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A nude eyeshadow palette is an absolute must in every makeup bag because they’re super versatile. Not only can you create an everyday makeup look, but you can also get dramatic and create a sultry smokey eye. The best part about nude palettes is that you won’t feel like you’re wasting the other brighter colors in your palette because you’ll want to use them all.
There are so many different types of nude palettes to choose from – whether its matte, shimmer, metallic, or satin finishes – there’s something for everyone, and we rounded up all of our top picks below!
We’ve included a variety of palettes including one with a built-in mirror, another with two double-ended brushes, a cruelty-free option, and so many more. No matter what type of nude palette you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone below and you will love all of our favorite picks!
Compare the Top Nude Eyeshadow Palette of 2024
Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Matte — Best Overall
This matte nude palette comes with 16 gorgeous shadows ranging from light pinks to dark browns. The highly pigmented hues are versatile and can be worn during the day or a night out. You can mix and match colors based on the look you’re going for and a smokey eye is easily achievable. Plus, the palette comes in a lightweight sleek purple case.
Pros
- It comes with 16 shadows
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a brush
L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Eyeshadow, Nudes — Runner Up
This palette comes with a dozen beautiful nude shades in a mix of shimmery and matte finishes, making it easy to take your makeup look from day to night. Even better, the palette comes in a magnetic case with a built-in mirror and a double-sided brush. The brush allows you to create a slew of eyeshadow looks from everyday makeup to a sultry smokey eye.
Pros
- It comes with a brush
Cons
- Most of the shadows are shimmery
Maybelline New York The Blushed Nudes — Honorable Mention
This gorgeous rose gold-infused eyeshadow palette comes with 12 different shades in pink and nude hues. The 12 colors allow you to create 13 different makeup looks. The tiny palette comes with two mini brushes, making this palette great for applying on the go or traveling. The shadows come in an array of mattes and shimmers so you can pick your glam based off your mood.
Pros
- It comes with two brushes
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a mirror
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Shadow Palette — Contender
This is the only eyeshadow palette you’ll ever need because it comes with 16 highly-pigmented shades in an array of nudes. Included in the palette are different finishes including matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic, which allows you to create tons of different looks. Even better, the palette is completely cruelty-free and is never tested on animals.
Pros
- It’s cruelty-free
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a brush
BYS Eyeshadow Palette — Also Consider
This is the perfect palette for everyday use because it comes with 12 shadows, all in matte finishes. Even better, the palette is completely cruelty-free and it comes with a full-width mirror, plus two double-ended brushes. The shades are pigmented but can be even more intense when used with an eyeshadow primer.
Pros
- It comes with two double-ended brushes
Cons
- There are no shimmery shades
Buying Guide: Nude Eyeshadow Palettes
If you want to add depth to your eyes without standing out too much, you’ll want to try out nude eyeshadow. This brief guide will cover the essentials regarding buying one of these palettes.
What Is Considered “Nude” in Makeup?
The term “nude” in the context of makeup refers to colors that resemble your current skin tone. It’s called “nude” because, in essence, it’s makeup that isn’t meant to actually look like it’s makeup. Nude makeup is meant to appear as close to natural skin color as much as possible.
You can easily see why nude makeup is pretty popular. Its low-key nature makes it great for daily use, as you don’t need to look like you’re attending a party or formal event every time you put on makeup.
The Benefits of Nude Eyeshadow Palettes
They give your eyes more natural shadow
The reason why eyeshadow is commonly used is because it makes your eyes stand out more by creating depth and contrast. In terms of depth, the eyeshadow makes your eyes look like they’re set further in your face, whereas in terms of contrast, the bright white of your eyes clashes beautifully with the darker tones of the shadow.
However, not all eyeshadow is the same in terms of the actual color. Certain eyeshadow products are made to be warmer or cooler in hue than your typical eyeshadow. This results in a shadow that looks extravagant and is perfect for events and special occasions. Although, for everyday use, you may want something that isn’t so flamboyant.
With nude eyeshadow, your eyes will have a more natural depth to them, really selling the illusion that makes your eyes pop. In this case, less is more.
You can use it on almost any occasion
We hinted at this earlier, but nude eyeshadow palettes are great for just about any makeup routine. When it comes to casual makeup, nude colors reign supreme - since they blend with your natural skin color, they aren’t restricted to being matched with a specific dress or a certain skirt.
Nude eyeshadow palettes can even be used for formal events and parties. Sure, it may not stand out nearly as much as a rich, deep red eyeshadow, but it’ll still provide a good amount of contour and depth to your face. It will also help direct attention to other parts of your look, such as your dress, lips, accessories, and the like.
Should I Use Eyeshadow Daily?
Eyeshadow is an easy way to add a bit of contour to your face, particularly around the eyes. The question is - should you use it daily? Well, in terms of safety, you can be assured that you won’t run into any trouble with using it on a daily basis. As long as you wash your face and remove the eyeshadow at the end of the day, the skin around your eyes should be fine.
However, be wary of any complications that may arise due to allergies that you may not know about. Many people grow up without even knowing they have allergies, and you may very well be allergic to some ingredients in makeup. If you feel any irritation on your skin, stop the use of the eyeshadow immediately and contact your dermatologist.
However, let’s say that your skin is fine when using eyeshadow. Should you still use it daily? Since nude eyeshadow is made to match your skin tone, there’s no reason why you can’t use it every day. No one will mind seeing you wear it, whether you’re hanging out with friends or attending an appointment with a business client.
How Much Do Nude Eyeshadow Palettes Cost?
Nude eyeshadow palettes can cost a bit of money. As they contain various colors and tools, they can vary pretty heavily in price, too. A cheap palette can cost you just a little over $10, but it may lack crucial components. For example, some palettes at this price range may only have a limited range of colors, or maybe they don’t come with any brushes.
Then, there are the expensive brands. Any palette made by an influencer brand or popular fashion brand is bound to be expensive simply due to the brand name. If you like the look of the palette and are a fan of the brand or influencer, however, then it may still be worth getting regardless of price.
Overall, expect to spend at most $50 for a decent palette. If you’re getting a palette from a brand of some renown, then you’ll probably need to raise the budget up to $100 or more depending on the actual palette that you’re looking to buy.
