The thing with eyeshadow palettes is that they can be a bit intimidating. It doesn’t matter if it’s a set of four, labelled where each color should go, or if it’s a full range of colors in all possible hues. It’s simply hard to choose which colors to commit to.

It doesn’t help that eyeshadow palettes offer different finishes either. There’s matte, metallic, shiny to just downright glittery—there could be trouble when you’re left alone matching your eyeshadow to everyday wear and occasion.

But I figured: The problem isn’t in the in the overwhelming number of choices. It lies in the number of looks available. While owning a large palette is great, you‘ll never be able to work with it if you don’t know exactly what look you are going for.

What look do you want to achieve? Ah, there’s that question. Like determining what to wear, start with knowing what you will be doing, what the weather is like outside, and what time you plan on heading out.

For now, stick to these three classic eyeshadow looks. Here are some tips on how to create each look and the palette suited for it.

Neutral
I’m a fan of neutral eyeshadow because it’s something you can wear from day to night. If you keep it matte and subtle, wear it to work to look extra sophisticated. It can also make your eyes bigger as it provides a good contrast to dark eyeliner and a good coat of mascara. Amp up the look with shinier finishes or champagne hues, and you’re good to go for the night. Neutral eye makeup is best for when you want to pull off a deep shade of lipstick.

Try: Stila Eyes Are The Window Shadow Palette in Soul (P 2,210.14)

This palette has 10 different neutral shades that range from a matte, skin tone finish to a dark and shimmery bronze. It also has two dark shades in gray and black, good for lining the eyes or smudging them for a smoky take on basic neutrals.

Stila. Available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source, Glorietta 4. For more information, visit their website.

Smoky
When it comes to this look, it’s good to master the classic colors like black and deep purple and techniques before incorporating different shades. Since the look is strong and requires a lot of blending, steer clear of hues packed with glitter and shine. Load up also on concealer under the eyes. Dark eyeshadow can make your eyes look heavier if you don’t even out your skin tone. With this being said, make sure everything on your face is kept light and bright. Best paired with nude lip color, the look is amplified with a highlighter, so don’t forget to reach for an illuminator.

Try: Essence Night Club Eyeshadow in Dance-til-Dawn (P 199.00)

A small palette of eight shades, it’s the basics of smoky eyeshadow in your hand. There are three shades of purple that go well together or can be blended out with silver and gray tones. There’s a reliable black shade that goes along with a silvery, neutral hue to brighten up the inner corner of the eye.

Essence. Available at SM Makati, SM Megamall, and SM North Edsa. For more information, visit their website.

Metallic
A good metallic eyeshadow is not, and I say this with emphasis, not glittery. It should reflect light in a way that it’s almost like a foil all over your eyes without giving that fake look as if it’s been stuck on your lids. Again, blending is key. Given this, you‘ve got to use just one eyeshadow per shade. Pro-tip: Using a brush you’ve already used in one shade to pick up another (also known as double-dipping) will just compromise the color, so it’s best to switch eyeshadow brushes.

Try: NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette (P 3,563.29)

Offering eight shades ranging from neutral to blue and black, this palette can be used in two ways, depending on how much color you want and need. Apply the eyeshadow dry for a sheer finish. One the other hand, by spraying some water on to your brush before dipping into the shades, you’ll get a longer-lasting, more intense look that’s good for nights out.