To be completely honest, eyeshadow has always scared me a little bit. I’ve never been one to wear a ton of makeup, so eyeshadow was one of the last items I added to my makeup arsenal. But I’m so glad I finally did, because it can make a huge difference whether you want a subtle look or a look that pops! Since I don’t wear a lot of makeup, my nighttime look usually consists of my daytime look with the addition of eyeshadow and lipstick. And I’ve found it so helpful to find affordable eyeshadow palettes to help me get the look I want without spending a ton of money.
Good quality, affordable makeup palettes aren’t always easy to come by. Some eyeshadow palettes are extremely expensive, and as someone who isn’t a huge makeup person, it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of money on something I don’t use very often. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to find the best affordable eyeshadow that stays put and is highly pigmented for gorgeous color.
One of the best tricks I’ve learned is to always, always apply an eyeshadow base before your eye shadow. It ensures the color actually looks like the color in the palette, rather than a dulled out version. Using a base can totally transform how the shadow looks, so if you haven’t been using one, get on it, stat!
Also make sure to invest in a good quality makeup eye brush set. It can make a world of difference for application, and will completely enhance your look. Low quality brushes can ruin eyeshadows from the best quality palette, so make sure you’re using the right tools!
RELATED: 12 MAKEUP BRUSHES EVERY GIRL NEEDS!
If you’ve been searching for high quality, affordable eyeshadow palettes, take your pick from these 10 drugstore eyeshadows you need to know about!
BYS Essentials Contour, Brow and Eye Shadow Palette
I love the neutral shades in this eye shadow palette. They’re very wearable whether you want something for daytime or night. Plus, this combo comes with a contour and brow palette so you get three in one! The palette contains matte and shimmer eyeshadows, and they’re easy to apply, formulated with quality ingredients.
Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow Quad
These rich, velvety shades will last up to 16 hours so you can wear them from day to night. You can choose from 12 coordinated palettes to fit your needs, and at such a great price, why not invest in a couple? The shadows won’t crease or smudge and they won’t irritate sensitive eyes.
L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Eyeshadow
With a mix of gorgeous shimmers and smooth mattes, this eyeshadow palette is perfect for those who love variation. The colors are all deeply pigmented to enhance your features, and the variety of colors and textures allows you to create different looks from day to night. The palette also comes with a double-ended brush and mirror so you can take it on the go!
e.l.f. 32 Piece All About Eyes Palette
32 shades for $10, plus a brush and primer? Count me in! This e.l.f. eyeshadow palette has light to dark, bright to sultry and everything in between. It’s the crème de la crème when it comes to eyeshadow palettes and e.l.f. is one of the best affordable makeup brands out there!
BH Cosmetics Wild Child Baked Eyeshadow Palette
This palette comes with some of the season’s must have eye shadow colors. From soft pink to lilac hues, and statement making golds, you can create whatever look you want with these baked eyeshadows. BH Cosmetics is known for having one of the best pigmented eyeshadow products, so you know you’re getting quality at a good price.
Maybelline New York The Blushed Nudes
This eyeshadow palette comes with 12 nude shades that are perfectly blushed. The soft colors will create endless looks you can wear for different occasions. Infused with rose gold pigments, each color has a bit of shimmer to give your eyes a glow. The palette also comes with a guide to let you know which colors work best together.
L’Oreal Colour Riche La Palette
These shades were curated with professionals in mind, and that’s how you know it’s good! Whether you want a soft or bold look, this palette lets you master different trends with easy application and rich pigmentation. The 10-color palette also contains 3 finishes: shimmery satin, buttery matte and lustrous sheen to create even more dimension in your looks.
Palladio Silk FX Eyeshadow Palette
This eyeshadow palette is so rich and velvety, it’s hard to resist! It’s a liquid-to-powder formula that glides on smoothly, and lasts for 8-12 hours when used with primer. Make your eyes pop with these hues that were created to take you from day to night with multiple gorgeous color combinations.
Keyzone 8 Colors Eyeshadow Palette Set
These shimmering shades are perfect for a luxe event or party. Its long-lasting formula provides pigmented colors that you can combine to create various gorgeous looks. It’s easy to apply and goes on smoothly, and also works well for sensitive skin. The colors are pretty and they blend well together, so have fun creating your looks!
Lamora Exposed Eyeshadow Palette
Feminine and beautiful, this luxuriously pigmented eyeshadow palette comes with 16 colors. They have amazing stay power and blendability, with every finish imaginable. The velvety smooth shadows perform wet or dry, and with its natural color range and nude hues, this palette will enhance your eyes to perfection.
Abody 120 Colors Eyeshadow Makeup Palette
With 120 options to choose from, this eyeshadow palette contains muted tones that will help you create any look you desire. The baking powder eyeshadow is perfect for you if you’re looking for matte shadows that can highlight and emphasize your eyes. It’s an affordable way to get a wide range of colors that will fit your needs for any occasion!