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Creating bold and unique eye looks is what playing around with makeup is all about. But sometimes you may just want to tone down the shades for a more natural look, which is where neutral or nude eyeshadows come in handy.
Below are some stellar neutral eyeshadow palettes. Whether you are in the market for some new nude-type shades, need some more transition colors, or simply want to experiment, these shadow palettes are a great place to start.
We have included a variety of palettes, from 4 shades to 60, that are all packed into one convenient compact. These palettes include highly pigmented, long-lasting shades that are creamy to apply, buildable, and have little to no fallout. Some of our options even include their own double-ended applicators with soft sponge tips to help build coverage or lightly sweep on for more natural looks.
Our Favorite Neutral Eyeshadow of 2024
Lamora Pro Eyeshadow — Best Overall
Some might say this palette is similar to a popular nude eyeshadow palette, but we say there is always room for more. This palette comes with 16 bright and pigment-rich shades in tones of rose gold, browns, pinks, nudes, and a couple of darker shades that can be used for smokier eyes or even liner. Packaged in a slim and sleek case, this palette can easily be your go-to when you are traveling as it is lightweight and has a magnetic lid to ensure a solid closure.
Pros
- These colors easily perform well when wet or dry
- Includes matte, metallic, satin, and shimmer shades
Cons
- This palette does not come with a mirror
COVERGIRL Eyeshadow — Runner Up
This drugstore staple comes in a pack of four easy to wear, nude shades. These shadows have a silky sheer formula that blends fast, builds easily, and allows you the freedom to create plenty of day-to-night looks. Also included in this set is a convenient double-ended applicator with soft sponge tips to help build coverage for drama or lightly sweep on the product for a more natural look.
Pros
- These shadows are certified cruelty-free
- These shadows are super easy to blend for a seamless look
Cons
- The nude set contains no sparkle
REVLON Eyeshadow — Honorable Mention
This eyeshadow quad comes with four vibrant, blendable shadows that can be mixed and matched to create a ton of different eye makeup looks. This palette is comprised of expertly color-coordinated colors and their velvety formula helps to blend smoothly for a look that can last up to 16 hours. This quad also comes with a dual-ended eye shadow applicator with rounded and narrow tips to help apply a wash of color and define the crease.
Pros
- These shadows won’t crease, fade, or smudge
- The long-wearing formula can last up to sixteen hours
Cons
- This shadow might have a lot of fallout
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Eyeshadow — Editor's Pick
This is the ultimate shadow palette as the name implies as it features 16 shades that will make the eyes pop with color. These shadows are highly pigmented, glide onto the lids and feature a variety of finishes from matte, satin, shimmery and metallic. Mix and match these shadows to create a variety of subtle or showy looks that will easily go from day to night.
Pros
- Using a primer prior to application will enhance these shadows
- This palette features both matte and shimmer shades
Cons
- This palette has no mirror
UCANBE Eyeshadow — Most Variety
For the ultimate makeup lover comes this palette with a whopping 60 modern neutral shades. Choose from smooth mattes, satin foils, pearls, and shimmering metallic finishes that have been designed for all skin tones in a variety of blendable shades. The shades are also pigmented, blendable, and glide easily over the skin with a one-swipe payoff.
Pros
- This palette will work with all skin tones
- The shadows are very pigmented and blendable
Cons
- This palette does not include a mirror
Buying Guide: Neutral Eyeshadows
Women love to be creative in their makeup and neutral eyeshadows are a staple for their vanity. They have the urge to try out new things for adding the element of uniqueness in the makeup look; from the newest mascara options, winged eyeliner, cut crease makeup to the smokey eye look, glittery shadows, and more. It's amazing how many different looks you can create with a single set of neutral eye shadows. However, with a little bit of creativity, you can also get some dramatic and bold eye makeup looks for a formal get-together, a night out, or for special occasions. You'll also have plenty of shades to choose from in between those two extremes.
Why not invest in a neutral eye shadow palette if you're only planning to buy one eye makeup item? As far as cost per wear is concerned, you'll probably use it so frequently that the return on investment will be spectacular. Read through our shopping guide to buy the finest neutral eyeshadows in 2024.
What Makes a Neutral Eyeshadow Useful in Your Makeup Kit?
Out of all the eye makeup essentials, if we talk about a universal item that goes well with all eye colors, neutral eyeshadow will be the answer. It comes with a whole lot of benefits for makeup lovers. No matter what eye color or complexion you have, you can never go wrong with neutral eyeshadows.
Who said that using neutrals has to be boring? You can create a dramatic smokey look or do glittery eye makeup using this staple on your vanity. Whenever you feel like you need casual eye makeup for a hangout with your friends or you need to make an instant impression on an annual dinner, you can trust neutral eyeshadows every time.
Factors to Consider While Buying Neutral Eyeshadows
Consider skin tone
There is no hard and fast rule for buying a specific eyeshadow color according to the color of your skin. However, there are certain tips from makeup experts that you should consider. If you have a light skin tone, you can go with a dull-bronze shade or any lighter shade of copper. If you have a medium skin tone, you can consider the shades like cinnamon or gold and other warmer shades. Similarly, if you have a darker skin tone, you can go with eye-catching shades like purple or midnight blue. Keep in mind again that there is no rule of thumb for such a selection and you can go with whatever satisfies you. However, following the latest trends is always recommended.
Wearability
The lasting time of your neutral eyeshadow also matters a lot. The wearability of eyeshadows differs greatly. Some may last only for a couple of hours, while others will stay on your eyes for the whole day. The final selection depends on your needs and preferences. If you have sensitive skin or you have some allergic issues, you can try a neutral eyeshadow that lasts for a limited time. However, if you want to rock any special event of yours, you should go with the options that will last for the whole day.
Brand’s image
For the makeup items specifically, you must ensure the product’s authenticity. It is necessary to go with the brands that enjoy a sound reputation in the market. How do you think you can check the authenticity of a product? The answer is to check for the customer reviews as it will give you enough idea about the nature and quality of the product. Though you will also come across paid reviews on the official websites, you can still go to the neutral shopping platforms.
Price tag
To get a price estimate, you can go through a number of options from the internet. Make a comparison between them and choose one that falls into your budget. However, experts suggest never compromising on the authenticity and quality of the makeup products, even if you have to pay a few extra dollars.
How Do You Apply a Neutral Eyeshadow Effectively?
First things first, consider your skin tone, lipstick, and pick your favorite eyeshadow color that will complement both. You should prime your eyes with a good-quality primer and apply a concealer to cancel out discoloration. After that take a flat brush to apply the eyeshadow and blend it well with a soft and fluffy brush. It will help in a perfect mixing and the shade will look perfectly engrossed with your skin color. You will also need a tempered brush to cut your crease a bit if you want to create a smokey look or apply glitters.
The trick to perfect eye makeup is applying eyeshadows lightly in the first and then reapplying it to get the desired depth. If you pick up more eyeshadow in the first stroke and apply it on the eyelids, you won’t be able to blend it well. Moreover, always blend darker shades with a lighter one for a perfect finish. Follow these few steps and you are all ready to rock any neutral eyeshadow look of your dreams.
