It’s officially vacation season! Whether you’re going out of town to visit family, to relax on a beach, or explore a new destination, packing for said vacation tends to be the least exciting part of travel. At least for me, I hate trying to think of everything I could possibly need while out of town… especially when it comes to my beauty routine.
One of the biggest questions I ask myself while packing my beauty products is: which eyeshadow palette should I bring with me? Even at home, I’m a one-palette kinda girl– I like creating a full eye look without juggling between products. So especially when I’m traveling, I need something that’s going to deliver multiple looks all in one compact.
If you’re vacationing soon, check out these affordable eyeshadow palettes for travel. They’re my favorite not only for the shade ranges, but also the physical packaging which makes them easy to slip into your makeup bag, all for $20 and under.
Updated in 2024 with current recommendations.
1. wet n wild ColorIcon Palette – Heart and Sol ($5.47)
Wet n Wild has some of the best eyeshadows at the drugstore, with palettes under $6 that give you a ton of versatility in a small compact. I love the pink Heart & Sol palette, which has enough range for light and subtle looks, or plummy smoky eyes. While you get so many color options, this palette is small and convenient to pack.
2. NYX Warm Neutrals Ultimate Shadow Palette ($9.89)
*The* most popular neutrals palette at the drugstore makes for a great travel companion. The NYX Ultimate Warm Neutrals palette has 16 shadows that have been recently reformulated to be more pigmented and creamy. This is great for everyday staple neutral looks. You can check out my updated review on the new version of this palette in my video here.
3. Undone Beauty Curator Wet to Dry Eye Palette – Bare ($14)
Multitasking makeup products are always super helpful while traveling, and this palette offers your eyeshadow and liner in one! The Undone Curator Eye Palette contains ten shadow shades that, when applied with a wet brush, transform into a liquid eyeliner. The formula is clean and vegan, and infused with conditioning castor oil.
4. Makeup Revolution Maxi Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette – Infinite Bronze ($17.78)
Hear me out, sometimes you just want to be ready for anything and you don’t want to feel limited by a smaller eyeshadow palette. That’s okay, and that’s where this “maxi” palette comes in! The Makeup Revolution Maxi Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette in Infinite Bronze houses a whopping 45 buttery shades in a range of plums, rose golds, warm neutrals and golds. Even though it’s a large palette, it’s slim and easy to slip into a carry on.
5. Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette – Call Me Old Fashioned ($8.99)
This is a palette I’ve personally traveled with as my only eyeshadow on several trips! This simple 6-pan eyeshadow palette contains cool toned neutrals that still offer day-to-night options. I’ve often used the shimmer shades all over the lid for a simple look, then transformed it into a smoky eye for night wear. The black is handy as well to use as a powder eyeliner. If you get overwhelmed by too many options and need something more streamlined, any of the Gilded Mini palettes are a great choice– see the others from this collection in my review here.
6. ColourPop Pressed Powder Eyeshadow Palette – Blush Baby ($14)
I’ve also been known to pick out one of ColourPop’s 9-pan palettes for travel— this year I’ve been loving Blush Baby. It’s a pink-lover’s palette with baby pinks, corals and even a duochrome shade. This is another one where I can reach for the shimmers and wear them by themselves, or create a full eyeshadow look complete with smoky brown powder liner!
7. essence Welcome to Miami Eyeshadow Palette ($9.99)
If you are always looking for a pop of color but also want the possibility of a more demure look, pack this palette! The essence Welcome to Miami Palette is predominantly bold and bright, but has just enough neutrals. The shades are pigmented and easy to blend— you can watch my video here to see how it applies! Plus, the palette has a mirror inside which is incredibly helpful.
What are your favorite eyeshadow palettes for travel?
– Miranda
