“Woah! How do you create such gorgeous smokey eyes?” To be honest, I am tired of answering this question every now and then. Hence, today, I have decided to put things out straight, unfold a few of my secrets, and finally, get the cat out of the bag. To start with, I owe it all to the best smokey eyeshadow palettes lying in my makeup vanity. After hours of research and plenty of tests and trials, I have a list of my favorite palettes featuring stunning colors and shades ready for you so that you can also collect a plethora of compliments everywhere you go. From neutral and basic to all colors of the rainbow, the palettes contain them all! 

Smokey eyeshadow palettes are my go-to whenever I wish to keep my look dramatic, or high on glam. These palettes contain astounding shades that are highly pigmented, buildable, and blendable. I recommend buying one because it helps you add depth and intensify the beauty of your eyes. The shades make your eyes look flattering and your overall LOTD stunning. Be it for weddings, dinners, dates, or brunches, smokey eyes is the look that you need to consider to stand out in glory and look charming. 

Since I have been conducting workshops for a while, I do understand the queries of beginners. The first one is always about how easy it is to create smoldering smokey eyes. So, let me tell you that to create smoldering smokey eyes all you need is a smokey eyeshadow palette because it contains deeply saturated shades that endure longer on your eyes. Plus, these palettes are user-friendly and deliver professional results. I hope you remember that every makeup artist was once a beginner. So, what are you waiting for? Take a step forward, unleash your inner artist, kickstart your shopping spree, and take your eye makeup game to the next level of smokiness. Below I have rounded up some impeccable smokey eyeshadow palettes that you should think of investing in.

• 1
  Most Pigmented

  NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Shadow Palette - Smokey & Highlight

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My very first favorite palette is the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate shadow palette that contains a total of 16 highly pigmented eyeshadows. All the shades are easy to blend and endure longer on your lids. Let me also tell you that this smokey eyeshadow palette has managed to garner more than 35 thousand ratings on Amazon for its splendid mix of finishes. From matte and satin to shimmery and metallic, this palette has them all so that you don’t fall short of anything! Trust me, this palette is worth every penny!

2

Best Nude Shades

Lamora Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette - Au Naturel

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The next one that got my heart racing is this best smokey eye palette from Lamora. If you are a die-hard fan of neutral shades, then this palette is created especially for you. It features 16 intensely pigmented natural, rose golden, royally dark browns, bronze, and nude shades with great staying power and blendability. Talking about their finish, you will find some in matte, metallic, satin, and shimmery types. The best part — the ultra-micronized powder formula is all that you need to attain naturally beautiful and eye-catchy smokey makeup looks.

3

Best Waterproof Palette

Prism Makeup Eyeshadow Palette - Seductress

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While researching for the best smokey eye palette, I came across this one from Prism Makeup. What made me gravitate toward it is the fact that it comes with a total of 18 stunning shades that are water-resistant. Plus, the velvety and creamy texture and range of metallic, satin, and matte finishes make this palette a sheer winner. Besides, you get to own nudes, pinky roses, dusty coffee, rustic red, electric gold, and champagne colors along with intense purple, dark browns, and cool green. What else can you ask for?

4

Most Blendable

Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quads - Natural Smokes

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Maybelline New York has introduced this best smoky eye palette that you just cannot resist swooning over. It contains 4 shades that are among the basic ones necessary for creating enchanting smokey eyes effortlessly. Secondly, the eyeshadows are blendable, pigmented, and possess a silky formula. Topping it all off, this palette contains eyeshadows that last straight up to 12 hours. You can either wear them alone or just blend them together for more dramatic eye makeup looks.

5

LORAC PRO Palette

Buy on Amazon

Introducing the LORAC PRO Palette/Artist Edition, a curated selection of 25 globally adored shades. Elevate your eye game with this cruelty-free Smokey Eyeshadow Palette, offering an array of captivating hues loved by artists worldwide. Dive into a spectrum that transcends trends, allowing you to create iconic smokey looks with ease. Unleash your creativity and embrace the velvety texture and seamless blendability of these carefully chosen eyeshadows, ensuring a flawless finish every time. Beauty meets artistry in this must-have palette, a timeless addition to your makeup collection.

6

JAPONESQUE Eyeshadow Palette

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Elevate your eye game with the JAPONESQUE Velvet Touch Eyeshadow Palette—a Smokey Eyeshadow essential. This palette features 8 matte shades, ranging from light to dark, allowing you to craft mesmerizing, pigmented looks. The light, silky formula ensures seamless blending, while the long-lasting wear keeps your eyes captivating throughout the day or night. Discover the perfect balance of versatility and elegance, empowering you to create effortlessly chic and sultry eye makeup styles. Beauty meets functionality in this palette designed for the modern, confident individual.

7

Most Long-lasting Formula

Milani Eyeshadow Palette - Soft & Sultry

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For anyone who is looking for a long-lasting smokey eyeshadow palette, snatch a glimpse of Milani’s eyeshadow palette. It includes 12 matte, shimmery, and metallic eyeshadow colors that work for a variety of events and special occasions. In addition, the intense pigmentation and easy-to-blend velvety texture make it my go-to to elevate my LOTD by several notches. What is worth noticing is the fact that all the eyeshadows are cruelty-free and safe for sensitive skin!

8

Best for All Occasions

Vodisa Nude Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

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Based on my extensive research and findings, Vodisa’s nude eyeshadow palette for smokey eyes is every makeup enthusiast's favorite. With 18 matte and 7 shimmery shades, this eyeshadow palette will help you create a variety of smoky eye looks.  Secondly, all of them are intensely saturated, blendable, buildable, and long-lasting. What makes it stand out from the rest is the fact that the shades that it includes are all water-repellent and look great on neutral skin tones and oily skin ladies.

9

Best Dermatologically-tested

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips - Smokey Eyes

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Creating smokey eyes will no longer be challenging if you get your hands on Physicians Formula’s Shimmer Strips smoky eyeshadow palette. I glanced through the features of this palette and was stoked to see its range of 6 multi-reflective shimmer shades that will make your eyes look dramatic and glamorous. In addition, the eyeshadows are hypoallergenic and never make your eyelids feel heavy. So, for all those party animals or anyone who has a couple of special events to attend, do think of splurging on this beauty.

10

Most Cost-effective

COVERGIRL truNAKED Eyeshadow Palette - Smoky - 820

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Covergirl TruNaked palette is honestly among my favorites for plenty of reasons! Firstly, I adore its intensely pigmented and blendable shades that are suitable for every big and small celebration. Furthermore, this best smoky eyeshadow palette includes dark neutrals and universally flattering hues that make my eyes look flattering. What further makes it a big hit is its range of finishes — you get to indulge in a few matte, shimmery, and glittery shades to create extravagant smokey eyes.

11

Best for Beginners

Ecofavor Nude Gold Eyeshadow Palette

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Ecofavor Nude Gold eyeshadow palette is yet another classic beauty for all those who are struggling to create professional-like smokey eyes. What makes this smokey eyeshadow palette so special is its splendid range of colors that possess an ultra-velvety texture. In addition, its long-wearing formula and soft-focus effect pave the way to smooth application and flawless coverage. What’s more? With 15 eyeshadows possessing matte, metallic, and shimmer finishes, you can take your eye makeup game to a whole new level.

12

Most Versatile

Coastal Scents Revealed Eyeshadow Palette

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After glancing through endless comments and feedback, I got addicted to this beauty from Coastal Scents for three reasons. First, it contains 20 alluring nude and metallic hues that are just perfect for day as well as nightwear. Secondly, the eyeshadows have a smooth powdery texture that makes your blending job easy. Last but not least, the intense saturation of colors and longevity make it my go-to for achieving a variety of looks, be it minimal or dramatic.

13

SEPROFE Eyeshadow Palette - 18 Color

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With Seprofe eyeshadow palette, you can seamlessly take your eye makeup game up a notch. Yes, you read it right! This palette includes highly pigmented matte, shimmer, glittery, and shimmery shades that will help you create some fail-proof eye makeup that looks just like a professional. Furthermore, the eyeshadows’ water-resistant and creamy formula makes this palette a sheer winner. What I loved the most was the palette’s velvety-smooth texture and powdery formula that glides onto the lids like butter!

14

Anastasia Beverly Hills - Eyeshadow Palette - Soft Glam

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Excellent blendability and flattering shades are the two exact things that this eyeshadow palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills has to offer. With 14 eyeshadow shades from soft neutrals to bright sparkly tones, you can create plenty of subtle as well as dramatic eye makeup looks. Additionally, all of the shades promise an intense color payoff and desirable coverage. The most impressive part — the simple and compact packaging ensures a zero-fuss approach to mastering the art of creating smokey eyes.

15

SHANY Eyeshadow Palette - Ultra Shimmer

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While researching for the best smokey eyeshadow palette, Shany’s Ultra Shimmer palette got my attention. What left me in awe was the wide range of colors ideal for makeup experts, professionals, and novices. It includes 29 anti-crack matte shadows and 59 ultra-shimmer shadows to help you create every mesmerizing smokey eye look of your dreams. Additionally, the shades are really very pigmented and long-lasting. Believe me, this palette is all you need to unleash your inner makeup artist and master the skill of creating smokey eyes within minutes!

16

Afflano Neutral Soot Smokey Eyeshadow Makeup Palette

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For anyone who is on a quest to snag up an eyeshadow palette with neutral and subtle shades, Afflano’s Neutral Soot smokey eyeshadow makeup palette has to be your ideal pick. With an extensive range of shades and finish types, this palette ticks off all boxes. Firstly, it includes 12 shades of warm, and cool shades for day and nighttime wear. Secondly, the eyeshadows are pigmented and enduring. Last but not least, the exquisite eyeshadows blend seamlessly. Also note that this palette is crafted keeping in mind all skin tones and types!

17

Rimmel Glam'Eyes Quad Eyeshadow - Smokey Brun

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Lastly, I recommend the Rimmel Glam'Eyes Quad eyeshadow palette that is indeed a must-have for every makeup junkie. Whether you want to create some subtle or dramatic looks, this palette has got you covered. It consists of 4 neutral all-day wear shades that can be worn alone or mixed together. In addition, all of them possess a soft and easy-to-blend texture. Not to forget, the cute and sleek packaging that makes it travel-friendly.

That was my comprehensive list of the best smokey eyeshadow palettes. Now, let me run you through a detailed buying guide.

Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best eyeshadow palette for smokey eyes.

Shades: Make sure you analyze the shades that the smokey eye makeup palette has to offer. I recommend picking a perfect palette that includes buildable shades, matte shades, lightest shades, and vibrant shades that allow you to create a variety of looks. 

Finish Type: Analyze the finish type of the eyeshadows that the smokey eye eyeshadow palette comes with. Pick a versatile palette that has a mix of matte, shimmery, metallic, and glittery shades as it will help you master the art of creating smoldering smokey eyes with ease. Matte ones will create a base, whereas the rest will add a dose of glam to your eyes and make them look dramatic. 

Pigmentation: Ensure that you get your hands on the best eyeshadow palette for smokey eyes that contains highly pigmented shades and buildable pigment promising rich color payoff. It is wise to choose the ones that are blendable, buildable, and offer great coverage.  

Ingredients: Make sure that you pay heed to the list of ingredients that are mentioned on the packaging of the best smokey eyeshadow palette that you are planning to buy. Pick the one that is crafted from clean and natural ingredients and free from harsh ingredients, toxins, and chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.

Longevity: I advise you to splurge on the best eyeshadow for smokey eyes promising long-lasting wear for up to 8 to 12 hours. 

Formula: Always snag ophthalmologically-tested, hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free smokey eye makeup palettes with eyeshadows possessing a blendable formula and soft textures to prevent eye allergies or any irritation. 

After taking note of the aspects mentioned above, allow me to acquaint you with a few other vital things to pen down to create flawless smokey eyes.

Below are a few essentials that you need to create a smokey eye look like a pro - 

1. Primer to ensure easily blendability 
2. Concealer to even out skin tone
3. Eyeliner to define your eyes better
4. Eye makeup brushes and beauty blenders for the ease of blending

With these essentials, nothing can stop you from creating drop-dead gorgeous smokey eyes. Scroll down to learn how to create them. 

The following are a few steps to create smokey eyes with utmost ease - 

1. Begin applying the primer.
2. Apply foundation to even out your skin tone. 
3. Apply a lighter shade of eyeshadow onto your eyelids and near your lash line.
4. Then apply a deeper shade on the crease and outer corners of your eyes.
5. Blend the eyeshadows with the help of a makeup brush or use your ring finger. 
6. Seal your look by applying eyeliner onto the rims of your eyes.

Tada, you are done! Now, allow me to acquaint you with the correct way of choosing the right color or shade for smokey eye makeup.

Choosing the right shade for a smokey eye makeup look isn’t challenging. All you need to do is pick any color that compliments your skin tone. It is wise to choose a lighter shade or color like gold, bronze, or silver. Secondly, you should use a darker shade that compliments your lighter skin tone. 

Next, come along with me to learn a few tips for creating everyday or dramatic makeup looks as per your eye shape.

Below are a few tricks that will aid in creating fabulous smokey eyes for 3 eye shapes like a breeze -

For Close-set Eyes

1. Begin applying a lighter shade of eyeshadow as a base to the inner half of the eyelid.
2. Apply a medium shade of the eyeshadow at the center of your eyelid.
3. Extend the eyeshadows in the outward direction.
4. Begin applying the darkest eyeshadow shade at the outer corners.
5. Blend well with the help of your ring finger, eyeshadow brush, or fluffy brush.

For Monolids 

1. Apply a dark or deeper shade of eyeshadow near your lash line.
2. Apply medium shade in the center and blend upwards.
3. Apply a lighter shade on the top of it and blend everything well.
4. Apply dark or black eyeliner to complete the look.

For Almond-shaped Eyes: 

1. Apply a lighter shade on the inner half of your eyes.
2. Apply a medium shade on the outer half.
3. Blend both of the eyeshadows well.
4. Apply a dark shade of your eyeshadow along the outer corners of your upper and lower lash lines. 

Tada, you are done!

See, I told you, creating a smokey eye makeup look isn’t that difficult! Now, let us walk you through the benefits of investing in a smokey eye palette.

Below are a few benefits of owning an eyeshadow palette with a varied range of shades to create the best smokey eye makeup look - 

1. The eyeshadows in the palette allow you to create versatile eye makeup looks.
2. It accentuates the beauty of your eyes.
3. It spruces up the glory of your natural eyes. 
4. It adds drama to your overall look.
5. It makes your eyes look more vibrant.
6. It will help to fake the appearance of a crease.

That was all about the best smokey eyeshadow palettes that you should think of snagging right away. Trust me, these eyeshadow palettes will be your companion forever. So, get set to unleash your inner makeup artist and master the art of creating smokey eyes with the right essentials at your hands. Pick any of the palettes from my list of recommendations and I assure you that you will be the one gathering all compliments. All thanks to the matte, shimmery, metallic, glittery finishes, and warm and cool shades that every palette has to offer!