Testing the new Elf Chromatic Eyeshadow palette. It’s certified vegan, cruelty-free and is only $12 – but is it actually any good?
Well dreamers, I thought it was high time I tried some of Elf’s eyeshadows.
After falling literally head over heals for their translucent HD finishing powder this year (seriously, cannot get enough!!), I went to place a replacement order online and of course stocked my cart with some eyeshadow. I mean, at $12…Elf’s new Chromatic eyeshadow palette was simply too tempting to resist. And so I picked up ‘Birds of Paradise’ in hopes of discovering another slam dunk gem to share with you lovelies.
Testing the Elf Chromatic Eyeshadow Palette
Obviously beautiful, the Elf ‘Birds of Paradise’ Chromatic eyeshadow palette seemed right up my alley for spring. With orange-toned transitions shades, a light champagne, bronze, burgundy and lilac purple – the 7-shadow palette definitely has a lot to offer and my creative side immediately began concocting countless eye makeup looks.
I also really appreciate the variety in finishes. It seems with cheap ‘drugstore’ palettes (to me anyway), that it’s hard to find a good mix of mattes and shimmers. Lucky for us, Elf was up to the task. Remarkable how much variety they managed to pack into this lil’ palette, really.
Of course, it goes without saying that I also love that Elf Cosmetics is a certified cruelty-free line. That’s a brand factor I don’t think we can celebrate enough so I’ll take the liberty of shouting from the rooftops: no bunnies were hurt in the making of this eyeshadow. Woo!
Highly Pigmented Shadows in a Variety of Finishes!
As I mentioned, the 7-shadow Elf Chromatic Eyeshadow palette features a variety of finishes. Included are mattes, shimmers, satins and even a metallic bronze. While there’s a varying number of finishes, one thing that is consistent across the board is how pigmented each shade is. I was VERY impressed with the deep pigmentation!
Recently I tried out a Revlon eyeshadow palette and I felt like I had to layer and layer and layer eyeshadow for days to make it have the color payoff I was looking for. Lucky for us all, the Elf palette doesn’t have the problem. Nope! You’ll be able to easily pack color on your lids with minimal effort.
(Good news, considering I’m not a morning person at all and find layering eyeshadow to be a complete drag.)
Are the Shadows Chalky?
Last year, I tried out an Elf baked highlighter and was extremely disappointed in how ‘chalky’ it was. After that, I was slightly skeptic that the eyeshadows would follow suit as so many drugstore eyeshadows are. However, I was amazed at how smoothly these shadows apply and blend on my eyes. Six of the seven I classify as pretty darn perfect.
The one shade I do find slightly chalky is the lilac purple. It’s still a highly pigmented shadow that blends like a dream, but I do find it slightly chalky. In the end, I like the coloring so much though that I just work with it.
But Do the Shadows Last?
If you’ve been reading Dream in Lace for a while, you know I have absolutely no patience for makeup that doesn’t last. Nope, not one bit. In fact, just last year I fell head over heals with the pigmentation of Kylie Jenner’s eyeshadows before starting to abhor them because of how little wear time I got. (Catch my rant post about that, here.)
And so, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the $12 Elf Chromatic eyeshadow palette stays put on my eye lids all day long. Yes, of course, I do use a primer…but that’s a given. If you’re not using an eyeshadow primer, Elf also has a great one (that’s only $4).
Ready to see some swatches?? I thought so!
Elf Chromatic Eyeshadow Palette – Birds of Paradise Swatches
Nourishing Eyeshadows?
The Elf Chromatic Eyeshadow palette features shadows enriched with Vitamin E, Meadowfoam Oil and Jojoba Oil.
Okay. While I’m by no means at dermatologist, I can vouch for how smooth and soft the shadows are and I wager the Vitamin E and oils are key players there. Have you ever applied eyeshadow that seems to drag on your eyes because it’s so dry? I know I have and I hate it. Lucky for us all, we won’t have to worry about that with this palette!
Cruelty-Free AND Vegan
Animal lovers, rejoice! The eyeshadow palette is both cruelty-free and certified vegan.
Where to Buy the Palette?
With ELF, I typically order products online directly from their website. They have free shipping anytime on orders of $25+, but frequently offer free shipping on any amount. If you do prefer to purchase in a store, Elf products are available at Target, Walgreens, CVS and even Old Navy (who would’ve guessed). However, I always find that the selection is limited in third-party retailers and for the full range of everything Elf has to offer…would again refer you to their website.
Note, Elf does have a “Beauty Squad” reward system and when you purchase products from Elf…you’ll start racking up points pretty quickly for great discounts.
Well dreamers, I’m sold. Elf’s ‘Birds of Paradise’ Chromatic Eyeshadow palette continues Elf’s winning streak of delivering quality products that won’t break my your wallet.
In fact I like the product SO much that I’ve already gone ahead and ordered the second “Posh Peacock” Chromatic palette. Aside from an amazing name, that palette features a cooler toned selection of shades (including a STUNNING teal) that I think will add some kick to my usual eyeshadow routine in the weeks ahead.
All-in-all, I’m impressed and think if you have $12 to spare – you will be too!
Elf Chromatic Eyeshadow Run Down
- Cruelty-Free
- Vegan
- Affordable at $12
- Includes 7 shades (mixed from matte to metallic)
- Enriched with Vitamin E and natural oils for smooth, soft application
- Highly pigmented
- Even consistency
- Long lasting
- Widely available at drugstores, Target and other retailers as well as directly from ELF with reasonable shipping
And *psst* spoiler alert, I’ve also fallen head over heals with ANOTHER product for ELF that I’ll be spilling the beans on soon. So stay tuned!!
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Elf Cosmetics Chromatic Eyeshadow Palette ($12)
Stay stylish and chase your dreams!
XOXO
Kelly
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