We’ve never been a big fan of single-pan eyeshadows or bronzers, simply because we’re not big on opening 20 containers just to get our face ready in the morning. Digging for these containers and opening them, then closing and keeping them away takes time – time we can be spent de-puffing that morning face. If you’ve ever had to clear your luggage for extra space on a holiday, you’d know that palettes are your lifesavers.

Once, out of curiosity, I weighed my travel makeup bag. It was a legit five kilograms. I had four palettes – eyeshadows, blushers, bronzers, highlighters – and a bunch of other small things. You know the regret you feel when you know you overpacked? I got the same feeling when I realised I used only four out of the 35 colours on my eyeshadow palette, and, like, two shades of blushers, one bronzer and one highlighter.

Like packing smart for a holiday, streamlining – we’re all about streamlining this month, aren’t we? – your makeup box is all about versatility and compactness.

Palettes are the way to go for sure, but look out for those that have products that can double for something else, like highlighters and blushers for eyeshadows and lipsticks for blushers. Big mirrors are important. If your palette has eyes, cheeks and lips covered and is the size of your phone, then my friend, you’ve found the treasure chest. The palm-sized vanity.

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Tarte Tarteist™ PRO Glow Highlight & Contour Palette

We’ve got a weakness for palettes that instantly uplift your look. Not only does this have a cream contour that would work amazing for winter because it’s more hydrating, the highlights double up as blushers, too. The only downside to this is that it doesn’t have eyeshadows – or does it?

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Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look In A Palette

This palette will help you achieve the perfect natural glowy look. Three basic eyeshadows that’ll contour the lids, a bronzer, two blushers and a highlighter. It’s got everything you need for a day-to-day look and is really sufficient to help add colour and dimension to your look.

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Kevyn Aucoin The Art of Makeup Essential Face & Eye Palette

Ah, the palette that’ll help you start your day fresh and end with more dramatic eye makeup. It’s got bright eyeshadows that are perfect for that pop of colour, dark brown and black for a smokey eye, bronzing powders and blush for a little bit of colour on your cheeks. Bonus: it’s got eyeshadow applicators AND a face brush. Essential indeed.

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Innisfree My Style My Palette

If you’re still searching for the one palette that’ll solve all your woes, you’ll be glad to hear about this fully customisable palette. Coming in three different sizes, these babies give you a wide selection of eyeshadows, blushers, concealers and highlighters. Being able to choose what you want depending on your needs and weather conditions will definitely help to reduce excess weight and bulk. Plus, this also means that you’d use every single shade in the palette. No colour left behind.

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Laura Mercier Master Class Colour Essentials Collection 3rd Edition

If you’re the type who needs options to get creative with, this palette’s got 12 eyeshadow colours, two blushers, a highlighter, a pencil eyeliner and actual legit brushes. This is basically the only thing you need and eradicates the need to stuff your brushes into a pouch anymore.

What To Read Next: The Five-Step Routine That Cures Your Morning Face In 15 Minutes, The Highlighter Palette That Gives You A Glow That Won’t Quit and How The Simple Act of Brushing Your Hair Can Cure Your Hair Woes | Cover Image: Natalyn Chan