Tuesday, January 18, 2011

E.L.F rant. WARNING: A LOT OF PRODUCTS

E.L.F otherwise known as eyeslipsface.com has a wide range of products that generally costs from $1-$10USD.
I've had tested out many of their products from their regular line, studio line, and mineral line,
Their regular line has a few eyeshadow quads that work well, however nothing too impressive. I enjoy their studio line and mineral line. I have almost every product from their studio line from brushes, to palettes for eyes, blushes and powders. From their mineral line I own a few of their lipsticks.
This is e.l.f's studio 11 piece brush set. It's retail is $30 however I always purchase them when they have studio deals. (Currently 50% off use coupon code: "picks" ends 01/24). It comes with: 
  • Sleek, Water-Resistant Case
  • Eyeshadow "C" Brush
  • Complexion Brush
  • Small Angled Brush
  • Small Smudge Brush
  • Fan Brush
  • Powder Brush
  • Angled Foundation Brush
  • Concealer Brush
  • Small Precision Brush
  • Blush Brush
  • Contouring Brush
I love every brush EXCEPT THE FAN BRUSH. The fan brush is lacking on the hairs and is extremely flimsy. The "blush brush" is small in my opinion to use for blush, but this is just my personal preference. 
My FAVORITE brushes are the: powder brush, small angeled brush, and the contouring brush.
  • The powder brush is a flat top brush and the hairs are so dense and compact. It has become my holy grail product. I use it for liquid and powder foundation. I have neglected all brushes for foundations for this one. I know sigma has a flat top kabuki brush as well which I will review and compare when I purchase it. This brush is also sold individually for $3. Do not be skeptical about the cheap price. It works AMAZINGLY. I own 5 of them.
  • The small angeled brush is the brush I currently use for my gel/cream eyeliner. I love it because its so small and precise, need it for my type of eyes. I used to use the MAC208, but I found a cheaper alternative which works just as well. I mean seriously, $20 bucks for a brush that barely has any hairs/bristles? I think it's stupid. It's a recession, need alternatives!
  • The contouring brush is a small compact brush that I use to blend my eyeshadow. I'm Asian, I have smaller lids, so I need a smaller compact brush to blend my shadows. Enough said.


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CORRECTIVE CONCEALER ($3)

This concealer comes in three shades: light, medium, dark. I have it in the color medium and I believe last time  I checked I was in NC30 ( but I hate mac foundations) so I think this concealer was a little bit on the darker side for me because you are supposed to go lighter when it comes to concealer. Anyways, The texture is nice, but I get crucial under eye bags that freaking turn purple sometimes, so this was not right for me. If your looking for a sheer coverage concealer with a creamy consistency, then this concealer may work for you.

Translucent Matifying Powder ($3)

If you don't have the money to buy MAC's blot powder then this is a great alternative. If you have extremely oily skin, probably not, but combination skin, yes it will help a lot. Just dab along your t-zone or wherever you get oily during the day and it will help control the shine.

Contouring Blush & Bronzer Powder ($3)

So I have heard from many people that this is the exact dupe for the Nars Laguna and Orgasm. I don't know if this is the case because I have not followed the trend of purchasing this infamous duo; However, I do know that I love it and I already hit pan on this product.


Single Blush ($3)

I currently have three of the colors: Tickled Pink, Mellow Mauve and Berry Merry.
I don't know if you would consider E.L.F to be "drugstore products," but if so, then by far these are the best drugstore blushes evAAAARRRR :) Very pigmented and last forever, no joke.

High Definition Powder ($6)

This is considered a dupe for the makeup forever HD loose powder. I grew to like this. This powder is a white "translucent" powder that left my face a little bit washed out. However, I kept trying to blend and blend one day and finally it worked out for me. It's a good powder, minimizes the appearance of pores, mattifys the face and it has great reviews. Due to my personal preference, it is not an everyday powder I would personally use.

Studio Concealer ($3)

SUCKS. Don't buy it.

Under eye concealer & highlighter ($3)

Mixed feelings. Works on days where my under eye bags are smaller and not as dark.

Eyebrow Kit ($3)

Comes with a gel and powder. I only use the gel, I feel like thats all I need. Very easy to use. The brush applicator it comes with sucks though so find a better brush for a nicer application.

Eye primer & Liner Sealer ($3)

Stick to your urban decays, this sucks.


Cream Eyeliner ($3)

 LOVEEEEEEEEEEES IT. Great dupe for MAC's fluidline. A lot less product, but hey its freakiing three dollars.

Beauty Encyclopedia EYE EDITION ($5)

PROS: It blends easily, its pigmented, smooth and rich in texture
CONS: Does not last as long as higher end shadows, quite a bit of fall out

MINI MAKE UP COLLECTION ($15)

Mehhhhhh -_- I got it for free, but I wouldn't pay $15 for this. Its just whatever, Your typical below average quality product. Don;t get me wrong, the blush and a couple of the eye shadows work well, but its so messy and i hate the lip products it includes.


Mineral 4 piece bamboo brush set ($10)

Ew..... worsT purchase ever. There is not enough hairs on the brush it's very loose. USELESS.

Mineral Lipstick ($5)

These lipsticks are AMAAZZING FOR FIVE DOLLARS LIKE SERIOUSLY. I have 5 of their colors. Creamy, moisturizing, pigmented. Just be careful when you order, colors are little deceiving. Not true to color on website. 

To end this post: DO NOT BUY E.L.F's brush cleaners. They don't work well.

5 comments:

  1. thanks for the review -- loooove the e.l.f. prices and have also found it sorta hit or miss, but when it's good, it's great!

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  2. This was very helpful ;-) I only have the 11 piece brush set from ELF but looking at checking out more of their products since they're pretty inexpensive !

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  3. I love how "to the point" you are with your reviews. It's easy to follow and simple to understand. Thanks for following & I do LOVE LOVE LOVE the blush and contour duo.

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  4. Nice review! I really like ELF products but they are always iffy :P

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