The 11+ Best eyeshadow palettes for dark skin: highly pigmented eyeshadows
Looking for the best eyeshadow palettes for dark skin? In this article, I’m sharing the most top-rated and pigmented palettes for our beautiful melanated skin!
Eyeshadow palettes are a staple in any makeup collection, but finding the right one can be a challenge, especially if you have dark skin. The wrong palette can leave you with colors that are too light or ashy or simply not pigmented enough to show up on your skin tone. That’s why I’ve done the research and testing to bring you the best eyeshadow palettes for dark skin.
11 Best Eyeshadow Palettes for Dark Skin
Whether you’re into bold and bright colors or more subtle and neutral shades, we’ve got you covered. These palettes are highly pigmented and specially curated to complement and enhance the natural beauty of dark skin tones:
PAT MCGRATH LABS Mothership III Eyeshadow Palette – Subversive
[This is a black-owned brand]
If you want to create bold and vibrant looks, then you should definitely purchase the PAT MCGRATH LABS Mothership III Eyeshadow Palette – Subversive.
Pros
- The colors are highly pigmented and blend easily.
- The palette includes a range of colors that complement dark skin tones.
- The packaging is luxurious and makes you feel like a makeup artist.
Cons
- The price point is high, but the quality justifies the cost.
- The palette is not travel-friendly due to its size and weight.
- The shades may be too bold for those who prefer natural makeup looks.
The PAT MCGRATH LABS Mothership III Eyeshadow Palette – Subversive is a must-have for anyone who loves to experiment with bold eyeshadow looks. The colors are highly pigmented, and they blend seamlessly to create a variety of eye-catching looks.
The palette includes 10 shades that are perfect for dark skin tones, including a deep blue, a rich purple, and a vibrant orange. The colors are arranged in a way that makes it easy to create cohesive looks, and the range of shades allows you to create a variety of looks, from bold and dramatic to soft and subtle.
The packaging is luxurious and makes you feel like a makeup artist. The palette is housed in a sleek black case with gold accents, and it comes with a large mirror for easy application.
The only downside to this palette is the price point, but the quality justifies the cost. Additionally, the palette is not travel-friendly due to its size and weight, but it is perfect for creating bold looks at home.
If you want to create bold and vibrant eyeshadow looks, then the PAT MCGRATH LABS Mothership III Eyeshadow Palette – Subversive is definitely worth the investment. The colors are highly pigmented, and the range of shades is perfect for dark skin tones. The packaging is luxurious, and the quality justifies the cost.
The Warrior II Eyeshadow Palette – Juvia’s Place
[This is a black-owned brand]
If you’re looking for a versatile eyeshadow palette that’s perfect for dark skin tones, The Warrior II Eyeshadow Palette from Juvia’s Place is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Highly-pigmented shades that are perfect for dark skin tones
- All-matte shades that are perfect for creating a variety of looks
- Easy to blend and long-lasting formula
Cons
- Some users have reported that the black shade arrived broken
- The packaging is quite bulky and not very travel-friendly
- There are only 9 shades in the palette
The Warrior II Eyeshadow Palette features 9 all-matte shades that are perfect for creating a variety of looks. The shades are highly-pigmented and blend easily, making it easy to achieve a flawless look every time. Whether you’re going for a natural look or something more dramatic, this palette has everything you need.
One of the best things about this palette is that the shades are specifically designed for dark skin tones. This means that you won’t have to worry about shades looking too light or ashy on your skin. The shades are also highly-complementary, making it easy to create a variety of looks.
Another great thing about this palette is that the formula is long-lasting. You won’t have to worry about your eyeshadow fading or creasing throughout the day. The easy-to-blend formula also means that you won’t have to spend hours trying to get your eyeshadow just right.
One downside to this palette is that some users have reported that the black shade arrived broken. This can be frustrating, especially if you were counting on that shade for a particular look.
Overall, The Warrior II Eyeshadow Palette from Juvia’s Place is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile eyeshadow palette that’s perfect for dark skin tones. With its highly-pigmented shades, all-matte formula, and long-lasting formula, this palette is definitely worth considering.
Mented Everynight Eyeshadow Palette
[This is a black-owned brand]
If you’re looking for an eyeshadow palette that’s perfect for dark skin, then Mented Everynight Eyeshadow Palette is what you need. It’s a palette that has both natural and bold shades that work effortlessly on any skin tone. The shades are easy to apply and blendable. Each one packs enough pigment to envelop your eyelids in gorgeous colors. This palette features 5 gorgeous shimmers and 5 warm mattes, including a stand-out black eyeshadow, making this the perfect eye makeup palette to amplify your beauty routine.
Pros
- The palette has both natural and bold shades that work on any skin tone.
- The shades are easy to apply and blendable.
- The palette is vegan and paraben-free.
Cons
- The palette may not have enough shades for those who love to experiment with different colors.
- The eyeshadow may not last all day without a primer.
- The palette may not be suitable for those who prefer cool-toned shades.
Mented Everynight Eyeshadow Palette is a go-to eyeshadow palette that is perfect for any occasion. The sophisticated 10-shade collection has exactly the right colors to take you from your morning meeting to post-work drinks and everything in between. Trust us, this is truly a palette you’ll love wearing at all times.
The eyeshadow is made from safe ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about harmful synthetic ingredients and makeup preservatives. Plus, it’s cruelty-free, which means that you are supporting an amazing ethical cause by purchasing cruelty-free products like Mented Cosmetics.
Mented Everynight Eyeshadow Palette is universally flattering, created by black women, celebrating all hues. Mented products are guaranteed to flatter any complexion of any hue. So, if you’re looking for a versatile, high-quality eyeshadow palette that’s perfect for dark skin, Mented Everynight Eyeshadow Palette is definitely worth checking out.
Juvia’s Place Candyshop Eyeshadow Palette
[This is a black-owned brand]
Pros
- The eyeshadow palette features a mix of mattes, shimmers, metallics, and glitter shades, making it easy to create a variety of eyeshadow looks that suit all skin tones, from dark to light.
- Inexpensive compared to other palettes
- The eyeshadows are highly pigmented, resulting in bold and vibrant shades that are easily visible on all skin tones.
- The eyeshadows are easy to blend, making it easy to create a smooth, flawless finish.
Cons
- Some of the shimmer shades may have fallout, which can be a bit messy.
- Eyeshadows may not have a lot of staying power and tends to fade with time
- Packaging is a bit bulky
- Some of the eyeshadows have a gritty texture
Juvia’s Place Candyshop Palette is perfect for anyone who wants to experiment with bold and vibrant eyeshadow looks. The eyeshadows are highly pigmented, so you won’t need to use a lot of product to get the desired effect.
Compaired to luxury eyeshadow palettes like Pat McGrath, I will say these shadows don’t last as long on the skin and tend to face throughout the day so it’s best to pair these shadows with a primer and base so the shadows can last longer.
However, if you’re looking for a versatile eyeshadow palette that will work on all skin tones and doesn’t break the bank, then Juvia’s Place Candyshop Eyeshadow Palette is definitely worth considering. The eyeshadows are highly pigmented and easy to blend, making it easy to create a variety of eyeshadow looks that suit your style.
Pat McGrath Mothership X Eyeshadow Palette: Moonlit Seduction
[This is a black-owned brand]
If you’re looking for an eyeshadow palette that will make your dark skin pop, the Pat McGrath Mothership X Eyeshadow Palette: Moonlit Seduction is the one for you. With its smooth and velvety finish, this eyeshadow palette is perfect for those who want to achieve a natural and glowing look.
Pros
- Highly pigmented, so you want to use a light hand (this can be a pro or a con!)
- The eyeshadow palette has a smooth and velvety finish that is perfect for dark skin.
- It is made by a black-owned brand, Pat McGrath.
- The eyeshadow colors are highly pigmented, which means they will last all day.
- Luxury Palette with a luxury feel
Cons
- The eyeshadow palette is quite expensive.
- It only has ten colors, which may limit your options.
- The eyeshadow colors may not be suitable for those who prefer bold and vibrant colors.
If you’re looking for an eyeshadow palette that will make your eyes look natural and glowing, the Pat McGrath Mothership X Eyeshadow Palette: Moonlit Seduction is a great choice. The eyeshadow colors are highly pigmented, which means they will last all day and give you a gorgeous and radiant look.
One of the best things about this eyeshadow palette is its smooth and velvety finish. You’ll want to use a light hand though as a little color goes a long way with these palettes.
Another great thing about the Pat McGrath Mothership X Eyeshadow Palette: Moonlit Seduction is that it is made by a black-owned brand, Pat McGrath. Supporting black-owned businesses is important, and this eyeshadow palette is a great way to do that.
However, there are also some downsides to this eyeshadow palette. It is quite expensive, which may not be within everyone’s budget. Additionally, it only has ten colors, which may limit your options if you prefer a wider range of colors. Lastly, the eyeshadow colors may not be suitable for those who prefer bold and vibrant colors.
Overall, the Pat McGrath Mothership X Eyeshadow Palette: Moonlit Seduction is a great choice for those who want to an eyeshadow palette with gorgeous colors. With its smooth and velvety finish and highly pigmented colors, this eyeshadow palette is definitely worth the investment and it’s personally, one of my favorite makeup brands because of the quality of the products!
Beauty Bakerie Do It For The Graham Eyeshadow Palette
[This is a black-owned brand]
If you’re looking for an eyeshadow palette that’s perfect for dark skin, then the Beauty Bakerie Do It For The Graham Eyeshadow Palette is definitely worth considering. This palette has a mix of foil, matte, and duo-chrome shades that are perfect for any occasion and it comes at a great price.
Pros
- The shades are highly pigmented and long-lasting, which means you won’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day.
- The hard-pressed formula ensures minimal fall out, which means you won’t have to worry about the product ending up on your brush instead of your skin.
- The palette is easy to use and blend, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced makeup lovers.
- Inexpensive price so great for those on a budget
Cons
- Some users have reported that the shades can be difficult to blend, which can be frustrating if you’re in a rush.
- The packaging is cute, but it can be a bit bulky, which may make it difficult to store in your makeup bag.
- Eyeshadows look more vibrant in the palette than on the skin
If you’re looking for a budget eyeshadow palette that’s perfect for dark skin, then the Beauty Bakerie Do It For The Graham Eyeshadow Palette is definitely worth checking out. The shades are pigmented and long-lasting, which means you won’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day. Plus, the hard-pressed formula ensures minimal fall out, which means you won’t have to worry about the product ending up on your brush instead of your skin.
The palette is also easy to use. However, some users have reported that the shades can be difficult to blend, which can be frustrating if you’re in a rush. Finally, while the packaging is cute, it can be a bit bulky, which may make it difficult to store in your makeup bag.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality eyeshadow palette that’s perfect for dark skin and won’t break the bank, then the Beauty Bakerie Do It For The Graham Eyeshadow Palette is definitely worth considering. With its mix of foil, matte, and duo-chrome shades, this palette is perfect for any occasion.
HUDA BEAUTY Empowered Eyeshadow Palette
Pros
- The metallic finish shades are super pigmented and give a bold, shimmery look.
- The shimmer finish shades are great for adding a touch of sparkle to any eye look.
- The satin finish shades offer a subtle sheen that’s perfect for daytime wear.
Cons
- Some of the matte shades can be a bit chalky and require more effort to blend.
- The gel-liner hybrid shades can be a bit tricky to work with, especially if you’re not used to using gel liners.
- While the shades are long-wearing, they can start to fade or crease after a few hours.
The HUDA BEAUTY Empowered Eyeshadow Palette is a great option for anyone who wants a wide range of shades to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a bold metallic look or a subtle daytime sheen, this palette has something for everyone. However, the matte shades can be a bit difficult to work with, and the gel-liner hybrid shades require a bit of practice to get right. If you’re willing to put in the effort, though, this palette can definitely help you achieve some stunning eye looks.
URBAN DECAY Naked Mini Eyeshadow Palette
If you’re looking for a travel-size eyeshadow palette with rich colors and velvety texture, the URBAN DECAY Naked Mini Eyeshadow Palette is a great option.
Pros
- The colors are ultra-blendable and opaque, making them perfect for creating a variety of looks.
- The palette is small and compact, making it easy to take with you on the go.
- The eyeshadows can last up to 12 hours, so you won’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the colors are lighter than they appear in the photo, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.
- The palette only contains 6 shades, so if you’re looking for a wider range of colors, this might not be the best option.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other travel-size palettes on the market.
The URBAN DECAY Naked Mini Eyeshadow Palette is perfect for anyone who wants a small, high-quality palette for travel or everyday use. The colors are rich and blendable, and the velvety texture makes them easy to apply.
If you’re looking for a wide range of colors, this might not be the best option, but if you’re looking for a compact palette with a variety of shades, this is a great choice. The palette is also long-lasting, so you won’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day.
This palette is great for those who love neutral and natural makeup, and when I was a makeup artist, I loved using urban decay eyeshadows as bridal makeup because of the staying power.
Overall, the URBAN DECAY Naked Mini Eyeshadow Palette is a great investment for anyone who loves makeup and wants a high-quality, travel-friendly option.
Juvia’s Place Culture Eyeshadow Palette
[This is a black-owned brand]
If you want to create a bold, highly-pigmented eye look with all the colors of the rainbow, you should definitely consider Juvia’s Place Culture Eyeshadow Palette.
Pros
- The colors are rich and vibrant, and they look great on dark skin tones.
- The formula is highly pigmented, so you don’t need to use a lot of product to get the desired effect.
- The palette includes a mix of mattes, shimmers, metallics, and glitter shades so that you can create a variety of eye looks.
Cons
- Some of the glitter shades have a bit of fallout, so you may need to do some cleanup after applying them.
- The packaging is a bit bulky, so it may not be the most travel-friendly palette.
If you’re looking for an eyeshadow palette with bright and bold colors for gorgeous color eye looks, then the culture palette is an excellent choice. The shadows are rich and vibrant, and highly-pigmented, so you don’t have to worry about ashy colors that are hard to blend.
Because of the bright colors, when applying the eyeshadow, make sure to use a good primer to avoid creasing, maximize wear time, and prevent the colorful eyeshadows from staining your skin.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality eyeshadow palette that will help you create bold, vibrant looks, Juvia’s Place Eyeshadow Palette is definitely worth considering.
Too Faced Pretty Rich Diamond Light Eyeshadow Palette
If you’re looking for an eyeshadow palette that will make your dark skin pop, the Too Faced Pretty Rich Diamond Light Eyeshadow Palette is definitely worth considering. With its 16 ultra-luxe shades, this captivating collection is inspired by the multifaceted beauty of real diamonds and includes vivid glitters, creamy mattes, opulent shimmers, and precious pearls that can be layered in infinite ways to mimic the multifaceted beauty of diamonds.
Pros
- The 16 shades are ultra-luxe and perfect for dark skin tones.
- The four diamond-shaped, pressed-gel-glitter shadows allow for self-adhesion to minimize glitter fallout so your eyes stay dazzling with breathtaking intensity.
- Comes with original packaging from Too Faced.
- High-quality packaging so shadows won’t make or damage (also includes a large mirror in the palette)
Cons
- The glitter shadows can be a bit difficult to work with if you’re not used to working with glitter (I tend to use my fingers to apply the glitter shadows)
- The palette is a bit pricey.
- Bulky packaging so not the best palette to travel with.
If you’re looking for a high-quality eyeshadow palette that will make your dark skin look amazing, the Too Faced Pretty Rich Diamond Light Eyeshadow Palette is definitely worth considering. The 16 shades are ultra-luxe and perfect for dark skin tones, and the four diamond-shaped, pressed-gel-glitter shadows allow for self-adhesion to minimize glitter fallout so your eyes stay dazzling with breathtaking intensity. Plus, the packaging from Too Faced is a nice touch. It’s thick and feel luxurious.
That being said, there are a few cons to keep in mind. the glitter shadows can be a bit difficult to work with if you’re not used to working with glitter. I recommend applying the glitter shadows with your fingers for the best payout. Additionally, the palette is a bit pricey, so it might not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality eyeshadow palette that will make your dark skin look amazing, the Too Faced Pretty Rich Diamond Light Eyeshadow Palette is definitely worth considering. It’s one of my personal favorite palettes because of the eye quality shadows.
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol 4
If you’re looking for a versatile eyeshadow palette that will suit your dark skin tone, then the Anastasia Beverly Hills – Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol 4 is worth considering.
Pros
- The palette contains 25 shades that are highly pigmented and blendable, making it easy to create various eye looks.
- The colors are vibrant and bold, which is perfect for those who love to experiment with different eye makeup styles.
- The packaging is sleek and sturdy, which makes it easy to carry around in your makeup bag.
Cons
- The price point of this palette is on the higher side, which may not be affordable for everyone.
- Some of the shades may not be suitable for everyday wear, as they are quite bold and vibrant.
- The fallout can be a bit messy, so it’s important to tap off any excess product before applying.
Norvina Pro Pigment Palette is an excellent eyeshadow palette for those with dark skin. The palette features 25 deluxe-sized, high-performance shades with maximum payoff, making it perfect for creating bold and vibrant eye looks.
The palette offers a range of rich and pigmented colors that look stunning on dark skin tones. The combination of standard eyeshadows, duo-chrome and metallic shades in this palette is perfect for creating a variety of looks, from subtle to dramatic. Additionally, the palette is formulated without gluten, parabens or phthalates, making it safe for sensitive skin.
The Norvina Pro Pigment Palette is also dermatologist-tested, noncomedogenic, cruelty-free and vegan, which is a plus for those who are conscious about the ingredients in their makeup. Overall, the Anastasia Beverly Hills – Norvina Pro Pigment Palette is a must-have for those with dark skin who want to create bold and beautiful eye looks, making it a great addition to your makeup collection.
How to decide which eyeshadow palette is right for you
So, you’re looking for the best eyeshadow palette for your beautiful dark skin? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect palette:
(Sidenote: If you love makeup tutorials, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel full of beauty tips and tricks!)
Pigmentation is Key
When it comes to eyeshadows for dark skin, pigmentation is everything. You want to make sure that the colors show up on your skin and don’t look washed out. Look for palettes that have highly pigmented shades that will pop on your skin tone.
Consider Your Undertones
Just like with foundation and other makeup products, it’s important to consider your undertones when choosing an eyeshadow palette. If you have warm undertones, look for palettes with shades that have a golden or bronze hue. If you have cool undertones, opt for shades with a blue or purple base.
Versatility is a Plus
While it’s great to have a palette with shades that complement your skin tone, it’s also nice to have a palette that can be used for a variety of looks. Look for palettes that have a mix of matte and shimmery shades, as well as neutral and bold colors. This way, you can create both everyday and dramatic looks.
Texture Matters
The texture of the eyeshadow is also important to consider. Some people prefer creamy eyeshadows, while others prefer powders. It’s all a matter of personal preference. However, keep in mind that cream eyeshadows tend to be more pigmented and can be easier to blend.
Don’t Forget About Application
Lastly, don’t forget about the application process. Look for palettes that come with a good quality brush, or invest in a separate eyeshadow brush set. This will ensure that you can apply the eyeshadows evenly and get the most out of your palette.
So there you have it, a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the best eyeshadow palette for dark skin.
Tips to Make Your Eyeshadow More Pigmented
Wear an Eyeshadow Primer
Before applying your eyeshadow, make sure to apply a primer to your eyelids. This will help the eyeshadow adhere better and prevent it from creasing or fading throughout the day. Plus, it will help to make the colors more vibrant and pigmented.
Apply an Eyeshadow Base
Another way to make your eyeshadow more pigmented is to apply a base color to your eyelids before applying your eyeshadow. This can be a cream or powder eyeshadow that is similar to your skin tone. The base color will help to even out the color of your eyelids and make your eyeshadow pop.
Pack Your Eyeshadow On (Instead of Rubbing It)
When applying your eyeshadow, make sure to pack it on instead of rubbing it in. This will help to build up the color and make it more pigmented. Use a small, dense brush to apply the eyeshadow and gently press it onto your eyelids.
Use Your Finger or an Eyeshadow Brush
To make your eyeshadow more pigmented, try using your finger or an eyeshadow brush to apply it. This will help to pick up more product and distribute it evenly on your eyelids. Plus, it will help to prevent fallout and make your eyeshadow stay in place.
Use a Setting Spray
After applying your eyeshadow, use a setting spray to lock it in place and make it more pigmented. This will help to prevent the eyeshadow from fading or creasing throughout the day. Plus, it will give your skin a dewy, glowing finish.
Invest in High Quality Eyeshadow
Finally, invest in high-quality eyeshadow to make your eyeshadow more pigmented. Cheap eyeshadows often have less pigment and can be harder to blend. Look for eyeshadows that are highly pigmented and have a smooth, creamy texture. This will help to make your eyeshadow more vibrant and long-lasting.
Conclusion
So here are some of the best eyeshadow colors for dark skin. I personally think that the key is to find a palette that has a good mix of matte and shimmer shades, with warm and cool undertones, because you’ll be able to create a variety of looks, from natural to bold, and everything in between.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new colors and textures. And always remember, at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you feel confident and beautiful in your own skin.
The most important thing is that you feel confident and beautiful in your own skin.