When it comes to inexpensive makeup brand, ELF is definitely one of my favorite choices. They offer a lot of vegan and cruelty free products at affordable prices. The formula is mild and often fragrance-free too. Some of their studio line (black package) can be said as “dupe” for the much more expensive brands, and performed well for its price.

For instance, ELF Mad for Matte eyeshadow is a nice palette for everyday use. Good quality matte eyeshadow is a rare find in inexpensive brand, but this one didn't disappoint me. I also use the lighter color as highlighter sometimes. Not to mention the darker colors are totally OK for eyebrows as well, so I don't need to buy extra eyebrow kit. It's compact with a mirror so it's easy to bring when you're traveling.

E.L.F. Mad for Matte, Eyeshadow Palette

Ingredients:

Talc, mica, silica, magnesium stearate, nylon-12, ethylhexyl palmitate, dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol May contain: titanium dioxide (CI 77891), iron oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), manganese violet (CI 77742), red 40 lake (CI 16035), ultramarines (CI 77007).

VEGAN. NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS.

Price according to the official site
Price per item ( 14 g): 10.00 USD | 7.49 GBP | 12.54 AUD | 80.00 SEK | 65.55 RMB
Price per gram: 0.71 USD | 0.54 GBP | 0.90 AUD | 5.71 SEK | 4.68 RMB
Use within 12 months after opening

ELF St Lucia Blush and Bronzer

ELF St. Lucia blush and bronzer comes with a mirror so it's perfect to take out. The blush color is peachy pink with a bit coral tone.and works pretty well with light and warm skin tone. It's not super pigmented so it's great for beginners. Although once you get used to it you get a bit annoyed to have to build up more. The bronzer colors is a deep brown color with warm tone, but I admit that I haven't quite gotten the hang of contouring yet, so sometimes I use it as eyeshadow too, lol. The only thing I don't like is the little glittering golden powder in both. It's not very visible once applied, you only get to see it at really close distance, but I just don't like that. Plus it also contains mineral oil which I don't usually include in my skin care. But as starter, and at this price, you can't ask for too much. 😉

Ingredients:

Talc, mica, magnesium stearate, paraffinum liquidum (mineral oil), polyisobutene, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, triacontanyl PVP, sodium dehydroacetate. May Contain: Iron oxides (Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl77499), titanium dioxide (Cl 77891), red 40 lake (Cl 16035), ultramarines (Cl 77007)

VEGAN. NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS.

Price according to the official site
Price per item ( 8.4 g): 4.00 USD | 2.99 GBP | 5.01 AUD | 32.10 SEK | 26.22 RMB
Price per gram: 0.48 USD | 0.36 GBP | 0.60 AUD | 3.82 SEK | 3.12 RMB
Use within 12 months after opening