Yes, we know, many women don’t have the time, the patience, or sometimes even the desire to apply eyeshadow. Especially with all the blending and hues required if you want to create anything more elaborate than just a wash of colour on the eyelids.

But really, doing up your peepers can be a whole lot of fun. Like another form of adult colouring, playing with eyeshadows offers plenty of scope to get creative. You can tailor your eye makeup to suit different outfits and occasions, or shake up your look with colours outside the usual safe shades.

To take the guesswork out of eyeshadow shopping and mixing, plus provide a hefty dose of inspo, we’ve rounded up some of the most gorgeous palettes that recently hit the shelves. Each has everything needed for a wow look and is also versatile, with beautiful colours that work on their own for times when you’re after a simpler, more fuss-free do.

In this latest addition to its highly popular range of 5 Couleurs palettes, Dior has enriched the creamy powder shadows with blue flower extract, known for its soothing properties. The four classy blue hues can be used on their own or in easy combinations, with the central lavender complementing and enhancing the result. Available at all Dior beauty boutiques and counters from 1 July 2022, and on Dior Beauty Online Boutiquefrom 27 June.

These four universally flattering shades – a pearlescent rose-gold, matte dusky rose, matte berry brown and shimmering rose-bud pink – instantly brighten eyes for a radiant day look, or layered on more heavily a sexier evening look. Buy

Inspired by Netflix’s monster hit show Stranger Things, this palette features eight fun retro-pop shades that nod to the era of big hair, shoulder pads and scrunchies. Go wild and have a ball with the teal, purple, green and golds. Buy

The 14 shades in this pastel-themed palette may be fresh and youthful, but they’re no pushovers. Used on their own, the shimmers and soft pinks perk up tired-looking eyes; combined and layered, they create the unicorn dream of eye makeup. Buy

The 12 highly pigmented shades of mattes and multi-dimensional metallics create an effect that’s romantic and ethereal. The creamy formulation deliver intense colour payoff, while the warm neutral and olive tones can be dressed down for daily wear or played up for a luxe look. Buy

This is the one you’d whip out when hitting the party scene or dance clubs. Inspired by the disco scene of the seventies, there are five high-pigment metallic and glittery shades here, anchored by a vintage matte brown. Buy

The seven failsafe colours in this sleek palette are crease-resistant and stay put throughout the day without fading. The rich, buttery textures make for easy blending, and each shade can be combined seamlessly with any of the others. Layer on more of the glitter topcoat when you want more oomph. Buy

There are 16 hot shades here in matte, shimmer and glitter finishes, including the brand’s bestselling colours of Laguna, Orgasm and Taj Mahal. The matte neutrals and shimmery pinks make for office-appropriate wear, while the warm bronzes and deeper raspberry tones can be used to glam up for nights. Buy