The beauty of eyeshadow palettes is the ability to create various looks from one compact of colors in a range or matte, satin and metallic finishes. It doesn't matter if you don't know how to properly apply eyeshadow: You've got the power to unleash your inner makeup artist right at the tips of your makeup brush.

We asked the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab pros, editors, and celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff (who's done carpet-ready makeup for Rihanna and Alicia Keys) for their personal tips and recommended eyeshadow palettes, from high-end brands to top-rated drugstore finds with shades that you'll actually use.

Not sure where to start? "Browns and beiges are easier to learn with instead of jumping head first into bold colors that might take practice blending together seamlessly," Sheriff says. Plus, neutral shades are foolproof and look great on anyone. You can also use a color wheel to help find the right shade for your eye color. This old school trick is about seeing which hue sits opposite your eye color to make the iris pop. Here's a cheat sheet:

• Brown eyes are a mix of all primary colors so there are lots of options. Try a purple-y hue or bronzey metallics to bring out depth in brown eyes.
• Green eyes pop with purples and pinks.
• Blue eyes look brighter with orange and yellow shadows.
• Hazel eyes stand out with orange and coral shades.

While it's small and great for travel, the Naked2 Basics palette contains six full-sized, neutral eyeshadows. The selection of nude and brown shades provide endless possibilities from an everyday look to a smokey eye. "Since the shades are natural and subtle, it's foolproof for those who aren't as skilled in applying eyeshadow," says senior chemist of the Beauty Lab, Sabina Wizemann. The shadows are also pretty well-pigmented and provide a velvety matte finish that's easy to layer.

WHY WE LOVE IT

• All-matte palette
• Full-sized shadows in a travel-sized palette

The City Mini Eyeshadow Palette

MAYBELLINE

Beauty Director April Franzino raves about these Maybelline palettes because the shadows are silky and pigmented, but don't cost much. "You get much more high-end quality for a bargain price of less than $10 for six shades," she says. She also loves that it's compact and easy to stash in a makeup bag. This particular palette contains the perfect balance of neutral and smoky shades in both matte and shimmer finishes, the essentials for any eye makeup wardrobe. You can also purchase the palettes in brighter color options.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Great price point

Compact size

Read more