If you’ve been following me for a bit you probably already know that I am a pretty huge elf (eyes lips face) cosmetics fan. It’s a very affordable, yet high quality brand. However, sometimes while on their site there are SO MANY THINGS that it’s hard to pick and choose what to pick and not panic slightly on the inside (probably just me) about whether or not your choices were awesome and won’t end up in your makeup graveyard. That’s the beauty of following multiple other bloggers here on youtube, though. I get to see swatches and reviews and sometimes discover things that I might have overlooked before.

That happened last week while watching a Kathleenlights (youtube blogger) video and she mentioned this palette from elf’s sight that I had somehow overlooked every time I have ever shopped on their website. It was the prism palette in “Naked” and from what I could see from the swatches on camera, I needed this palette. I typically do not go for shimmery palettes that have no mattes, but I was willing to make an exception for this. Everyone else also needed this palette. It sold out pretty quickly on elf’s sight, so I looked to my trusted beauty ebay shops list and tried to find one. I ended up snagging one for $5 shipped, which is half the price elf charges on their site at regular price, more if you include shipping costs.

Another small elf palette I picked up was $3 from Target. I want to try a few holiday things from elf myself since they’re so cheap. When I shop for Christmas makeup for my mom and other beauty enthusiasts in my family I like to know if the quality is going to be great before I buy it, and I like to be able to buy quite a bit for less so that I can make cute gift bags for everyone without breaking the bank. So, today’s post is just an overall review with swatches of both.

These are the swatches from the prism palette and they are so shimmery and so BEAUTIFUL. I was so impressed with the quality and pigmentation of every color in this little set. The packaging is small and sleek for easy storage. The color payoff is better than some of my higher end palettes. This is one of those times where I am so happy that youtube made me buy something. If not, I might not have ever known about this little gem. If you’re contemplating on getting this, just get it. Trust me, you won’t regret it. If you love neutrals and shimmers, this is the perfect palette for you.

These are the swatches from the $3 elf eye palette that I found at my local Target. It’s also available on elf’s website though. Yes, I realize the swatches look a lot like the prism palette, and there are some similarities, but also some major differences. These were swatched on primer, and while the pigmentation is by no means bad, it’s still a bit powdery. The prism palette shadows are very smooth and buttery, and these are more of the typical elf formula. The most powdery color was the gold one, but it wasn’t too bad and still has a great payoff.

Overall, I would recommend both of these palettes. If you’re only seeking one or the other, my personal recommendation is the Naked one, but both are great quality given the affordable price. I woudld honestly pay double the price for the prism palette. When I say those shades are buttery and glide on, I mean it. I haven’t worked with shades that easy to apply and blend since I tried ColourPop pigments. Elf, you never cease to amaze me, and I mean that in the best way possible.