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Are you looking for high-quality, affordable makeup and skincare products? Look no further than Elf Cosmetics! Elf is a popular beauty brand that has gained a reputation for offering luxurious and effective products that won’t break the bank. With so many products to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are worth trying.
In this post, I will be sharing reviews of the most popular products from Elf. I’ll let you know what I think of each product and if it is worth buying.
About Elf Cosmetics
Elf Cosmetics, also known as e.l.f. (which stands for eyes lips face), is a beauty brand that was founded in 2004 by Joseph Shamah and Scott Vincent Borba in New York City. The brand’s mission is to make luxurious beauty products accessible to everyone without breaking the bank. Elf offers a range of high-quality, cruelty-free makeup and skincare products that are affordable and effective. Their products are designed to help people express their individuality and enhance their natural beauty. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, Elf is committed to empowering customers to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Over the years, Elf has gained a loyal following of beauty enthusiasts who appreciate their commitment to quality, affordability, and ethical practices.
Poreless Putty Primer
This lightweight primer is infused with Squalane to create a smooth base for your makeup. It helps minimize the appearance of pores and imperfections, giving your skin a flawless finish. The velvety texture effortlessly glides on, allowing makeup to adhere better and last longer throughout the day.
In addition to the original Poreless Putty Primer, Elf offers a Matte Putty Primer, Luminous Putty Primer, C-Bright Putty Primer, and Acne Fighting Putty Primer- 1.8% Salicylic Acid. Each face primer offers a unique benefit, however, the original is the one with the most rave reviews.
My review: The poreless putty primer is meant to smooth the texture of your skin and allow for makeup to sit nicely on the skin. As someone with textured skin, you would think I would love this type of product, however, I really don’t like the texture. If I am going to reach for a pore filling primer, I prefer a more traditional formula.
Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30
The Whoa Glow Sunscreen is a lightweight formula that pulls double duty as a makeup primer and broad-spectrum SPF. Infused with nourishing ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, it ensures your skin stays hydrated. The non-greasy formula is fragrance-free, and the peach-tone shimmer provides a flattering finish that looks great on all skin tones. Use it alone or under your favorite makeup.
My review: Whoa Glow lives up to its name. This SPF provided an intense glow to the skin. While Whoa Gloq can be worn solo, I find it to be a bit too glowy to wear that way. I prefer using it as a primer, pairing it with a natural finish foundation, so I can have that lit from within look.
When comparing Whoa Glow to Supergoop’s Glow Screen, I do appreciate that Supergoop offers SPF 40 protection and multiple shades. However, if I had to choose between the two, I would opt for Whoa Glow. The $14 price tag of Whoa Glow makes it a more budget-friendly option compared to the $38 Glow Screen.
Halo Glow Liquid Filter
This complexion booster and skincare-makeup hybrid is an innovative product infused with nourishing squalane and hyaluronic acid. It works to enhance the overall look of the skin, providing a soft focus, and effortless radiance.
The Halo Glow Liquid Filter can be worn alone, layered under or over makeup, mixed with foundation for a fresh, dewy finish, or used as a highlighter to illuminate the high points of the face. With 8 flexible shades, there is a match for most skin tones.
My review: I’m a big fan of this type of product and actually own multiple high-end versions, including the popular Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. So, when I tried the Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter, I couldn’t help but compare the two. While they’re not exactly the same, I have to say, the Elf product comes pretty darn close.
Just like the Charlotte Tilbury, the Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter is incredibly versatile. Personally, my favorite way to use it is as a base under my makeup. It gives my skin that gorgeous lit-from-within glow that I love.
Overall, I would repurchase this and not the Hollywood Flawless Filter. However, this won’t be replacing all of my glowy base products. I still prefer the Saie Glowy Super Gel which has a thinner consistency.
Camo CC Cream
The Elf CC Cream is a versatile foundation that offers medium-to-full coverage with a natural finish, providing you with a flawless complexion. With SPF 30, it also ensures your skin stays protected from sun damage.
Infused with hydrating and youth-boosting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and collagen, this cream goes beyond coverage. It works to improve your skin’s texture and tone, brighten and even out your skin tone, and leave you with a refreshed and revitalized complexion.
My review: As someone who typically gravitates towards lighter coverage foundations and skin tints, I wasn’t sure if this medium-to-full coverage CC cream would be up my alley. Surprisingly, I discovered a technique that worked for me.
For a sheer application, I apply this with a damp beauty sponge. I make sure to use the smallest amount of product, pumping it onto my hand rather than directly onto my face. Starting from the middle of my face and working my way outwards, I carefully apply the CC cream.
This approach allows me to customize the coverage and attain a lighter, more natural look. I was pleasantly surprised by the result, as it provided a beautiful sheer finish while still providing enough coverage to even out my complexion.
16 HR Camo Concealer
The Elf 16HR Camo Concealer is a highly pigmented liquid formula designed to effectively cover imperfections and under-eye circles while providing moisturization to your skin. Its lightweight formula makes application effortless, offering full coverage without settling into fine lines and creases.
The result is a matte finish that stays put for up to 16 hours. With a wide range of 26 shades available, you can easily find the perfect match for your skin tone.
My review: I used to love the 16HR Camo Concealer, but as I’ve gotten older and my under-eye area has become drier, I don’t reach for it as much anymore. While it does provide fantastic coverage, I have to be extra careful with my prepping my skin. If I don’t properly moisturize, this concealer can make my under eyes look very dry.
Personally, I’ve found that I prefer a lighter coverage concealer with a more emollient formula. Even if it means my dark circles aren’t completely hidden.
Hydrating Camo Concealer
The Elf Hydrating Camo Concealer is a reliable and versatile choice for achieving a flawless complexion. This liquid concealer provides full coverage, effectively concealing imperfections and under-eye circles, while simultaneously delivering a hydrating boost to your skin.
With its lightweight and easily blendable formula, this concealer corrects and perfects your complexion without any concerns of creasing or flaking. You can enjoy a smooth and satin finish that lasts throughout the day, ensuring your makeup stays in place.
My review: Now that my skin tends to be drier, I’m always on the hunt for products that offer hydration. The Hydrating Camo Concealer strikes the perfect balance for me, providing much-needed moisture without feeling too heavy. While Elf claims it’s a full-coverage concealer, I personally find the coverage to be more on the medium side. But that doesn’t stop me from loving this concealer—I actually prefer it over the original camo concealer. It delivers the right amount of hydration and coverage for my needs.
Flawless Brightening Concealer
Illuminate and perfect your complexion with the Elf Flawless Brightening Concealer. This versatile pen concealer offers buildable coverage and a lightweight formula that effortlessly highlights and brightens your features. Infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, it also helps to conceal uneven skin tones, leaving you with a flawless, natural-looking finish.
My review: When I came across the Flawless Brightening Concealer by Elf, I couldn’t resist giving it a try. Being a fan of the YSL Touche Eclat Concealer, I was intrigued to find a more affordable alternative that could deliver similar results. After testing it out, I must say that I was quite impressed with the Elf concealer. The application was effortless, it blended seamlessly, and it effectively brightened my under-eye area. While it may not offer the highest coverage, I personally don’t mind. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly brightening concealer, I highly recommend giving this one a shot.
Bite Size Eyeshadow Palette
The Elf Bite Sized Eye Shadow Palettes are designed to be your go-to travel companion for enhancing your eyes. Each palette brings together a well-balanced mix of matte and shimmer shades, allowing you to effortlessly transition your eye makeup from day to night.
Experience the remarkable pigmentation and blendability of these eye shadows. The formula glides smoothly onto your eyelids, ensuring a seamless and creamy application. Whether you prefer a subtle and understated look or a more daring and intense style, these versatile shades cater to your desired preferences.
My review: To be completely honest, I’m not really a fan of drugstore eyeshadows. However, the Elf Bite Sized Eye Shadow Palettes have pleasantly surprised me, especially considering their affordable price of just $3 each.
I was genuinely impressed by how well these eyeshadows performed, given their super affordable price point. If you’re searching for an affordable palette that also travels well, the Elf Bite Sized Eye Shadow Palettes are definitely worth considering.
No Budge Lasting Eyeshadow Stick
The No Budge Lasting Eyeshadow Stick offers a smooth and effortless application, serving both as an eyeshadow and eyeliner. Its versatile formula enables you to create a range of looks, from subtle shimmer effects for everyday makeup to bold and striking smoky eyes.
With its twist-up design, applying the eyeshadow stick is a breeze, eliminating the need for additional sharpeners. The built-in sharpener ensures that the pencil maintains its precision point, enabling precise and defined lines whenever desired.
My review: As someone who isn’t particularly skilled at applying eyeshadow, I’m always on the lookout for products that make the process easier.
One of the things I appreciate about the No Budge Shadow Stick is its simplicity. I can simply swipe the shadow stick directly onto my eyelids and use my fingers to blend it out. No need for brushes or complicated techniques. It’s a time-saver and perfect for those looking for a quick and easy application.
While the majority of shades I tested blended easily, I did find the champagne shade to be slightly drier and more challenging to blend.
Overall, if you’re searching for an affordable option that simplifies your eyeshadow routine, the Elf No Budge Shadow Stick is a good option.
Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
This long-lasting and quick-drying gel-based formula delivers one-swipe coverage of captivating glitters. Designed for comfortable wear with minimal fall out, this opaque liquid eyeshadow creates high-impact, multi-dimensional effects thanks to its glitter and pearl-infused formulation.
My review: For my everyday eye look, I typically prefer keeping things simple and natural. That’s why the Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow from Elf doesn’t make it into my routine very often. However, when I do feel like adding some sparkle to my makeup, this product isn’t my top choice. I’ve found it difficult to apply smoothly, and the result is often patchy.
Lash ‘N Roll Mascara
The Lash ‘N Roll Mascara is designed to provide maximum curl and lift to your lashes, thanks to its unique double-sided and curved silicone brush. This mascara effectively lifts and separates each lash, creating an eye-opening effect that enhances your natural beauty. The formula is smudge- and flake-resistant, ensuring a long-lasting and flawless look.
The innovative brush design features shorter bristles that hold onto the formula, while the longer bristles work to separate, lift, and coat each lash evenly. This combination of brush and formula results in beautifully curled lashes that stay in place throughout the day.
My review: I’m a big fan of the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara, so when I found out that Elf had their own version, I had to give it a try. While the Elf mascara doesn’t curl and lengthen my lashes as much as the Benefit one does, it still does a pretty good job. The best part? The Benefit mascara costs $28, while the Elf option is only $6. The price difference alone makes the Elf mascara worth considering as a more affordable alternative.
Putty Bronzer
The Putty Bronzer is a versatile and buildable bronzing formula that helps you achieve a sun-kissed glow. The soft and creamy putty texture effortlessly blends onto the skin, providing a natural and seamless finish. With a range of shades available, you can find the perfect bronzer to complement your skin tone and desired level of warmth.
My review: I’ll be honest, the Elf Putty Bronzer didn’t quite hit the mark for me. To be fair, I’m not a big fan of bronzers in general, and this one didn’t change my mind. It didn’t help that I had trouble finding a shade that worked. The one I tested had a bit too much orange undertone for my liking. If you have a deeper complexion or enjoy a warm-toned bronzer, you might have better luck with this product than I did.
Putty Blush
The Putty Blush is a versatile and highly pigmented blush that adds a natural flush of color to your cheeks. The unique putty texture blends effortlessly onto the skin, creating a smooth and seamless application. With a wide range of shades to choose from, you can easily find the perfect color to suit your skin tone and desired look.
My review: After not liking the putty primer or the bronzer, I wasn’t really surprised when I did not like the Putty Blush. I prefer when I can apply blush with my fingers or with my beauty sponge so I can get a soft diffused look. However, the putty blush doesn’t pick up very well with either one. You really need to use a brush. But even when using a brush, I found this blush didn’t blend very well. It is just too dry and stiff. Instead of buying this blush because it is cheap and popular, I’d recommend picking up a cream blush from Milani.
Hydrating Core Lip Shine
This innovative 2-in-1 lip balm features an outer shell infused with a hint of color and an inner heart-shaped core packed with nourishing skincare benefits. The vitamin E formulation provides essential nourishment, leaving your lips feeling moisturized and supple.
My review: The Hydrating Core Lip Shine has become a staple in my makeup bag, and it’s easily one of my favorite lip products. I already own Ecstatic, Happy, and Delightful, but I’m tempted to buy the entire range of shades. The effortless application and ideal pigmentation make them a go-to choice for me. If you haven’t tried them yet, I highly recommend adding at least one shade of the Hydrating Core Lip Shine to your collection.
Lip Lacquer
This lip product combines an ultra-shine finish with a non-sticky feel. Its conditioning formula is enriched with vitamins, leaving the lips soft, pillowy, and well-hydrated. Choose from a beautiful range of shades to wear alone for a subtle pop of color or layer over your favorite lipstick for added depth and dimension.
My review: When I was choosing products to review, I almost skipped over the Lip Lacquer. But I’m so glad I gave it a try. This lip lacquer gives off a gorgeous ultra-shiny finish without any sticky feeling. It goes on easily and evenly, providing a smooth application. What surprised me is that it doesn’t feel like your average drugstore lip product; it actually has a high-end vibe when you wear it. Right now, I have the shade Black Cherry, but I’m eyeing the Cherry Bomb shade to add to my collection. I highly suggest picking up the Lip Lacquer in one or more shades.
Some Thoughts On Elf & Dupe Culture
It is worth mentioning, that Elf makes several products that are similar to high-end beauty products. In fact, almost every product on this list is Elf’s version of a more expensive product.
I do appreciate being able to get high-quality products at a great price. However, I would like all brands to develop more of their own products. Dupe after dupe leaves us with no truly new and innovative products.
Shop Elf Cosmetics
Elf Cosmetics FAQ
Q: Are Elf Cosmetics products cruelty-free? A: Yes, all Elf Cosmetics products are cruelty-free.
Q: Where can I buy Elf products? A: Elf Cosmetics products can be purchased on their website, as well as at Ulta Beauty, Target, Walmart, and other online retailers.
Q: Are Elf Cosmetics products suitable for all skin types? A: Yes, Elf Cosmetics products are formulated to be suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Q: What key ingredients does Elf use in their products? A: Some common ingredients found in Elf products include hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, squalane, and Vitamin E.
Q: Does Elf Cosmetics offer free shipping? A: Yes, they offer free shipping on all U.S. merchandise orders over $35. The free shipping discount is applied automatically when the $35 threshold is reached.
Q: Does Elf Cosmetics offer international shipping? A: Yes, Elf Cosmetics offers international shipping to select countries. Check their website for more information.
Q: Does Elf have a rewards program? A: Yes, there is a rewards program called Beauty Squad, which allows customers to earn points for purchases and redeem them for discounts and exclusive offers.
Q: Does Elf offer gift cards? A: Yes, but gift cards are only available in the United States at this time.
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