The 10 Best Budget-Friendly Eyeshadow Palettes of 2025
The best eyeshadow palettes don’t need to cost a fortune to deliver rich pigment, smooth application, and long-lasting wear. Whether you’re all about neutrals, crave bold color, or want a mix of both, there’s a budget-friendly eyeshadow palette out there that can help you create any look without emptying your wallet.
Eyeshadow palettes have come a long way over the years, especially those under $20. Thanks to innovative formulas, high-performing pigments, and thoughtful shade curation, you no longer need to spend high-end prices to get professional-looking results. From buttery mattes to multidimensional shimmers, these affordable finds often rival luxury palettes in both quality and aesthetic appeal.
“Inexpensive doesn’t have to mean inferior,” says makeup artist and beauty educator Tara Kingsley. “Today’s drugstore brands and indie makeup companies are using smarter ingredients and better formulations, which means you can find palettes that perform beautifully at a fraction of the price.” Even better: many of these eyeshadow palettes are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with skin-friendly ingredients, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your lids.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best budget-friendly eyeshadow palettes that offer major bang for your buck. All of these picks are under $20 (some under $10!) and are loved by makeup artists, beauty editors, and real users alike. Keep reading to find your new favorite palette, your lids (and your wallet) will thank you.
Best Picks
1. e.l.f. Cosmetics Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palette
Tiny but mighty, the e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palettes pack a serious punch for just a few bucks. Each palette features four coordinated shades, ranging from matte to shimmer, and they’re surprisingly pigmented for their price point. With over a dozen color stories, from everyday neutrals like “Cream & Sugar” to bold, trend-forward options like “Acai You” – there’s something for every vibe.
What makes them extra special is their ultra-compact size, perfect for travel or tossing in your everyday makeup bag. The textures are smooth and easy to blend, and the wear-time holds up surprisingly well throughout the day.
Why we love it:
$10 price tag
Ideal for quick, fuss-free looks
Beginner-friendly with zero intimidation
2. Wet n Wild Color Icon 10-Pan Eyeshadow Palette
The Wet n Wild Color Icon Palettes are practically legendary at this point, and for good reason. These 10-pan palettes offer a gorgeous balance of matte, satin, and shimmer finishes, all with buildable pigment that rivals some $50 palettes. Whether you opt for the rosy tones of “Nude Awakening” or the sultry vibes of “Comfort Zone,” each palette delivers depth, dimension, and wearability.
They’re especially great if you love to layer textures or create more dimensional looks. And the updated formula? Creamier, less chalky, and much easier to blend than earlier versions.
Why we love it:
Wide range of colors and finishes
Iconic cult-favorite status
Impressive color payoff for under $6
3. ColourPop 9-Pan Pressed Powder Palettes
It’s hard to talk about budget-friendly palettes without mentioning ColourPop. Their 9-pan palettes are consistently excellent, both in terms of formula and aesthetic. From dreamy pastels to rich fall tones, these palettes cater to every season, trend, and mood. Shades are buttery, bold, and easy to blend (even the mattes), and they come in adorable, themed packaging that makes them hard to resist.
Fan favorites include “Going Coconuts” (neutral and versatile), “Blush Crush” (romantic pinks), and “Lilac You a Lot” (cool-toned purples). If you’re into color-coordinated looks or want a palette that looks as good on your vanity as it does on your lids, ColourPop is the move.
Why we love it:
Super trendy shades and themes
Creamy textures and intense color payoff
Often on sale or bundled for more savings
4. Makeup Revolution Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette
Makeup Revolution is known for its high-quality dupes of designer palettes, and the Reloaded line is arguably their best budget offering. With 15 generously sized pans and a variety of finishes (matte, shimmer, metallic), each palette feels surprisingly luxe for its under-$10 price tag.
Favorites like “Velvet Rose” (a dupe for ABH’s Soft Glam) and “Iconic 3.0” (a nod to Urban Decay’s Naked 3) offer ultra-wearable shades perfect for day or night. The pigmentation is bold, and the formula blends with ease, no patchiness or fallout drama here.
Why we love it:
Excellent quality and quantity for the price
Great for beginners and pros alike
Wide selection of color stories
5. Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette
Milani has always been a drugstore darling, and the Gilded Mini Palettes are a testament to why. These compact 6-pan palettes are inspired by luxe tones and textures, delivering a high-end feel without the steep price. Each palette includes a thoughtful mix of mattes and metallics, perfect for creating cohesive, polished looks.
The formula is velvety smooth, and the pigmentation leans bold, which is especially impressive for deeper skin tones. We’re fans of “Gilded Nude” for everyday glam, and “Gilded Violet” for a pop of jewel-toned drama.
Why we love it:
Stylish packaging with a high-end feel
Smooth textures with strong color payoff
Perfectly curated shade combinations
6. Juvia’s Place The Nubian Eyeshadow Palette
When it comes to color saturation and bold pigment, few do it better than Juvia’s Place, and The Nubian palette is one of their most wearable, beginner-friendly options. Packed with warm browns, golds, bronzes, and a mix of matte and shimmer finishes, this 12-pan palette flatters every skin tone, especially medium to deep complexions.
The formula is buttery smooth, incredibly pigmented (a little goes a long way!), and blends like a dream. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves warm tones and high-impact looks.
Why we love it:
Stunning pigment, especially on deeper skin tones
Long-wear formula that doesn’t crease
Excellent value with 12 versatile shades
7. L.A. Girl Keep It Playful Eyeshadow Palette
L.A. Girl has been quietly crushing the affordable beauty game, and their Keep It Playful palettes are seriously underrated. These 9-pan palettes come in multiple themes like “Playmate,” “Downplay,” and “Foreplay” (cheeky names, we know), and offer a curated mix of creamy mattes, intense metallics, and sparkly toppers.
What really stands out is the formula, it feels soft and plush to the touch and delivers a buildable, buttery blend. Plus, the packaging is super cute and compact, making it perfect for tossing in your bag.
Why we love it:
Excellent variety of finishes in each palette
Smooth, almost creamy texture
Buildable pigment perfect for everyday or glam
8. Essence Coral Me Maybe Eyeshadow Palette
Essence is known for its high-performing, low-cost beauty staples, and Coral Me Maybe is a standout from their mini palette lineup. This 6-pan collection offers vibrant peaches, wearable oranges, and a few soft shimmers to balance it out. It’s perfect for spring and summer, or any time you want to warm up your look with a fresh flush of color.
Despite the super affordable price tag, the formula holds its own. The mattes blend easily, and the shimmer shades feel smooth and luminous without being glittery or chalky.
Why we love it:
Gorgeous warm tones that pop on the eyes
Compact size with full-size impact
Incredible value at under $5
9. Profusion Cosmetics 10-Shade Eyeshadow Palettes
Profusion Cosmetics offers a wide range of palettes, but their 10-pan eyeshadow palettes are a true hidden gem. Each palette comes with a well-thought-out mix of colors and finishes, making them great for beginners or anyone looking to explore new shades without investing too much.
Palettes like Nudes, Violets, and Smoky are great starters, while bold options like Festival are perfect for colorful looks. The formula is smooth, surprisingly pigmented for the price, and easily blendable even with your fingers.
Why we love it:
Super affordable with generous pan sizes
Huge color variety across the range
Great for practicing and experimenting with looks
10. NYX Ultimate Edit Petite Eyeshadow Palette
NYX is a drugstore icon for a reason, and the Ultimate Edit Petite Palettes are proof that small palettes can still serve big looks. With six curated shades in each edition, these palettes range from everyday neutrals (Warm Neutrals) to bold and artsy (Brights).
The texture is smooth, blendable, and delivers punchy pigment without a ton of fallout. The small size makes them perfect for travel, and they’re ideal for mixing and matching with other products in your routine.
Why we love it:
Travel-sized but high-impact
Wide variety of color options
NYX quality at an unbeatable price
Are budget-friendly eyeshadow palettes as good as high-end ones?
Yes, and in many cases, surprisingly so. Over the past few years, drugstore and indie brands have really stepped up their game in terms of formula, pigment, and packaging. Many affordable palettes now offer smooth textures, strong color payoff, and long-lasting wear that rival (or even outshine) some high-end favorites. While luxury palettes may offer extra bells and whistles, like magnetic packaging or proprietary ingredients, budget palettes often deliver similar results on the eyes, especially when used with a quality primer and brushes.
What should I look for when buying an affordable eyeshadow palette?
When shopping for a budget-friendly palette, consider the following:
Pigmentation: Look for swatches or reviews that show vibrant color with minimal layering.
Blendability: Chalky or patchy shadows are harder to work with. Smooth application is key.
Shade range: Make sure the color story fits your personal style and skin tone.
Finish variety: A mix of mattes, shimmers, and satins gives you more flexibility.
Packaging: While not a dealbreaker, sturdy packaging helps protect your shadows and keep them clean.
Are cheap eyeshadow palettes safe to use?
Generally, yes, especially when purchased from reputable retailers and established brands. Look for palettes that are:
Dermatologist-tested
Ophthalmologist-tested (especially if you have sensitive eyes)
Free from known irritants (like parabens or talc, if you’re sensitive)
Steer clear of knockoff or counterfeit products, which may contain harmful ingredients or unsanitary packaging. When in doubt, stick with recognized drugstore or affordable indie brands like ColourPop, Wet n Wild, Juvia’s Place, or e.l.f.
How can I make my budget eyeshadow last all day?
To get the most out of any eyeshadow, budget or luxury, follow these steps:
Start with clean lids: Oil and residue can break down makeup.
Apply an eyeshadow primer: This gives your shadow something to grip.
Use good brushes: Quality brushes help you apply and blend shadow more evenly.
Layer strategically: Build intensity gradually instead of packing on too much product at once.
Set with setting spray: A final mist can lock everything in and reduce fallout throughout the day.
Can I use eyeshadow for anything besides eyes?
Definitely! Eyeshadow is a versatile multitasker. You can use it as:
Highlighter: Champagne or light shimmer shades can double as cheek highlighters.
Contour or bronzer: Matte browns (without too much orange) can sculpt the face.
Eyeliner: Wet an angled brush and dip into a dark shadow for a soft liner effect.
Eyebrow filler: Taupe or deep brown matte shades work great on brows.
Just be mindful of any specific warnings (some palettes note that certain shades aren’t “intended for use around the immediate eye area,” especially very bright or neon shades).