Welcome back to the blog! This past week I challenged myself to solely use E.L.F. products. I have seen so many YouTube videos of gurus using one brand for an entire full face and thought I would give it a try. I used so many different products, I am so excited to share which ones I fell in love with and others I am probably going to toss. Keep reading to see how my week with E.L.F. went…
Skincare & Primer
E.L.F. + Matte Oil-Control Lotion $8
“This whipped, clay-infused lotion absorbs oil on contact, and helps provide a long-lasting matte finish. Infused with Kaolin Clay and Tea Tree, the formula provides just the right amount of hydration and oil control.” -elfcosmetics.com
As most of you know, I have very oily skin and use a lot of ‘matte’ products to control the amount of oil on my face throughout the day. I used this lotion almost every day of the challenge. This lotion is very true to its name. Immediately after I applied it, I noticed how matte and smooth my face was. The texture of this lotion is very similar to a primer. The tea tree gives a cooling effect on the face that feels amazing. I really enjoyed this product and will probably purchase it again.
E.L.F. Beauty Shield SPF 50 Skin Shielding Primer $12
“This SPF 50 Skin Shielding Primer contains antioxidants that fight against everyday environmental aggressors. The lightweight base helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles leaving your skin ready for makeup application.” -elfcosmetics.com
I was very excited to try this primer because it seemed to be a dupe for my favorite primer by Cane + Austin. I applied this after the oil-control lotion and noticed it too had a very mattifying formula. My face felt smooth but I noticed my pores were not blurred like I prefer a primer to do. When I finished applying the primer, I did notice a white cast on my face that I am assuming came from the SPF in the product. I did not hate the results of this primer but I also did not fall in love with it. I will probably not purchase this again.
E.L.F. Poreless Putty Primer $8
“This skin perfecting putty primer is infused with Squalane to help grip makeup for all-day wear and help protect the skin from moisture loss. The velvety texture glides effortlessly over the skin, smoothing over imperfections for a poreless effect.” -elfcosmetics.com
This primer broke the internet a couple of months ago because its formula was so similar to the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer that retails for $52. I was so excited to finally use this product because I saw so many people rave about it. Like everyone else, I am obsessed with this primer. The texture is so smooth and goes on the skin like butter. It fills in my pores so well and creates the perfect base for foundation. I will definitely be repurchasing this primer again and again. YOU NEED THIS!
E.L.F. Oil Control Primer Mist $8
“Cut oil and ban shine with this water-based primer mist that preps skin for a smooth, matte finish. Enriched with purified water, cucumber, and vitamins B and E to refresh and hydrate skin.” -elfcosmetics.com
You guys know I live for primer sprays! I love to use them when my face needs a little more hydration. Unfortunately, I did not like this spray for a couple different reasons. The first thing I absolutely hated about this product is the mist. It sprays out so aggressive and uneven. On top of that, I really did not see anything different when I used this product. The results I got were as if I had sprayed water on my face. I would not purchase this primer again.
E.L.F. Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer $2
“This lightweight formula preps eyes for eyeshadow application to increase staying power, vibrancy and to avoid creasing.” -elfcosmetics.com
This eyelid primer was just alright for me. I think the formula was a little to light for me. I prefer a heavier formula to create an opaque base for my eyeshadow. I will be tossing this since it only costs a couple bucks.
E.L.F. Clarifying Booster Drops $10
“This lightweight booster supercharges your routine with clarifying ingredients for a more even looking complexion. These concentrated drops can be used alone or added into any foundation, liquid or cream.” -elfcosmetics.com
I mixed a couple of drops of this product with my foundation. I only used the booster drops a couple of times so I did not notice any dramatic improvement in my skin but I did like that this product did not alter the finish of my foundation. I plan to use this more often to see if it clarifies some blemishes I have.
Brows & Mascara
E.L.F. Ultra Precise Brow Pencil $5
“Our Ultra Precise Brow Pencil keeps brows in check with a super precise tip that creates a full, natural finish. On one side, the micro-slim liner defines and fills in gaps that mimic the look of real hair. On the other, the brush tames and combs brows to create effortlessly defined eyebrows.” -elfcosmetics.com
I loved this brow pencil! I am always a little skeptical to try drugstore brow pencils because they usually crumble upon application and are not pigmented enough. This pencil was the total opposite. I really like how skinny the pencil is because I can do hair like strokes creating a bomb brow. I would totally purchase this brow pencil again.
E.L.F. Instant Lift Brow Pencil $2
“This Instant Lift Brow Pencil shapes, defines, and fills in brows for a natural, polished look. The dual-sided design applies color with the fine tip liner on one side and tames and combs brows with the other to create defined-looking eyebrows with a flawless arch.” -elfcosmetics.com
I judged this brow pencil before I even purchased it. I just knew this was not going to be a good pencil because it seemed a little too thick. Man, was I wrong! I might like this pencil a tad bit more than the Ultra Precise Brow Pencil because you can get a bomb brow in seconds. I also noticed this pencil did not pull out as many hairs as I have noticed with other pencils. I will be stocking up!
E.L.F. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara $2
“Achieve glossy, shiny, healthy-looking lashes and brows, infused with long wearing conditioning agents in our Clear Brow & Lash Mascara. Flawless lashes and brows have never been easier!” -elfcosmetics.com
I used to use this gel for my brows when I first got into makeup. This gel does the job but it does not have lasting power. I would recommend this to someone who is not interested in spending a lot of money on a brow gel.
E.L.F. Plump It Up Mascara $5
“Voluminous, clump-free lashes are just one coat away. This rich, ultra-black mascara coats and separates each lash, delivering thick, plump, fanned out lashes. Sometimes its okay to be a little dramatic.” -elfcosmetic.com
I do not agree with the claim that this mascara is clump free. I found this mascara to be very clumpy BUT I actually loved it. This mascara changed my lower lash game! I loved how voluminous and thick this mascara made my lower lashes. I will be repurchasing this mascara strictly for my lower lashes.
Foundation & Concealer
E.L.F. Flawless Finish Foundation $6
“Flawless Finish Foundation is our best-selling liquid foundation! The lightweight, oil-free formula blends naturally into skin for a beautiful semi-matte finish that last all day long. The liquid formulation restores uneven skin textures and tones for visibly brighter skin.” -elfcosmetics.com
This foundation comes in 40 different shades; I had to mix two different shades (‘Suede’ & ‘Coco’) in order to get my perfect shade. I used E.L.F.’s “Find My Shade” tool online and it recommended ‘Suede’ which was about 2 shades too light for me. I picked up ‘Coco’ and it was 2 shades too dark. Mixing the two together created my perfect shade. The first thing I noticed with this foundation was the thick consistency and the baby powder fragrance. The formula is medium coverage but can be built up to full coverage. When the product is first applied, it leaves a nice semi-matte finish. I really liked how my face looked for the first couple of hours. Throughout the day I noticed I would get pretty oily and had to blot. I did not hate or love this product. I would not purchase it again but I will finish out the two bottles I have.
E.L.F. 16HR Camo Concealer $5
“A full-coverage, 16-hour wear concealer featuring a large doe foot applicator to conceal, correct, contour and highlight for flawless skin. The highly pigmented formula is lightweight, dries matte and won’t settle into fine lines or creases. Ideal for all skin types.” -elfcosmetics.com
This concealer also broke the internet a couple of months ago. Many people compare this to the famous Tarte Shape Tape. I really enjoyed this concealer under my eyes. The coverage is insane and it does not crease. At the end of my 16hr day, my under eyes still looked really good. I will say this concealer dries pretty quickly. I recommend applying the concealer under one eye and blending it out before applying it under the other eye. I tried to clean up my brows with this concealer a couple of times and it was a complete fail. No matter how much I moisturized, my eyelids always looked so patchy and dry. I think the formula is too thick and matte for that area on my face. The shade ‘Deep Olive’ was the best color I could find for me, although, it was a little too dark and slightly orange for my liking. I hope they expand their shade range soon because I really like this concealer and will definitely be repurchasing.
Setting Powder & Bronzer
E.L.F. Correct & Set Under Eye Powder $4
“This color correcting powder instantly brightens the under eye area while camouflaging fine lines, dark circles, and imperfections. The weightless formula is perfect for baking concealer for a smooth finish. Enriched with Vitamins C & E to help nourish and condition the skin.” -elfcosmetics.com
I used this powder to set my under eyes after concealer. I was pleasantly surprised there was no flashback! I will continue to use this on days I want a bright undereye.
E.L.F. Prime & Stay Finishing Powder $2
“Erase fine lines and have a shine free complexion every day! The translucent powder in this compact is great for setting foundation or a quick midday touch up. Enjoy a refined, smooth finish with every use.” -elfcosmetics.com
This powder was pretty lackluster. I did not help out at all with my oily skin throughout the day. I will be tossing this powder.
E.L.F. Deep Bronzer Palette $6
“Enjoy a custom blended glow with this Bronzer Palette. Easily create a sun kissed or sculpted look with every use.” -elfcosmetics.com
I only used the darkest shade in this palette to contour my face. The color came off a little lighter than it appears in the pan. I noticed when I was blending the contour out, some of my foundation was rubbing off. I will probably not use this palette again because of that.
Eyeshadow & Eyeliner
E.L.F. Beautifully Bare Smooth Matte Eyeshadow $4
“Create a flawless, natural look with this lightweight liquid matte eyeshadow. This silky smooth formula defines and contours the eyes for long wear. Enriched with Vitamin E to help nourish and hydrate.” -elfcosmetics.com
These liquid shadows could have been amazing! The formula is nice and lightweight and easy to blend but the pigmentation is very poor. I used the shades ‘Nude Linen’ and ‘Blushing Rose’, both beautiful nude colors, but they blend out to nothing. I am curious to try the other shades they have to see if they are more pigmented.
E.L.F. Rose Gold Sunset Eyeshadow Palette $10
“Our best-selling Rose Gold Eyeshadow, now in warmer, deeper sunset shades! This 10 color palette is a mix of shimmer and matte finishes to help create multi-dimensional looks. These ultra-pigmented, finely-milled eyeshadows glide on perfectly whether you’re in the mood for a subtle or bold eye. Mirror not included in palette.” -elfcosmetics.com
I already owned this eyeshadow palette prior to this challenge. I LOVE IT! The shadows are pigmented and blend with ease. You need this!
E.L.F. Modern Metals Eyeshadow Palette $12
“Introducing Modern Metals- the collection inspired by New Orleans and co-created with our community! Modern metallics meet statement mattes in this 10-pan palette of perfectly curated shades. With an inspiring assortment of bold and neutral shades, this palette lets you create subtle everyday looks, sultry evening looks, and everything in-between.” -elfcosmetics.com
This eyeshadow palette was the exact opposite of the Rose Gold Sunset. The shadows are not very pigmented and do not blend well. I was very disappointed because I love the color story of this palette.
E.L.F. Velvet Touch Eyeshadow Palettes $12
“This soft, cushion textured eyeshadow provides radiant color with a dewy finish. The mix of satin and shimmery hues creates dynamic dimension on the lid. The formula is light like a powder but melts into the skin like a cream allowing for customizable color from sheer to bold.” -elfcosmetics.com
The velvet touch eyeshadows are a dupe for the Colourpop Super Shock Eyeshadows. The texture feels wet and mousse-like. I went between the palettes ‘Cool Mist’ and ‘Island Breeze’. I noticed I preferred the way the darker shades performed because the lighter shades were not as pigmented and sometimes applied patchy on the eye.
E.L.F. H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen $6
“This waterproof liquid eyeliner pen easily creates thin or thick lines with intense color. The quick-dry smudge proof liquid eyeliner formula instantly enhances the lash line with long lasting color. The felt tip pen applies color smoothly without smudging, feathering, or running for complete precision.” -elfcosmetics.com
I loved using this eyeliner because it was foolproof. It was so easy to create a wing in just a few seconds. The only thing I hated was this liner was not matte and it was not pigmented enough.
Blush & Highlight
E.L.F. Luminous Blush $6
“This waterproof liquid eyeliner pen easily creates thin or thick lines with intense color. The quick-dry smudge proof liquid eyeliner formula instantly enhances the lash line with long lasting color. The felt tip pen applies color smoothly without smudging, feathering, or running for complete precision.” -elfcosmetics.com
You guys know I have been obsessed with blush. I was really excited to try this blush because it has shimmer. For some reason, I always gravitate towards matte blush. I really liked these blushes! The shimmer in these blushes is just right, not too much and not too little. The formula is so pigmented and it lasts for a good part of the day. I used the shades ‘Glowy Rose’ and ‘Brilliant Mauve’.
E.L.F. + Glow Highlighter $6
“This bouncy, coconut-infused highlighter helps nourish the skin while providing a radiant glow. The cloud-like texture blends seamlessly into the skin, and can be layered to go from natural to glam.” -elfcosmetics.com
This highlighter was just okay. I had to apply a lot of it in order to see some type of result. If you prefer a very natural highlighter, this product may be for you.
Lip Gloss & Lipstick
E.L.F. Beautifully Bare Satin Lipstick $5
“Create a flawless, natural look with this lightweight lipstick. Enhanced with Vitamin E and Shea butter for moisture, these lipsticks provide a soft, natural looking finish.” -elfcosmetics.com
This lipstick quickly became my favorite product out of all the products I tried throughout the week. I used the color ‘Touch of Nude’ which is the perfect nude shade for me. The formula of this lipstick is so hydrating, it feels like you are wearing a lip balm instead of a lipstick. I highly recommend this!
E.L.F. Modern Metals Liquid Gold Lip Gloss $6
“Introducing Modern Metals- the collection inspired by New Orleans and co-created with our community! This Modern Metals Lip Gloss is sure to make your lip look pop! Use this alone or on layer on top of the Modern Metals Matte Lip color, this non-sticky gloss provides brilliant shine with a golden shimmer. Enriched with Vitamin E to nourish lips.” -elfcosmetics.com
This lip gloss is so pretty and looks beautiful on the lips. The formula is very hydrating and far from sticky. I do wish there was a little more lasting power. I had to reapply this gloss quite quickly after the first application because it kind of faded away.
E.L.F. Lip Plumping Gloss $5
“This Lip Plumping Gloss helps plump the lips with nourishing hydration. The invigorating high-shine formula provides a soothing sensation while it volumizes. Enriched with Vitamin E and Coconut Oil to nourish and hydrate the lips for a soft, supple feel. The natural shades of shimmering, color add a pop to your look that perfect for work days and a night out.” -elfcosmetics.com
This gloss is the bomb.com! I used this gloss before the challenge and I cannot say enough good things about it. The only shade I own is ‘Champagne Glam’, a beautiful gold shimmery color. The plumping effect is very mild, so don’t be afraid! I love this gloss!
Setting Spray
E.L.F. Matte Magic Mist & Set $4
“This multipurpose Matte Magic Mist & Set spray gives your makeup a lasting, shine free finish in seconds. Infused with vitamins B, E, and arctium majus root. Enjoy a shine free look today.” -elfcosmetics.com
This setting spray did nothing for me. I actually think on some days this spray made me even more oily rather than matte. I stopped using this spray the last few days of the challenge.
E.L.F. + Matte Blotting Mist $8
“This mattifying touch-up spray helps absorb excess oils for a mattified complexion in seconds. Infused with mattifying Kaolin Clay, this mist lets you blot away oil in an effortless, touchless way. Shine be gone!” -elfcosmetics.com
This spray ruined my makeup one day. I followed directions and shook the bottle really good and then sprayed it on my face. A few minutes later, I noticed white spots all over my face. I ended up having to take off my makeup and start all over. I will definitely be tossing this!
Here are a few looks I created using the products:
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| I used the Velvet Touch Cool Mist Eyeshadow Palette to create this look. |
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| This was a no eyeshadow look. I completely focused on the skin. |
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| I used the last shade in the Velvet Touch Cool Mist Eyeshadow Palette. |
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| I used the Rose Gold Sunset Palette to create this look. |
Whew! If you made it through this whole blog post, you are a real one! See you next week!