There was a time when I'd scour drugstore shelves for everything from foundations to mascara. But aside from a few select brands, I was always left overwhelmed by my choices as many drugstore options left my skin looking chalky, including eye shadow. Luckily, drugstore mainstays are listening up and making a range of eye shadows that work well on a variety of skin tones and that give an amazing color payoff.
Finding the right palette for your needs on drugstore shelves (and online) is easier than ever, and the variety is notable. From neutral to bright palettes, I've rounded up a few of my favorites because while I love department store eye shadow palettes, I love a great drugstore addition too! Because let's face it—a great palette at a price that doesn't bust my budget is always a win-win.
Inspired by animals, this talc-free 28-shade palette will always let you change your spots. (Well, metaphorically, of course.)
L'Oréal
Color Riche La Palette Nude 2
Housed in a case with a mirror and a handy dandy brush, we love that this 10-shade palette offers three shadow finishes: satin, matte, and sheen—all in gorgeous nude shades that complement a variety of skin tones.
Nyx Professional Makeup
Swear By It Eyeshadow Palette
There are palettes, and then there are palettes. Boasting 40 fall-inspired shades, this one from Nyx lets you go as subtle or as bold as you desire.
Revlon
Illuminance Crème Shadow in Not Just Nudes
If you prefer creamy eye shadows, this palette is just the right price and features very versatile shades. The shadows blend so well for a flawless and radiant look.
Milani
UnGilded Most Loved Mattes Eyeshadow Palette
With 12 pigmented, velvet matte textures, this palette features neutral shades that complement all skin tones.
Covergirl
Trunaked Palette in Dazed
To build a bright look, this eight-piece palette is our top choice. For a more pigmented pop, apply the shadows while wet.
Revlon
x Megan Thee Stallion Big Bad Palette
Knowing that the über talented Megan Thee Stallion selected each of these colors (all of which complement both cool and warm skin tones) isn't the only reason to pick up this palette. Each shade is versatile enough to be applied to both the eyes and cheeks.
Maybelline
Nudes of New York Eyeshadow Palette
This 16-piece palette comes highly recommended by reviewers, and best of all, the neutral, universal shades are curated to complement all skin tones.
Physicians Formula
Rosé All Play Eyeshadow Bouquet Palette
With a clean seal of approval, these rose extract
and vitamin C-enriched shades give your lids a boost of color with skin-loving ingredients.
Wet n Wild
Color Icon 10-Pan Shadow Palette - Heart
Sol
If you're sensitive to fragrance, investing in this 10-shade palette provides a vibrant color payoff without aggravating your allergies.
Formulated sans oil, fragrance, and parabens, this 100% recyclable palette is good for your skin and the environment.
BH Cosmetics
Passion in Paris - 16 Color Shadow Palette
Inspired by the sights and sounds of Paris, the 16-shade palette offers a mix of deep berries and cool tones that give a noteworthy color payoff.
Pixi
Eye Reflection Shadow Palette in Rustic Sunset
From deep navy to matte orange hues, this 12-piece palette with blendable, long-wear formulas can take you from day to night in one swipe of a brush.
Juvia's Place
The Nomad Eyeshadow Palette
Juvia's Place eye shadow palettes are beloved by makeup enthusiasts everywhere because of their effervescent pigments. I love that this palette is curated with bright and muted colors, perfect for fall and winter.
L.A. Girl
Holi-Daze 16 Shade Eyeshadow Palette
One thing I know for sure is this 18-piece shimmer and matte-filled palette is perfect for holiday makeup looks. Too glam and Sultry are two of my favorite shades because they truly bring the glamour of the holidays.
Morphe
X Lisa Frank 35B By Lisa Frank Artistry Palette
Wanna go back to the '90s? Well, at least for the Lisa Frank school supplies. We might not be using colorful pencils these days, but we love that this Lisa Frank palette lets us experiment with bright colors in a fresh new way.
Makeup Revolution
Reloaded Palette
Fifteen shades with a price tag that's less than $10? Yes, please.
BH Cosmetics
The Lit List 30 Color Shadow Palette
Boasting 30 warm and cool-toned neutrals with a range of matte, shimmer, satin, and pressed glitter finishes, this palette makes any eye look you're dreaming up possible.
More Drugstore Eye Makeup Products
Nyx Professional Makeup
Proof It! Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer
Priming the eyes before will help secure the eye shadow for looks that last all day long. This budget-friendly option does just that without breaking the bank.
Real Techniques
Everyday Eye Essentials
Packed with eight brushes, building any eye shadow look you've saved on IG won't be a problem.
Wet n Wild
Mega Liner Liquid Liner
You may not want to include eyeliner in each look you curate, however, when you're ready to add extra definition to your eyes, this liquid liner is my personal favorite.