18 Best Cool-toned Eyeshadow Palettes for Stunning Eye Looks

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Mar 06, 2024
cool-toned eyeshadow palettes
cool-toned eyeshadow palettes
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

While peach, beige, and golden have reigned as some of the most coveted eyeshadow shades, it is time to change the narrative and make it a bit more cool. From subtle everyday looks to dramatic glam, let your eye makeup game go through a cool-toned revolution, all thanks to the best cool-toned eyeshadow palettes. As indicated by our tests, they are particularly suitable for people with cool undertones. They can also be paired with warm skin tones as they create a beautiful contrast.

With growing interest in makeup, many brands have come up with a variety of eyeshadow palettes for everyone, which is why you can also find a wide range of eyeshadows with cool tones. Known for their literal cool and icy look, cool-toned eyeshadow palettes are a collection of eyeshadow shades with cool undertones. They typically feature some very vibrant and vivid colors like grays, silvers, blues, and purples. 

You can even find cool-toned reds and browns. This 'coolness' of an eyeshadow shade is brought by the amount of blue pigment in a particular color. The more the blue in a color's base, the cooler its tone will become. True to their name, they carry a sense of cool, calm, and refreshing vibe with them. 

The difference between cool and warm-toned eyeshadow palettes is that of day and night. You will be able to recognize them the instant you look at them. But, since there are a lot many cool-toned palettes doing the rounds in the market, we have come to save the day with our top recommendations. Keep reading to know more about which products we picked as per our expertise and why!

18 Best Cool-toned Eyeshadow Palettes

This cool-toned eyeshadow palette lets you toy around with numerous trends. A new look on every day of the week, this palette BY LORAC is highly pigmented and feels soft on your skin. Even for those prone to allergies and eczema, this palette's formulations are non-reactive and soothing. The palette comes with shimmer as well as matte shades that can be used to make a statement from AM to PM. Start with a dewy finish primer and then begin your eye makeup routine with one of these beautiful tints.

Pros
  • Matte finish + glitter finish
  • Velvety texture
  • Long-lasting
  • Rich pigments
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Best for Beginners

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Shadow Palette, Cool Neutrals

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Shadow Palette, Cool Neutrals
  • Trust NYX to make the best cool-toned eyeshadow palettes for beginners to play around with. This eyeshadow palette is a nice assortment of sixteen matte and glittery shades. The shade is called Cool Neutrals, but it also includes a few vibrant colors, such as muted emerald green, reddish brown, and vivid purple. They feel satiny-soft against the skin and are easy to blend. Drawing from our experience, we suggest using these eyeshadows with a makeup primer on the lids to make them last even longer.

    Pros
    • Buildable coverage
    • Well pigmented colors
    • Good consistency
    • Non-irritating formula
    • Long-lasting
    • Travel-friendly
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Light tones may be too sheer
  • Best for Dramatic Eyes

    L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Eyeshadow Collection, Smoky

    L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Eyeshadow Collection, Smoky
  • Create the most perfect smoky eyes with this L.A. Girl cool-toned eyeshadow palette. It features twelve different and highly pigmented colors that are ideal for a stunning transition. The variety of colors with cool blue undertones includes both matte and subtly shimmery textures. We love how this eyeshadow palette comes with a dual-ended applicator for easy and convenient makeup application. As indicated by our tests, these are gorgeous colors that suit all skin tones and are worth every penny spent on them. The shimmer shades in this cool palette don’t look over dramatic and can be easily used for everyday settings.

    Pros
    • Intensely pigmented
    • Goes on smoothly
    • Stays for long
    • Easy to apply
    • Good for everyday wear
    • Budget-friendly
    • Cruelty-free
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • May take more effort to blend
  • Best for Everyday Use

    COVERGIRL Trunaked Eyeshadow Palette, 815-Roses

    COVERGIRL Trunaked Eyeshadow Palette, 815-Roses
  • Shimmery nudes have a separate fan base. They can be used on their own or with other shades to create stunning eye looks. This COVERGIRL eyeshadow palette comes with the same promise. It has 8 wonderful universally flattering neutral shades that offer a shimmery matte finish. Each cool-tone eyeshadow in this nude palette can be used to create subtle daytime looks as well as nighttime glam. Our team discovered through using this product that this beautiful palette will suit hazel and brown colored eyes the most.

    Pros
    • Bright colors
    • Nicely pigmented
    • Goes on smoothly
    • Easy to blend
    • Affordable
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • May not last long
  • Best Nudes

    URBAN DECAY Basics Eyeshadow Palette, Naked 2

    URBAN DECAY Basics Eyeshadow Palette, Naked 2
  • This URBAN DECAY eyeshadow palette is a must-have in your makeup kit with 6 versatile shades of taupe and nudes. These are universally flattering shades and work for almost all skin tones. They are dark skin-friendly too, which makes them the best cool tone eyeshadow palette. It is the ideal eyeshadow palette for creating the 'no makeup' makeup look or what the world is calling the espresso makeup look, which incorporates various shades of brown for the whole face. After putting it to the test, we discovered that you only need a little product.

    Pros
    • Nicely pigmented
    • Good selection of colors
    • Lasts long
    • Good for gifting
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best Color Payoff

    BestLand Eye Shadow Palette, Cool Cement

    BestLand Eye Shadow Palette, Cool Cement
  • It is not easy to find the true gray shade in an eyeshadow palette. But BestLand has made it possible. This cool neutral eyeshadow palette has 10 distinct neutrals, including silvers, grays, browns, and black. They offer a beautifully soft and matte finish without washing you down. They show up pretty well on different skin tones without much effort. Based on our firsthand experience, you can mix and match the shades in this neutral palette to create some of the most unique eye makeup looks.

    Pros
    • Highly pigmented
    • Intense color payoff
    • Blends well
    • Good for everyday use
    • Long-lasting
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Overwhelming scent
  • Best Overall

    Catkin Eyeshadow Palette, C08 Morandi

    Catkin Eyeshadow Palette, C08 Morandi
  • Let your search for the best eyeshadow for cool undertones end here with this Catkin Eyeshadow Palette in the shade Morandi. It is so much more than just another eyeshadow palette. It is a complete experience on its own. This high-quality eyeshadow palette not only offers multiple cool shades but also multiple finishes in one place, including matte, satin, shimmery, and metallic. From a bold smokey eye to a monochromatic look, use these rich and velvety shades to give voice to your personal style.

    Pros
    • Good quality
    • Beautiful colors
    • Buttery soft texture
    • Easy to blend
    • Smooth consistency
    • Good for gifting
    • Great value for money
    Cons
    • Glittery shades may smudge a little
  • Best Silvery Shades

    Amy’s Diary Eyeshadow Palette, A3

    Amy’s Diary Eyeshadow Palette, A3
  • Take a note out of Amy's Diary, quite literally! And take your smokey eye look to the next level by glamming it up with some glitter. With 9 different shades of glittery silvers, grays, and blacks, this cool-tone eyeshadow palette gives the ultimate sparkly eye look. You can go about your day or night without worrying about caking, creasing, or flaky eyeshadow. When we trialed this product, we fell in love with the sheerness of the shimmery grays and we are sure you will too.

    Pros
    • Rich and pigmented colors
    • Feels soft
    • Easy to use
    • Blendable
    • Stays on for hours
    • Affordable
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
  • Best Drugstore

    e.l.f. The New Classics Eyeshadow Palette, Neutral Tones

    e.l.f. The New Classics Eyeshadow Palette, Neutral Tones
  • Beautiful colors on your eyelids can elevate your overall makeup look. They are your secret weapon to a bright and flawless complexion. And with eighteen classic colors, this e.l.f. cool eyeshadow palette will meet most of your eye makeup needs so that you can shine effortlessly. It is an assortment of both warm and cool-toned colors with matte, satiny, and shimmery finishes. You can easily create neutral everyday looks or dramatic and glam looks, the choice is yours. After conducting experiments with it, we can say these shades glide smoothly for a flawless application.

    Pros
    • Ideal for beginners
    • Easy to blend
    • Buildable formula
    • Nicely pigmented
    • Long-lasting
    • Cruelty-free
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • May break easily
  • Best for a Natural Look

    Ccolor Cosmetics Soft Natural Eyeshadow Palette, Matte Natural

    Ccolor Cosmetics Soft Natural Eyeshadow Palette, Matte Natural
  • Achieve captivating eye makeup looks with this cool color eyeshadow palette. It has 9 highly pigmented colors that come in a vintage-looking metallic box. Because this is a compact palette, you can easily carry this palette with you wherever you go. Each shade has a fine powdery texture that goes on even and smooth. You can also expect some coverage with the shades offered in this palette. Our analysis of this product revealed that these shades stay put after application and are long-lasting.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Blendable
    • Offers a matte finish
    • Versatile colors
    • Good color payoff
    • Budget-friendly
    Cons
    • Colors not true to images
  • Best Assortment of Shades

    COLORGRAM Pin Point Eyeshadow Palette, Bright & Cool

    COLORGRAM Pin Point Eyeshadow Palette, Bright & Cool
  • This is one of the most fun and cute eyeshadow palettes you can ever lay your eyes on. It has 12 beautiful shades in a unique calculator design. Don't mistake it for a cool-toned matte eyeshadow palette because it has so much more to offer. Apart from matte shades, it also has sheer, glittery, and sparkly colors. You can easily match your eyelids with your mood with this COLORGRAM palette. We determined through our tests that it is the best palette for you if you are a fan of romantic makeup looks.

    Pros
    • Highly pigmented
    • Silky smooth texture
    • Glides on application
    • Easily blendable
    • Makes eyes look brighter
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • None
  • ILIA The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette, Cool Nude

    ILIA The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette, Cool Nude
  • Grab this cult favorite cool-toned eyeshadow palette and give your eyelids a luxe experience. It has 6 vividly gorgeous shades that offer satin, matte, and metallic finishes. Each eyeshadow offers a soft and captivating glam for both day and night looks. The colors are quite saturated and the packaging is sophisticated. It comes with a mirror on one side so that you can paint your eyelids anywhere anytime. Based on our observations, these eyeshadows have a buttery smooth texture that glides on application.

    Pros
    • Highly pigmented
    • Long-lasting
    • Non-irritating formula
    • Colors blend well
    • Little goes a long way
    • Cruelty-free
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Colourpop Pressed Powder Eyeshadow Palette, Stone Cold Fox

    Colourpop Pressed Powder Eyeshadow Palette, Stone Cold Fox
  • Do yourself a favor and get your hands on this eyeshadow palette with 30 distinct and beautiful colors. All of these shades are a makeup lover's dream come true, especially if you want eyeshadows for cool skin tones. This palette comes with both matte and shimmery shades that you can use to create numerous looks. Just mix and match! After trying out this product, we can say that it is the perfect addition to your makeup arsenal to create everyday soft glam looks.

    Pros
    • Good assortment of colors
    • Long-lasting
    • Easy to blend
    • Nicely pigmented
    • Don’t crease
    Cons
    • Shimmery shades may fall out
  • Dose of Colors Eyeshadow Palette, Pretty Cool

    Dose of Colors Eyeshadow Palette, Pretty Cool
  • Move on from the black smokey eye and join the latest bandwagon of brown eye makeup. Stay aligned with the latest trends, thanks to this cool-toned brown eyeshadow palette from Dose of Colors. It comes with 5 cool-toned taupe shades that flatter all skin tones, particularly medium to dark complexions. Each shade goes on smoothly and looks amazing. It comes with a double-sided brush for ease of application. Our research indicates that you may experience a little bit of fallout but it can be easily swept off.

    Pros
    • Good quality
    • Easy to use
    • Highly pigmented colors
    • Gorgeous shades
    • Adds depth and dimension
    • Little goes a long way
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • PYT BEAUTY The Upcycle Eyeshadow Palette, Cool Crew

    PYT BEAUTY The Upcycle Eyeshadow Palette, Cool Crew
  • Going out for brunch with friends or dancing in the club at night, now requires just this one PYT Beauty eyeshadow palette to create all your favorite cool-toned eyeshadow looks. With 8 matte shades and 4 glittery ones, it makes you spoilt for choice. It has a nourishing formula infused with skin-friendly ingredients like sunflower seed oil and vitamin E, which prevent dryness on the eyelids. We have found from using this product that it offers a good color payoff.

    Pros
    • Universally flattering shades
    • Highly pigmented
    • Feels velvety soft
    • Lasts all-day
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • May crease a little
  • Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette, Amber Neutrals

    Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette, Amber Neutrals
  • Splurge a little with the Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette in the shade of Amber Neutrals. As the name suggests, these shades are cool-toned neutrals. However, there's a twist. It is an all-in-one eyeshadow palette with 8 beautiful neutral shades and a primer. Because it includes both matte and shimmery finishes, you can use this palette to do it all, prime the eyes, shade them, and add highlights. Our findings show that it lasts a long time too, making it the best cool-toned neutral eyeshadow palette.

    Pros
    • Great assortment of colors
    • Intense pigmentation
    • Offers a good color payoff
    • Easily blendable shades
    • Smooth texture
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Go Ho 10 Colors Eyeshadow Palette, 04 Colors Cool Style

    Go Ho 10 Colors Eyeshadow Palette, 04 Colors Cool Style
  • Soft colors are the best for everyday eye makeup looks. They don't look too harsh or over the top and can be carried with ease by anyone. You can achieve something similar with this Go Ho eyeshadow palette. It comes with ten different neutral cool-toned shades that offer a powdery matte finish. These shades are easy to use and blend like a dream, making this the best cool-toned eyeshadow palette. Through our practical knowledge, we suggest the use of this palette if you want a natural finish.

    Pros
    • Vibrant colors
    • Good color payoff
    • Gives a brightened look
    • Comfortable wear
    • Suitable for oily skin type
    • Waterproof
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • May not be very opaque
  • Yeweian Black Smokey Eyeshadow Palette, 05

    Yeweian Black Smokey Eyeshadow Palette, 05
  • Whether you are a goth girl at heart or just love doing a black smokey eye on the regular, this eyeshadow palette is a must-have in your makeup kit. This Yeweian palette is an assortment of 9 shades of grays and blacks with matte, shimmery, and glittery finishes. Each cool-toned eyeshadow has a fine powdery consistency that makes it easy to spread and blend. Our investigation demonstrated that it makes for quite a good gift for beginners as well as makeup enthusiasts.

    Pros
    • Goes on smooth
    • Stays on all-day
    • Compact size
    • Easy to apply and remove
    • Feels light on skin
    • Affordable
    • Good value for money
    Cons
    • Color payoff of some shades may not be as good

    How to Choose the Right Cool-toned Eyeshadow Palette?

    Choosing the right cool-toned eyeshadow palette is easy and important. The right shade will align not only with your skin tones and undertones but also with the color of your hair and eyes. It will make a significant difference to your eye makeup and elevate your overall makeup game. So, if you want to choose your perfect palette, here are certain aspects that you must consider before making the final choice:

    Skin Undertone

    Determine the undertone of your skin by looking at the color of the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue or purple-ish, you have cool undertones and if the veins appear green, you have warm undertones. If you cannot make out whether your veins are blue or green, you most probably have neutral undertones. Another way to check is the jewelry test. If silver jewelry suits you the best, you have cool undertones and if your skin matches gold jewelry, you have warm undertones.

    Determining the skin undertones is important as cool-toned eyeshadows look best on people with cool undertones. They may also be worn by those with neutral tones. Some shades of purples and blues can be used by warm skin tones but most of them might end up looking ashy on them.

    Eye Color

    You must also consider your eye color while choosing the ideal cool-toned eyeshadow palette. This is because some colors complement certain eye colors more than others. For example, grays and purples will make blue eyes pop while brown eyes will stand out with shades of taupe and blues. 

    Pigmentation

    Look for high-quality eyeshadows as they will offer you intense pigmentation. With highly pigmented colors, you can expect a good color payoff and coverage. They will also look more vivid and vibrant.

    Finish

    Eyeshadow palettes typically come in matte, metallic, and shimmery finishes. Determine which finish is more appealing to your makeup routine and preferences. A matte finish is ideal for those with oily skin type. You may pick metallic and glittery eyeshadows depending on the event you are attending.

    Formulation

    Next, you must consider the type of eyeshadow palette you wish to have, whether you want a powder formulation or a cream-based one. There are also baked eyeshadows that are baked directly into their pans. They can be used as both wet and dry.

    Shade Range

    Since an eyeshadow palette holds a variety of shades, you must first ascertain the shades you like and would prefer to wear regularly. Choose a versatile palette that offers a variety of shades including light, medium, and dark shades. This will allow you the freedom to create many different eye makeup looks without spending extra money.

    Long-lasting

    Intense pigmentation and good color payoff would be meaningless if the eyeshadow fades off quickly. Therefore, you must opt for a long-lasting eyeshadow palette. Moreover, you must look for smudge-proof and sweat-proof formulations that will enhance the longevity of the eyeshadow shades.

    Budget

    Eyeshadow palettes are available at different price points. You may choose a drugstore option or a high-end option depending on your budget. They will offer different qualities depending on their price. So, you must set a budget and consider how much you are willing to invest.

    Customer Reviews and Feedback

    Do your own research and read through reviews on various online platforms and beauty blogs. It will give you valuable insights into the real-life experiences of people who purchased the same eyeshadow palettes that you are eyeing. It will tell you more about the efficacy and performance of the products of your choice. You may also watch makeup tutorials to have a better view of the true color, pigmentation, and finish of the cool-toned eyeshadow palette of your choice.

    How to Create Stunning Eye Looks with Cool-toned Eyeshadows?

    Doing eye makeup is a fun experience. Even if you are a beginner, you can easily create some fun eye looks with your favorite cool-toned eyeshadow palette. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create stunning eye looks:

    • Start with a clean and moisturized face. If you have dry eyelids, use a lightweight yet nourishing moisturizer. It must absorb well into your skin and not leave any oily residue behind.
    • Apply a primer on the eyelids. It will aid the eyeshadow to adhere better and prevent creasing.
    • Pick the cool-toned eyeshadow palette you prefer. It must complement your skin tone and eye color. Ensure that it goes well with the event or occasion. 
    • Choose light and medium shades for daily makeup looks. You may use something with a very subtle glitter for daytime makeup looks. For a dramatic and glam eye look, go for dark vibrant shades. You don't need to hold out on the glitter if it's an evening outing or date night.
    • Take a matte cool-toned neutral shade and use it as a base for your eye makeup. It will help you achieve a seamless transition between different shades and make the eyeshadow pop.
    • Next, pick a medium-toned eyeshadow in the color of your choice to intensify and add depth to your look. Blend it out gently using a brush in a windshield wiper motion.
    • Your main lid color must complement the medium-toned color you used previously. It can be from the same color family or a contrasting shade.
    • Blending different colors is the key. You may create different looks using different colors but you must ensure that they look blended. There must not be sharp lines of distinction between the colors.
    • You can also create a wing using the eyeshadow for a subtle look or tie up the rest of the eye makeup.
    • You may take some light and subtly shimmery eyeshadow and apply it to the inner corner of your eyes to brighten them up. 
    • Apply some of the transition shade to the lower lash line where the darker shade goes towards the outer corner and lighter on the inner corner of the lash line. Again, blending is key for a seamless stunning look.
    • You can either use a basic black or brown eyeliner or take things to the next level and use a cool-toned eyeliner like something blue or purple depending on the eyeshadow shades you used.
    • Follow up with mascara to complete the look.

    How to Maintain and Store Eyeshadow Palettes?

    It is important to properly maintain and store your cool-toned eyeshadow palettes not only to extend their life but also to prevent any eye infection that may occur due to contamination. Here are a few things you can follow to ensure proper maintenance and storage:

    • Whether you use your hands or makeup brushes to use the eyeshadow, make sure they are clean. 
    • You must clean your brushes regularly using gentle soap and water. This will prevent the growth of bacteria and take away the debris.
    • Don't use the same brush for different colors as it can contaminate the color. Even if you use the same brush, ensure you have scraped off the excess product before picking on another shade.
    • Don't dig or press too hard into your eyeshadows. Instead, you must gently tap or swirl your brush to pick the pigment.
    • After using the palette, wipe the surface clean with a clean cloth. You can dip the cloth in makeup remover to get rid of makeup residue.
    • If the eyeshadow cracks or breaks, you can press them back together. If the damage is too much to be repaired via pressing, add rubbing alcohol to the broken pieces. It will create a paste and your eyeshadow will be new again once it dries. 
    • Always store your cool-toned eyeshadow palette away from direct sunlight in a cool and dry place. Make sure it's not damp. 
    • Avoid places with extreme temperatures. For instance, don't put your eyeshadow palette in your car. It may cause the palette to deteriorate.
    • Don't share your makeup or brushes with anyone else to prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs.

    While warm-toned eyeshadows have stolen the major spotlight, it is time to experiment with the best cool-toned eyeshadow palettes. They offer a wide variety of vibrant shades like navy blue, sapphire, emerald green, lavender, purple, magenta, and pink. They are perfect for creating eye makeup looks that have a soothing and relaxing vibe. Add some silver and you can create the perfect icy makeup look. That's not all! Neutral shades with cool undertones make the whole makeup look so interesting and unique. Whether you are going to a party at night or an office meeting during the day, you can let your creativity do the talking with these eyeshadow palettes. With our recommendations and comprehensive guide, you can easily navigate this mesmerizing world of cool-toned eyeshadows and take your makeup routine to the next level.

    FAQ's

    Are cool-toned eyeshadows suitable for all skin tones?
    Cool-toned eyeshadow palettes are suitable for all skin tones. But, you must consider your skin undertones as they are more suitable for those with cool or neutral undertones.
    Can I use cool-toned eyeshadows for both everyday and special occasions?
    Yes, you can use cool-toned eyeshadows for both everyday looks and special occasions.
    How can I make cool-toned eyeshadows pop and blend seamlessly?
    Use a neutral shade as a base to make the eyeshadows pop. Blend the different colors properly using a gentle back-and-forth or windshield-wiper-like movement to make the eyeshadows blend seamlessly.
    Can I mix cool and warm-toned eyeshadows in a single look?
    Yes, you can mix cool and warm-toned eyeshadows in a single look to create a contrasting look.
    What eyeshadow colors should I wear if I have cool undertones?
    If you have cool undertones, shades like silver, magenta, lilac, emerald green, and sapphire blue will suit you the best.
    How long does an eyeshadow palette last?
    An eyeshadow palette can last anywhere between 2 to 3 years. Don’t use expired products on your eyes as it can lead to infection.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, the author, is a big fan of eye makeup and loves experimenting with different looks. This time she brought something specifically for individuals with cool undertones. She has curated this selection with her top recommendations after individually trying and testing out several eyeshadow palettes. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More