Some things are just worth splashing out on, and a great quality Makeup Palette is one of them (in our humble opinion).
It can be fun playing around with budget makeup and dupes, but when it comes to your skin, we’re firm believers in investing in quality products.
But with the price of luxury makeup reaching an all-time high (a record-breaking $239 for the world’s most expensive makeup palette), knowing when to splurge and when to save is necessary.
Despite the high price tag, luxury makeup will make your skin look and feel amazing, and that’s priceless.
So whether you’re treating yourself or your bestie, here’s a list of the most expensive makeup palettes that are so worth the investment.
Most Expensive Makeup Palette – 10 of the Very Best
If your credit card is burning a hole in your pocket and you’re ready to invest in a luxury makeup palette, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up five of the very best.
1. Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 28 – $305
This is currently the most expensive makeup palette in the world, and we’ve got to say, we can see why.
The palette comes with twenty-eight bold eyeshadow shades, in a range of purples and blues. So, we’d say this is one for fans of bright, modern makeup looks.
We especially love the rich plum, fuchsia, and aubergine shades.
There’s a great mix of matte shades, which are buttery soft and hydrating, and metallics made from crushed crystals and pearls for that added sense of luxury.
And it really is luxurious. The formulas are beautifully blendable, water-resistant, and crease-proof (IYKYK).
2. Gucci Palette Beauté Des Yeux Gorgeous Flora Eyeshadow Palette – $205
The packaging of this palette alone makes it worth buying. As the name suggests, this Gucci palette is inspired by flowers.
It comes with a beautiful floral finish and gold trim for a luxurious feel. When you open the palette, you find twelve rich shades that are perfect for building different looks.
The palette contains six matte, three satin (these are your neutral beiges and browns), and three bold metallic shades.
There’s a great mix of warm pinks, blues, purples, and neutrals that pair beautifully with each other.
This is a winner for fans of a bolder, more colorful eye makeup look.
3. Tom Ford White Suede Eye and Cheek Palette – $150
Tom Ford products are highly praised for their exceptional quality and hefty price tag, and this expensive makeup palette definitely lives up to the hype.
The palette has four eyeshadows, a blusher, and a highlighter, so it’s great for throwing in your handbag for touching up your makeup on the go.
The neutral colors are great for everyday looks, and we love the mix of formulas. The blush has a beautifully luminous matte finish, while the eyeshadows have a nice shimmer. You can also apply the shadows with a wet brush for a richer, more intense color.
The packing itself is beautiful. The limited-edition ivory case takes inspiration from the Tom Ford White Suede fragrance.
White Suede Eye & Cheek Palette – 150th Anniversary Exclusive
4. Dior Diorshow 10 Couleurs Eye Makeup Palette – $130
The fun leopard-print packaging on this compact will look great in any makeup bag.
You get ten warm shades (think pale pinks, raspberry pinks, and rich dark browns) with this palette, that can be worn alone or blended for a more dramatic look. There’s also a mix of matte and satin shadows, so you can create looks for day or night. The darker shades could also double as an eyeliner for a smokey finish.
Dior’s eyeshadows are creamy and blendable, so you don’t have to be a pro to nail your look.
The inspiration behind this palette and its packaging was Christian Dior’s muse, Mitzah Bricard, who loved pairing leopard print with a splash of color on her eyelids.
5. Pat McGrath Labs Mothership VII Eyeshadow Palette, Midnight Sun – $174
Pat McGrath is the queen of runway makeup and has been since the early nineties. She’s also the first makeup artist to earn a BDE-Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her service to beauty as well as diversity and inclusion.
In 2015, Pat founded her own brand, McGrath Labs, which has received high praise for its beautiful shades and top-class formulas.
The Mothership VII Midnight Sun eye shadow palette is the most expensive palette the brand carries. For that price, you get ten beautiful shades with flattering rose undertones and a super blendable, creamy formula.
The palette includes matte, shimmer, and glitter eyeshadows to take you from day to night (although the triochrome is our absolute favorite).
6. Clé de Peau Beaute Limited Edition Eye Colour Quad – $110
This palette ts really well presented. The palette comes in sleek, colorful, and sturdy packaging, which will not only look great in your makeup bag but will survive any bumps or bangs.
For the $110 price tag, you get four eyeshadows and two applicator brushes, so it’s perfect for travel, work, or touchups on the go.
The eyeshadow shades are a versatile collection of golds and browns for a smokey look, and beautiful rosy pinks. Both blend really well and can be combined or used alone.
You get a lot for your money with this palette.
7. Hourglass Three-Pan Eyeshadow Palette – $69
This palette is a must for fans of neutral shadows. You may only get three shades in this palette, but the mix of browns is just perfect for everyday wear.
The beauty of brown eye shadow is that there’s a shade for everyone, making this a super versatile palette for any skin tone.
Another big plus for this palette is that it uses high-quality vegan ingredients, including Zeolite, to absorb oils and keep your makeup looking matte all day.
Every shade is wearable on its own or blended together, making this one of the most wearable palettes on our list.
8. Byredo Remembrance Eyeshadow Palette – $105
At just over $100, this eyeshadow palette is certainly not cheap. But, it’s a super usable kit if you’re a fan of neutral tones.
It comes in a slim case with a large mirror, which is perfect for touching up your makeup on the go or traveling.
There’s a good mix of shimmers, mattes, and metallics too, so you can create day and night looks with the same palette.
Byredo uses a lovely smooth formula that’s easy to blend and build on, making it a good choice for both pros and beginners.
The palette consists of eighteen eyeshadow shades, including soft pinks and golds, as well as rich coppers and shimmery burgundy shades for a classy evening look.
9. Chanel Les 4 Rouges Yeux Joues Palette – $90
Chanel is all about luxury, whether its clothing or cosmetics. So, you know what to expect when you invest in a Chanel makeup palette. The brand has earned well-deserved praise for its beautiful formulas and sleek packaging, and this palette is no exception.
Firstly, the packaging has Chanel’s trademark logo and a glossy black sheen. It’s compact enough to travel with, and would look great on any dresser.
You get four super-wearable red and orange shades in this kit, which work beautifully on both your eyes and cheeks. The light shimmer gold shade would also make a great highlighter for your inner eyes, cheekbones, or cupid’s bow.
It also works well for a range of skin tones, with the deep red and burgundy shades pairing perfectly with blue or brown eyes. It’s definitely one of the most versatile options on this list.
Les 4 Rouges Yeux Et Joues Eyeshadow and Blush Palette
10. Valentino Beauty Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette – $98
You get a lot with Valentino’s Color Flip compact; eight eyeshadow shades, two small applicator brushes, and a mirror. Plus, the compact size is perfect for traveling or if you’re looking to downside your makeup bag.
What’s great about this palette is how well the eight shades complement each other, allowing you to create a lot of different looks. They also work well on different skin tones.
On the top layer, you have beautiful warm tones of pink, bronze, burgundy, and deep orange. Then, the bottom layer contains a good range of neutral and darker shades that are great for everyday looks.
The eyeshadows are long-lasting, creaseproof, and highly pigmented.
What to Look Out For When Choosing Luxury Cosmetics
So you’re ready to take the leap and splash out on the most expensive makeup palette you’ve ever bought. Before you hand over your well-earned cash, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.
Will I actually use it?
Don’t be fooled by pretty packaging and a designer name, buying a makeup palette full of bright colors when you’re a neutrals gal is a waste of money. It’s important to be realistic about how often you’ll actually use it and how many of the colors in the palette you’ll get the wear out of.
Does it work with my skin?
Don’t just think about whether the colors fit your skin tone, but also how the formula will work for you. For instance, if you have drier skin, you may want to opt for creamier eyeshadows instead of matte. Similarly, if you’re not a fan of shimmer and the palette contains several shimmery shades, it might not be worth the money.
What are the ingredients?
Expensive doesn’t always mean better, so make sure you also do some research into the ingredients and the formula before you buy.
Does it align with my values?
We’d also suggest checking if the makeup is tested on animals or uses eco-friendly packaging. Considering the environmental impact is important, especially when making such a big purchase.
The most expensive makeup palette in the world is an amazing splurge, but it’s important to consider if it’s the right buy for you.
Luxury as an Experience: Beyond the Price Tag
There are some people out there who don’t (and will probably never) understand the appeal of luxury cosmetics. We get it, it’s a big expense, but makeup is so much more than what you put on your face.
Since the Egyptians first started wearing makeup back in 6000 BCE, makeup has been a tool for self-expression. The ancient Egyptians wore it to demonstrate their wealth and social standing, and it has remained a huge part of society ever since.
As any makeup wearer knows, it can give you confidence, enhance your natural beauty, and let you experiment with being someone new every day. This has a hugely positive emotional and psychological impact, especially if you feel self-conscious about your skin or a feature on your face.
Luxury cosmetics take this a step further because they give you an added confidence boost – you’re investing in yourself because you’re worth it. Treating yourself to the best and most expensive makeup palette can be a powerful act of self-love and a reminder that you are worthy of the best.
Conclusion
With so many dupes around these days, some people don’t understand the appeal of luxury makeup. But, a high-quality palette like the ones in this article can be an excellent staple (and a nice way to treat yourself). For budding makeup artists, the right palette can take your makeup skills to the next level.
Just be sure to consider the price, wearability, and versatility of your compact before you buy, to make sure it’s the best choice for you.
