We get it: Eyeshadow can be hard. There's a lot of blending involved, and a lot of pondering about which shades and textures suit you. But that's why palettes are so fun-you don't have to choose just one color or one texture, you get them all! And yet, with so many brands putting out so many shadows, picking which one is right for you can be a challenge. From office-appropriate to rave-ready, there's a lot to consider before pulling out your wallet.

Yes, the aesthetic appeal of eyeshadow palettes is undeniable. I mean, that cornucopia of colors nestled between a compact is basically makeup porn. But you can't let yourself get sucked into temptation without thinking hard about it. Buying a palette is like getting into a relationship-it’s a big commitment. Have you ever shelled out $100 on a palette only to use two shades from it? Same. To make sure your dedication doesn’t go to waste, we scoped out the market to find the most eligible palette bachelors. From powerful pigments to wearable colors, these goodies passed all the tests to come out as MC’s most worthy investments.

Norvina Eyeshadow Palette

                

Anastasia Beverly Hills Ulta Beauty

Anastasia is the queen of eyeshadow palettes, but this has to be one of their best. There's a gorgeous mixture of rose-gold and nude matte shades, plus a scattering of brighter colors for when you're feeling more adventurous.

Naked Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette

                

Urban Decay

Beauty lovers everywhere mourned when Urban Decay announced the discontinuation of their iconic Naked palette. Fortunately, this gem came along to appease our sorrows. Their "reloaded" palette comes with the same versatile shade selection that we know and adore.

Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette

                

HUDA BEAUTY

We can't say enough good things about this palette. The glitter payoff? Astounding. The shade selection? Stunning.

Bronze Eyeshadow Palette

                

Natasha Denona

If cool tones aren't your thing, warm up your skin with these bronze, copper, and gold eyeshadow colors. Packed with pigment, these colors suit every skin tone. For a glam smokey eye or a subtle hint of warmth, this palette offers it all.

Mega Mothership: Celestial Divinity Eyeshadow Palette

                

PAT McGRATH LABS

I mean...this is a party palette if we've ever seen one. While there are shimmer, satin, and chunky glitter finishes to spare, our favorite shade is Dragonfly: a warm red and blue duo-chrome that gives off the same glint as its namesakes wings.

Eye-conic Multi-Finish Eye Palette in Cherrific

                

Marc Jacobs Beauty

Cherries aren't just a summer pleasure. The designer's limited edition holiday palette offers matte, satin, and glitter formulations inspired by the stone fruit.

5 Couleurs Couture Eyeshadow Palette in Denim

                                                

Dior

Every closet needs multiple washes of denim, and this palette delivers from acid wash to classic true blues

Bejewled Instant Eyeshadow Palette

                

Charlotte Tilbury

Even beginners can craft a bold smoky eye with this step-by-step set. Apply the first shade in each trio on the lid, the second in the crease, and the third, well, wherever.

Luxe Cream Palette in The Nudest

                

Danessa Myricks

Cream shadows are perfect for creating those dewy, watercolor eye looks you see in glossy magazine pages and all over Insta. Use your fingers to warm up the pigments and blend them as you see fit.

Kaleidoscope Eyeshadow Quad in Heaven's Vault

                

Stila

This quad was made for a more sultry festive gaze, and since the shades play off each other perfectly, you can blend them together with abandon.