14 Best Matte Eyeshadow Palettes to Transform Your Eyes

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 16, 2024
matte eyeshadow palettes
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Are you looking for the perfect palette to create captivating eye looks that are as unique as you are? Look no further, because we have got just the gems you need. Our team has ventured far and wide at our beauty haven, exploring countless matte eyeshadow palettes to curate a selection that truly stands out from the crowd. With every swipe and blend, we have carefully handpicked these best matte eyeshadow palettes that aren't just trendy but are the trendsetters themselves. What sets them apart, you ask? It is not just the velvety textures or the charming pigments – it's the limitless possibilities they offer. These palettes are more than a mere collection of shades; they are your artistic companions, helping you express yourself in colors, contours, and creativity. 

So, whether you are an experienced makeup guru or just stepping into the mesmerizing world of eye artistry, these matte eyeshadow palettes are here to ignite your imagination and enhance your everyday glam. Prepare to unveil the trends and traditions that have shaped these beautiful selections and see how they have stolen our hearts. And, without any further ado, let’s just straightaway head onto our top picks that just can’t wait to adorn your lids and define your style!

Our top picks
Most Pigmented All Matte Eyeshadow Palette

e.l.f. Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette

Best Skin-friendly Matte Eyeshadow Palette

LORAC PRO Matte & Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette

Best Travel-friendly Neutral Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Ccolor Cosmetics Matte Natural 9-Color Eyeshadow Palette

Best Dermatologist-tested Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Eyeshadow Palette by Physicians Formula

Most Long-lasting Matte Eyeshadow Palette

BYS 12 Shade Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Best Smooth-textured Nude Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Tarte tartelette Clay Matte Palette

Best Powdered Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Too Faced Natural Matte Palette Powder

14 Best Matte Eyeshadow Palettes

Matte eyeshadows are an absolute essential in everyone's vanity. This assortment of colors offered by theBalm is ideal for daily wear. It is rich in pigments, smooth texture, and can be toyed to make a dramatic effect. The beauty is that it can be used on a daily basis, and on wet/dry skin. With numerous color options, this palette can be used for every occasion. A regular Amazon user wrote that she will "definitely purchase this again."

Pros
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Talc-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Multiple colors
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Best Overall

    W7 Mighty Mattes Eyeshadow

    W7 Mighty Mattes Eyeshadow
  • Our makeup experts absolutely adore this set of 12 cream matte eyeshadows, including blushed nudes, neutral grays, and smokey browns. These buttery smooth shadows work like a charm on all skin types, from light to deep skin tones, including mature skin. But what really makes this palette a must-have is its ease of use. No primer is needed! Just grab the dual-ended brush included, and you are all set. Whether you are a pro or new to the world of makeup, this palette is perfect for anyone looking for quality cosmetics. The only downside? It comes in a huge case — however, that also means you are getting more of the fantastic product!

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Cruelty-free
    • PETA approved
    • Smooth texture
    • Easy to blend
    Cons
    • Bulky case
  • Most Pigmented All Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    e.l.f. Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette

    e.l.f. Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette
  • Our expert team can't get enough of the 10 ultra-pigmented shades by e.l.f. that open the door to a world of captivating looks. With a stunning range of warm browns and pinks in a matte finish, this palette is your perfect match for everyday elegance. The creamy, blendable formula applies effortlessly, offering an intense color payoff that is a dream to work with. Best of all, the brand’s products are crafted with skin-loving ingredients, which makes them even more chosen. So, get ready for eyes that stand out in the best way possible.

    Pros
    • Creamy and blendable
    • Highly-pigmented
    • Versatile shades
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Not smudge-proof
  • Best Blendable Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    Makeup Revolution Ultra 32 Shade Eyeshadow Palette

    Makeup Revolution Ultra 32 Shade Eyeshadow Palette
  • This sophisticated palette holds a treasure trove of 32 matte eyeshadows, and it comes with a generously sized mirror for your convenience. But what sets this eyeshadow palette apart is its dreamy blending quality. The texture is velvety smooth, allowing the shades to seamlessly meld together and create transitions that are practically a work of art. Even if you are new to makeup, achieving a perfectly blended eye look is a piece of cake with this palette. Our team has been particularly impressed by the staying power of these eyeshadows. They are the reliable companion you need for those long days and late nights.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Seamless blending
    • Beginner-friendly
    • Cruelty-free
    • Wide shade range
    Cons
    • Minimal fallout issues
  • Best Cost-efficient Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    Milani Everyday Eyes Powder Eyeshadow Collection - Basic Mattes

    Milani Everyday Eyes Powder Eyeshadow Collection - Basic Mattes
  • This unique natural matte eyeshadow palette features beautiful highly pigmented shades, each meticulously coordinated to blend seamlessly and suit any order you choose. Whether you are a professional makeup artist or just starting your beauty journey, our experts recommend this set for its versatility and professional-quality results. Plus, this 6-shadow palette comes with a dual-ended pro-artistry brush and a step-by-step guide, making it easy for you to achieve stunning eye makeup styles. Simply sweep your preferred shadow over the eyelid, starting from the lashes and moving upward, and you will be in a world of eye makeup possibilities.

    Pros
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Versatile shades
    • Travel-friendly
    • Affordable
    • Highly blendable
    Cons
    • Calls for too much layering
  • Best Skin-friendly Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    LORAC PRO Matte & Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette

    LORAC PRO Matte & Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette
  • With an array of ultra-pigmented, soothing botanical-infused shades, this small matte eyeshadow palette provides the perfect opportunity to get back to basics while achieving a professional finish. The creamy formula blends seamlessly, delivering intense color that lasts without creasing, no matter how you choose to apply it — wet or dry. Whether you are a makeup novice or an expert, this versatile palette adds instant drama to any look.

    Pros
    • Skin-friendly
    • Highly-pigmented
    • Easy blending
    • Long-lasting
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • A bit pricey
  • Best Travel-friendly Neutral Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    Ccolor Cosmetics Matte Natural 9-Color Eyeshadow Palette

    Ccolor Cosmetics Matte Natural 9-Color Eyeshadow Palette
  • You can now achieve stunning and effortlessly chic eye makeup looks with the Ccolor Matte Natural Dark Eyeshadow Palette. This expertly crafted palette offers nine highly-pigmented earth tones, perfect for creating mesmerizing everyday looks or bold, smokey eyes. Whether you prefer a dry application for a soft look or wet for intense pigmentation, these eyeshadows deliver all-day wear. Plus, they come in a sleek, travel-friendly palette with an attached mirror for on-the-go touch-ups. Embrace these vibrant, long-lasting shades and redefine your eye makeup game with this elegant and pocket-sized palette.

    Pros
    • Travel-friendly
    • Highly-blendable
    • Smooth application
    • Quality formula
    • Long-lasting
    Cons
    • Small palette size
  • Best Dermatologist-tested Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    Eyeshadow Palette by Physicians Formula

    Eyeshadow Palette by Physicians Formula
  • Our expert team highly recommends this product for a range of compelling reasons. This liquid-to-powder palette showcases an array of stunning, highly pigmented colors with a soft matte finish, making it ideal for crafting both natural and artistic looks. What sets it apart is its nourishing and moisturizing qualities, thanks to the blend of monoi butter, murumuru butter, cupuacu butter, and tucuma butter. These ingredients are rich in essential fatty acids and pro-vitamins, ensuring that your skin stays soft, conditioned, and moisturized.

    Pros
    • Easy application
    • Feels comfortable on the skin
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Cruelty-free
    • Clean formula
    Cons
    • Minor fall- out issue
  • Most Long-lasting Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    BYS 12 Shade Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    BYS 12 Shade Matte Eyeshadow Palette
  • This matte colored eyeshadow palette is a must-have for any makeup enthusiast. It empowers you to embrace your inner artist, enhancing your natural features with velvety, highly pigmented eyeshadows. It features 12 carefully selected shades, ranging from subtle glints to deep smoky charcoals. With these shades, you can effortlessly create a wide range of looks, from demure to dramatic, and everything in between. Plus, for those quick touch-ups or on-the-go moments, it comes with two double-tipped applicator/blenders and a bonus, full width mirror.

    Pros
    • Easily blendable
    • Highly-pigmented
    • Travel-friendly
    • Long-staying
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Packaging could be less durable
  • Best Smooth-textured Nude Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    Tarte tartelette Clay Matte Palette

    Tarte tartelette Clay Matte Palette
  • This all-matte nude palette includes 12 extensive shades, is carefully selected to enhance your eyes and bring out your inner artist. The shadows are highly pigmented and deliver deep, long-lasting color, ensuring your eye look stays perfect throughout the day or night. What sets this palette apart is its exceptional blendability, making it so easy-peasy to achieve a professional and flawless finish. Additionally, this intensity palette offers a step-by-step look guide for added convenience too. An investment worth every penny, this perfect matte eyeshadow palette is a must-have for your beauty collection.

    Pros
    • High-quality pigmentation
    • Easy to blend
    • Smooth texture
    • Long-lasting
    • Versatile nude shades
    Cons
    • Slightly pricey
  • Best Powdered Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    Too Faced Natural Matte Palette Powder

    Too Faced Natural Matte Palette Powder
  • This award-winning Natural Eyes Neutral Eye Shadow Collection by Too Faced is a must-have for anyone seeking stunning matte eye looks. With a selection of nine gorgeous neutral matte shades, this palette offers endless possibilities, from soft and pretty to subtly sexy. The eyeshadows blend seamlessly for an airbrushed effect and provide rich color payoff, enhancing your eyes beautifully. Too Faced's superior quality formula shines through in the exceptional pigmentation and performance, making it a worthy investment. This palette is among the favorite products for our experts for its versatility and high-quality pigments, and it is perfect for creating a range of stunning eye looks.

    Pros
    • Seamless blending
    • Deeply pigmented shades
    • High-quality
    • Comes with a tutorial guide
    • Long-staying
    Cons
    • Higher price point
  • Eyes On MAC Semi-Sweet x 9 Eyeshadow Palette

    Eyes On MAC Semi-Sweet x 9 Eyeshadow Palette
  • This eyeshadow palette is a must-have for both makeup enthusiasts and beginners. It offers a versatile range of shades, from creamy beige to intense black, all in a matte finish. The best part is that you can even use these eyeshadows wet or dry, allowing for endless creativity in your eye makeup. The blendable formula ensures that the eyeshadows seamlessly meld together, making it a breeze to achieve perfectly blended eye looks. If you are seeking a compact and travel-friendly palette that is high in quality, this is a fantastic choice. It is our team's favorite for a reason!

    Pros
    • Wet or dry use
    • Easy blending
    • Smooth texture
    • Travel-friendly
    • Suitable for all occasions
    Cons
    • A bit smaller in size
  • Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Shadow Palette

    Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Shadow Palette
  • Smashbox Matte Eyeshadow Palette is a highlighter makeup essential that our team simply adores. This versatile palette offers a stunning range of matte shades in a compact form. The colors are exceptionally concentrated, meaning you will achieve a vibrant eye look with just a small amount of product. What sets this palette apart is its multi-purpose versatility. Not only can you create captivating eyeshadow looks, but the "Preview" color also works wonders in brightening the inner corners of your eyes, adding a touch of radiance to your makeup. The matte finish provides a subtle, velvety texture that is perfect for various occasions, from casual outings to special events.

    Pros
    • Travel-friendly
    • Versatile application
    • Quality brand
    • Highly-pigmented
    • High-coverage
    Cons
    • Small size
  • La Catrina 12 Color All Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    La Catrina 12 Color All Matte Eyeshadow Palette
  • All Matte Eyeshadow Palette is a 12-color collection of daily Morandi low saturation purple-gray tones that will elevate your eye makeup game. The eyeshadows glide on smoothly, staying put all day without creasing, making them ideal for both daily work makeup and special occasions. Plus, they are talc-free, vegetarian, and free from paraben preservatives, ensuring a healthy and safe formula for all skin types. It is the perfect gift for the special women in your life, offering a versatile range of natural colors and youthful charm, making every application a breeze.

    Pros
    • Versatile tones from light to dark
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Long-staying
    • Highly-pigmented
    • Suitable for sensitive skin types
    Cons
    • May not be suitable for those who prefer more intense eye makeup

    Now that you have explored our top picks of matte eyeshadow palettes, it's time to find the perfect one for you. In our buying guide, we will help you choose the ideal matte eyeshadow palette to compliment your skin tone and eye color. And the kicker is, we have even got some valuable tips and tricks to make the most of your chosen palette. Keep on reading to get to know more!

    Selecting the Best Matte Eyeshadow Palette for Your Skin Tone And Eye Color

    Here are some key considerations you might want to go through before purchasing you perfect all matte eyeshadow palette:

    1.Choose the Type: Determine the type of matte eyeshadow palette that suits your needs. Whether it is a compact quad for minimalistic looks, an evergreen palette for everyday wear, or a larger palette for more elaborate makeup, your choice will depend on your preferences and the occasions you plan to use it for.

    2.Pigmentation: Opt for a palette with high pigmentation. Well-pigmented eyeshadows provide more color payoff, allowing you to create striking eye looks with minimal product application.

    3.Eye Color: Consider your eye color when selecting a matte eyeshadow palette. Different eyeshadow shades can enhance your natural eye color.

    4.Palette Size: Decide on the size of the palette. Mini-matte eyeshadow palettes are travel-friendly and ideal for those who prefer a minimalistic collection. Larger palettes offer more variety and are suitable for those who enjoy experimenting with different looks.

    5.Go for Useful Colors: Ensure that the palette includes essential matte shades for your eye looks. These typically include neutral shades for blending and transition, deeper tones for defining the crease, and lighter tones for highlighting the brow bone and inner corners of the eyes.

    6.Price Range: Consider your budget. Matte eyeshadow palettes come in various price ranges, from affordable drugstore options to high-end luxury brands.

    7.Complexion And Undertones: In addition to eye color, consider your skin tone and undertones. Some shades may compliment warm undertones better, while others work well with cool undertones.

    8.Texture And Finish: Matte eyeshadows can vary in texture and finish. Some may be more velvety or powdery, while others are creamy and blendable.

    9.Reviews And Swatches: Read reviews and view swatches of the matte eyeshadow palette you are interested in. 

    10.Skin Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin or eyes, opt for eyeshadows that are dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic to avoid any adverse reactions.

    11.Brand Reputation: Consider the reputation of the brand. Established makeup brands often have a history of producing quality products. However, newer brands can also offer innovative and high-quality options. 

    Tips And Tricks to Achieve Flawless Eye Looks with Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    Here are some amazing simple tips and tricks for using a matte eyeshadow palette:

    Step 1:  Start with an eyeshadow primer.

    Step 2:  Use transition shades for blending.

    Step 3: Blend thoroughly for a seamless look.

    Step 4: Layer eyeshadows gradually.

    Step 5: Invest in quality eyeshadow brushes.

    Step 6: Tap off excess product from your brush.

    Step 7: Apply eyeshadow lightly to avoid intensity.

    Step 8: Adapt to your unique eye shape.

    Step 9: Experiment with shade combinations.

    Step 10: Mix and match shades for custom looks.

    Step 11: Tightline your upper waterline.

    Step 12:  Highlight with matte shades strategically.

    Step 13: Correct mistakes with concealer.

    Step 14: Set your eyeshadow with setting spray.

    Benefits of Matte Eyeshadow Palettes:

    Matte eyeshadow palettes offer a plethora of benefits that make them an important part of your makeup collection. Their versatility allows you to create both subtle daytime looks and dramatic evening appearances, making them perfect for any occasion. These palettes provide highly pigmented, long-lasting shades with a velvety texture, ensuring your eye makeup stays put throughout the day or night. The matte finish is ideal for achieving a natural and sophisticated appearance, and they can also serve as a base for more complex eye looks. Additionally, matte eyeshadows are suitable for a wide range of human skin tones and types, making them universally appealing.

    Over all, the aforementioned matte eyeshadow palettes have proven to be our trusted companions, offering endless options to express our unique styles and enhance our natural beauty. We are absolutely in love with them, and we are confident you will be too! Ensure you go through our buying guide and steps to use before investing in a product. Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Is a matte eyeshadow better than shimmer for eye makeup?
    Matte eyeshadows are often favored for a sophisticated and natural look, while a shimmer palette adds sparkle and dimension. The choice depends on your desired style.
    Is matte eyeshadow more suitable for mature eyes?
    Matte eyeshadow can work well for mature eyes, as it tends to be more forgiving and doesn't emphasize fine lines and wrinkles.
    How many eyeshadow palettes should be in your collection?
    The number of eyeshadow palettes to own varies from person to person. Having a mix of colors for different occasions is ideal, but there's no fixed number.
    Which eyeshadow shades complement a 70-year-old woman's look?
    A 70-year-old woman can opt for a neutral palette with matte shades like taupe, soft browns, and greys. These colors provide a subtle, elegant appearance.
    Who benefits most from using matte eyeshadow?
    Matte eyeshadow suits individuals who prefer a classic, understated look and those with oilier eyelids as it can be less prone to creasing.
    What sets matte eyeshadow apart from traditional eyeshadow?
    The key difference between matte and regular eyeshadow lies in the finish. Matte is flat and non-reflective, while regular eyeshadows can be matte, shimmer, satin, or metallic.
    How does matte eyeshadow differ from satin eyeshadow?
    Matte eyeshadows are flat and non-reflective, providing a soft and velvety finish, whereas satin eyeshadows have a slight sheen or glow.
    Are matte eyeshadows compatible with hooded eyes?
    Matte eyeshadows can be used on hooded eyes but should be applied with care. Choose lighter shades for the brow bone and crease to open up the eyes.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, our resident makeup maven, has devoted her expertise to handpicking the finest matte eyeshadow palettes just for you. With an eye for detail and a passion for perfecting every makeup look, she meticulously tested and researched each palette to ensure you receive nothing but the best advice. Just as she has an uncanny knack for choosing the most stunning nail polish shades, she brings that same precision to your eyeshadow selection. With her guidance, you are about to unlock the secrets to achieving that flawless, matte eyeshadow finish.

    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 and fitness on board to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons. Happy shopping!

    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