This is for all you MAC junkies out there!   It gets crazy trying to organize all those eyeshadows in a practical way so you can utilize every shadow.  So… here’s just a few helpful tips and some bonus pictures.

Neutrals, Neutrals, Neutrals…

  • Try to have one full palette of just neutrals as this will be your “go to” palette.
  • Top row should be your highlight colors- ones that are close to your skin color.  Have a variety of shimmer and non-shimmer shadows.  Some of my favs:  Brule, Naked Lunch, Shroom, Malt
  • Middle row should be your blending colors- ones that are 1-2 shades darker than your skin color that you can put in the crease.  Some of my favs:  Wedge, Cork, Omega
  • Bottom row should be your accent colors- ones that you can smudge along the lashline for that smoky look or put in the outer V for that added drama.  Some of my favs:  Espresso, Carbon, Concrete

Bring on the Color!

  • We all have our favorite eyeshadow colors that we wear regularly, but try to have a variety of colors to broaden your makeup looks.  Here are the basic color categories I have:  Blues, Greens, Purples, Pinks, Oranges  (teals can go in either the blue or green palette, and yellows or golds can go with the orange)
  • Depending on how many eyeshadows you have, reserve a palette for each color or 2-3 colors per palette.  I still keep the lightest colors in the top row, medium colors in the middle row, and the darkest in the bottom row.

Labeling Your Palettes:

  • To fit more eyeshadows in each palette, I popped out the plastic divider inside to allow for 21 eyeshadows instead of 15.
  • To see what colors I have in each palette, I used 3/4″ round labels (Avery #5408) and printed the names on them.  If you need to move your shadows around, simply place another sticker on top.
  • If you have more than one palette, it is good to have them labeled on the outside so you know what palette to pick up. You can either use a silver sharpie and write on the palette (it wipes off with some rubbing alcohol), or print a label and stick it to the front.  If you use a label, place a piece of packing tape on top so you can wipe the palette clean without taking off the label.

I do NOT expect anyone to have this many shadows, but wanted to post pictures so you can see what the colors actually look like and how you can organize them.  So, on to the makeup porn ;)

*Click on the pictures for a larger view

Non-shimmer Neutrals:

Neutrals

My favorite colors in this palette:

  • Brule
  • Kid
  • Cork
  • Charcoal Brown

Shimmery Neutrals:

Neutral Shimmer

My favorite colors in this palette:

  • All that Glitters
  • Satin Taupe
  • Woodwinked

Silvers/Grays:

Grays and Blacks

My favorite colors in this palette:

  • Knight
  • Carbon
  • Typographic
  • Copperplate

Blues:

Blues

My favorite colors in this palette:

  • Contrast
  • Plumage
  • Deep Truth

Greens:

Greens

My favorite colors in this palette:

  • Humid
  • Bitter
  • Steamy
  • Parrot (limited edition)
  • Sumptuous Olive

Purples:

Purples

My favorite colors in this palette:

  • Indian Ink
  • Vibrant Grape  (pro)
  • Nocturnelle
  • Fertile  (limited edition)

Pinks:

Pinks

My favorite colors in this palette:

  • Jest
  • Expensive Pink
  • Cranberry
  • Rose  (pro)

Yellows/Golds:

Yellows and Oranges

My favorite colors in this palette:

  • Goldmine
  • Amberlights
  • Firespot  (limited edition)
  • Rule

Warm Browns/Misc:

Warm Browns

My favorite colors in this palette:

  • Bottle Green
  • Femme Noir  (limited)
  • Ochre Style  (limited)

Mattes:

Mattes

My favorite colors in this palette:

  • Velvet Moss
  • Fig 1
  • Passionate
  • Orange