neutrals, brights, metallics, etc. Plus using Artist Shadows forever gives me options for blush, lips, endless blendability, etc.
Too Faced Natural Eye
I bought UD Naked Smokey a couple of months ago and I love it! I use it every day and I haven’t done the same eye look twice lol. So I think I could use it every day for a year with no problem. 🙂
UD Naked 3 palette, it’s got both matt and shimmery shades, while still being able to take you from day to night. Perfect for my fair neutral colouring.
This question is way easier than the lipstick and blush questions. If I could only use one eyeshadow palette for a year, I would choose the Urban Decay Spectrum. I have already created four nude looks and three smokey fall looks with this palette. Some of the colors are bright enough to still create pretty spring and summer looks too. I have been collecting palettes for seven years and have never had one that I liked this much before.
Speaking of the Spectrum, my understanding is that this palette is no longer going to be available for buying at any retailer. Does anyone know if this is correct? I would like to buy this palette for my daughter, now that I know how fantastic it is.
I was waiting for Spectrum too. You’re lucky to have one. I had no idea that they were going to be a big problem to find.
Nars Narsissist dual intensity eye shadow palette. I love their dual intensity eye shadows and I’m so happy that they decided to make a palette with it.
Mac mattnificent me
Definitly, UD naked 3.
I always get compliments when wearing this, it never fails. The looks I get with this palette make my eyes look so bright and awake. Neutral enough that I can wear several poppies with the palette too!
Lorac pro 1. It works for me for a ton of looks. My nakeds are less versatile
I’d say Too Faced Chocolate Bar (original), since it’s mostly warm, has a good balance of matte to shimmer shades, a good gradient of light to dark, and the quality is very good in my opinion.
If someone forced this on me, I’d go out and purchase one of the UD Naked palettes. My most go-to palettes are the small ones like a Wet N Wild trio and Naked Basics 1, so that’s just not going to do for a full year! Need a bigger nude palette!
It would have to be my old faithful, the UD Smoked palette from a couple years ago. With some work and patience, I can get just about any look I want out of it, day or night, neutral or colorful, subtle or KA-POW.
Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette. It’s probably the one I reach for the most, but I really would miss the UD Naked Basics palette.
Lorac PRO because of the various finishes and colors… can go to work, on the weekend, etc.
If I had to pick 2; I’d probably pick Kat Von D for all the mattes and neutrals
The Makeup Forever 15 Artists palette that was just realeased
I’m thinking the Coastal Scents first “Revealed” palette – since it contains dupes for nearly all of UD Naked 1 & 2. However, I’m not all that crazy about the quality. Too Faced Chocolate Bar would be the only other one I’d consider because of the color variety and quality. IIRC, there’s only one shadow in that palette that is chalky on me – that Barbie pink one in the middle.
Let’s hope it never comes down to this. Makeup Apocalypse scenarios give me anxiety
Hahaha I agree! let’s hope we never have to choose one 😉
My real fave is UD Naked 3, but I’m afraid I’ll need something less pink/purple, and more brown at some point, so UD Naked 1.
I’d say UD Naked 2, because I love it. But probably I’d buy the Too Faced chocolate bar, that I don’t own, but it has some burgundy and purple eyeshadows that makes it more versatile. It’s a whole year. i’d need a little bit of color in my life.
Kat Von D Shade Light palette because it has warm, cool and neutral looks.
Oh gawd…this IS a hard one. If a MUFE palette had mattes that would be the winner hands down…or if Makeup Geek had a bit more extensive palette than the Vegas Lights one…I think I would have to go for the Kat Von D Shade and Light though I WISH there was a little shimmer and a little more color (I do SO love the warm quad)….
That’s a tough one. I’m so tempted to say the Suqqu Blend Colour Eyeshadow palette in 10 Kozuecha because it’s my go-to all the time but there are only five colours in it. I should really go for something with more variety so maybe the original Urban Decay Naked palette. I feel like there’s a palette I’m forgetting. Hmm.
Urban Decay Naked 2, no doubt. It’s just so darn versatile.
Either the Vice 3 or the Mac Brooke Shield’s palette
Paris Nudes? Really? Explain this to me! I bought it, used it once and HATED it. There was no pigment. I’ve never had such an unpigmented eyeshadow before. Did I get a lemon?
You can read my full review – I published it awhile ago 🙂
I read your review before I purchased it. I read somewhere that newer batches are bad because the company started making them differently once they started selling them more widely. I’m wondering if anyone else has had this experience.
Hands down Kat Von D’s shade and light eye palette. It’d be a slightly boring year but I love it.
Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette, hands down!
ud naked 2 probably
Lunasol Beige Beige!
my favorite Japanese cosmetic brand…
Based on what I own right now, I only have one eyeshadow palette! I have quads but I only have the choice of one Tarte palette. Luckily, I love it.
If I was able to pick anyone, I’d probably say Naked Smoky or the new MUFE choice for the holidays.
Vice 3 from Urban Decay
The MAC Cinderella palette or UD Naked 1
Narsissist could be a good stuff!
This question is pretty cruel! An eyeshadow palette addict’s worst nightmare.
I’m assuming I’d still have access to all my singles in my Zpalettes, so that makes it easier. I would pick the UD Electric Palette, as that’s the only one with colors I really can’t come close to duping in my singles collection, and I wear the Electric Palette a lot.
If the pre-made palette is the only eyeshadows I can wear, period, I’d pick the new MUFE 15 Artist Shadow Palette that arrived on my doorstep this morning. The quality is superb, and it has colors I commonly wear: A column of nudes, a column of warm browns, a column of purples, a column of deep blues/teal, and a black, a white and a gray. Put those with my colored eyeliners and mascaras, and I’m covered.
Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca. Color and neutrals all in one!
The Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette. If I could pick a runner-up, it would be the Lorac Pro Palette. ♥ Elle
Guerlain champs élysées
I don’t buy palettes but if I did and could have only one it would be UD Naked.
Definitely my Viseart Neutral Mattes palette. That palette is worth every penny. The colors are butter. They blend with zero fallout and the colors don’t “muddy up” on the eye. My second choice would be the original Lorac Unzipped palette. She needs to come out with a Mega Unzipped palette. I’d scoop it up in a second. But I could definitely live off my Viseart palette for a year. Those shadows must be infused with unicorn tears.
Too Faced Boudoir Eyes. Couldn’t live without a smokey eye!
MUFE Artist Palette Vol 1- Nude palette probably, if only because it has Pink Granite, my favorite eye shadow, and I wouldn’t want to go a year without it! It’s my go-to for a 1 eyeshadow look. I wear it at least 3x a week.
My initial thought was Uran Decay Naked and then I thought Urban Decay Naked Basics…. Can’t I have two?!?!?!?
UD Naked 2
It would be unfair to say Lancome’s ‘Auda[CITY] in Paris’ Eyeshadow Palette because they so have so many neutrals in their palette of 16 shades. That’s an entire wardrobe! But limiting a palette to a quad, I would say Guerlain’s “Les Violines” can go either soft and sophisticated, or dramatic and easily could cover any eyeshadow need for a year.
LORAC mega pro 2!
Hands down, no contest, the Stila In the Moment Palette. Love this one and keep going back to it again and again.
If I had to choose, I would go with the Too Faced Chocolate Bar.
Morphe Matte palette, I can no longer wear glitter. 🙁
It is a beautiful palette and has so many colour options.
Cassandra London, UK
Ummmm….. I would have to pick one of the vice palettes or a mufe palette, because while I love my neutrals , I also would want some color at some point
Lorac Pro Palette 1. The Mac Warm neutrals x 15 is on my wishlist, I know I will be reaching for it a lot when I get it
UD Vice 2 – has enough neutrals for me and I love blues and greens. Besides, Derailed is such a great colour.
I prefer a palette that has both matte and shimmer/satin/pearl finishes, and does not contain very warmed tone shades. It’s nice to have a mix of neutrals along with colors, though I tend to gravitate toward pinks and purples the most. My current favorite would be the Laura Mercier Eye Art Artist’s Palette (currently on Sephora.com), or one with even more color options is last year’s Smashbox On The Rocks Photo Op Palette.
If I was to only wear neutrals (though I can’t imagine doing that for a whole year!) I would choose UD Naked Basics 1. It can even do double duty for contouring/highlighting, and I love it’s slim form factor.
I’d have to go with KvD Monarch palette, it’s so versatile and I love a strong warm palette!
I will have to go with the Morphe Brushes 35O. Although they are literally autumn in a palette, I can use the brown and oranges for the whole year. I would miss some warm pinks though.
It would have to be Kvd monarch palette or her shade and light one for eyes because it literally has everything you would ever need (cool, warm, and neutrals), plus every shade is matte. If I ever run out of either I will repurchase until they stop making them. They are that good on my skin tone.
Easily Kat Von D’s Spellbinding palette. It has every color you could want.
Love the Viseart and Vice 3 palettes good choice. Surprised at Mi Vida Loca because it’s so colorful also a good choice. Probably that for me or Masterclass Ii or III or Mega Photo Op palettes from Smashbox.
My UD Smoked palette. As much as I love my Naked Smoky, the Smoked palette has neutrals AND jewel tones. I would have to have some color from time to time.
It has to be my KVD Monarch Palette because, gasp, that’s the only palette I actually own right now. Never got the Naked Palettes for myself, gave them as gifts, and I narrowly missed out on getting the UD Spectrum when it was taken from my cart at Sephora.
Sleek Storm pallete
Pami, I’m going to have to check out Laura Mercier – thanks for mentioning it! As a dark brunette with cool-toned pale skin, I have a hard time finding palettes that don’t look muddy on me (which is true of ALL the UD Nakeds, as much as I love their saturated shadows and eyeliners) or just way too dark even with sparing application.
I saw a magazine ad, of all things, for Maybelline’s new blushed Nudes 12-shade palette, and thought, why not? It has a nice mix of cool-toned mattes, soft shimmers, and some more 3D micas, and has 13 “recipes” on the back (quads, trios and duos) that really do range from work-appropriate to evening. Rather than browns, you get icy creams, pinks and peaches, as well as taupes, three warm greys, and shimmery rose, chocolate, and coppery burgundy.
They go on and blend easily (I use Bobbi Brown brushes), wear well (which is a challenge for me), don’t bother my skin, and don’t look either invisible or clownish behind my glasses. I have gotten LOTS of compliments on it so far, and I have no complaints yet. And it’s inexpensive, so if there’s faster loss of quality due to palette age, it’s easy to replace. I’d really recommend it!
I’d miss my UD and Makeup Revolution brights 😉 but vibrant eyeliners, mascaras and lipsticks would fix that problem!
I would choose Zoeva’s naturally yours
Smashbox Full Exposure as it’s a mix of matte and shimmer. I do love my Lorac Pro Matte Palette though but would have to choose the Smashbox one over this as I need shimmer when I go out.
Smashbox Full Exposure as it’s a mix of matte and shimmer. Do also love my Lorac Pro Matte Palette but would have to choose Smashbox over this as I like shimmer too.
That’s a hard one… I think I’d choose the Too Faced chocolate bar palette due to the number of shades and the quality.
What a question! Although a lot easier than the ones about lip colour and blush 😀
I would take the newest MUFE holiday palette were it available where I live. It is not so I have my eyes on Sleek’s Storm palette, which I dont own yet but will soon. Maybe I should put my resolve to the test and actually try wearing it for an entire year 😉 I probably wouldnt even get bored bc I wear eyeshadow pr rarely.
UD Naked 2
My first UD palette, I still love it. It’s one of few palettes I come back to frequently. If I could use three, the other ones would be Naked 3 and The Chocolate Bar palette from Too Faced.
Too Faced Chocolate Bar for sure!!
My Urban Decay Naked 3 or my Laura Mercier Eye Artist Palette (2013).
I’m a MAC NC50 so with a doubt it would be Morphe 35O pallet because I’m in love with warm colors and it’s the only pallet that I’ve ever seen that’s a true warm! With 35 shadows the size of a standard MAC shadow there’s enough variety to carry me from a true smokey eye to a bright summer eye and anything in between, including a soft neutral eye!!!
The IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty palette. I don’t own it, but I’ve sampled it, and it has more useful colors in one palette than any other I’ve tried.
Tarte Rainforest After Dark Colored Clay Eye & Cheek Palette! You get everything you need in this palette. Both day-time and night-time looks are covered!
UD Naked 2 – I reach for it a lot, anyway, and it’s probably the most versatile palette I own.
I think it would be the Urban Decay Naked one. Nothing too exciting but I think it´s versatile and the shades suit me well
I’d pick theBalm Meet Matt(e) Nude. Love it!
Sleek storm palette