The Best Eyeshadow Palettes For Dark Skin Tones, According to 3 Makeup Artists
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Shopping for makeup can be a difficult experience for Black people and people of color. From foundations and concealers with limited shade ranges to highlighters that can appear too chalky on the skin, it often seems as though there aren't enough products out there that were formulated with deep skin tones in mind. That said, when it comes to eyeshadow palettes, there are a ton of options out there that not only include some of the most stunning matte and shimmery shades, but they also perfectly complement those with dark complexions.
"When selecting metallic or colorful shadows for deeper or darker skin tones, your best bet will be pure pigments — pressed or loose — and mattes that look and feel rich," makeup artist and beauty influencer Jonet Williamson told POPSUGAR. "If it passes the swatch test where it [feels] buttery and not powdery to the touch, then it's good in my book."
And there's way more where that came from. Read ahead to see a few more of Williamson's picks for the best eyeshadow palettes for dark skin tones, as well as a few more recommendations from other makeup pros.
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Uoma Beauty Black Magic Palette in "Poise"
"The shades in the Uoma Beauty Black Magic Palette in "Poise" ($44) palette are my favorite because there's a combination of mattes and shimmers. The pop of color is perfect as the palette can give you both simple and elevated looks." — Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist and host of The Life of a Makeup Artist podcast
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Pat McGrath Labs Mothership II Eyeshadow Palette – Sublime
"I love pretty much all of her palettes, but the Pat McGrath Labs Mothership II Eyeshadow Palette – Sublime ($125) is one of my favorites. These shadows are super pigmented and melt into the skin nicely without looking powdery/ashy. They're on the pricier side but I promise they are so worth it. [I'd also recommend] Bronze Ambition and Mothership IV. They both include really rich browns, regal golds, and pressed pigments in amazing jewel and ruby tones." — Williamson
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Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette
"The Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette ($45) is one palette I often restock because the shadows look great on all skin tones, the shades can be applied year round, and they also allow for makeup changes that can easily take a look from day to night. Additionally, they're so pigmented that I can use them as eyeshadows and liners. ABH's Jackie Aina palette and Coloured Raine's Queen of Hearts palette are two more of my favorites." — Latrice Johnson, celebrity makeup artist
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Juvia's Place The Magic Mini Eyeshadow Palette
"The Juvia's Place The Magic Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($25) is a great palette to add to your collection if you'd like to start playing with color more." — Williamson
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Cozzette Beauty 12 Mattes Eyeshadow Palette
"I love the Cozzette Beauty 12 Mattes Eyeshadow Palette ($49) because the colors have a gorgeous warm undertone and richness that a lot of palettes fail to execute." — Johnson
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Juvia's Place The Warrior II Eyeshadow Palette
"Juvia's Place was created by a black woman, with black women in mind. Every single shadow they offer has great color payoff, including The Warrior II Eyeshadow Palette ($20), which has essential mattes for deeper skin tones." — Williamson
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BeautyCounter Classic Velvet Eyeshadow Palette
"The BeautyCounter Classic Velvet Eyeshadow Palette ($50) is one of my favorites because it has both lighter and deeper tones that can work on varying skin tones." - Johnson
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