beginner series: choosing an eyeshadow palette

Are you new to makeup? Then the word palette might be a little bit scary. Eyeshadow trios or quads may be more in your comfort zone. Take a deep breath. You can find the perfect palette for wherever you are in your makeup journey. It doesn't matter if you are brand spanking new, still learning, a total pro, or somewhere in between. Finding an eyeshadow palette that gives you everything you need simply requires additional thought and care. Here are some effective tools to help you choose a palette that suits your needs and current skill level.

Start By Considering Your Budget. When it comes to choosing an eyeshadow palette, budget should always be a consideration. There are wonderful options at both the drugstore and in high end stores like Sephora, MAC, and Ulta Beauty. Remember, just because your best friend or someone you watch on YouTube only purchases high end products doesn't mean you have to as well. In fact, it might be a good idea to stick to more affordable items at first. That way, you can learn more about what you like and don't like (in terms of colours, finishes, and pigmentation level) before you commit to something expensive. Most drugstore palettes cost less than $20 whereas the average price of a high end palette is $60-70. So, before you do anything else, consider what you feel comfortable spending.

Think About the Size of the Palette. Not all palettes are the same size or shape. Some are absolutely massive (like the James Charles palette or a standard Morphe eyeshadow palette) and others are super small and compact (like the Gigi Hadid eyeshadow palette). It is important to think about the size you actually want in your collection. How many colours will you actually use? If you'd prefer to start slow and use only one or two colours in each look...chances are you don't need a 32 pan eyeshadow palette to start with. Something with six to twelve shades instead. This will give you some variety without becoming totally overwhelming. Less is more sometimes!

Make Sure the Palette Has Variety. Whether you have chosen a larger, mid-size, or compact eyeshadow palette....variety is key. Ideally, you want to have at least one light shade, a medium sized shade, one darker shade, and an unexpected pop of colour. (Having more than that is totally okay but those four variations are essential.) Having that variety will allow you to create multiple looks using the same palette. It will take you from day to night with ease. You may also want to choose something that has a combination of shimmer and matte shades. That will provide even more versatility to your beginner makeup collection.

Read Reviews and Focus on Quality. It doesn't matter if you choose something ultra affordable or super expensive. Quality matters! Before you take the plunge, look up reviews on beauty blogs, on YouTube, and from reputable review websites. This will give you a better idea of the overall quality of the eyeshadows. When you're reading reviews? Look for comments about pigmentation and wear time. If there are reviews that talk about excessive fall out, creasing, or difficulty blending shades...that might be a makeup release you want to skip.

What eyeshadow palettes are in your collection? Share your beginner friendly suggestions in the comment section below!