Showing posts with label E.L.F. Show all posts
Showing posts with label E.L.F. Show all posts

Thursday, November 1, 2012

E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator Review!

E.L.F. Lip Exfoliator

E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator

E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator ($3) is a stick made up of sugar, vitamin E, shea butter, avocado, grape, jojoba oil and waxes that together work to remove dry and chapped skin as well as smooth and condition the lips.

Directions: Apply to clean, damp lips and massage the lips in circular motions. Use a moistened cotton pad with water to gently wipe away the scrub (or just simply rinse with water). *It's important that the lips are damp so the skin will remove easier.

As a part of my morning routine after I brush my teeth, I always use the E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator.

What I love most of all is the convenience of this product. I have very dry lips 24/7 and I need a good daily scrub for my lips, but I rarely ever do it. Between managing my crazy hair, plucking the hairs on my face till my hands cramp up, exfoliating, cleaning and moisturizing my face - I try to get away with the least steps possible. Most often my lips are neglected.

The stick takes a few uses before it reaches the grit, and because there are some large pieces of grit it can sometimes feel a little scratchy, but overall it feels really good. What surprises me every time is how soft and supple my lips feel right after. I apply some lip balm on my lips to keep them from drying out, and I'm done in less than a minute. It's not at all messy so I can use it without disturbing the makeup around my lips if I'm using it mid-day or on my way out the door.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer Review!

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer ($3) is a nourishing mascara primer that will add length and volume when applied to your lashes prior to your mascara. Boost the performance of any of your favorite mascaras and you'll be hooked! Pro-Vitamin B5, Hydrolyzed Wheat and Soy Protein-enriched condition your lashes, which will make them stronger over time.

Mascara Primer is a MUST for me, and I rarely ever go without it. It's something I've been hooked on for the past couple of years and when I don't use one, it makes me think that every mascara on the market is mediocre.

I have yet to find a mascara primer that works well and is affordable, so when I saw that E.L.F. now has a mascara primer with very high reviews, I was excited to give it a try.



I always make sure to curl my lashes really well before ever applying a base. I use a Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, which has been my favorite curler for years.

After curling my lashes, I apply the base as I would a regular mascara, by brushing my lashes from base to end several times until my lashes are evenly coated in product. Then I like to wait a minute or so, and with the very tip of the brush, run it along the ends of my lashes to extend my lashes out, making them look a little longer. Then, I let my lashes completely dry for one minute. (**I've found that if I don't wait for the base to fully dry, it will completely wipe off when I apply my mascara.)

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer Review, Photos and Swatches!

elf studio maximum coverage concealer

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer ($3) is a buildable coverage concealer that can be used on the face and body. It's oil-free, highly pigmented and long-lasting. Suitable for covering blemishes and scars, and even claims to cover tattoos and birthmarks.

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer is available in (5) shades: Porcelain, Sand, Nude, Beige, Tan and Almond.

I purchased Sand, which is ideal for fair to light skin tones with a neutral balance of yellow and pink undertones, and Nude, which is ideal for light skin tones with yellow undertones.

elf studio maximum cover concealer swatches nude and sand
Nude and Sand swatched on my MAC NC25-27 skin

It comes in a fairly large (large for a concealer) squeeze tube that contains 0.7 fl oz/20 ml of product. Most concealers contain around 0.5 fl oz or less of product, so you get a really good amount for the price.

The consistency is creamy and dense, and when you blend it, it has a emollient mousse texture. It's almost comparable to the creamy texture of MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation or Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup.

It blends effortlessly into the skin with the help of my fingertips. I usually apply it with my fingertips, by a light tap-and-drag motion until it's thoroughly blended. If necessary, I'll build a second layer for additional coverage.

elf studio maximum coverage concealer before and after
(E.L.F. Maximum Coverage Concealer in Nude before and after)

Even with layers, it doesn't feel or look heavy, and it doesn't settle in my fine lines, which I think is due to the moisturizing texture. It really sinks into the skin making my under-eyes look healthy, radiant and moisturized. It has a dewy finish that never really dries/sets though, so applying a good helping of setting powder is a must. I usually take a powder puff and lightly press-and-roll the powder into my skin, making it completely budge-proof (much more effective than dusting the powder under my eyes with a brush).

elf studio maximum coverage concealer

Sunday, October 7, 2012

E.L.F. Studio HD Blushes Review, Photos and Swatches!

elf studio hd blushes

E.L.F. Studio HD Blushes

E.L.F. Studio HD Blushes ($3) are velvety soft cream blushes encased in a pump dispenser. The cream is lightweight, highly pigmented and long wearing.

E.L.F. Studio HD Blush is available in (5) shades: Headliner (natural pink), Superstar (coral), Diva (bright pink), Encore (vibrant rose) and Showstopper (plum raisin).

They look reminiscent of the Make Up Forever HD Blushes ($26), because they essentially have the same packaging and are both named "HD" blushes. They do share some other similarities in that they apply the same way, are both pigmented and long wearing, but the textures are slightly different. The E.L.F. Blush is almost like a creamy cheek stain. I actually find the E.L.F. Blushes easier to work with as the product itself isn't as concentrated as the MUFE Blushes, so it's a bit easier to blend out. They also don't set as quick as the MUFE blushes, so you have a little bit of time to work with them. They have a good amount of silicone in them (although it's not the first ingredient) so if you do well with silicone-based blushes, these blushes should be no exception.

Be warned that they are extremely pigmented. It took me a few tries at first because every time I tried, I applied too much product (which didn't seem like a lot at all). You literally only need a tiny dot for both cheeks. It's a little tricky - you have to be careful not to dispense too much product. I like applying a tiny dot of product on a clean surface, or the back of my hand (sometimes I sanitize the lid of one of my compacts and pump the product directly on the lid) and smooth it out with my fingers and then take a stippling brush and lightly tap the ends of the bristles into the product and then go cheek to cheek applying the blush in circular, buffing motions until blended. Some cream blushes are touchy and can only be stippled on, but these blushes don't deem to disrupt my foundation or make my cheeks look blotchy. I've also applied a dot on each cheek and used a stippling brush to blend with equally good results.

The finish on the skin is very natural, soft and matte.

elf studio hd blushes

elf studio hd blush swatches
Swatches from left to right: Headliner, Superstar, Diva, Encore and Showstopper. (please excuse my goosebumps... it was freezing today!)

Saturday, October 6, 2012

E.L.F. Studio Small Stipple Brush & Pointed Foundation Brush Review!

E.L.F. Studio Small Stipple Brush & Pointed Foundation Brush

There are so many new products by E.L.F. since the last time I placed an order a year ago. I've been meaning to purchase a MAC 130 Short Duo Fiber Brush ($42) and when I spotted this new E.L.F Studio Small Stipple Brush ($3), I had to get it.

It's much smaller than your average stippling brush (such as the MAC 187 or E.L.F. Studio Stipple Brush) and it's slightly more dense because of the shorter bristles. The bristles are synthetic, so it's ideal for liquid and cream products but can also work well with powder products.

It's a great brush for liquid foundation, and because of it's smaller brush head, it can maneuver around small areas such as under and around the eyes, around the brows and hairline. Whereas a large brush might not be able to blend small areas as well, and it's harder to avoid coating the brows in foundation, etc.

I also really like using it to apply cream blush. It's the perfect size to apply the blush precisely to the cheekbones and blend it in with the extra soft bristles. Also, because it's not super dense, it won't pick up too much product, so if you have an uber pigmented blush, a stippling brush always works the best. The same goes for applying highlighter. It picks up just the right amount of product and it's small enough so you won't apply too much. There are really so many uses for this brush!

I'm kind of kicking myself that I only purchased one, because I can see myself using it often for many different things.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Review: E.L.F. Studio Kabuki Face & Body Brush!


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This anti bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Be a professional makeup artist and create a flawless look with this brush! Our handy and easy to use Kabuki Brushes provide a light to full coverage on your face or body to ensure a flawless finish. The compact brush is perfectly sized to allow for precise and controlled application of bronzer, powder, or a highlighter on your skin.

Both Brushes are from E.L.F's Studio Collection and cost $5 for the face brush and $8 for the body brush.

The Kabuki Face Brush stands a tiny bit over 2 1/4 inches and the diameter of the base is slightly larger than a quarter. It's perfectly compact and fits comfortably in the hands for controlled application. The bristles are very soft, but not too soft where they aren't effective. Compared to the Mineral Brushes reviewed a few days ago which were  extremely soft, shiny, and almost plastic-like. The kabuki is surprisingly pretty dense, so it will work well for application of powders. Also, the top is nicely domed, like the MAC 181 (I don't own the 181 though to compare). I love this brush and can't stop rubbing it on my face! For $5 I highly recommend this brush. Great Value.

The Kabuki Body Brush is reminiscent of the Face brush. The base is exactly the same, but it stands at about a 1/2 inch taller than the face brush. The bristles are the same, very soft and dreamy on the skin. Compared to the face brush, it's not as full, domed or dense. I was a little disappointed that it's not very dense, but it would still make a good brush for setting powder or for adding a highlight or bronzer to your neck and chest. The denseness was kind of like the make it or break it for me, therefore I'm not too crazy about this brush. But I will definitely be using it. 

Overall, I'm pretty happy with these kabuki's. Especially the Face Brush. I can totally see it climbing up my favorites list for setting powder! 

Hope you all had a lovely weekend! Sorry to bore you with all of these E.L.F. reviews. I'll mix it up a little better this upcoming week. ;)

Friday, July 29, 2011

E.L.F. Brush Holder!

E.L.F. Studio Small Brush Holder
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: The stylish and sleek makeup compartment holds your brushes, makeup pencils, tools and more. The professional storage holder keeps everything organized for quick use. The luxurious material is easy to clean and durable for storing on countertops or in cabinets.

Dimensions: 3"L x 3"W x 4"H

Lately I've been really trying to make my cosmetic organization a little more functional. I have a three compartment brush holder currently, which I have my eye brushes, pencil liners and lip liners. Then, I have a separate holder where I have all of my face brushes. It is a little crowded, so I figured I could use another holder. I keep getting requests to post my makeup organization, so I should be posting that within the next couple of weeks.. so you'll see how I have it organized.

On the E.L.F. website, there are two holders to choose from. A small, one compartment holder and a large, three compartment holder. The large brush holder is exactly 3 times the length of the small holder, so it's basically three of the small brush holders put together. You would think that the large one would be a better value, but it's exactly three times the price. So, it really doesn't matter whether you purchase three of the small or one large. It's your preference.
I honestly can't tell if this thing is wooden or plastic. It may be wood with a shiny laminate on the inside. Who knows. What's great though is that the exterior of the holder is the same rubberized material that's on the NARS packaging. It may be a pain because it dirties easily if your hands aren't clean, but it's great because the material allows the holder to stay in place, so it won't easily knock over.

(**The best way to clean NARS packaging, and this holder when it gets dirty is put a little baby oil on a cotton ball and wipe the surface. Then wipe dry with a paper towel. It will remove every fingerprint/makeup stains very easy)

I wished the holder was a little bit bigger. It is pretty small, but it does hold a good number of thin handled brushes. Below is a comparison to Sigma's Brush Holder. I barely even use the Sigma one because it doesn't hold much. The opening is a pretty narrow oval. Good for traveling and to keep dust out of your brushes because it had a lid, but not so good if you have lots of brushes.

The price isn't too bad, but I think $15 for the large one is too expensive. If you're planning on purchasing one, wait till there is a sale. E.L.F. has 50% the Studio line pretty often.

How do you store your brushes?

Review: E.L.F. Mineral Brushes!

While E.L.F. had their 60% off sale, I decided to try a few of their mineral brushes. I've always been curious about the mineral brushes because they are a few more dollars than the Studio Brushes. Naturally, I figured they are better quality.

So, I went ahead and ordered the 4 Piece Bamboo Brush Set, Angled Blush Brush and Flat Eyeliner Brush.


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: These antibacterial Taklon bristled brushes are 100% cruelty free, luxuriously soft and can be used with wet or dry products. The natural and sustainable bamboo handle fits ergonomically in your hand for comfort and precise application. The recycled Ferrule is eco-friendly for guilt free beauty.

READ MORE FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS & MY REVIEW!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Review: E.L.F. Conditioning Lip Balm in Peaceful Pink!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 
With the e.l.f. Conditioning Lip Balm, lips get treated to a sheer splash of color that’s super smooth, velvety soft and non-sticky. Not only are these sheer, natural shades beautiful, they’re also beneficial, with natural ingredients that condition dry, chapped lips including Vitamins A & E. SPF 15 to protect delicate lips against harmful sun damage.

AVAILABLE IN SIX (6) SHADES: Nice & Natural, Peaceful Pink, Mellow Melon, Blissful Berry, Bombshell Brown and Romantic Rouge.

READ MORE FOR MY REVIEW & SWATCHES! 

Review: E.L.F. Studio Complete Coverage Concealer Palette!

Left: Light, Right: Dark
ELF Studio Complete Coverage Concealer


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Savvy beauty shoppers rejoice—now there is no need to buy new concealer from season to season for meeting the different needs your skin tone may have. e.l.f. introduces a sleek quad compact filled with four brilliant, customizable concealers ranging from light, medium and dark shades. A must have for anyone’s makeup kit these highly pigmented, professionally formulated concealers offer ultimate coverage to disguise a range of boo-boos and flaws including blemishes, dark circles, redness and uneven skin-tone for a flawless, makeup artist finish!

AVAILABLE IN THREE (3) SHADES: Light, Medium and Dark.  (I purchased all three, but I only received Light and Dark and was refunded for Medium because apparently it was out of stock)


READ MORE FOR MY REVIEW AND SWATCHES!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

E.L.F Studio Complexion Perfection Powder Review!

ELF Studio Complexion Perfection Powder

Product Description: Create a balanced and radiant complexion that is beautiful and healthy. The lightweight formula evens out the skin tone and absorbs excess oil. The sheer formula brightens, mattes and neutralizes the skin. The colors are meant to be blended together as the Blue neutralizes orange, the Green neutralizes red, the Pink neutralizes grey and the Yellow brightens and neutralizes red. (http://eyeslipsface.com)


So whats the theory behind having a powder with four different colors? Well, like mentioned in the product description above, these colors will neutralize certain tones your face may have that you'd like to correct.

Look at the color wheel for instance. Any color you'd like to neutralize, find it on the color wheel & across from it will be the color that it will cancel that certain color out.

Monday, January 31, 2011

E.L.F. Studio Mineral Infused Facial Primer Review!

E.L.F. Mineral Facial Primer

Product Description: "Transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas with the Mineral Infused Face Primer. Developed to combat against excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines. This clear multipurpose skin primer will prepare your skin so makeup goes on evenly for a long lasting satin finish."

Directions: Apply to clear skin prior to makeup application. Use a small amount and blend evenly all over the face for a smooth and flawless base.



Left: Smoothed Out, Right: Blended


Monday, January 24, 2011

E.L.F Studio Translucent Matifying Powder Review with Photos & Swatches!

E.L.F Studio Translucent Matifying Powder

Product Description: Achieve even flawless skin that’s smoother, redefined and shine free. This translucent powder works on a wide variety of skin tones to help set your makeup in so it lasts longer. The silky lightweight formula also miraculously mattes skin to diminish oil and shine for a beautiful and healthy look!

Directions: Use the sponge to blend in the powder over the face, neck and décolletage as a setting powder. Reapply as needed throughout the day for a refreshed look.
(Source: eyeslipsface.com)


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Review: ELF Studio Eyebrow Kit & Eyebrow Treat & Tame + Swatches & Photos!

I have a couple more reviews of ELF Studio products for you tonight!

Considering I haven't tried any ELF makeup prior to my recent order, I really had no idea what to purchase. So I basically purchased items that had the highest ratings. The "Eyebrow Kit" is rated 4.5/5 stars based on 300+ ratings and the "Eyebrow Treat & Tame" is rated 4/5 stars based on 100+ reviews. I love experimenting with new brow products, so I thought I'd give them a try.

I purchased the Eyebrow Kit in the shade "Medium" and the Treat & Tame in the shades Medium and Dark.

ELF Studio Eyebrow Kit contains a colored wax on one side and a brow powder on the other side as well as a small double sided taklon brush that has a rounded side for filling in and an angled side for defining. The kit comes in four (4) different shades. Light, Medium, Dark and Ash. All shades can be viewed here. In the shade Medium, the wax is dark brown and the powder is a chestnut brown. Luckily, it matched my brows very good. The consistency of the wax is not thick or cakey like other brow waxes I have tried in the past. It has just the right amount of pigment.. It applies very lightly and natural & is not at all harsh or overpowering. The brow powder is also very nice. Again, it is not too pigmented and harsh. The two work great together. I have used the brush and it works fine, but for my personal preference, I like to use a full sized brush. I used Coastal Scents Divine Taklon liner brush. I really liked the outcome.
ELF Studio Treat & Tame is a double sided tube that contains a vitamin infused gel that is formulated to "stimulate" hair follicles to re-grow & thicken your brows and the other side is a tinted brow mascara that is infused with fibers so it will grip to your brows and keep them in place. So you've got your treat and your tame. The Treat & Tame comes in four (4) different shades. Light, Medium, Dark and Ash. You can view all of the shades here. As mentioned before, I purchased Medium and Dark. I purchased both because I couldn't find any swatches of the shades to see what they really look like. I was pleased to see that neither shades have any reddish/orange tints to them. The dark brown is like a milk chocolate brown and the medium is simply a shade lighter. I was hoping this was going to be something like MAC's Brow Set.. and I am pleased to say that it is somewhat similar. MAC's Brow Set is much more thick and pigmented though. I always have to wipe off the applicator to make sure I don't apply too much. With the Treat & Tame, it's somewhere in between. It's not tinted for no reason ( like Revlon's Brow Fantasy has a tinted mascara on one side and a pencil on the other.. and the mascara adds absolutely no color to the brows. It may as well be clear). It's pigmented enough to tint my brows to match my brow powder. This gives a better overall, natural look to my brows. Another product I am very pleased with. I haven't actually used the Treat side, and I'm not sure if I will.. but I may just to see if it does anything. 

I used Dark in this photo and it's what I have been using. It matches my hair very well.

Overall, these products worked great for me.. and you can't beat the $3 price tag!

As always, I hope this post was useful for you! And, if any of you have tried these products.. post your thoughts in the comments! :)

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with ELF. I was not paid or compensated in any way for this review. I paid for this product myself and as always, my reviews are honest and are based on my personal experience in using the product.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Haul: ELF Studio Blushes! + Swatches & Photos!


Candid Coral is a soft coral pink with a golden, coral sheen. Its appears to be a similar shade to MAC Springsheen or NARS Orgasm. Peachy Keen is a soft, natural pink with a golden sheen. And, Gotta Glow is a highlight color that is basically a sheer white with a golden yellow sheen - similar to MAC Vanilla pigment or NARS Albatross. My favorite of the three is Peachy Keen. I think it's a pretty every day color. The blushes are very soft and powdery, pigmented and lasted all day over my foundation. None of the shades appear to be overly shimmery.

The every day price for these blushes are $3.00. There are 9 shades in total.You can view them all here.
Have you tried any of their blushes or bronzers? What did you think?

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with ELF. I was not paid or compensated in any way for this review. I paid for this product myself and as always, my reviews are honest and are based on my personal experience in using the product.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Studio ELF Brushes & Bronze w/ Purple FOTD!

I received my E.L.F Studio Brushes in the mail today.. and I am very pleased. I love the sleek look of them.. and they are very well worth the $3. The bristles are extremely soft. I've been playing around with them all day. I am loving the flat top powder brush and the blush brush. Highly Recommended! I actually applied my foundation with the flat top brush.. it worked well but it was extremely difficult to clean. I think i'll just keep using it for powder/msf's.


Here's a look I did for tonight. I could not for the life of me get a good picture.
my necklace turned upside down for the peekchure. :'( 


FACE:
Palladio Yellow Concealer
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
MAC Limited Edition Beauty Powder in "Smooth Harmony" (basically a bronzer)
MAC "Dainty" Mineralize Blush

EYES:
NYX Ultra Pearl Mania in "Mocha" and "Walnut" (walnut all over lid and in crease, mocha on my brow bone and on lid)
NYX Eye Shadow in "Purple"
NYX Glitter Palette in "Bronze Goddess" (I used the 3rd color on my lid for a touch of gold glitter)
Andrea Faux Lashes #13
L'Oreal Extra Intense Black Liquid Liner Pencil (on my waterline)

LIPS: (A new fav combo)
MAC "Lure" Lip Liner Pencil
NYX "Honey" Lipstick
NYX "Whipped" Lipgloss

NYX pigments are seriously awesome. I want every color.