When it comes to makeup, it true that you only get what you pay for? In today’s post, I’ll be breaking down which of my ultra-affordable eyeshadow palettes can compete with my high-end palettes and which palettes are duds. Keep reading for my e.l.f. and Essence palette ranking.
e.l.f. and Essence Palette Ranking
Over the years, many drugstore eyeshadow formulas have gotten bad reputations from eyeshadow addicts like me. However, I am happy to say that many affordable, drugstore brands have made major formula improvements over the years. Keep reading for my e.l.f. and Essence palette ranking.
Truffles & Rose Water Bite Size Palettes from e.l.f.
5 | e.l.f. Bite Size Palette – Rose Water ($3.00, CF & Vegan)
Of the four e.l.f. Bite Size Palettes in my collection, Rose Water is my least favorite quad. Compared to the other e.l.f. quads that I own, Rose Water was the hardest to build up and produced the most fallout. I still enjoy this palette, but it is not my favorite. Check out my in-depth review of the e.l.f. Bite Size Palettes.
4 | e.l.f. Bite Size Palette – Truffles ($3.00, CF & Vegan)
Just above Rose Water, is the e.l.f. Bite Size Palette in Truffles. This cool-toned neutral quad comes with 3 creamy mattes and one taupe-silver metallic. The quality of this palette is perfection; however, I typically only use this palette paired with another e.l.f. quad.
Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette
3 | Essence – Ola Rio Palette ($9.99, CF)
The Essence Ola Rio Palette is the first eyeshadow palette that I’ve tried from this affordable European brand. While I enjoy this palette for creating soft glam looks, this palette lacks the depth that I would expect from a brand inspired by Brazil.
Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette Swatches
2 | e.l.f. Bite Size Palette – Cream & Sugar ($3.00 USD, CF & Vegan)
When I picked up the Cream & Sugar Bite Size palette from e.l.f. I was shocked by how much I loved this little quad. This is a very simple, soft glam quad that is perfect for everyday wear.
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1 | e.l.f. Bite Size Palette – Pumpkin Spice ($3.00 USD, CF & Vegan)
Of course, Pumpkin Spice reigns supreme in my e.l.f. and Essence Palette ranking. This warm, orange-brown neutral palette is my favorite affordable palette. Although it may lack the range of other palettes included in this list, I love the basic looks I can create with this palette. Additionally, the quality of the mattes and metallics in this palette is superb.
Cream & Sugar and Pumpkin Spice Bite Size Palettes from e.l.f.
Final Thoughts on e.l.f. and Essence Palette Ranking
Although Pumpkin Spice is my top pick within my e.l.f. and Essence palette ranking, I am excited to own each of these affordable palettes. As someone who loves trying everything from affordable to indie to luxury makeup, I fully believe that many affordable eyeshadow formulas can compete with high-end ones.
I would recommend each of the palettes included in my e.l.f. and Essence Palette ranking to any makeup lover looking to try more affordable formulas. Also, these palettes are amazing steals for any beauty addicts on a budget.
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Catch up on My Collection Series
Did you enjoy reading my e.l.f. and Essence Palette ranking? Follow along with the rest of my makeup collection series here:
- Cheeks: Blush | Bronzer | Highlighter | Face Palettes
- Base: Primer | Concealer | Foundation | Setting Products
- Lips: Nude Lipstick | Bold Lipstick | Lip Crayon | Lip Liner | Liquid Lipstick | Lip Tint | Lip Gloss
- Eyes: Eyeliner | Mascara | Brows | Single Eyeshadow Collection | Single Glitters | Indie Single Shadows
- ColourPop: Pressed Shadows | Super Shock Shadows | Monochromatic Palettes | Pressed Palettes
Have you tried any of the eyeshadow palettes featured in my e.l.f. and Essence palette ranking? Which palette is most appealing to you? Let me know in the comments below.