Mineral makeup can be expensive, we all know that, but if you look hard enough you can find some excellent mineral bargains. I think Elfs Mineral Eyeshadows are one such bargain.

For £3 each from eyeslipsface.co.uk these shadows really are cheap and come in 0.9g pots which are more generous than they sound. They are packaged very simply, clear plastic bases with a black screw lid showing the Elf branding, similar in design to a MAC product.

There is a reasonable variety of shades available, all of which are highly pigmented and nicely shimmery. They blend well with other colours and create a lovely professional looking makeup effect. As with all mineral or loose powder shadows I would recommend using a good base underneath your colour. These powders are so fine they really require something to stick to. An eyelid primer will also make the colours more vibrant and the finished look less likely to crease.

These shadows provide plenty of scope for experimentation. They can be worn alone or blended to create different shades, can be applied dry in a thin layer for more of a sheer wash or wet for a bolder colour. The shade 'Elegant' is my choice for a shimmery highlight on the brow and cheekbones.

In short, I think these are a really good choice if you are looking for budget mineral makeup. They are well pigmented, easy to apply and stay put for hours with a good base. They also claim to be good for your skin, made with natural ingredients and containing vitamins A and B hydrating the skin and minimizing the appearance of fine lines... can't be bad for 3 quid a pop!