Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin.

Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin.

      With thin eyebrows, millennial pink tones, and skinny jeans, it’s evident that 2026 is seeing a revival of 2016 trends. Yet, nothing excites me as much as the resurgence of eyeshadow. While eyeshadow never truly disappeared, the natural "clean girl" aesthetic and the rise of quiet luxury in recent years have made it seem like eyeshadow took a backseat to "no makeup" makeup styles that emphasized blush, lip oils, and lightweight brow products. If you're like me and have grown tired of minimalism in makeup, then I have great news: eyeshadow is officially back for 2026.

      (Image credit: Who What Wear UK) Alongside this, there's a significantly improved variety of products for dark skin tones compared to a decade ago. The days of ashy palettes that leave dark skin appearing washed out are over. Instead, there’s now a range of richly pigmented eyeshadows that cater to diverse undertones and color preferences. Fortunately, I’ve compiled the top choices below. Continue reading to explore the best eyeshadows for dark skin in 2026.

      The Best Eyeshadows for Dark Skin

      Best Overall: Danessa Myricks Groundwork Palette in Defining Neutrals, £74

      Best Warm-Toned Option: Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Palette, £55

      Best Cool-Toned Option: Natasha Denona Glam Palette, £67

      Best Neutral Option: MAC Cosmetics Connect In Colour Palette in Unfiltered Nudes, £46

      Best Shimmery Option: Pat McGrath Labs Mothership XII Palette in Petalmorphosis, £119

      1. **Danessa Myricks Groundwork Palette in Defining Neutrals**

       *Best Overall*

       Danessa Myricks Beauty

       Number of Shades: 10 (all matte)

       Formula: Pomades and powders

       Finish: Soft satin

       Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, I highly recommend the Danessa Myricks Groundwork Defining Neutrals Palette. It contains 10 user-friendly neutral shades offered in both pomade and powder formulas, making it ideal for crafting a natural, everyday look with soft browns or a bold smoky eye for the evening. The shadows provide a dreamy satin finish and truly last all day. Plus, I can use this palette for my lips, contouring, and eyebrows to achieve a unified look.

       Pros: Versatile for eyes, lips, cheeks, and brows; Cons: Powder can create fallout into the pomade section, leading to a mess.

      2. **MAC Cosmetics Connect In Colour Palette in Unfiltered Nudes**

       *Best Neutral*

       MAC Cosmetics

       Number of Shades: 12 (5 matte, 7 shimmer)

       Formula: Powder

       Finish: Matte, satin, frost, and lustre

       No discussion of inclusive shades is complete without mentioning MAC Cosmetics. Their Connect In Colour Palette in Unfiltered Nudes offers the ideal neutral eyeshadow set for those who prefer a subtler look. With a 25% higher pigment load than earlier MAC palettes, this true-nude collection is perfect for a chic yet natural makeup style. The shades blend effortlessly, making them suitable for beginners.

       Pros: High pigment and excellent color payoff; Can be applied wet or dry.

       Cons: Powder formula may cause fallout.

      3. **Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Palette**

       *Best Warm-Toned*

       Makeup By Mario

       Number of Shades: 12 (all matte)

       Formula: Powder

       Finish: Matte

       Those who know me recognize my love for Makeup By Mario’s eyeshadows. I already own a couple of his palettes that cater to neutral and cooler tones. If you’re in search of a warm-toned option, the Master Mattes Palette is perfect. It features a combination of warm browns, beiges, and blacks, making it ideal if neutral palettes tend to look too grey on your skin.

       Pros: Medium coverage lets you adjust pigment as desired; Cons: Lacks shimmers for those wanting more dramatic effects.

      4. **Natasha Denona Glam Palette**

       *Best Cool-Toned*

       Natasha Denona

       Number of Shades: 15 (5 matte, 10 shimmer)

       Formula: Powder

       Finish: Creamy matte

       If you adore cool-toned makeup like me, Natasha Denona’s Glam Palette is the one for you. With a mix of deep chocolates, taupey neutrals, and mauve shimmers, it’s suitable for both casual and formal occasions. Many glam palettes tend to lean too warm, but this cool-toned palette delivers stunning eye looks for both subtle and bold styles. The shades often apply darker than they appear, which is an advantage for darker skin.

       Pros: Contains 15

Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin. Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin.

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Fed up with dull, ashy eye makeup? Check out these 7 top eyeshadows for dark skin.

Delivering 2016 authenticity.