If you’re starting to build up your makeup collection, the first big investment piece you need is a neutral palette. You can use neutrals on their own for a daytime look, or smoke it up at night for something classically sultry. As you add to your makeup arsenal, you can mix pops of color with your nudes for fun, creative looks. Read on for our ten favorite neutrals of the moment…

Even non-beauty junkies have heard of Urban Decay’s Naked Palette – it’s has just about every color needed to create a perfect smoky eye, and has spawned two spinoffs and a cult following. The anticipation for the Naked 3 was quite possibly the biggest commotion in recent makeup history. Anyway, let’s take a look at the one that started it all: the Naked Palette. Twelve neutrals, ranging from shimmer to glitter to matte, pinks to purples & grays. Enclosed in a brown velvet case, the palette includes a double-sided brush and travel sized primer.

Palettes usually come with a higher price tag than other beauty products. They’re considered investments…but Maybelline’s new wallet-friendly palette turns that concept on its head. Maybelline’s The Nudes is available at your local drugstore and rings it at only $9.99. The pigmented, easy-to-blend shades are simple and classic. Perfect for daytime looks or a casual night out!

Pampadour founder Jen has been raving about Marc Jacobs’ The Dreamer Palette recently. Featuring seven neutrals (from metallics to mattes to sheens) that go together beautifully, this sleek case has everything you need to create a long-lasting look that will carry you from day to night.

Some people don’t adore Smashbox’s Full Exposure as much as we do. It’s not the easiest palette to use – there tends to be a lot of fallout from the glittery shades. If you know how to use it, though, it can be one of the most versatile and exciting kits in your collection! Tip: use the shimmers wet to create a memorable, breathtaking smoky eye.

We discovered Saucebox’s Etude Palette earlier this year thanks to Batalash Beauty and have been hooked ever since! The eight pans are gigantic, plus the matte neutral shades can multitask as eyebrow and contouring powder. That’s a big bang for your buck.

NYX’s The Natural Eyeshadow Palette is the perfect palette to take with you when you’re on the go. It’s so tiny that it can easily fit in the palm of your hand, but don’t underestimate its power. The six simple hues can be blended together to create looks that can go from classic to intense.

Bobbi Brown’s Nude on Nude Palette features twelve shadows that vary from matte to metallic and sparkly. Each hue is more enticing than the last – it’s one of those palettes that you want to get your hands on, even if you already have countless others like it. Every pigmented shade works solo, but blend them together for something that’s on another level.

Sonia Kashuk’s Perfectly Neutral Eye Palette is inexpensive, easy to travel with and features six neutral browns that will flatter any eye. No wonder it’s a cult classic!

When Charlotte Tilbury debuted her American line this fall, she proved she’s a force to be reckoned with in the beauty world. Check out how glamorous and lush her Dolce Vita eyeshadow quad is. There may only be four colors, but they’re so buttery and eye-catching that four may be all you need.

Admittedly NARS’ The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette doesn’t consist of all neutrals, but it’s too good to not mention. The simple black compact features 15 of NARS’ signature shadows. The pigmentation on these shades is absolutely unbelievable – enjoy blending different shades to create unique looks. It would make a perfect gift for any beauty addict.

What’s your favorite neutral palette? Is there one that we missed? Tell us in the comments below and on Pampadour.com!