14 Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Palettes Featuring Dazzling Shades

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Mar 19, 2024
Drugstore Eyeshadow Palettes Featuring Dazzling Shades
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There is no doubt that eyeshadows elevate your LOTD by several notches. Be they subtle or glamorous, nude or vibrant, matte or shimmery, they add definition to your eyes phenomenally. Yes, they might be expensive but we are here to help with the best drugstore eyeshadow palettes. After hours of research, we found out these eyeshadow palettes for all skin tones are highly versatile and indeed a must-have. They contain highly pigmented shades that are blendable as well as buildable. Secondly, they illuminate your eyes and last long. 

With the best eyeshadow palette in your kit, you can embolden your eyes according to each occasion and mood. Their warm and cool tones will not only complement your complexion but also add a whole lot of pizzazz to your everyday day to night looks. Not to forget, some of them are crease-resistant and waterproof. Also, their easy-to-glide texture will help you wind up your eye makeup in minutes just like a professional makeup artist. In tandem, ahead, we have rounded up the best drugstore eyeshadows that you should think of investing in.

14 Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Palettes

Our very first recommendation is NYX Professional Makeup’s ultimate shadow palette that contains a total of 16 warm neutral shades. Each of the eyeshadows in this palette is highly pigmented and has an impeccable texture that glides like butter onto your lids. Secondly, you get to own matte, satin, shimmery, and metallic shades in just one purchase and need not look for anything else to dramatize your eyes. The best part — all of them are long-lasting and perfect for all skin types.

Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Easy to remove
  • Vegan formula
  • Great coverage
  • Ideal for beginners
Cons
  • Fragile packaging
  • Most Blendable Product

    Dose of Colors - Eyeshadow Palette

    Dose of Colors - Eyeshadow Palette
  • Discover the allure of JDose of Colors Eyeshadow Palette in Pretty Cool, your ticket to effortlessly chic eye looks. This 5-pan matte palette boasts cool taupe shades with a velvety smooth finish. Dive into a world of creativity, from soft neutrals to edgy smokey eyes. Perfect for any occasion, these shades blend seamlessly, allowing you to craft mesmerizing eye makeup effortlessly. Unveil your inner artist with this drugstore gem, promising a touch of glamor in every stroke. Elevate your eye game without breaking the bank, and embrace the dazzling possibilities of JDose of Colors.

    Pros
    • Versatile matte taupe shades
    • Smooth and blendable texture
    • Perfect for soft neutrals and smokey eyes
    • Long-lasting eye makeup looks
    • Travel-friendly compact palette
    • Affordable glamor for every occasion
    Cons
    • Limited shade range for variety
  • Most Cost-effective

    Maybelline New York The Nudes

    Maybelline New York The Nudes
  • The next on our list is Maybelline New York’s The Nudes. The reason why we call it the best drugstore eyeshadow palette is because of its high-performance pigmented shades. In addition, the eyeshadows have a creamy yet powdery texture that makes them easy to blend. Furthermore, the palette contains 12 expertly crafted shades and a dual-ended applicator for precise and mess-free application. What’s more is that the range of colors and their natural and shimmery finish will make your eyes pop.

    Pros
    • Lasts all day long
    • Available in 2 more palette options
    • Cost-effective
    • Best for everyday use
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Most Versatile

    UCANBE Spotlight Eyeshadow Palette

    UCANBE Spotlight Eyeshadow Palette
  • While researching for the best drugstore eyeshadow for beauty influencers and makeup junkies all around, we came across this spotlight eyeshadow palette from Ucanbe. It features mind-boggling 18 matte and 22 shimmery shades to help you create out-of-the-box eye makeup looks with ease. All of the shades are intensely pigmented, waterproof, long-lasting, and most importantly crease-resistant. What further makes this eyeshadow palette a must-have is the smooth texture, one-swipe color payoff, and buildable intensity, which can make your eyes look flattering.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Best for beginners and professionals
    • Very versatile
    • 5 palette options to choose from
    Cons
    • Not hypoallergenic
  • Best Crease-resistant

    Revlon Illuminance Crème Eyeshadow Palette - Skinlights 730

    Revlon Illuminance Crème Eyeshadow Palette - Skinlights 730
  • Revlon’s Crème is amongst the top-rated drugstore eyeshadow palettes that is loved for its pop of colors and crease-resistant formula. Furthermore, the 4 shades in this palette are long-lasting, buildable, blendable, and glide smoothly on your skin. What makes it stand out from the rest is the fact that the eyeshadows are ophthalmologically-tested and completely safe for sensitive eyes and skin. Be it day or night, weekday or weekend, this palette will make you look the best version of yourself everywhere you go!

    Pros
    • High-quality
    • Creme finish
    • Lightweight
    • Available in 4 palette options
    Cons
    • Fragile
  • Best Nude Colors

    Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow - Nude Awakening

    Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow - Nude Awakening
  • While looking for the best drugstore eyeshadow palette with nude shades, we bumped into this ‘Nude Awakening’ Color Icon palette from the most renowned brand Wet n Wild. It features 10 intensely pigmented shades that will give you the freedom to create subtle and dramatized eye makeup looks. Along with matte, satin, and shimmery finishes, the transitional shades in this dream palette will help spruce up your LOTD by several notches.

    Pros
    • Buttery-soft texture
    • Blendable
    • Cruelty-free
    • Long-lasting
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Most Travel-friendly

    Milani Bold Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette

    Milani Bold Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette
  • Based on our team’s research, Milani has introduced its best drugstore eyeshadow palette called Bold Obsessions for makeup junkies alike. With 12 universal matte and metallic nude shades possessing jewel-like tones, this palette invites you to create every high-glam and subtle eye makeup look. Having said that, the eyeshadows feel velvety and can be easily blended. So, it doesn’t matter if you are a pro or a beginner, this palette will never let your eyeshadow game fail!

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Travel-friendly
    • Long-lasting
    • Comes with a mirror
    Cons
    • Poor packaging
  • Best for Smokey Eyes

    Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips - Smokey Eyes

    Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips - Smokey Eyes
  • We glanced through the features of this most pigmented drugstore eyeshadow palette called Shimmer Strips and were surprised to see that the brand Physicians Formula has left no stone unturned in making it a sheer winner. Firstly, the 6 eyeshadows are easily blendable and buildable. Plus, the multi-reflective shimmer is long-lasting and best for adding drama to your eyes. Topping it all off, the silver shades illuminate your eyes and help you ace a smokey eye look.

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Safe for sensitive eyes
    • Can be used by contact lens wearers
    • Available in 2 more palette options
    Cons
    • Chalky consistency
  • Most Long-lasting

    ETUDE Autumn Closet Play Color Eyes

    ETUDE Autumn Closet Play Color Eyes
  • Etude’s Autumn Closet Play Color Eyes is one of the best drugstore eyeshadow palettes for three reasons. Firstly, this palette contains 10 soft and subtle shades to help you exude a calm and composed look. Secondly, each eyeshadow possesses a highly adhesive and buttery soft texture. Last but not least, all of them are long-lasting, blendable, and crease-resistant. Plus point — it comes with a dual-ended sponge applicator for precise and hassle-free application.

    Pros
    • Suitable for beginners and professionals
    • Best for daily wear
    • Travel-friendly
    • 5 palette options to choose from
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best for All-day Usage

    ORAC Unzipped Eyeshadow Palette

    ORAC Unzipped Eyeshadow Palette
  • Indulge in the allure of LORAC Unzipped Eyeshadow Palette, where glamour meets everyday elegance. This palette, featuring a harmonious blend of matte and glitter finishes, is your ticket to mesmerizing eye looks. Dive into a world of dazzling shades, meticulously curated for endless creativity. Whether you're aiming for a subtle day look or a bold, evening statement, this drugstore gem delivers. The velvety textures ensure smooth application and effortless blending, promising a touch of luxury without the hefty price tag. Elevate your eye game effortlessly and embrace the captivating possibilities of LORAC Unzipped.

    Pros
    • Versatile matte and glitter finishes
    • Meticulously curated dazzling shades
    • Smooth and effortless application
    • Long-lasting eye looks
    • Suitable for both day and evening makeup
    • Affordable luxury in a palette
    Cons
    • Potential fallout with glitter shades
  • Super Blendable

    Makeup Revolution Forever Flawless Eyeshadow Palette

    Makeup Revolution Forever Flawless Eyeshadow Palette
  • Our findings show that Makeup Revolution’s Forever Flawless palette is among the top drugstore eyeshadows that have managed to garner more than a thousand ratings on Amazon. What we really liked about this palette is its wide variety of shades that are rich in pigmentation and come with an anti-crack formula. In addition, they are long-lasting and do not crease. Talking about the finish type, you get to own a mix of matte and shimmery shades for every occasion.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Easy application
    • Blendable
    • Available in 6 more options
    Cons
    • Very fragile
  • Best Baked Eyeshadow

    LAURA GELLER The Delectables Eyeshadow Palette - Romance in Rose

    LAURA GELLER The Delectables Eyeshadow Palette - Romance in Rose
  • To take your eye makeup game to the next level, get your hands on these pigmented drugstore eyeshadows introduced by Laura Geller. The palette contains 14 wearable shades with rosey, pink, and brown tones to help you create looks that are simple or stunning. Furthermore, they are baked to perfection and possess matte and shimmery finishes. Let us also tell you that the cream pigments of each eyeshadow last straight for 24 hours, whereas the buildable texture never lets you settle for less glam.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Crease-proof
    • Travel-friendly
    • Available in plenty of palette options
    Cons
    • Poor color payoff
  • Rimmel Magnif'Eyes Smoke Edition Eye Palette

    Rimmel Magnif'Eyes Smoke Edition Eye Palette
  • For all those who are big fans of smokey and shimmery eyes, Rimmel’s Magnif'Eyes eye palette is meant for you. The 12 shades in this palette complement all skin types and eye colors and last all day. Addedly, it is considered the best drugstore eye palette for its ultra-smooth, blendable, and buildable formula. The best part — the light and darker shades easily come off and thus, you need not rub your eyes or eyelids rigorously.

    Pros
    • Easy to apply
    • Pigmented
    • Crease-proof
    • Reasonable
    Cons
    • Poor coverage
  • e.l.f. The New Classics 18 Eyeshadow Palette Set

    e.l.f. The New Classics 18 Eyeshadow Palette Set
  • Lastly, we recommend e.l.f. The New Classics eyeshadow palette for makeup junkies who wish to achieve glamorous eye makeup looks with utmost ease. What makes this palette a must-have is the fact that it consists of 18 shades with a mix of matte, satin, and shimmery finishes. To note more, all of them possess an ultra-pigmented, smooth, and creamy formula for seamless and accurate application. Plus, it is a good drugstore eyeshadow palette to rely on for the upcoming festive season.

    Pros
    • Easy to blend
    • Great for creating smokey eyes
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • Might look a little blotchy

    That was our comprehensive list of the best drugstore eyeshadow palettes. Now, let us run you through our detailed buying guide.

    How to Choose the Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Palette?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best drugstore eyeshadow palette - 

    Shade: Make sure that you pay heed to the shade or tone of the eyeshadows present in the palette. For all those who are always looking for ways to add depth to their eyes, it is advisable to splurge on the best drugstore eye makeup palette with deep neutrals and dark shades. 

    Formula: Ensure that you get your hands on the best drugstore eyeshadow palette that contains lightweight, hypoallergenic, and sensitive eyes-safe pigments. Secondly, they should be vegan and cruelty-free. 

    Texture: Always analyze the texture of the eyeshadows. The eyeshadows should possess a blendable, buildable, ultra-pigmented, and creamy texture for effortless application.  

    Finish: For everyday makeup, make sure you vouch for a palette with neutral matte shades. On the other hand, you may pick palettes that come with a mix of matte, shimmery, glittery, and satin shades. 

    That was all about the best drugstore eyeshadow palettes that you should think of snagging right away. These palettes will not only make your eyes pop but also add much-needed depth, definition, and dimension. The reason why you need to invest in at least one of them is for their mind-blowing texture and bendability that helps spruce up your eye makeup game within seconds and last for a prolonged period of time. From subtle to high-glam shades, you get them all in just one set! So, without further ado, slide one into your cart and let your eyes do the talking!

    FAQ's

    Which eyeshadow palette is best for a natural look?
    NYX Professional Makeup’s ultimate shadow palette is best for a natural look. It contains a total of 16 warm neutral shades.
    How do I choose an eyeshadow palette?
    You may choose an eyeshadow palette by taking into consideration your needs and complexion.
    What's the best eyeshadow palette for beginners?
    ETUDE Autumn Closet Play Color Eyes is the best eyeshadow palette for beginners.
    How do you know if an eyeshadow palette is of good quality?
    If the eyeshadow palette claims to be vegan, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic, then it means that it is of good quality.
    How long do eyeshadow palettes last?
    Eyeshadow palettes last at least for 2 years.
    Are all eyeshadows the same?
    No, eyeshadows differ in texture, finish, bendability, pigmentation, and buildability.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified beauty expert, Sayantani, is a die-hard makeup junkie who is always looking out for eyeshadow palettes to take her eye-makeup game to the next level. To help you pick the best of the best drugstore eyeshadow palette, she carried out extensive research. Personally, she is drooling over NYX Professional Makeup’s palette that allows her to create a wide range of looks. You can also take a look at the rest of her top picks and amplify your eye makeup skills seamlessly. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More