If eyes are the windows to the soul, let these exquisite shades accentuate your radiant gaze. This fall/winter 2023, versatility takes centre stage in the kaleidoscopic world of eyeshadows. Here, neutrals are elevated with coppers, lilacs and mauves, a win for brunettes and liquid brown eyes. A staple for most make-up aficionados, eyeshadow is an essential step to wake up the face. Similar to the tricky eyeliner, fears of uneven blending among novices are not totally unwarranted. But here’s the good news: the battle is already half won by picking the right palette and brushes.
With an array of stunning shades, a trusty applicator and a pigmented sweep of faith—you might just find yourself an overnight convert. As year-end partying approaches, there’s no better time to experiment with fall-inspired palettes to give you that perfect day-to-night glow. Your mantra? Blend, blend and blend.
Whether it’s an integral part of your beauty routine or more of a shimmering afterthought, what lies in eyeshadow’s elusive appeal is decadently revealed after a few silky sweeps. From an added touch of vibrant sensuality to undertones of subtle warmth, it’s an endless exploration of hues, texture and unbounded creativity. From cult classics like Rare Beauty to its ultra-luxe counterparts like Chanel and Tom Ford, these palettes offer a plethora of finishes and colour variations that effortlessly accentuate your visage.
Tried, tested and Vogue-approved here’s a curated list of the best eyeshadows of 2023 so far.
1 / 5
Chanel Ombre Première Libre
Drawing from the season of velvet and tweeds, Chanel dresses lids in a collection of limited-edition monotoned eyeshadows. Available in six toasty shades that span satiny hazelnut hues to burnt sienna and other caramelised tones, these loose shadows are airy in texture and can be applied across the eyes in a single, effortless swipe.
Chanel Ombre Première Libre, $54, available at Chanel
2 / 5
Tom Ford Beauty Eye Color Quad in 43 Ambrosia
Drawing from daring runway hues, this eyeshadow palette amps up the shock factor in vivid plum and berry hues. Being Tom Ford, expect nothing less than ultra-sensorial,talc-free shadows that are long-wearing and non-creasing, no matter what the night has in store for you. Not for shrinking violets.
Tom Ford Beauty Eye Color Quad in 43 Ambrosia, $150, available at Tangs
3 / 5
Byredo Remembrance Palette
Inspired by a remembrance of things past when fact, fiction, colour and emotion collided, Lucia Pica offers flashes of disparate memories in 18 flattering shadows. The palette offers wearable light to dark hues in a selection of matte, metallic and glistening finishes and is a veritable feast for the eyes.
Byredo Remembrance Palette, $162, available at Escentials
4 / 5
Rare Beauty Discovery Eyeshadow Palette in Give Yourself Grace
We could all use a little Hope, Joy and Love in our lives, and they’re just some of the shades in this optimistic palette. It offers seven stunning shades in a selection of finishes, from satin to chunky glitter, that can be used as the ultimate accent to make those lids pop.
Rare Beauty Discovery Eyeshadow Palette in Give Yourself Grace, $50, available at Sephora
5 / 5
Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in Cool Rich Brown
This luxe line of autumn/winter 2023 palettes draws inspiration from the sea. We love this harmony of buildable pinks that sweep across the lids in a silken sheen. From dusky rose tones to Clé de Peau Beauté’s ultra-sophisticated rendition of fuchsia, brown and hazel eyes positively sparkle with this palette.
Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in Cool Rich Brown, $85, available at Tangs
