Monday 24 February 2014

The List: Top 5 Elf Products Worth Buying!

Elf is a makeup brand that offers many products (such as eyeshadow, blush, lipstick, etc.) for 1, 2, or 3 dollars. Every single one of their products is super-affordable, as even the foundations come in around $6. While some people swear by the brand, others say that you get the quality you pay for. Personally, I think that the truth is somewhere in the middle. Ultimately, while some products flop (all brands release less-than-perfect items sometimes), many products shine. In fact, some are even comparable or better than high end selections. Today I'm bringing you 5 Elf products that work well, are affordable, and are definitely worth buying. I'll also get into how to get the best deals that the brand has to offer.


The first trick to scoring an amazing deal at Elf is knowing what to look for. Do your research, and check out reviews of every product you plan on buying. While the reviews on Elf's site are usually reliable, I always make sure to take a look at what people on beauty blogs are saying, too.

Next, make sure that you read the ingredients, listed on Elf's site, before you buy. Some of their products do contain parabens or mineral oils, so make sure you avoid those if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Keep in mind, though, that many of their products contain no harmful ingredients whatsoever. It's just important to check before you make the purchase.

If there's a product with three or four shades you'd love to try, start out by ordering just one first. If you like the product, you can always come back and purchase the other shades at a later time. It'll save you the pain of owning 5 lipsticks you're not happy with.

Elf is a good company, and you'll rarely see a product that simply lacks quality. If a product flops, it's usually because it lacks pigment or contains too much glitter or sparkle. That said, those things are subjective. What one person doesn't like might be perfect for someone else. Even if I don't particularly like a product I've ordered from Elf, I can nearly always find a way to get use out of it. So if it comes down to it, simply take the risk and order the product you're interested in - chances are, even if you hate it, you'll be out less than 10 bucks.

There really are some shining stars in Elf's product range. If you can find them, you'll likely end up with makeup staples in your collection that you'll use for years to come. Don't be afraid to test out some Elf products, as it's really the only way you'll be able to see what truly works for you. When you find the perfect blush for $3, it's totally worth it.

Now, I'm bringing you 5 Elf products that have worked for me and are definitely worth a purchase. While everyone is different and looking for different things, I feel that these are universally flattering.

Elf Essential Lip Balm Tint in Nude ($2)

This moisturising balm comes in several pretty shades, which all provide a wash of colour along with a boost of hydration. You can't go wrong with these, as the colour applies evenly, and even the darkest shades sheer out nicely on lips. I love the colour Nude for a my-lips-but-better look. Just pop one of these in your purse and you're good to go all day. They smell like vanilla, they're not greasy, thick, or messy, and they look beautifully natural. A winner all around!

Elf Studio Eyebrow Lifer and Filler in Ivory/Dark ($3)

You've probably seen dual-ended eyebrow pencils a million times before - Nyx has a popular one, and many other brands have offerings as well. While Elf's version doesn't revolutionize the concept, it's still a great product that does what its supposed to. The darker side, meant to fill in brows, is a jumbo-sized pencil with a waxy consistency that does a good job at keeping brows in place. While I wouldn't recommend this for precision work, it's great when you're in a rush and need to darken or thicken your brows quickly. Because of the pencil's large size, it works fast. The ivory-coloured side is the same thickness, making it easy to highlight your brow in one convenient swipe. The pinky-cream colour is great at providing a brightening effect. 

Elf Studio Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls ($3)

I'm in love with this product! In fact, I find myself reaching for this instead of the highlighter in my Nars Guy Bourdin palette, because it's so conveniently packaged. This baked highlighter is great to take in your makeup bag or pop in your purse for travel. It's pigmented without being overwhelming, and it provides a warm glow without leaving your face glittery or sparkly. This is beautiful when swiped on cheekbones or across the forehead. It's just as nice as so many high end options. 

Elf Studio Glossy Gloss in Ballet Slippers ($3)

Elf really did a good job with the formulation of their Glossy Gloss. It's not tacky, sticky, thick, or heavy. It has an impressive wear time for a lip gloss, and provides a smooth, even shine. As a lover of nude lip products, this pretty gloss is one of my favourites and beats many high end and drugstore brands which cost way more. This comes in several shades, so there's something for everyone. At $3, I really don't think you can pass this up.

Elf Studio Tone Correcting Powder in Warm ($3)

As you can see, I've hit major pan on this one - and I've already repurchased so many times! Elf's Tone Correcting Powder is truly wonderful. It was actually released before all of the CC powders came on the market, but it aims to achieve a similar goal - colour correction by use of several balancing tones. The powder comes in two shades, Warm and Cool. The warm one contains blue, yellow, peach, and brown to balance and neutralize redness and sallowness to create a more even complexion. When I swirl my brush in all four shades before applying over foundation, I really see a difference. Not only is this a finely milled, smooth and flattering powder, it corrects any minor flaws you may have forgotten to conceal. On minimum makeup days, I'll wear this over concealer and be done! While it doesn't have a lot of coverage, it really does help to balance your skintone. When I order from Elf, I buy these in bulk (two or three at a time). 

I hope you guys enjoyed my tips and tricks for shopping at Elf, as well as my favourite product selections. There really are some great deals to be found from the brand, so keep looking to find what works for you. Let me know which Elf products you've tried and loved!

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