12 Palettes That Are Almost Too Pretty to Use

For some beauty brands, it’s not enough to simply create cosmetics that prettify you; they also endeavor to make said makeup an object of desire in and of itself. Stunning packaging is old hat, so they’ve gone a step further, embellishing what’s inside—bronzer, highlighter, and more—with striking designs and patterns. In some cases, it’s so exquisite that you’re left with the dilemma of whether to use the product for its intended purpose or to preserve it, never to be touched by human hands or synthetic bristles. It’s a tough call. We’ve rounded up some eye-catching palettes that will have you asking yourself: To be used or not to be used? That is the question.

Bolder Bronzer

Giorgio Armani Sun Fabric

The grooved bronzer that recalls both sun-dappled beaches and featherweight fabrics imparts skin with radiant-but-sparkle-free color. $54; Buy it now.

Chanel Lumière d'Été Illuminating Powder

Coco Chanel’s adoration for the camellia began when lover Boy Capel presented her with the blossoms. Now it’s a symbol of the fashion house, incorporated into everything from fine jewelry to hairpins to this gilded powder. $65; Buy it now.

See more: Spring’s Freshest Eye and Nail Combos

Luxe Luminizers

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator

A dusting of the shimmery rose-gold highlighter will leave eyes, cheeks, and décolletage looking as angelic as the design of this ethereal-like pressed powder. $42; Buy it now.

Elizabeth Arden Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter

In case the shells and pearls pressed into the highlighter and bronzer trio didn’t tip you off, the iridescence of those precious objects inspired this compact. $39.50; Buy it now.

Bangin’ Blush

Dior Diorskin Nude Tan Tie Dye in Coral Sunset

The spirit of the summer is all over this “tie-dyed” blush, with warm shades to complement a bronzed glow—faux or otherwise. $57; Buy it now.

Burberry S/S15 Runway Palette

Directly linking its fashion with its beauty offerings, Burberry inscribes shades ripped from the runway with an illustration symbolizing the Prorsum Spring collection. $68; Buy it now.

Extraordinary Eyeshadows

Clarins Garden Escape 6 Colour Eye Palette Wet & Dry

The six spring colors in this compact are reminiscent of the gardens at Versailles, and the luxe floral motif imprinted on top is just as extravagant. $45; Buy it now.

Paul & Joe S15 Face & Eye Color Palette

Elephants! And cats! And hippos! Oh my! These are just a few of the unlikely muses for Paul & Joe’s spring eyeshadow range. $39; Buy it now.

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow in Spiritual Life and Just Breathe

These gold- and silver-plated shadows offer a chic way to get on board with the metallic trend sans glitter. $22 each; Buy it now.

Chantecaille The Glacier Eye Shade Trio

Icy creams and silky taupes reflective of the arctic landscape are ideal for sculpting the perfect everyday eye when the heat is on. Even better: Five percent of proceeds will be donated to Extreme Ice Survey, an initiative that educates the public on the impact of global warming. $70; Buy it now.

Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

With this dreamy sandbar of a palette, you can whip up an effortless smoky eye with its creamy complementary colors. $58; Buy it now.

Sephora Collection Colorful by Craig & Karl

Designers Craig Redman and Karl Maier left their mark on these shadow duos via vivid color combinations and striking graphics. $20; Buy it now.

By Katie Dickens

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