15 Eye Shadow Palettes for When You Have the Feminine Urge to Change Your Look
Sometimes, you just get sick of your usual makeup routine and want to switch things up. For me, it happens when the season changes and suddenly gives me the urge to overhaul my makeup bag. I may be a fan of the no-makeup makeup look, but when it comes to nights out, I really want to turn things up a notch, and that's when I start to realize I don't like any of my makeup options at hand.
One of the easiest ways to change up your look? A colorful eye shadow palette. It's not a permanent change like dyeing your hair, but it still makes an impact. And if you don't love it, then there's always makeup remover. Plus, it can be fun to experiment with different shades and pairings—the possibilities are endless!
Take a look at some highly rated colorful eye shadow palettes below if you're feeling the urge to change things up.
1. Urban Decay Naked Cyber Eyeshadow Palette
This palette is out of this world. The futuristic-inspired shadows contain shimmery, glittery, matte, and reflective finishes.
2. Morphe 35S Sweet Oasis Artistry Palette
Morphe's palette might be the only one you ever need. It has basically all the colors of the rainbow. The shades are creamy, highly pigmented, and easy to blend.
3. ColourPop All Amethyst Pressed Powder Palette
Get the dreamiest purple makeup looks with this palette. It also comes with a few more "neutral" shades to balance out the intense colors.
4. Charlotte Tilbury Starry Eyes to Hypnotise Eyeshadow Palette
The shadows in this palette are luxe. They're made with real diamond powder, so expect a glowy, radiant sheen when you wear these.
5. Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette in African Violet
Create a fiery look on your lids with this vibrant combo that includes shades of purple, red, orange, and brown.
6. Lancôme Color Design Eyeshadow Palette in Kaki Electrique
Earthy and bold greens are complemented by neutrals in this palette to create a highly pigmented look.
7. Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette in Brights
If you're not one to shy away from the spotlight, might I suggest this super-bright collection of shades?
8. Dior 5 Couleurs Couture Eyeshadow Palette in Pink Corolle
I just have to say it: Think pink. The shadows in this case are enriched with aloe vera and pine oil, so they go on smoothly and leave the skin soft.
9. BareMinerals Mineralist Eyeshadow Palette in Stonewashed
The shades in this palette, from navy to shimmery blue, are just so pretty and flattering. Each shadow is vegan, talc-free, and enriched with sea buckthorn and rosehip oils.
10. Makeup Revolution Forever Flawless Eyeshadow Palette in Birds of Paradise
This palette just makes me want to set my out-of-office message and book a vacation to a tropical island. The colors are so vibrant and happy.
11. Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette
If you're not ready to commit to a rainbow-inspired palette, try this one. The bold berry hues are complemented with plenty of neutrals.
12. Melt Cosmetics Smoke Sessions Eyeshadow Palette
From the packaging, you might know what the inspiration for this eye shadow palette is. The cheeky palette features vibrant and alluring shades of green.
13. Too Faced Major Love Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Inspired by a camo print, this mini palette features greens, browns, bronzes, and even a pink.
14. MAC Surprise Eyes Eyeshadow Palette in Rich
These super-saturated shadows are resistant to creases and have major staying power. You can use them wet or dry. Plus, they come in a pocket-sized, mirrored compact for easy carrying.
15. Byredo Eyeshadow 5 Colours in Syren
At first glance, it doesn't look like these five shimmery shades go together, but they actually do. You can create a whimsical and ethereal look with this compact. And of course, you don't have to use them all at once—pair a few together for different looks.
Shop These Tools for the Perfect Eye Makeup Look
You've got everything you need here for any eye makeup look. And the fact that you get 12 tools for $9? What a steal.
While you're experimenting with new looks, you might need to edit or redo your makeup, so it helps to keep a remover on hand. And of course, at the end of the night, you're going to want to cleanse your face thoroughly, and this gentle product will help with that.
Hourglass's brush can do it all. You can apply, layer, and blend any eye shadow.
Use these reusable guards so your eye shadow application doesn't get messy.
Next, If You're Not Into Palettes, I Found the Best Single Eye Shadows Ever Created
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.