This is my first post as part of my Eyeshadow Palette Lottery series. If you haven’t read how this works, I encourage you to check it out here. It’s a fun way to go through your stash of palettes and rediscover old favorites. And in some cases, find some things you no longer love and want to declutter.
The first random number I pulled was the ELF Mad for Matte 2 palette. And although this is newer to my collection, I was excited to go back and use it some more. Keep reading for my thoughts.
Overview
ELF makes two all matte palettes and their newest offering is much warmer. In fact, I think it is very reminiscent of the shades in the Urban Decay Naked Heat palette that comes out later this summer. I personally really like the selection of colors and I think you could create some really interesting looks. It’s sleek compact makes it an ideal travel palette and great for pairing with those single shimmery eyeshadow lurking in your makeup drawer.
Pigmentation
This is where the ELF palette really shines. I find all of the colors easy to blend and nicely pigmented.
The formula of the ELF Mad for Matte 2 palette has been updated from the original one and is even better. And lot of bloggers said the first ELF Mad for Matte palette was the best all matte palette at the drugstore.
Old Formula (Mad for Matte 1)
Talc, Mica, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Nylon-12, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol
New Formula (Mad for Matte 2)
Talc, Nylon-12, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol
Nylon-12 has been moved up the list and this ingredient has an incredibly silky texture that helps to mattify products. And this eyeshadow really does feel silky. Magnesium Stearate is also higher up the list and helps provide a texture that adheres shadow to skin. You also really notice this as the shadow doesn’t feel powdery and really does stick to your lids. And over top of an eyeshadow base, I have no problem getting 9+ hours of wear with little to no fading.
Eyeshadow Look
I did two looks with this palette, but the photos only turned out from one. For these first few posts, I’m still figuring out the best way to capture my eyeshadow looks on the go because I’m frequently traveling while using them. Once I get into a groove, hopefully I’ll have better pictures to share.
I went for a very warm look using the rose, rust and plum shades towards the end of the palette. I love how this turned out. And although I’m looking down, these colors really do make my blues eyes pop.
All in all, I really love this palette and think it’s a great value at only $10. I have yet to see it at any retail stores, but I’ve always had great experiences ordering from the ELF website. This one is a keeper.