We get it: applying eyeshadow is hard. I go back and forth on which shades and textures (open in new tab) suit me best. But that's why palettes are so much fun: you don't have to pick just one color or one texture; you can have it all! But with so many brands offering so many eyeshadows (opens in new tab), it can be hard to choose the right one for you. From office appropriate to rave-ready, there's a lot to consider before pulling out your purse.

Yes, the aesthetic appeal of an eyeshadow palette (opens in new tab) is undeniable. I mean, the cornucopia of colors tucked between the compacts is basically makeup porn. But don't give in to temptation without thinking it through, and it's a beauty investment worth pondering. Buying a palette is like falling in love! Have you ever spent $100 on a palette and only used two colors?

To make sure your dedication doesn't go to waste, we scouted the market to find the most eligible palette bachelors, from old school favorites to brand new launches. From strong pigments to wearable colors, these goodies passed all the tests to come out as MC's most valuable investment. Now, let's blend.