31 best eyeshadow palettes that are perfect for the autumn/winter season – and loved by our beauty editors
When it comes to makeup, eyeshadow palettes can make a huge difference to your look. And let's face it – there's no better time to spice up things up than during autumn, when your eyelids can compliment the falling leaves and give out major pumpkin spice vibes. Yep: it's time to swap out your bright neon shades and those pretty pastels for warm tones and darker hues.
Of course, you can never go wrong with nude and neutral eyeshadow palettes no matter the seasonal aesthetic, but when it comes to eye makeup, isn't it wayyy more fun to go out of your comfort zone and experiment? After all, eyeshadow palettes pretty much the wardrobe of the makeup world. Open them up, and depending on how you feel, you can pick out a new ‘outfit’ for your eyes by pairing different staples with wildcard shades.
But we get it; shopping for a new eyeshadow palette can be daunting. Not only are there hundreds to choose from, but what we want out of a palette can vary. While some want a 20-pan option with tons of colourful shades (particularly this one with smoky blue tones that are perfect for autumn), others may prefer a quad with a tight edit of wearable nudes that can be swept on with fingers. And once you finally find a palette that you love, it can change your makeup game forever.
Still, narrowing down which of the best eyeshadow palettes are suitable for you isn't the easiest of tasks – especially if you consider the hundreds of options that are out there that are perfect for an autumn/winter look. So, to help inform your choice, we've put together a carefully curated edit of all the very best eyeshadow palettes for every budget and preference. Whether you're looking for matte, metallic or nude shades to coat your eyelids, we've got everything from all-time classics to budget finds.
Best eyeshadow palettes at a glance – our top three favourites
- Best eyeshadow palette for every occasion: NARS Unrated Eyeshadow Palette, £50, Cult Beauty
- Best pigmented eyeshadow palette: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette, £46, Cult Beauty
- Best nude eyeshadow palette: Too Faced Born This Way The Natural Nudes Skin-Centric Eyeshadow Palette, £40, Cult Beauty
Here's what you need to know (and her routine).
Which shade is best for you this autumn/winter, you ask? It depends entirely on your personal taste. Smoky shades like dark brown, charcoal and deep bronzes are a faithful go-to. Then you have your wild cards, like bright blue or sultry burgundy you switch to for something a bit different for a future, unforeseen occasion.
Your safest bet would likely be to identify the shades you're drawn to and often use. Which single shadow do you always get to the bottom of? Do you go for champagnes, bronzes, greys, browns? Next, work out whether you prefer cool or warm tones. Start by making sure you find a palette that has several of the sorts of shades you wear every day, as these are the shadows you'll be using the most.
Next, consider how you like to amp up your makeup for the evening or fancy occasions, whether with smoky shades (like midnight blue or burgundy) or bold, bright pigments. Then, determine, realistically, how many shades you'd actually use. If you're a minimalist, stick with a quad; if you like a few options but not too many, choose a palette with around six shades. If you want to experiment, go for more.
Scroll for the best eyeshadow palettes on the market right now…
Why we love it: Rihanna's done it again. This time, she's come up with a game-changing portable mini eyeshadow palette that contains 6 rich, blendable shades in a range of matte to shimmer finishes. The best part? It'll fit in any makeup bag, and you can snap together any two palettes to double your collection while keeping it perfectly compact.
Why we love it: This miniature eyeshadow palette comes with four intense, magnetic shadows, al of which have a trio-chrome finish. With just one swipe, you can create glam, glittery looks that last, thanks to its super-soft formula that has minimal fall-out and doesn’t even require a primer or glitter glue.
Looking for big savings? Check out these Beauty Bay discount codes when shopping for the best eyeshadow palettes.
Why we love it: Warm up your look with these 16 gorgeous shades that feature all the colours of autumn. It features all the golds, reds, and oranges your brushes could dream of with the richest hues, deepest tones, and epic pigment payoff. Did we mention it also boasts effortless blendabilty and major staying power?
Why we love it: If we're going purely based on the shade-to-price ratio, this palette offers the best value than any other on the market right now. With 42 different shades, this vegan and cruelty-free palette feature all the reds and pinks that you could possibly need. Plus, Barbie-core is the biggest aesthetic trend of 2022, so why not try it out on your eyelids?
Looking for big savings? Check out these Beauty Bay discount codes when shopping for the best eyeshadow palettes.
Why we love it: The Dior Backstage line is a great collection that's heavily inspired by the energy backstage at Dior's runway shows. With shades that suit all skin tones, this palette has versatile and buildable textures to help you create an array of pro-eye makeup looks, ranging from the most natural to the most sophisticated.
Enjoy up to 40% off when shopping for the best eyeshadow palettes with these FeelUnique discount codes.
Why we love it: In the mood for a creamy eyeshadow texture with vivid colour payoff? This palette from Lancome comes with 5 shades that range from matte to metallic – all intensely pigmented and long-wear to create both classic and playful eyeshadow looks that are easy to apply on the go.
Why we love it: This multitasking eyeshadow palette has a bit of everything for everyone – with highly saturated hues of blendable neutrals, this palette really does do it all. Each shade can be used to line and define or sculpt and shade, making it the perfect travel companion for creating iconic looks on the go.
Enjoy up to 40% off when shopping for the best eyeshadow palettes with these FeelUnique discount codes.
Why we love it: Too Faced's bestselling pumpkin pie-inspired eye shadow palette is almost here. This eyeshadow palette features 18 warm and spicy shades in various finishes that will remind you of your favourite mid-morning pumpkin spice latte. A perfect blend of 10 creamy mattes, four metallic, one satin, and three shimmer eyeshadows.
Enjoy up to 70% when you shop for the best eyeshadow palettes with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: This limited-edition palette from Estee Lauder not only looks amazing, but it also hosts a range of matte and shimmering shades, all perfect for adding drama and definition to your eyes. It comes with 9 silky smooth and ultra-blendable shades.
Why we love it: You're about to be amazed because this pan palette contains a whopping 39 different colours to choose from. Curated by James Charles himself, this palette is designed to encourage experimentation and give you the chance to get your creative juices flowing.
Enjoy up to 70% when you shop for the best eyeshadow palettes with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: “Do It For The Graham”? It's hard not to fall in love with an eyeshadow palette with a sense of humour. The best part is that this palette also has Instagram-worthy shades that serve up a dozen delectable hues to add drama and dimension to your lids. Each of them is richly pigmented and long-lasting too.
Why we love it: If you're looking for range, then this is the one for you. The NYX Professional Makeup Utopia Palette has 40 impressive shades, each fully-loaded with high-power pigment. It has all the shades you'll need this autumn/winter, including shades of spiced ginger, deep mahogany and shiny coral.
Enjoy up to 70% when you shop for the best eyeshadow palettes with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: Lime Crime’s Greatest Hits Banger Eye and Face Palette features a carefully curated edit of shades for the eyes and face. Here, you'll find 18 pans in various nude, pink, and grunge shades. Definitely one for the shortlist.
Why we love it: This mini palette just scream luxury and comes in a sleek, palm-sized compact. Each product features four wearable shades – and the best part is that there are seven different palettes to choose from. Whether you're a fan of a natural look or a more bold one, there's truly something for every occasion.
Enjoy up to 70% when you shop for the best eyeshadow palettes with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: This affordable eyeshadow palette contains twelve complementary shades. The versatile, all-in-one colours can be used as eyeshadows, eyeliners and highlighters and can even be applied both dry and wet depending on desired intensity. It even comes with a dual-ended applicator brush, giving you even more bang for your buck.
Why we love it: Designed with romantic rose nude hues, the palette is extremely versatile. It contains 8 different shades that all lend themselves to both everyday looks and striking nighttime styles. Each shade is baked to perfection, allowing for rich, buildable pigment that applies in just one swipe.
Enjoy up to 70% when you shop for the best eyeshadow palettes with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: This eyeshadow palette features 16 shades, including those with matte, satin and glitter finishes. In terms of shades, the product includes matte neutrals and warm, glow-giving bronzes to exotic pink hues and metallic golds, making it perfect for every season, occasion and mood.
Save big when shopping for the best eyeshadow palettes with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Why we love it: Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk Dreams Luxury Palette is a must-have, especially if you're already a fan of the brand's lipsticks that match its shades. This palette includes four shades of eyeshadow, designed to be used individually or together to create the perfect day-to-day look.
Why we love it: This Modern Renaissance palette features 14 highly-pigmented powders in a rainbow of pinks, taupes and berries. It also comes with a handy dual-ended soft bristle brush for seamless application and diffusion that makes this palette an absolute joy to use.
Save big when shopping for the best eyeshadow palettes with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Why we love it: Perfect for creating minimalistic nude looks, Too Faced Born This Way comes with colours that can complement any complexion. Each shade also contains skin-loving extracts such as coconut water, alpine rose and hyaluronic acid, making it incredibly delicate on your lids. I mean, it's practically a skincare product that acts like a moisturiser while you wear it.
Why we love it: Don’t miss out on Urban Decay's incredible edit of desert-hued shadows that practically scream autumn. This palette features 12 sandy-hued shades that are just perfect whenever you’re ready to dial up the drama. Definitely one for the wishlist.
Save big when shopping for the best eyeshadow palettes with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Why we love it: Fan of a bolder, more punk-rock look? Say no more. This eyeshadow palette from Natasha Denona features platinum silver, charcoal and true black shades, giving you everything you could possibly need to create the perfect smokey cat eye. Pair it with your favourite mascara and watch everyone's jaws drop.
Why we love it: This bronze powder palette comes equipped with ten highly pigmented shades in matte and metallic finishes. All of them have velvety smooth, easy-to-blend formulas that glide on effortlessly. It's a really versatile eyeshadow palette too since it has a perfect mix of light to dark, cool, and warm shades with a few multidimensional pops.
Looking for big savings? Check out these Selfridges discount codes when shopping for the best eyeshadow palettes.
Why we love it: This versatile eyeshadow palette is a combination of the most pigmented matte colours, as well as sparkly and vibrant metallic textures. Each shade is also long-lasting and water-resistant, which is more than optimal for everyday wear.
Why we love it: Buildable, blendable and highly pigmentated, each of the 20 shades found on this palette has a silky texture that’s easy to apply and yields long-lasting results. Endless makeup opportunities, especially for those searching for a more glittery and vibrant look.
Why we love it: Each mini palette comes with 9 seductive variations of the sexiest nude shades created specifically to suit every skin tone and eye colour. It features an incredible shade range too, from buttery mattes, super-shimmery shadows and complementary metallic shades, all with smooth and blendable textures.
Save up to 50% off when you shop for the best eyeshadow palettes with these Boots discount codes.
Why we love it: The Burgundy Bar Eyeshadow Palette from Maybelline features 12 eyeshadows of deep velvet hues with a hint of glint. Overall, a perfect combination of different neutral and garnet tones, from soft beige to dark maroon or earth tones.
Why we love it: The bareMinerals MINERALIST Eyeshadow Palette features 6 richly pigmented eyeshadows. Each of the shades has a clean, vegan and talc-free formula that is long-wearing, crease-proof and made with cold-pressed botanicals to nourish and smooth skin. Did we mention that each product also comes in fully recyclable rose gold packaging?
Save up to 50% off when you shop for the best eyeshadow palettes with these Boots discount codes.
Why we love it: It's impossible not to love this luxurious line-up of buttery-smooth golds, coppers, browns, and neutrals. All the shades also come in a variety of textures, including intensely pigmented mattes, creamy gel-liner hybrids and foiled chrome metallics. Where do we sign up?
Why we love it: Who says space vibes don't mix with autumn/winter? It's incredibly easy to let your imagination run wild when you have these 18 heavenly hues in captivatingly creamy textures by your side. Perfect if you like brighter-looking lids.
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
