- Glossier launched a collection of 10 eyeshadow palettes called Monochromes.
- Each palette contains three complementary shades.
- The compacts are refillable, with recyclable packageing.
Speaking as a person with blue eyes, playing up their natural intensity has always been my go-to when applying makeup. I'm pretty minimalist when it comes to the rest of my face makeup [1] — no bright lipsticks or contouring [2] for me. However, eye makeup [3] is where I can make the most impact, and where I've been able to let a little creativity shine through.
Eyeshadow palettes [4] are the most versatile piece of equipment in my beauty toolbox; a really great eyeshadow shade [5] is like finding a rare pearl. And when you find multiple shades that you can't get enough of — well, you've hit the jackpot. That's what it felt like when I was trying the new Glossier Monochromes [6] palettes. The little compacts pack a punch — each of the 10 palette options feature three complementary shades that you can use on their own or layer all three for a more dimensional look.
Within each palette, you'll find three textures: a matte shade, which is rich and smooth, to use as your base; a satin sheen, which is soft and delicate; and a metallic, which has a sparkle for a more dramatic shimmery look. The shades run from a marshmallowy cream to a cool lilac to a deep terracotta. And as an added sustainable bonus, the palette is refillable [7] when you run out and the packageing is recyclable.
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed with which ones to choose, not to worry — I tried 'em for you. Keep reading to see my top five picks.
Glossier Monochromes in Bluff
Left Eye: Metallic shade only
Right Eye: 3 shades layered
The Bluff shade is a nice neutral that can be jazzed up for a night out. The base layer is very subtle and just adds a light wash of a light beigey-pink hue. The metallic shade is definitely where you get the most bang for your buck — it's a perfect champagne for holiday parties. The Jute palette is very similar to this one, just with a slightly more rosy hue.
Glossier Monochromes in Teak
Left Eye: Matte and metallic shades layered
Right Eye: Satin shade only
Gold-toned eyeshadows are kind of my go-to (as many blue-eyed people will tell you), and I'm super into this coppery variation. Not quite gold and not quite pink, the Teak shades are nice and pigmented without making me look overdone. My favourite of the three was the satin shade on its own.
Glossier Monochromes in Mist
Left Eye: Metallic shade only
Right Eye: Matte and satin shades layered
I love a good mauve-y lavender eyeshadow, and I really like that the Mist shades don't skew too dark. I have chronic dark circles, so sometimes purple shades can make me look a little vampiric. But this one stays pretty sweet and bright, even when layered.
Glossier Monochromes in Prairie
Left Eye: Metallic shade only
Right Eye: Matte and satin shades layered
For the record, I've never gravitated toward green shades — but I have to say I'm kind of obsessed with this avocado-hued Prairie palette. All three shades could definitely live on their own, but I especially like the matte base shade with a little splash of the satin on top.
Glossier Monochromes in Almond
Left Eye: Metallic shade only
Right Eye: Matte and satin shades layered
I think the Almond palette is my favourite of all of the Monochromes options, and the one I can see myself reaching for over and over. It's such a nice warm light brown, and really brightens up the eye area. This was probably my favourite matte base layer to wear solo as well. But the metallic and satin shades were too good not to showcase!
Shop Glossier Monochromes
Glossier Monochromes Essential Eyeshadow Trios [8] ($22)