An Inexpensive Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Substitute?

It was love at first site.

The soft, muted hues...the powerful, warm darks...the shimmery, neutral metallics.

Utterly beautiful. Utterly usable.

And at $50, utterly out of my reach *sigh*.

Click here to buy at Ulta.com.

So I started my hunt for a comparative set at a much lower price.

At first, while at Ulta, I spotted the very lovely Physician's Formula "Nude Eyes" set, technically known as "Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner-Universal Looks Collection, Nude". You can get it here at Ulta.com. (click on the Nude option)

 It didn't have the same amount of colors, nor the high quality brush, but at only $10.99 (at Ulta), it also didn't have the hefty price tag of the Naked 2 Palette.

The colors were very nice, the case was really cute, and the unique foam applicator was handy not only to apply color to the lid, but also to line the eye with it's triangular, pointy tip.The packaging showed 3 different application style suggestions to help you plan out your look.

Great neutral colors (all shimmers)

Cute peach & black lace magnetic case

Box has detailed directions for 3 different looks

I like this set. I have used it multiple times to create different looks. One thing I didn't like about it: the color blocks are quite small, so it can be a little tricky trying to load your brush without also getting the colors around it. And as unique as the foam applicator is, I still prefer actual brushes for application, so I used my own. That little rectangle is pretty small to try to load your brush.

I liked several of the colors, but found some of the colors to be no good for me.

Then, as I was checking out the cosmetics rack at my local Burke's Outlet, I spotted some ELF cosmetics. I like ELF (Eyes Lips Face). I've bought a number of their stuff over the last several years and for the most part been very happy with my purchases (one notable exception being their mineral foundation...it's awful, and their mascara...a goopy, clumpy mess).

My awesome score! NOTE: the case is REALLY hard to get open. I had to use the edge of my tweezers.

It's called "e.l.f. Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette – Limited Edition, Warm"

The colors are amazing, but the applicator is cheap & useless

It contains 32 fabulous, warm-toned eye colors for nearly anyone to use successfully. Sure, it has the typical browns, creams, and peaches in multiple shades. But it also has some more unusual warms that one doesn't expect, like yellow, burgundy, gray, and plum. There's a good mix of shimmers and mattes, too. The colors are spectacular, and their are SO MANY to choose from! You're sure to find many that you'll love, that work with your personal coloring.

I certainly haven't had a chance to use all the colors, but the ones I have used have been great: deep color, good texture, excellent blendability, pretty good staying power. The dark colors have performed pretty well as liner for me, as well.

One of the best things about this palette - it was only $4.99!

Now, I located this same set on the e.l.f. website for you, and it's listed at $5...but it's currently out of stock in this shade set *boo-hoo*; though they do have the brighter color palette called "Cool" right here: ELF Cool Palette Limited Edition for the same $5.

For the price, this set is so worth hunting for if you're in the market for warm eye colors. I've seen ELF for sale at some drugstores, at Kmart, and of course, you might find it at your local Burke's or other discount outlet store (like Marshall's or TJMaxx). I really wanted to buy several of these and do a giveaway for you guys, but the store only had this ONE. *Sigh*

Even so, I just had to let you all know how fab it is, in case you can find it in a store near you.

Here's one of the looks I created using 4 of the colors (as lid shade, crease color, highlighter & eyeliner).

Good luck!

I hope you can find one of these for yourself.