5 of the Best Matte Eyeshadow Palettes You Should Try

(Last Updated On: July 1, 2019)

One of the hottest makeup trends for this season seems to be matte eyeshadow. It really adds a chic but edgy style to any look, and achieving it happens to be fairly easy too, and it suits almost all eye shapes. What’s not to love?

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How To Wear It

Wearing it the right way takes more than just having the right product. It’s a bit of a science that can be perfected through a few key steps, and sufficient practice of course. Also check out how to tightline.

Here are a few tips on how to get this trending look right, from the start.

  • Dotted: Add a pop of color to your look. Literally. Blot a bit of color just below the lash line to brighten your look.
  • Explicit Liner: You can follow up a lashing of the eyeshadow with a line of wet liquid eyeliner for a bit of edge. Just be sure to use complementing colors like deep violet and lilac to really bring out this look.
  • Smudge It Up: Smudging the outer corners can really make the eyes pop. To blend this seamlessly with the rest of your makeup, you should apply your eye makeup first, and then continue with the rest of your face thereafter.
  • A Dash: Leave a clean dash in the middle by applying liner only on the inner and outer edges. You can use a bright color like bright pink for this, to make your eyes stand out even more.
  • Two-tone Neutrals: A cream colored shade on the eyelids you should be followed up with a lashing of taupe on the upper side of your lash line for a refined neutral look.

Tips For Applying

  • To avoid lighter shades blending in too much and disappearing, give the brush handle a delicate tap to loosen excess powder prior to application. Speaking of which, patting the powder instead of gliding it over the eyelid will also give it staying power.
  • If your eyeshadow is stiff, you can loosen it up by stabbing it with a soft brush and then applying it. Fluffy brushes work well for blending in general, but more so when it comes to stiff powders.

 

  • If you’re applying more than one shade, you should start by applying them first, then blending, instead of applying and blending as you go.
  • Another great tip is to first apply a base color on your eyelid, one that is closer to your natural skin tone, before applying darker or brighter shades, as preferred. Translucent powder does the job just as well, by the way.

 

  • To make your eye make up last longer, gently apply a thin layer of setting powder on top of the eyelid primer. This also helps to blend flawlessly and the end result is exquisite!
  • For those with naturally oily eyelids, it’s good to add multiple base layers to soak up the oil, prior to applying the actual eyeshadow. Basically, you can start with primer, followed by setting powder, base shadow (same color as your skin tone), and then your desired shade on top.
  • If you struggle with using a brush, you can opt for a sponge tip applicator instead. This tip works especially well for colorful tones.

How To Choose Your Eyeshadow

Step 1: Pick Your Palette

For good results, you should pick a color palette that complements your skin tone and hair color. Other factors to consider would be the types of colors that you prefer wearing the most, and whether you’ll be wearing it to the office or during a night out.

For example, richer shades like emerald green, bronze and copper work well for darker skin tones, while rosy pinks and chrome beige looks great on pale skin tones and brings out the color in green eyes. Blue-eyed beauties on the other hand, should go for metallics and charcoal greys, which are great go-to colors for any skin tone by the way.

Step 2: What About Shimmer?

Some palettes come with a combination of shimmery shades as well as matte ones, while others just come with shimmery shades only. Deciding on which one to pick should be based on your taste, but here are some other variables to consider, just in case.

A little goes a long way is a good rule of thumb when it comes to applying shimmery shades. You don’t want to look too over the top after all. My advice would be to stick to matte shades during the day and opt for shimmery shades only when going out at night, or for special occasions.

Step 3: The Quality

You can tell the difference between good quality one and a knock-off by the texture. Good quality ones are usually thick yet soft textured and are really easy to apply. And it’s super easy to blend as well, whether you’re using a wet or dry brush.

Also, you have to apply more layers of cheaper ones than you would with a slightly more expensive and good quality option. A high quality eyeshadow and primer will also ensure that your makeup has staying power, while avoiding smears and melting episodes. Brush quality will make or break a look as well, so it’s good to go with good quality option on that one as well.

LORAC Unzipped Palette

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This palette comes with a combination of both matte and shimmer shades in neutral tones. It’s a versatile selection of shadows that actually works as well for lighter skin tones as it does for darker ones. It’s smooth texture makes it really easy to blend and a little goes a long way, which means that it’ll last you for some time to come. You get a Behind-the-Scenes Primer as an extra when you purchase this palette.

Why It’s So Popular:
– Comes with 6 shimmer shades and 4 matte ones in flattering, velvety-smooth tones
– The texture is rich and buttery, which makes it really easy to apply. It just glides onto the skin.
– The colors are well pigmented and the powder never falls out
– You only have to apply a little of this powder to get the desired effect
– You can apply this using either a wet or dry brush, it’s not fussy
– Compact and slim casing makes this really easy to travel with

 


jane iredale Naturally

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This elegantly packaged palette consists of five easy to blend shades, made from a mineral based formula. It’s really easy to put on and blend, and it’ll last you for a long time. And it’s especially flattering for lighter and pale skin tones. Great for sensitive eyes.

Why It’s So Popular:
– I absolutely love the compact rose gold case that this palette comes in, I could buy it just for that.
– It’s highly pigmented and super easy to blend
– This particular palette is great when you’re going for that ‘au-naturelle’ look
– I love how long-wearing this is. It literally stays on and looks flawless for the whole day.
– It comes with it’s own applicator wand for even easier application.
– A little goes a really long way

Keep In Mind:
– You have to shell out quite a bit for this one, but it’s totally worth it.


theBalm Meet Trimony

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In this palette, you’ll find a selection of nine versatile shades with quirky names like Matt Ahmed and Matt lopez. Each of the colors is unique so you can use it for both your daytime and nighttime looks alike.

Why It’s So Popular:
– The creative packaging and offbeat names given to these shades will make you smile
– Very smooth and rich texture
– Well pigmented and easy to blend
– This palette comes with differently colored shades that you can use to create several looks
– They’re paraben and cruelty free

Keep In Mind:
– The packaging could use some improvement.


LORAC Pro

Check price and more details here

With this palette, LORAC has gone for a more edgy look and 8 well-pigmented shades in rich and slightly darker tones, which are great for dark skin tones. It’s a very versatile palette with shades that can be used as eyeshadow, or highlighter for your cheeks and brows. As the name suggests, this one’s for the pros and can be used for both high fashion looks as well as simpler day-to-day looks.

Why It’s So Popular:
– You can apply this with either a wet or dry brush
– You get a versatile number of colors and shades that can be used for both daytime and nighttime looks
– The colors are all highly pigmented and you don’t have to apply too much to get the desired effect
– It’s compact size makes this a very travel-friendly palette
– It’s really easy to apply and blend

Keep In Mind:
– The texture is a bit powdery and tends to fall out when applied with normal eyeshadow brush.
– You might need more than one layer if you’ve got oily lids


theBalm – Meet Matte(e) Nude Palette

Check price and more details here

This palette comes with a total of nine shades with a creamy texture and really weird names. They’re really easy to apply and blend smoothly on the skin. They’re also long-wearing and cater to a variety of looks and skin tones.

Why It’s So Popular:
– Paraben and cruelty free
– It’s a versatile palette with shades that can take you from day to night
– A single application is usually enough for these to show up on your eyelids, even if you have a darker skin tone.
– Great value for money, these can last.
– Highly pigmented with very little fallout
– Smooth and creamy texture makes this really easy to apply and blend

 


Conclusion

Hopefully our guide to matte eyeshadow will help you find the right palette for your preferences and your budget. While it’s true that most of these go with almost any skin tone, taking the advantages and disadvantages into consideration, you should be able to find one that’s perfect for you in every way. Happy shopping!

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