Oscars for the Most Gorgeous Eyeshadow Palettes of 2025
Palettes are so underrated. In a world obsessed with single products, we forget that a truly great palette is an entire universe in a box. It's not just about what's inside—it's about the story, the design, the little details that make you want to pick it up and stare at it for five minutes before touching a single brush.
For this year's Beauty Oscars, we evaluated palettes across a few very serious, very high-stakes criteria:
- Packaging: Does it feel like something you'd display on your vanity instead of shoving in a drawer? Gold accents, magnetic closures, clever mirrors—these all count.
- Shape & layout: Are the pans thoughtfully arranged? Symmetry, clever spacing, and fun geometric layouts earn points.
- Details: Engraved patterns, embossed logos, playful textures, or little design surprises. This is where palettes really shine.
- Functionality: How easy is it to actually use? Brush placement, compact size, travel-friendliness—yes, we notice.
(The color itself? Unfortunately, I couldn't swatch them all in real time, so your favorite shades won't affect the score—this is purely about design, presentation, and tactile joy.)
I know I should have saved this for suspense, but some palettes are just too iconic to bury. From the luxurious packaging to the subtle embossed details in every pan, Lancôme has created a palette that's a feast for the eyes even before you touch a brush. It's the kind of palette you show off to your friends, keep on your vanity like a collectible, and still actually use every single day without feeling guilty.
This year's top blush-and-highlight "palette" (loosely defined, yes) goes to Sisley's L'Orchidée Blush — and honestly, it feels like it was designed to win. Sisley's product isn't just a trio of powders: it's a light-diffusing, sculpting blush and illuminator in one, with three soft, blendable shades that create an instantly radiant complexion.
Dolce & Gabbana's Everlift Luminizer may not be a traditional multi-shade palette, but it is a standout when it comes to multi-functional face powders that elevate a look beyond ordinary contour/bronze sets. This oil-infused luminizing powder delivers up to 16 hours of soft, halo-like radiance and an instant feeling of lifted luminosity thanks to its hydrating formula — plus, it comes in a universal shade that flatters virtually all skin tones.
For eyes, the winner is Dior's Diorshow 5 Couleurs Palette because it combines classic couture with serious wearability. In its limited-edition versions you'll often find a range of finishes — matte, satin, and shimmer — that let you build everything from a subtle daytime look to a glam evening eye. The packaging usually reflects Dior's fashion heritage, with motifs like Miss Dior or logomania that feel almost too beautiful to swatch at all.
For the category that spans both face and eye products — palettes that should have all the elements — Lancôme wins fair and square with its delightfully whimsical limited editions. This year's standout comes wrapped in a narrative as irresistible as the product itself: "Embark on a magical snowy journey aboard the Lancôme Express. Destination: happiness."
