an update on some new ELF products. Take time to figure out their promotions.
Written: Dec 16 '10 (Updated Dec 16 '10)
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I've been a fan of E.L.F. (eyeslipsface.com) products from the start, and the line keeps introducing new products, many of them very good. Overall, this may be one of the best-value lines out there.
Anyone who was familiar with the original E.L.F $1 Essentials line probably also knows that E.L.F. has introduced two other lines of makeup - the Studio line and a minerals line.The prices are slightly higher (single items priced between $3-6) but the quality is commensurately increased, though there are still hits and misses.
As always, there are plenty of coupon codes out there; check retailmenot for the latest promotions. E.L.F. never allows you to use more than one coupon, and shipping is a flat $6.95. Overall, their online color swatches seem pretty accurate, but remember that monitors vary. E.L.F. is a favorite of bloggers and YouTubers so you might want to search to find other reviews before you choose.
Most of the things I've ordered have been from the Studio line. Among my favorites:
Studio High Definition Powder ($6) This is a multiple repurchase item for me, and the only face powder I use any more. Like most high-def powders, it is white, but goes on clear. I'm not going to promise it makes you look "flawless," but it has a wonderful silky feel and extends the life of foundation and blush considerably. It photographs well, without the chalky appearance that some powders can give.
The new Studio brush line (individual brushes $3-5, a 10-brush set with microfiber case for $30.) All brushes in the studio line have Taklon fiber bristles. The quality is pretty uniformly excellent with long handles and little to no shedding, and I have multiples of most brushes. Standouts include the face kabuki (soft and plush) the "c" shadow brush (very versatile) and the flat-top powder brush (wonderful for bronzer and blush.) The ten-brush set is much nicer than it looks online; the case is well-made.
Eyeshadow palettes ($3-10.) These come in three configurations: a few six-color sets for $3, a 32-color set for $5 and a 100-color set for $10. (According to the website, the last two are "half price," but that seems fishy to me since they are available at Target for $5-10.) Both larger palettes offer a balanced selections of warm and cool colors in smokey and bright hues, with shimmers and mattes. Not all of these are winners - some of the shadows are chalky or poorly pigmented. But each set has enough standout colors to make the purchase worthwhile (I will rebuy the $10 palette just to get a particular buttery white-gold shade that is *love*) and most of the shadows are silky textured.
Complete coverage concealer palette ($3) If not for the price, this would be a "meh." Let's face it, most people need one, maybe two shades of concealer; four is overkill. But the matte black palette (similar in appearance to NARS' palettes) is attractive and compact, good to slip into an office desk drawer. The shades are realistic to skin tone (none overly pink or yellow). The texture is creamy and light, providing medium coverage - and in a pinch, you can use a damp sponge and apply it very sheerly as a cream foundation. Available in light, medium and dark.
Studio Line Waterproof Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara ($3) E.L.F. just doesn't do mascaras very well, and this is no exception. It DOES NOT lengthen or volumnize; it DOES smear and flake. I threw mine away after about a week.
Studio powder blush ($3) Outstanding; finely milled and well-pigmented. I have Pink Passion (matte; looks obnoxiously bright pink in the case but goes on pretty and flushed) Mellow Mauve (slight shimmer, more intense rosy-pink) and Candid Coral (a pinky apricot with pearly gold shimmer, a bit brighter than NARS Orgasm.)
Mineral eyeshadows ($3) The ones I've tried are pretty much straight-up dupes of Bare Escentuals shadows at 1/4 the price. I have and love Socialite (a complex darker taupe shimmer with green and lilac notes) Confident (similar, but lighter) Elegant (a shimmery champagne with gold notes) and Golden (it's, well, golden.)
Waterproof eyeliner pen ($1) It's not really new, but I like it so well I thought I'd include it. The black, coffee and ash colors are staples for me. This is a felt-tip pen; you can vary the pressure to make a thick or thin line, and smudge it or not as you wish. Its staying power is excellent. They do dry out fairly quickly (usually last about a month) but who cares? It's a buck. Order 12 and you have a years' supply for the cost of one high-end liner.
I have never had a major customer-service snag ordering from E.L.F. and shipping is fairly quick. More stores seem to be carrying this line, so you can take a look in person before you buy. However, be aware that some retail outlets seem to mark E.L.F. products up considerably above the website price, even without a discount code; earlier this week I saw an Essentials foundation brush (normally $1) priced at $2 in a local store, "marked down" from $5. Time your promotions right and you can get that same brush from the website for 50 cents with the proper discount code.
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Location: Central Florida
Reviews written: 32
Trusted by: 2 members
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