How to Build a Custom Eyeshadow Palette — And Why You Should

Eyeshadow is one of those makeup products you can’t help but fall in love with. The creamy pigments, bright colors and iridescent shimmers are enough to make even the most blending-challenged beauty junkie buy a buzzy palette without a second thought. But with a new eyeshadow palette launching every week, it can be hard to keep up with them all (you do only have one face). And while collecting every new launch is tempting (we’re all guilty of an impulse buy or two), one of the best ways to keep your budget on point and ensure you’re getting the most out of your shadows is to build your own eyeshadow palette. There are a few ways of going about this — both of which will save you major money and space in the long run that you can put towards, you know, more makeup. Keep reading (and watching) for our favorite DIY eyeshadow palette tutorial videos.

Option 1: Depot Shadows You Already Have

The most cost effective way to build your own palette is to add your current faves to a magnetic eyeshadow palette (think Z-Palettes) that are designed to hold multiple pans. While some shadows (particularly singles) are made to be mixed and matched, shadows that are attached to their individual pans can easily be depotted and turned into magnetic shadows too. This is the perfect way to fall in love with old shades and get back to using shadows you haven’t touched in a while.

Watch Dulce Candy build her own palette using a Z-Palette and NYX Single Shadows in the video, ahead:

Option 2: Buy a Palette Meant to be Customized

Brands like NYX Professional Makeup and Urban Decay also sell Pro Palettes that are meant to be customized with single shadow refills when you purchase them in store and online. These are magnetic too, but sized to fit their corresponding shadows. This option tends to be pricier, but it’s perfect if you have a few signature colors you wear everyday or want a combo you haven’t seen yet. These also make great gifts and can be the perfect way to show the beauty junkie in your life some extra love.

Beauty guru Monica Erlin walks through the process of creating a custom palette in her video, below: