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The Best Neutral Eyeshadow

Last updated on October 21, 2022

We looked at the top 7 Neutral Eyeshadows and dug through the reviews from 15 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Neutral Eyeshadows.

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top Neutral Eyeshadows

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Matte Neutral Eyeshadow

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Urban Decay

Naked2 Basics Matte Neutral Eyeshadow

This neutral eyeshadow palette features six different brown colors that are perfect for a subtle look. Mix and match colors to take your eyes from dewey to dramatic. They are paraben-free, sulfate-free and phthalate-free eye, so you can feel good about wearing them.

Overall Take

A Variety of HuesDress up your eyes with this thorough shadow palette.

Pros
" Six matte finish shades. Easy to blend."
Cons
"Mini palette has limited color variety."
 Runner Up

Revlon Matte & Metallic Neutral Eyeshadow

Revlon

Matte & Metallic Neutral Eyeshadow

This palette from Revlon features a full collection of neutrals, some of which are matte, and some of which are metallic. You can choose to go all shimmer one day, then create a nude look the next, or mix-and-match for a dramatic look.

Overall Take

Eight Easy-Blend ShadesThis eyeshadow palette truly has everything you need to create your look, no matter the occasion.

Pros
" Versatile. Very smooth texture. Long-lasting."
 We Also Like

Maybelline Blushed Nudes Shimmery Neutral Eyeshadow

Maybelline

Blushed Nudes Shimmery Neutral Eyeshadow

This eyeshadow palette contains 12 beautiful neutral and blush colors, all featuring hints of rose gold. From white to black, pink to purple, brown to gray, this collection has what you need for an elegant and subtle or dramatic and bold style.

Overall Take

Rose Gold EleganceMaybelline's Blushed Nudes set has all the shimmery colors you need for work, play, parties and beyond.

Pros
" Paraben-free. Rich pigment. Easy to apply. Has both matte and shimmery shades."
Cons
"Palettes occasionally break while in transit."
 Strong Contender

Ecofavor Long-Wearing Waterproof Neutral Eyeshadow

Ecofavor

Long-Wearing Waterproof Neutral Eyeshadow

Curate the most dramatic smoky eye of your life with this palette from Ecofavor. It includes matte and metallic finishes I5 different hues, so you can vary the intensity of your application depending on your mood.

Overall Take

The Perfect Smoky LookGo deep and dark or light and flirty with this diverse eyeshadow collection.

Pros
" These highly pigmented colors are extremely blendable and come in a matte, shimmer, and metallic finish for super dimensional looks. This long lasting and waterproof eyeshadow palette comes in a compact and convenient size which makes it an ideal travel..."
Cons
"Quality feels cheap and colors don't last as long as desired."

Buying Guide

When it comes to finding the best eyeshadow, there are many factors to consider. The first is the type of eyeshadow you want. There are cream, powder, and gel eyeshadows. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Cream eyeshadow is easy to apply and blend, but it can crease and smudge more easily than other types. Powder eyeshadow is more durable and longer lasting, but can be harder to apply evenly. Gel eyeshadow is somewhere in between, with good staying power and easy application.

The next factor to consider is the color of the eyeshadow. There are a large variety of shades of neutral eyeshadow, from light beige to dark brown. The best color for you will depend on your skin tone and the look you’re going for.

If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to choose an eyeshadow that is hypoallergenic and won’t irritate your skin. Countless brands make good quality eyeshadows for sensitive skin.

When applying eyeshadow, it’s important to use a light hand. Start with a small amount of product and build up from there. Use a brush or your fingers to blend the eyeshadow into your crease and along your lash line. If you’re working with a cream or a gel, you may need to let it set before adding additional product.

To remove eyeshadow, use a makeup remover that is designed for the type of eyeshadow you’re using. For example, if you’re using a gel eyeshadow, use a gel remover. If you’re using a powder eyeshadow, use an oil-based remover. Gently massage the remover into your eyelids until the eyeshadow is removed. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Be sure to apply your eyeshadow with the proper tools. A powder product will typically go on best with a brush, and creams and gels do better with disposable eyeshadow sponge applicators. If you’ll be using multiple colors, you can try smaller or angled brushes to add texture. You may also want a makeup sponge, depending on the look you’re going for. Some people also use eyeshadow, sometimes mixed with a bit of water, as eyeliner. For this, you’ll want a narrow brush.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
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Products Considered

We identified the majority of the neutral eyeshadows available to purchase.
7

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Byrdie, InStyle, Beauty Vixen, The Aesthetic Edge, Stef's Edge.

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User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 7 Neutral Eyeshadows and also dug through the reviews from 15 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Neutral Eyeshadows.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Revlon Matte & Metallic Neutral Eyeshadow

Key Takeawy

This palette from Revlon features a full collection of neutrals, some of which are matte, and some of which are metallic. You can choose to go all shimmer one day, then create a nude look the next, or mix-and-match for a dramatic look.

What other experts liked

Versatile. Very smooth texture. Long-lasting.
- Byrdie
. Equal parts matte and shimmery, the palette is subtle and glam, thanks to a soft beige shade and sparkling champagne and burgundy.
- InStyle
It has shades I like, a good amount of mattes as well as metallics and shimmer. The pans themselves are a bit tiny, but with the right shadow brush are no problem to navigate. The pigment and buttery texture make this palette well worth its cost.
- Beauty Vixen

What other experts didn't like

Color payoff could be better.
- Byrdie

What to Look For

  • Purchasing neutral eyeshadow online can be a challenge if you aren’t sure which color will match your skin tone. A good solution is to buy a palette of neutrals. There’s bound to be one that is a great fit.
  • Read the product label carefully before use if you have sensitive skin or any allergies.
  • Many eyeshadows contain shimmer or glitter. If this isn’t your preference, you’ll have to find a neutral color that isn’t shimmery. Look for words like “matte” or “natural” in the product description.
  • It’s important to change or wash your eyeshadow brushes and applicators to keep bacteria away from your face. For reusable tools, wash every week or so, and replace every few years.
  • Your eyeshadow can’t be used indefinitely. You can generally keep powders for two years and creams for one.

More to Explore

Eyeshadow was first used in ancient Egypt! Both men and women would wear eyeshadow made from crushed minerals to protect their eyes from the sun. The most common color for Egyptian eye makeup at the time was green. It was made of crushed malachite. This isn’t exactly a neutral, but the addition of some green eyeshadow to your tan or bronze eyeshadow can make quite a statement!

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