Makeup Palettes That Work for Every Skin Tone

Finding a makeup palette that actually works for everyone is like finding the holy grail of beauty. Too often, brands promise "universal" shades that end up looking ashy on deep skin or barely showing up on lighter tones. But don’t worry, I’ve done the digging, the swatching, and the obsessing so you don’t have to. Here are the best palettes that deliver on pigment, versatility, and that all-important blendability—because nobody has time for chalky shadows or patchy highlighters.

Neutral Eyeshadow Palettes That Actually Show Up

A neutral palette is a must-have, but not all browns and taupes are created equal. Some are too cool, too warm, or straight-up don’t show on deeper skin tones. Luckily, a few brands have figured it out.

Pat McGrath Mothership VII: Divine Rose

Pat McGrath is the queen of making luxurious, blendable shadows, and the Divine Rose palette is no exception. The shimmers are buttery, the mattes are rich, and the tones work from the lightest to the deepest skin. Whether you want a soft glam moment or full-on drama, this one does it all.

Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions (Light, Medium, Rich)

Huda Beauty did us all a favor by making nude palettes tailored to different skin tones. The Light palette is perfect for fair to medium skin, while the Rich version has deep, warm browns and jewel tones that look stunning on darker skin. And the Medium? It’s that perfect in-between that flatters just about everyone.

Blush Palettes That Pop on Every Skin Tone

Blush is not optional. It wakes up your face, makes you look alive, and adds that effortless flush. But not all blush palettes are created equal—some are too pastel, some are too deep, and some just… exist without doing much.

NARS Overlust Cheek Palette

This palette features a mix of soft and bold shades, with buildable pigmentation that works for every skin tone. The formula melts into the skin, making it look like you’re naturally glowing rather than wearing makeup.

Juvia’s Place Blushed Duo

Juvia’s Place doesn’t play when it comes to pigment, and these blush duos prove it. Whether you go for the peachy-pink combo or the deep berry tones, these blushes show up beautifully on all skin tones without ever looking chalky or too intense.

Contour & Highlight Palettes That Get It Right

Contour and highlight can make or break a look, and the wrong shade can make even the best makeup look muddy or unnatural. These palettes actually get the undertones right and work for a range of skin tones.

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Trio

Okay, technically not a palette, but Fenty made contouring easy by grouping highlight, contour, and concealer shades into trios that suit different skin tones. The formula blends out seamlessly, and the undertones are perfect—no weird orange or ashy tones here.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit

An oldie but a goodie, this palette is a classic for a reason. With a mix of warm and cool contour shades, plus highlights that actually show up, it’s perfect for sculpting the face without looking overdone.

Bold Eyeshadow Palettes for Maximum Impact

If neutrals aren’t your thing, a good colorful palette is a must. The key is finding one with intense pigment that doesn’t fade or get patchy.

Danessa Myricks Lightwork Palette

Danessa Myricks is a magician when it comes to color. This palette is packed with multidimensional shimmers and deep mattes that work on every skin tone. The formula is smooth, blendable, and insanely pigmented—no more disappointing swatches!

Urban Decay Born to Run

This palette has everything—warm neutrals, jewel tones, deep smoky shades—making it perfect for every occasion. The formulas are soft and blend like a dream, meaning you can go from subtle to full glam with ease.

Lip Palettes That Let You Mix Your Perfect Shade

Sometimes finding the perfect lip color is a struggle, but lip palettes let you mix and match shades to create a custom look that complements your skin tone perfectly.

MAC Pro Lip Palette (6 Preferred Pinks)

MAC’s pro lip palettes are a staple for makeup artists because they offer a variety of shades that work on different skin tones. The "Preferred Pinks" set has everything from soft nudes to bold pinks, making it ideal for any occasion.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Palette

This one is for the true beauty lovers who like to experiment. It comes with primary colors so you can mix your own custom shades, plus a variety of neutrals and bolds that work for every skin tone.