Going nude can be a bit intimidating. Do you keep it simple and make it look like you’re wearing nothing at all? Or do you opt for a bit of shimmer to make a bigger statement?
When it comes to nude eyeshadow palettes, there’s a surprising amount of versatility. You can make your eye look more office-appropriate by sticking with a shade that closely resembles your skin tone. Then switch things up at night by blending several neutrals together. Some shadows even have unique features, like metallic gold pigments or chocolate-scented shades.
The price points are pretty varied, too. You can drop $65 for a 15-shadow palette or spend just under $5 for 10 shades. Check out the slideshow for the best nude eyeshadow palettes and get ready to go bare.
[ Next: 21 New or Soon-to-Drop Fall Eyeshadow Palettes That Are Worth the Hype ]
Nude Eyeshadow Palettes
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Urban Decay
Naked3 Palette, $54 at Nordstrom
Neutrals take a rosy turn with the third edition of Urban Decay’s coveted Naked palette. The 12 flattering and fresh shades feature the brand’s proprietary blend of ingredients that gives each shade its velvety texture and staying power. The double-ended professional brush is an added bonus.
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CoverGirl
Nudes TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette, $12.99 at Ulta
These eight shades are meant to be mixed and matched to create your own custom eye look. The baked shadows have a rich color payoff and are easy to blend. Pro tip: Apply wet for a more dramatic effect.
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BareMinerals
READY 8.0 The Sexy Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette, $41 at Nordstrom
Not only are these nude eyeshadows packed with pigment, they can actually improve your skin. The brand’s SeaNutritive Mineral Complex helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness. Plus, the shadow names, like Hot Commodity and Nude Beach, are super appealing.
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Clinique
Wear Everywhere Neutrals All About Shadow 8-Pan Palette in Nudes, $37 at Clinique
Looking to go nude during the day? This palette’s your new go-to. The long-wearing shades are crease- and fade-resistant and even ophthalmologist-tested. When nighttime rolls around, amp up your look by layering multiple shades for added depth and dimension.
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Too Faced
Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Collection, $49 at Too Faced
This palette is deemed decadent and for good reason. With a case that mimics an actual chocolate bar and chocolate-scented shades, this set is chock-full of 16 natural browns, soft pinks and pretty plums. It’s especially ideal for darker skin tones.
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Lancôme
Color Design 5 Pan Eyeshadow Palette in French Nude, $50 at Neiman Marcus
Get that French girl magic with Lancôme’s latest nude eyeshadow palette. The easy-to-use set allows you to experiment and comes packed with shimmering, lustrous pearls to provide a radiant finish. And you don’t have to fret about the color fading as you go about your day since the shades will stay strong for eight hours.
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Maybelline
The 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palette, $11.99 at Walgreens
This is the gold standard of nude eyeshadow palettes. That’s because its colors are infused with metallic gold pigments. You can actually create 13 versatile eye looks from one palette.
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MAC Cosmetics
Eye Shadow x 15: Warm Neutral, $65 at MAC Cosmetics
Warm things up with this pretty palette. With 15 shades, it’s well worth the $65 price tag and you’re practically guaranteed to find a neutral that suits you. You can use the hues wet or dry and the pigmented powder blends easily and applies evenly.
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E.L.F. Cosmetics
Need It Nude Eyeshadow Palette, $10 at E.L.F. Cosmetics
Craving versatility? This neutral palette features 10 shades you can use as a liner, on your lids or in the eye creases — or do all three for a contoured finish.
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L'Oréal Paris
Color Riche La Palette Nude 1, $19.99 at Ulta
The range of nudes in this palette is impressive. Inspired by the "must-have" palettes of makeup pros, the 10 shades come in three finishes: buttery matte, shimmery satin and lustrous sheen.
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Wet n Wild
Bare Necessities Color Icon Au Naturel 10-Pan Eyeshadow Palette, $4.89 at Ulta
Going nude doesn’t mean you have to forgo sparkle. This nude eyeshadow palette offers 10 neutral shades with plenty of shimmer, along with matte and satin options. Each hue goes on smooth as silk and lasts for hours.
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Giorgio Armani Beauty
Eyes to Kill Fatal Attraction Quad Eyeshadow in Mirage, $60 at Giorgio Armani Beauty
Sometimes eyeshadow palettes offer so many options that many of the shades go unused. This quad boils it down to just the essentials with four striking highlighting and shimmer shades that complement every skin tone. The shadows are also crease-proof and the pigment will last for hours.
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Laura Mercier
Extreme Neutrals Eye Shadow Palette, $58 at Laura Mercier
Ready to turn neutrals up a notch? This extreme palette is designed to smoke, highlight and diffuse in order to create an array of eye-catching looks. The 12 shades will help you up your smoky eye game with everything from sultry earth tones to rich chocolates and lavender accents.
