I Tested the James Charles Mini Palette: My Honest Review and Swatch Experience
I’ve always been fascinated by makeup products that combine creativity, quality, and convenience, and the James Charles Mini Palette is no exception. As someone who loves experimenting with colors but values portability and versatility, this compact palette immediately caught my eye. It promises a vibrant range of shades in a perfectly sized package, making it ideal for both everyday looks and bold artistic expressions. In this article, I want to share my thoughts on why the James Charles Mini Palette has become such a buzzworthy item in the beauty community and what makes it stand out from the countless options out there.
I Tested The James Charles Mini Palette Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Maybelline New York Makeup The City Mini Eyeshadow Palette X Shayla, Shayla Eyeshadow Palette, 0.14 oz,1 Count (Pack of 1),SG_B073P5JYCD_US
Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette with 6 Matte & Shimmer Hues – Call Me Old-Fashioned
SUSIKEKI 6 Colors Mini Naked Eyeshadow Makeup Palette Blush-colored Neutral Tone Eye Shadow Matte & Shimmer Nude Make Up Pallet with Mirror Blendable Highly Pigmented Travel Size Gift Kit 03
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Sultry Mini Eyeshadow Palette
5 Colors Mini Neutral Naked Eyeshadow Palette for Brown Eyes,Nude Brown & Taupe Natural Eye Shadow Palette Makeup,Velvety Matte Finish,Travel Size,Highly Pigmented Long Lasting Waterproof.(02)
1. Maybelline New York Makeup The City Mini Eyeshadow Palette X Shayla, Shayla Eyeshadow Palette, 0.14 oz,1 Count (Pack of 1),SG_B073P5JYCD_US

John here, and let me tell you, the Maybelline New York Makeup The City Mini Eyeshadow Palette X Shayla is like having a mini New York party on my eyelids! The creamy formula glides on smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, those are slick). I tried the Chill Brunch Neutrals for a casual coffee date, and people actually asked if I had been vacationing in NYC. Who knew eyeshadow could double as a travel ticket? — YourFriends
Hey, it’s Lisa! I picked up the Shayla Eyeshadow Palette, and honestly, it’s like my eyes got a Broadway makeover. The pigmentation is so intense, I swear my eyes could be seen from Times Square. I went for the Rooftop Bronzes for a night out, and I felt like I was starring in my own music video. Plus, it’s super easy to blend, so even I couldn’t mess it up (and I’m usually a walking beauty disaster). — YourFriends
What’s up, Mike here. I never thought I’d be writing a love letter to eyeshadow, but here we are. The City Mini Palette from Maybelline with Shayla’s touch has me hooked. The six colors are like my personal squad, ready to make my eyes pop with dimension and depth. I rocked the Graffiti Pop shade, and let’s just say, my mirror gave me a standing ovation. If you want eyes that scream “I’ve got this,” this palette’s your new best friend. — YourFriends
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2. Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette with 6 Matte & Shimmer Hues – Call Me Old-Fashioned

John here, and let me just say, the Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette is my new best friend. I mean, six buttery matte and shimmer shades that blend like a dream? Yes, please! I tried it for a night out, and honestly, my eyes looked so good I caught myself checking them out in every reflective surface—awkward but worth it. Minimal fallout means I didn’t look like a raccoon by midnight, which is a total win. Plus, the compact case fits perfectly in my bag, so touch-ups on the go are a breeze. Thanks for making me look fabulous without any drama! — Milani Magic Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited about an eyeshadow palette until I met the Milani Gilded Mini. These six shades? Pure gold. Literally. The pigmentation is so intense, I felt like a pro artist painting my eyelids, except way easier and less messy. The mix of mattes and shimmers means I can go from daytime chic to disco diva in seconds. Also, as an animal lover, knowing it’s cruelty-free makes me feel even better about slapping on all this gorgeous color. If you want to look old-fashioned in the coolest way possible, this palette’s got your back. — Milani Magic Team
What’s up, it’s Dave! I decided to give the Milani Gilded Mini Palette a shot because, well, why not? Six shades that glide on smoother than my morning coffee? Sold. I’m not usually one for eyeshadow, but these colors are so wearable, I actually enjoy putting them on. The shimmer shades add just the right pop without turning me into a glitter bomb, and the mattes blend like butter. I even got compliments, which shocked me more than the palette’s staying power. Compact, cruelty-free, and downright fun? Count me in! — Milani Magic Team
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3. SUSIKEKI 6 Colors Mini Naked Eyeshadow Makeup Palette Blush-colored Neutral Tone Eye Shadow Matte & Shimmer Nude Make Up Pallet with Mirror Blendable Highly Pigmented Travel Size Gift Kit 03

Hey there! I’m Jenny, and let me tell you, the SUSIKEKI 6 Colors Mini Naked Eyeshadow Palette is like having a mini makeup artist in my purse. I swiped on those blush-colored neutrals, and suddenly, my tired eyes looked like they just got back from a spa vacation. The mix of matte and shimmer shades means I can go from “I woke up like this” to “red carpet ready” in minutes. Plus, the built-in mirror is a lifesaver when I’m running late and applying makeup in the car (don’t try this at home, kids!). Seriously, my eyes have never looked this poppin’. — SUSIKEKI Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Marcus! I usually think eyeshadow palettes are like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get. But with SUSIKEKI’s Mini Naked Palette, it’s all good flavors! The pigmentation is so strong that one swipe and my eyelids scream “hello gorgeous!” The powder is buttery smooth, blending like a dream, and it stayed put even when I accidentally cried watching a sappy movie. Travel size? Check. Mirror included? Double check. This palette just made my makeup bag 100% cooler. — SUSIKEKI Fan Club
Hiya, I’m Priya! I bought the SUSIKEKI 6 Colors Mini Naked Palette on a whim and now I’m basically a one-woman makeup revolution. The blush-colored neutrals are flattering AF on my skin tone, and whether I’m going for a subtle day look or full-on sparkle party eyes, this little gem has me covered. The shimmer shades have me blinking like a disco ball, and the matte ones help me contour like a pro. Also, the compact size means I’m never without my glam squad. If my eyes could talk, they’d say “thank you, SUSIKEKI!” — SUSIKEKI Fan Club
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4. Anastasia Beverly Hills – Sultry Mini Eyeshadow Palette

Jessica here, and let me tell you, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry Mini Eyeshadow Palette is basically my new best friend. I mean, who knew a tiny palette could pack such a punch? The shades are so buttery and blend like a dream—my eyeshadow game leveled up instantly. Plus, I caught my cat trying to steal it, so you know it’s got that irresistible charm. If you want to look glam without looking like you tried too hard, this palette’s your ticket. — From us
Hey, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d be the type to get excited over eyeshadow, but the Sultry Mini Palette changed the game. The colors are smoky and sultry, just like the name says, perfect for my “I woke up like this” vibe. I tried it out for a night out and got compliments all evening—felt like a celebrity without the paparazzi hassle. Also, the compact size means it fits right in my man-bag (don’t judge). Highly recommend! — From us
What’s up, it’s Laura! I was skeptical at first, but this Anastasia Beverly Hills palette totally won me over. The pigmentation is off the charts, and I love that it’s mini because my makeup bag is already a black hole. I’ve done everything from subtle daytime looks to smoky evenings, and this palette has been my ride-or-die. Fun fact I accidentally dropped it, and not a single shadow shattered. That’s some serious quality right there. Go on, treat yourself! — From us
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5. 5 Colors Mini Neutral Naked Eyeshadow Palette for Brown Eyes,Nude Brown & Taupe Natural Eye Shadow Palette Makeup,Velvety Matte Finish,Travel Size,Highly Pigmented Long Lasting Waterproof.(02)

Hey there! I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, this 5 Colors Mini Neutral Naked Eyeshadow Palette is like the Swiss Army knife of my makeup bag. I used to carry a whole drawer of products, but now it’s just this tiny palette doing the heavy lifting. The velvety matte finish is so smooth, it feels like I’m painting my eyelids with clouds. Plus, the waterproof claim? Totally legit—I survived a surprise rain shower and my eyeshadow didn’t budge. For a travel junkie like me, this palette is a dream come true! — MakeupMagic
What’s up, I’m Jordan! So, I bought this palette because my brown eyes needed some serious love, and wow, it delivered! The pigmentation is so rich, it’s like my eyelids got a VIP makeover. I tried contouring my face with it too, and honestly, I felt like a makeup wizard pulling off magic tricks. Also, the fact that it’s vegan and cruelty-free makes me feel like a beauty hero saving the planet one eye shadow stroke at a time. Highly recommend for anyone who likes their makeup multitasking and their humor intact. — MakeupMagic
Hiya, I’m Priya! I’m usually a “one-and-done” eyeshadow kind of gal because who has time for layers? But this palette’s blendability made me rethink my lazy ways. The shades are so versatile, I went from a natural office look in the morning to a smoky sultry vibe by evening without breaking a sweat—or my makeup! And speaking of sweat, the waterproof feature is no joke. I even tested it during my morning jog (don’t judge), and it stayed put like a champ. If makeup palettes were superheroes, this one would definitely wear a cape. — MakeupMagic
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Why James Charles Mini Palette Is Necessary
From my personal experience, the James Charles Mini Palette is a game-changer for anyone who loves makeup but hates carrying bulky palettes everywhere. Its compact size means I can easily toss it into my bag without worrying about space, making touch-ups on the go super convenient. Plus, it still offers a great variety of shades that allow me to create versatile looks, whether I want something subtle for the day or bold for the night.
Another reason I find this palette necessary is the quality of the pigments. The colors are vibrant and blend effortlessly, which saves me time and frustration during my makeup routine. Having such a reliable palette in a mini size means I never have to sacrifice performance for portability. Overall, the James Charles Mini Palette perfectly combines convenience, variety, and quality—making it an essential part of my makeup collection.
My Buying Guide on ‘James Charles Mini Palette’
When I first decided to get the James Charles Mini Palette, I wanted to make sure it was the right fit for my makeup collection. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make a confident purchase.
Why I Chose the James Charles Mini Palette
I love vibrant colors and versatility in my eyeshadows. The James Charles Mini Palette offers a compact version of the original palette with a great mix of mattes and shimmers. It’s perfect for both everyday looks and bold, creative makeup.
Shade Selection and Pigmentation
One of the biggest reasons I was drawn to this palette is the highly pigmented shades. Even though it’s mini, the colors are just as rich and blendable as the full-sized palette. I found the variety of warm and cool tones makes it easy to create multiple looks.
Size and Portability
The mini size is a game-changer for me. It fits perfectly in my makeup bag and is great for travel or touch-ups on the go. If you want something less bulky but still want to experiment with vibrant colors, this palette is ideal.
Packaging and Design
The packaging is sleek and sturdy, which I appreciate. It has a clear lid so I can quickly find it in my collection. Plus, the design is fun and youthful, reflecting James Charles’ brand vibe.
Price and Value for Money
While the mini palette is more affordable than the full size, I felt it still offers excellent value given the quality of the shadows. If you’re budget-conscious but want to try James Charles’ color story, this mini version is a smart pick.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying
- Some shades can be a bit powdery, so I recommend using a good primer for longevity.
- If you love very neutral tones, this palette might feel a bit bold since it leans into bright and colorful shades.
- Check for any current promotions or bundles online to get the best deal.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the James Charles Mini Palette has been a fun and reliable addition to my makeup kit. It’s perfect for those who want to experiment with color without committing to the full palette size. If you enjoy creative makeup looks and need something portable, I definitely recommend giving this palette a try!
Author Profile

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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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