While we love rocking bright pinks and corals on our lids, there's no denying that moody plums, soft browns and olives can further enhance our makeup looks. Whether you love subtle nude hues like the ones found in the Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette ($69) or prefer the bold shimmers included in the Pat McGrath Mothership X Moonlight Seduction Eyeshadow Palette ($128), each of the palettes on this list are little treasure troves of color that will give you the most bang for your buck. We also consulted two professional makeup artists to help vet this list to bring you the 16 best warm eyeshadow palettes that will make your eyes pop.
16 Warm Eyeshadow Palettes We’ll Be Wearing on All Season Long
Including Pat McGrath, Chanel and more
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Published Mar 30, 2024
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The Best Warm Eyeshadow Palettes at a Glance
1
Best Matte
Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Eyeshadow Palette
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2
Best Jewel-Tones
Chanel Les 4 Ombres Byzance Eyeshadow Palette
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3
Best Scent
Too Faced Maple Syrup Pancakes Eyeshadow Palette
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4
Best Clean
Kosas Undressed Eyeshadow Palette
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5
Best Bright Shades
Charlotte Tilbury The Beautyverse Palette
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Meet the Experts
- Marlena Orlowska is a sought after makeup artist and master hairstylist/colorist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. Based in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, she specializes in bridal looks that range from effortless glamorous to boldly fashion-forward.
- Aimée Carr is the creator and founder of all-natural Voodoo Makeup, a cosmetic collection featuring vegan, cruelty-free products that are formulated without mycotoxins, or compounds caused by mold or major allergens. Carr is also a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with fashion designers, models and national beauty pageant contestants.
How We Chose the Best Warm Eyeshadow Palettes
In addition to getting recommendations for the best warm eyeshadow palettes from two professional makeup artists, we expanded our list to include the highest-rated palettes that addressed a multitude of needs for all eye looks and occasions. We also took into account the shade profiles of each palette (nude vs bold) and finishes included (shimmer, matte, cream). Here's a list of 16 picks you’ll definitely want to keep in your collection.
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Best Matte
1. Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- a mix of cream and powder shadows
- vegan formula
- cruelty-free
What We Don't Like
- not super blendable
- pricey
Patrick Ta
This versatile palette offers the ultimate contour for your eyes, making it Carr’s top pick for warm palettes. She suggests using the two cream bases to sculpt your peepers and create “major dimension” before sweeping on the powders to take your look from an upgraded everyday face to one that’s event-worthy. Reviewers also say the cream shadows can be used as an eyeliner with an angled brush to create a defined cat eye.
Fast Facts
- Shades: 12
- Finish: matte
Best Jewel-Tones
2. Chanel Les 4 Ombres Byzance Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- great color payoff
- nice, sturdy packaging
- ophthalmologist-tested
What We Don't Like
- pricey
- limited shade selection
Chanel
This quad eyeshadow palette is like jewelry for the eyes—and consider us dazzled. That’s because it was actually designed to emulate the jewel tones of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s Byzantine jewelry collection, from the vibrant shades of green and burgundy to the hammered gold packaging, which is meant to evoke the look of a gold bracelet. According to both experts, shades of greens (albeit a more emerald tone), as well as crimson are great choices to add to your makeup look.
Fast Facts
- Shades: four
- Finish: shimmer
Best Scent
3. Too Faced Maple Syrup Pancakes Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- good value
- luxe wear
- delicious scent
- cruelty-free
What We Don't Like
- scent may be too subtle for some
Too Faced
We never thought we'd find an eyeshadow palette that smells like our favorite breakfast item, but now that it exists, we don’t know how we lived without it. Inspired by maple syrup pancakes, this palette isn’t just about the yummy scent; the eyeshadows are phenomenal as well. It features 18 warm and buttery shades (and some of Carr's recommended purple hues) with fun names like "Breakfast in Bed," "Brunch Bubbles" and "Kiss My Griddle." As one reviewer shares, “The shadows are very pigmented, easy to blend and the shimmers are just so gorgeous and easy to use.”
Fast Facts
- Shades: 18
- Finishes: matte, shimmer
Best Clean
4. Kosas Undressed Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- contains clean ingredients
- smooth application
What We Don't Like
- not super shimmery
- difficult to remove
Kosas
Crafted with skincare ingredients like natural cucumber extract, the eyeshadow palette aims to soothe sensitive skin above and around eyes. The shadows are also free of parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and more. While I (Anna) can’t say my eyelids felt much different after trying it, the shadow does sweep on smoothly. I also found that it packed a punch as far as pigment was concerned (though to be fair, I have über-fair skin). The shade also makes a difference: "Hint" is pretty tough to see, as it’s meant to be a neutral base, but "Peek" and "Gaze" offer a lot more bang for your buck. My only complaint is that this palette definitely leans more on the matte side, and the shadows can be quite difficult to remove (though I suppose this could also be a pro when considering longevity).
Fast Facts
- Shades: eight
- Finishes: matte, shimmer
Best Bright Shades
5. Charlotte Tilbury The Beautyverse Palette
What We Like
- buildable formula
- contains shimmery eyeshadows
- high-quality packaging
What We Don't Like
- pricey
- lighter metallics may be too subtle for light skin tones
Charlotte Tilbury
When a nude palette feels a little too basic, this Charlotte Tilbury pick is sure to kick your look up a notch. Sure, it has your warm suedes and deep chocolate browns, but they’re balanced out by a set of more sparkly pinks and lilacs, making for a nice overall selection. After trying it, I like that the colors are highly buildable—you won’t have any “Mimi from Drew Carey” moments. Regardless of how vibrant the colors look in the palette, you can make them as light or as dark as you choose. In fact, some of the lighter metallics may actually be *too* subtle for those with more fair skin tones without quite a few passes over the lid, but the purple hues pack a serious punch when layered. You may experience some minimal fallout from the glitter, but we think it’s worth the cleanup.
Fast Facts
- Shades: nine
- Finishes: matte, metallic
Best Budget
6. Milani Gilded Terra Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- budget-friendly
- cruelty-free
- buttery feel
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers find it isn't pigmented enough
Milani
If you don’t want to break the bank on your eyeshadow (especially if you’re stepping out of your comfort zone), Milani is one of the most affordable brands we’ve used. This palette will let you try out a mix of 15 soft mattes and rich shimmers for just $20. Reviewers say it performs the way we’ve come to expect from the brand, which is like a high-end equivalent—even for those who have sensitive eyes. The bright and light-reflective colors are also praised for being highly pigmented and super smooth.
Fast Facts
- Shades: 15
- Finishes: matte, shimmer
Best Nude Shades
7. Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- extremely blendable
- cruelty-free
- versatile
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Natasha Denona
This palette takes it back to the basics with 15 hues you can use any time of the year—particularly those taupe browns and neutrals that Orlowska loves so much. We love that it includes both shimmery and matte finishes, so you can amp up your look or dial it down, and reviewers say “these shades blend like a dream,” so you know that your look will be flawless, even if you have an accidental smudge. It’s also cruelty-, paraben- and mineral-free.
Fast Facts
- Shades: 15
- Finishes: matte, shimmer
Best Splurge
8. Pat McGrath Mothership X: Moonlit Seduction Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- display-worthy packaging
- cruelty-free
- Black-owned
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Pat McGrath Labs
Searching for a splurge-worthy palette? Look no further than this Pat McGrath pick. From the collectible packaging you'll want to leave on display to the velvet mattes and astral shimmers within, this palette comes highly recommended by many. Yes, it's the most expensive one on the list, but reviewers say its worth the price because the shadows are highly pigmented with a satin finish that lasts all day—particularly when it comes to those ultra-warm terracottas and deep plums on the left. "This is so stunning! Her special shimmers are incredible [and] the mattes blend like a dream. Plus, I have had my current look on for nine hours and there is absolutely no creasing!" shares one Sephora shopper.
Fast Facts
- Shades: ten
- Finishes: matte, shimmer
Best Bold Shades
9. Anastasia Beverly Hills Fall Romance Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- highly pigmented
- nice texture
- cruelty-free
What We Don't Like
- hard to apply glitter shadows
Anastasia Beverly Hills
When you want to make a beauty statement, this highly color-saturated palette will do the trick. It includes 12 dark and bold shades that range from deeply jewel toned shimmers to show-stopping metallics for a multitude of occasion-worthy eye combos. They’ve also got a texture worthy of their heart-stopping color, per one reviewer, who writes, “The shades are so buttery and pigment is 11/10. Obsessed.” Same!
Fast Facts
- Shades: 12
- Finishes: matte, shimmer
Best Design
10. Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette
What We Like
- oil-controlling formulation
- unique two-in-one design
- Black-owned
What We Don't Like
- strong scent
Danessa Myricks Beauty
For every pomade shadow this unique palette contains, there’s a coordinating contouring powder to go with it, which gives you endless looks. "It's very versatile, as I can use it for my eyes, brows and even my lips. The palette offers all the shades I need to add warmth to my skin; my favorites are "Sculpted," "Harvest" and "Tourmaline." Plus, it's formulated with upsalite, a chemical material that’s used to control oils and smooth texture to ensure long-lasting wear," says Chelsea Candelario, associate editor at PureWow.
Fast Facts
- Shades: 20
- Finish: matte
Most Popular
11. Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- includes brush
- buttery texture
- cruelty-free
What We Don't Like
- shimmery shades can create fallout
Urban Decay
Urban Decay palettes are legendary, and odds are, most makeup devotees have owned one at some point or another. Naked3 is the latest in their collection, and if the 6,000 5-star reviews are any indicator, it doesn’t disappoint. With “buttery-smooth” mattes and highly blendable hues, we’re particularly drawn to the chestnut shades, which are right in line with Carr’s recs. The palette also includes a double-ended brush for precise application, so you’ll be set to create the perfect eye look anytime.
Fast Facts
- Shades: 12
- Finishes: matte, shimmer
The Newcomer
12. Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals
What We Like
- no fallout
- long-lasting
- medium coverage
What We Don't Like
- white palette gets dirty easily
Makeup By Mario
The original Master Mattes was such a hit that Makeup by Mario had to launch an all neutral-toned palette. Inspired by '90s makeup, this palette offers 12 buildable nudes, browns and dark tones you can use to create both natural and dramatic looks. Another one of Candelario's favorites, she says, "I love that it has little to no fallout and lasts all day without creasing or looking cakey. I also appreciate that it's a palette that has a blend of warm and cool shades, so that all skin tones can try it out."
Fast Facts
- Shades: 12
- Finish: matte
Travel-Friendly
13. Rabanne Eyephoria Mini Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- good mix of neutrals and bolds
- multiple finishes
- clean and vegan
What We Don't Like
- limited shades per case
- not cruelty-free
Rabanne
For an on-the-go eyeshadow palette, these vibrant duos can’t be beat. We love playing with the four different finishes (matte leather, metal foil, sparkling luster and gloss vinyl) to create customized looks, and options range from Orlowska’s recommended sage green to shimmery warm rusts and golds. Since these shadows are created with clean, vegan ingredients, they’re less likely to cause irritation, no matter how sparkly the shade.
Fast Facts
- Shades: four
- Finish: varies by selection
Best Themed Palette
14. Essence Welcome to Marrakesh Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- well-priced
- cruelty-free
- long-lasting
- highly pigmented
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers say the the shades create fallout
Essence
We’re big fans of Essence’s mascaras, and from the looks of this Marrakesh-inspired palette (chock full of spicy colors), it’s another win for the brand. Fans say the formula is highly pigmented and lasts all day—plus, it’s cruelty-free, vegan and only $10. One happy buyer writes, “For the price honestly you can't beat it! It rivals my high-end palettes.”
Fast Facts
- Shades: 12
- Finishes: matte, metallic
Best Refillable
15. Clé De Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad
What We Like
- high-quality
- refillable
- mix-and-match
What We Don't Like
- case sold separately
- limited shades
- pricey
Cle de Peau
Orlowska’s pick makes our list for its refillable design, versatility and overall can’t-be-beat quality. The shades in these quads are meant to be used together to create a seamless eye look, but can be used individually as well. The makeup guru’s two favorite colorways, "Beach Pebbles" and "Sundried Driftwood," are perfect for creating a neutral eye. We also love some of the more bold blues and greens to create more unexpected looks, too.
Fast Facts
- Shades: four
- Finish: shimmer
Best Shade Range
16. Juvia's Place The Coffee Shop Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- highly pigmented
- a good mix of cool and warm shades
- Black-owned
What We Don't Like
- not long-lasting
Juvia's Place
If you're looking for a wide range of warm eyeshadows, try this Juvia's Place palette. It's filled with 16 tan, auburn and rich chocolate hues to make countless combinations fit for any occasion. Shoppers say each shade is very pigmented and works especially well on darker complexions. One shopper shares, "Juvia's Place eyeshadows never disappoint. For a person like me who loves neutrals and browns, this palette is a dream mix of cool and warm [shades]. The mattes are easy to work with and the shimmers feel so buttery."
Fast Facts
- Shades: 16
- Finish: shimmer/matte
What to Consider When Buying a Warm Eyeshadow Palette
- Figure Out Your Undertone. If you tend towards silver jewelry, you likely have a cool undertone. And if you gravitate towards gold, you probably have a warm undertone. Look good in both? You have a more of a neutral undertone.
- Take Your Skin Tone into Account. Aside from undertone, considering your natural complexion can help narrow down the shades that work best for you. If you have fair skin, look at earthy tones (i.e., taupe, rose and plum). If you have tan or olive skin, check out deep hues like bronze and rose gold, and for darker skin tones, check out vibrant shades like metallics, burgundy and gold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Warm Eyeshadow Colors?
Orlowska recommends taupe browns, coppers and sage greens, using neutral matte shadows as a base and adding a touch of shimmer on top to brighten up the eye contour. Meanwhile, Carr is a fan of deep purples (like burgundy and plum), navy, rich oranges and browns (think chestnut, crimson red and maroons).
Which is the Best Professional Eyeshadow Palette?
For a contoured, sculpted look that lasts, Carr loves to use the Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Eyeshadow Palette ($70). Meanwhile, Orlowska turns to the Cle De Peau Eye Color Quad ($55) in "Beach Pebbles" or "Sundried Driftwood," which she says are both very easy to blend, gives a flawless natural depth to the eye and mixes well with other warm colors.
How Do I Choose the Right Eyeshadow Colors for My Skin Tone?
Once you figure out your undertone, it can be easier to choose colors that work best for your complexion. For warm undertones, colors like gold, orange and red can add warmth to the skin, while blues, greens and purples work best for those with cooler undertones. And for the neutral squad, you can dabble in any color.
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