Pride has passed, and we’re in July. As rainbow-washing begins, I’m here to say: why can’t rainbow eyeshadow, palettes, mascara, eyeliner, and makeup in general be here to stay? After all, the LGBTQ+ community’s pride lasts longer than 30 days — why can’t brands embrace our spirit every month?
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That’s why I celebrate the brands that DO say “nope, it’s September, and it’s Pride month this month – because it’s every month, and representative rainbow makeup is important to keep in stock 24/7.”Â
We love Fluide, who are constantly fighting for gender-inclusivity in makeup (the same mission as QUILL!), and their new rainbow eyeshadow palette; Lexi Noel’s Pride palette is always available; tarte’s rainbow palette’s formula is so clean, you could eat off it – and so bright, you probably shouldn’t stare too long.
It’s brands like these that prove: we don’t give a shit that June is over. Our support is here to stay.
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So, yeah, I’m wearing my LGBTQ+ Pride Eyeshadow, and you can’t stop me. And if you want to wear it too? Start with these 9 rainbow eyeshadow palettes, all of which will light up your face from color and from feeling seen for who you are. Â
And hey, if all of this rainbow enthusiasm sounds like you: let’s be friends and fight for gender-inclusivity in makeup together.
20% of all affiliate sales are donated to The National LGBTQ+ Task Force. Thank you for your support!
SWEAR BY IT SHADOW PALETTE
Forty. F**kin. Shades. And with matte, satin, and metallic finishes? NYX went all out, and I’m so grateful. The texture is like velvet, rather than dry, so you know it’ll last for long periods of time. I also love how there’s nude, so you can build up from an office day to a beauty-queen night.Â
La Catrina 54-Color Eyeshadow Pallet
Unlike other eyeshadows, Afflano’s La Catrina palette, which they recommend for Pride (but keep year-round!), can be applied wet or dry, making mixing and matching, low-key or loud looks, easy. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic as well – those with sensitive eyes don’t have to miss out on fun colors.
BRIGHT MATTE 42 COLOUR PALETTE
Don’t want any shimmer whatsoever? Totally fair, and that’s why Beauty Bay’s 42-color palette(!!!) is ideal. You can have highly-pigmented shades that stand out without needing some form of glitter to grab attention in every color of the rainbow. (Again: 42!) The formula is vegan and cruelty-free – PETA-certified, actually – so feel ethically fine about your purchase.
Makeup Revolution x Tammi Tropical Carnival Eyeshadow Palette
I’m pretty sure I have a headache from looking at this rainbow palette, def not from the all-nighter I’m pulling as I type this. Eighteen matte and shimmer shades make up this palette, a collaboration between Makeup Revolution and content creator Tammi Clarke. In her own words: “This palette is for everyone that loves colour and wants to bring a taste of the Caribbean carnival to their life.”
Morphe X Lisa Frank 35B By Lisa Frank Artistry Palette
I was obsessed with Lisa Frank when I was younger. Like, had stickers, folders, the whole shebang. So it’s no surprise that Morphe’s palette is in my cart rn, all 35 eyeshadow shades calling out to me. What I really love: while it’s a rainbow palette, it also includes shades like black and brown, so you can create any look you want without needing another palette.
UBU EYESHADOW PALETTE
Ms. Mills says in its name, “you be you!” I could write a description, but I’m just going to share with you what the product description says, because I feel it summarizes the palette better than I could: “Each shade is named after a quality that makes you, you because your true self is your happiest self!” With shade names like “Worthy,” and “Valued,” that’s food for thought, no?
Goddess Eyeshadow Palette
Luna Magic’s Goddess palette reminds me of the UBU Eyeshadow Palette, but there’s extra oomph behind the shades’ names. For example: “Daring,” “Successful,” “Electric.” A mix of bright mattes and shimmers, the palette was inspired by the powerful women on this planet and all of their positive attributes. A women’s empowerment eyeshadow palette? We’ll take 10.
Celebrate Pride Makeup Eyeshadow Palette
It’s Lexi Noel’s Pride Palette… but it’s available all the time. Yeah, just because it’s inspired by love and support for the LGBTQ+ community in June doesn’t mean the brand doesn’t support the community year-round. In the online product description, they even say “All Love Is Love,” which makes my LGBTQ+ heart sing
sugar rush™ sunbeams & daydreams eyeshadow palette set
tarte usually uses neutrals for their eyeshadow palettes; if they veer off from their usual nudes, the shades are darker, muted, and subtle. Their sugar rush sunbeams and daydreams palette, though? Not the case, and you can’t not smile when you see it. The pigments are bright, and the formula is ultra-clean, without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, gluten, sodium lauryl sulfate, or triclosan.
Otherworldly Palette
We wrote an entire spotlight on Fluide’s makeup, including their Otherworldly Palette, but let us repeat: these rainbow shades are perfect. The colors will show up no matter your skin tone, and it’s inspired by “celestial shades of the universe.” Rainbows, night skies, early mornings, space, and rainbows all fall under this description, making it perfect to wear at any time.
Are you a fan of wearing rainbow eyeshadow? After all, Pride is every month. Share your favorite looks in the comments!