Eyes are the focal points of a face, and, with a dash of makeup, dressing them up can transform your look. Night out with your pals? Shimmery eyeshadow tones can instantly turn you into a golden goddess. Day date? Pink hues are perfect for a sweet and polished look. If you’re looking for your next eyeshadow color, we’ve dedicated this week’s HQ Hearts to sharing our favorite palettes for the summer.
Daniella, Founder and CEO

  1. Laura Mercier Eye Art Caviar Colour-Inspired Palette. I recently bought this palette because I’m instantly attracted to sparkles–and these shades have plenty of them. Whether you want a full-on smokey-eye or a pale pink touch of color, this collection elevates the look with a splash of shimmer.
  2. Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Eyeshadow Palette. I have a hard time painting my eyes when it comes to darker colors (which have zero forgiveness), but this palette is so easy to apply that even I can dress up my lids like a pro. All you have to do is apply the lightest shade to the eyelid, and then swish the bronze-orange on the crease in a window wiper motion. Finally, apply a dash of the darker brown color on the lid, and use your finger to swipe the shimmery shade on top.
  3. Glossier Lidstar. Although I like layering colors with a brush, this easy-to-carry liquid blend is perfect for stashing in my bag and dabbing on in a pinch. My favorite shade is “Moon” because it looks like your lids have a naturally glowing sheen.

Marlena, Community Director

  1. Tartelette Flirt Eyeshadow Palette. This is the perfect on-the-go palette with all of my favorite neutrals. It’s a great mix of matte and metallic so you can create a quick and easy muted look for work, or layer on some shimmery shades for an eye-popping going out look! Great for touch-ups too as it easily fits in most of my bags.
  2. Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pot in Rose Gold. Okay, I’m a sucker for all Tarte products, but this is a great alternative to regular powder eyeshadow. The rose gold color is my favorite and instantly adds a little summer shimmer to your look. It lasts throughout the day too, so you don’t have to worry about any pesky fallout.
  3. Urban Decay Naked 3 Pallet. Who doesn’t love the Naked pallets? I especially love the mix of peach and rose colors in UD’s third edition to their Naked line. I reserve the romantic, earthy tones for date nights and special occasions, plus they’re so easy to blend and create new looks with! I even use some of the shimmery tones as a highlight for my cheekbones.

Molly, Digital Editor

  1. Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette. This palette is perfect for a day in the office or a night out on the town. All of the colors are subtle with a bit of shimmer which makes it the perfect go-to from day to night.
  2. Chanel Illusion D’Ombre in Convoitise.  I love this color when I’m running out of my apartment and about to have a busy day. It’s a natural look and adds a bit of glow to your look when you’re on-the-go.
  3. Laura Mercier Baked Eye Color. Not only is this shade of pink my favorite color, but it’s perfect for a playful summer look. It adds a pop to every outfit you’re wearing and is a great look for a sunny day.

Madeleine, Director of Partnerships

  1. Smashbox-Cover Shot. I love this little pallette for my gym bag or when I’m traveling, because it’s an efficient size, and has all the great golds and shimmery shades you need for brightening your eyes this summer. It’s truly a ‘wearable rainbow of rose gold’ so I couldn’t stop myself from making this impulse purchase at Sephora!
  2. NARS- Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow. I usually reserve color in my make-up routine for my lips and cheeks, but after seeing a makeup artist on Instagram use a light pink eyeshadow, I was intrigued to try it for myself. The Soft Rose Pink shade by NARS is still close enough to a neutral eye for me but adds a fun enhancement for a fancy brunch or sunset date.
  3. E.L.F. Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow. When you find a beauty product that doesn’t break the bank, stock up, am I right? I grabbed this cream shadow for the first time on vacation, when I had forgotten my make-up bag at home. I now swear by a light layer of the “Aint That Sweet” shade when you need a reliable shadow to last all day, and one that doesn’t crease!

Alex, Managing Editor

  1.  RMS Luminizer x Quad. This RMS palette isn’t technically for eyeshadow, it’s filled with Luminizers instead. BUT, in the summer, I want to look dewy and glowy–and this does the trick. I put some of the subtle pinkish shades on a finger, then swipe it a bit below my eyebrows, in a small streak. It’s not a very dramatic effect, but if you’re into the effortless, illuminating look, this might be for you.
  2. Marc Jacobs Beauty Eye-Conic Eyeshadow. Marc Jacobs’ palette has a dreamy range of pink shades, in equally beautiful packaging. Plus, it’s easy to slide into your summer tote. With shade names like “velvet” and “satin,” eyeshadow suddenly seems much more luxurious.
  3. Anastasia Eye Shadow in Venice. If you want to go all-out, this Anastasia eyeshadow single is the exact color I imagine a mermaid would wear. It’s sparkly, blue, and beautiful–and just might be the perfect shade for a summer beach party.

Lauren, Summer Intern

  1. Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette. This purchase required much thought as any Urban Decay palette comes at a high price, but I must say it’s been my best beauty investment. The red and purple hues make green eyes pop and are well complemented against tanned skin in the summer. I’ve never had as many compliments about my green eyes as when I’m wearing these shadows!
  2. The Purple Palette: Kyshadow. These shadows allow me to get in touch with my deep purple side, when I’m feeling a darker look. This was my first Kylie Cosmetics purchase and its diverse mix of pinks, browns and purples allow many versatile looks for every occasion.
  3. Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette. Bella Hadid inspired this look for me, as the Dior beauty muse. I love the nude look combined with a darker brown with purple hues—a classic and simple look that can be accomplished while rushing to get to work or before jumping in a cab to make a dinner reservation!

Camille, Summer Intern

  1. Urban Decay Naked 3. The Naked eyeshadow palettes are my lifeline. I’ve been using them since the beginning of high school and I personally believe that they have every natural shade you could ever need. The 3rd rendition is geared towards rosy tones that are perfect for the summer months.
  2. Nylon by MAC. This pale gold shade has the perfect amount of shimmer for a bright-eyed look (I like to wear mine dotted in my inner corner). Its a smart investment, because it doubles as a highlighter as well.
  3. Carbon by MAC. During the summer, I like to keep my makeup routine super light and fresh. Instead of wearing liquid eyeliner, I’ll swap it out for a quick swipe of black eyeshadow on my lash line, which has a more subtle effect. MAC’s Carbon is matte and very pigmented so it is perfect for the job.