ELF Beauty Encyclopedia - Swatches!

So here are the swatches for the ELF Beauty Encyclopedia - Sparkle edition palette that i picked up! Included in this palette are 12 eyeshadows, 2 cream shadows, 1 eyeliner and 1 eyeshadow brush. Below are swatches done with no primer or base.

Note - i am trying out a new way of posting swatches.. i previously just put all flash pictures up first and then natural lighting but i think im going to start putting these side by side so you can really see the difference. i dont know why i didnt do this earlier, but with this.. the pictures will have to be smaller sized so that they fit side by side. but of course, as always, you can always click to enlarge each picture!

picture for reference

(missing eyeliner and brush opps!)

full swatches

Below are the swatches of each row. the left side are taken with flash while the right side is without. i hope this method works out much better!

first row

 second row + eyeliner

third row

cream blushes

This is the shadow size in comparison to my annabelle shadow (which is same size as mac refills etc) Just so you can get an idea of how big the shadows actually are and the size of the brush and liner. The brush is dual ended with a sponge tip on one side and an eyeshadow brush on the other. I actually really like this brush and am thinking of keeping it in my makeup bag for on-the-go touchups!

Note - i know i have been kind of slacking off when it comes to writing detailed reviews, but from now on, i will do my best to give you the whole picture. With that said, these reviews tend to get a bit long.. but i will always try to include an "overall" section which sums up everything if you just want the final verdict. I hope these new reviews are more helpful!

Eyeshadow quality - overview

These shadows are very soft (almost TOO soft) and have pretty good pigmentation. Some of the lighter shades can be a bit on the chalky side and some shadows can get crumbly. Also, i found that the first two glitter shadows had a gritty texture. But otherwise, the rest swatched easily and were quite smooth.The cream shadows are nice but are also quite sheer. (possibly because of the color) After swatching, i went to wash my hands and realized that these shadows wipe off with a little bit of water very easily.. which was definately NOT good! Overall, i would say good pigmentation but you definately should use a primer to make the eyeshadow last.

Palette overview

Since this was probably around $6-7 CAD, i guess the quality was expected. Most ELF products are usually a hit or miss but i think this one is on the fence. The palette includes quite a decent amount of shadows plus an eyeliner and a dual ended brush (sponge tip + eyeshadow brush). The brush is actually pretty good!! as with all other ELF brushes i've tried (i highly recommend them!) but the shadows, even though decently pigmented, lack in staying power and tend to get quite crumbly. 

The palette itself is made out of cardboard and is held closed by magnets. It is quite thin and seems to be pretty sturdy so no complaints there. (i would LOVE a nice plastic palette but seriously for $6-7, this will do) The inside of the palette also includes instructions on how to create an eye-look which can be pretty helpful if you're just starting out. There is also a plastic cover inside (attached to one end so it just flips over) to keep the eyeshadows from getting all over the front cover which is kind of nice to have.

Pros

-12 pigmented shadows + 2 cream shadows + eyeliner + brush = lots of product for cheap price!

- the brush included is pretty good

- the palette is sturdy and includes instructions on how to create a look 

Cons

- eyeshadows can get chalky or crumbly (messy) and washes off easily with water
- although good for travelling, i kind of wished it had a mirror

Overall -
If you're a new makeup addict and want a nice palette to try some new shades and practice your skills or you're already a full blown makeup addict and tend to use a primer or eyeshadow cream base quite often, then i would recommend getting this palette. It has a good variety of shades which are all quite nice.

Would i repurchase?

At this momment.. probably not... Considering i have other palettes that could do me much better. Although if i had spotted this palette earlier when i was just starting my collection, (or before i got my coastal scents or sedona lace palettes) i wouldve definately purchased this one as the colors included are quite nice!

Have you tried this palette before? Let me know how it went for you!

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