eyes lips face (e.l.f.) Cosmetics

Honestly, I can't remember when I was introduced to elf Cosmetics but I believe it was around the time they had launched their Studio range of products 2 years ago.  elf (or eyes lips face) is a brand well known for their insanely inexpensive products.  They've grown immensely from offering their Essentials line of $1 make up when they started in 2004 to now having Studio, Minerals and Bath & Body lines as well.  elf doesn't test on animals and sell only cruelty free make up.

Product Lines

Essentials- Basic make up products and tools at an average price of $1 each.  

Studio- elf's higher quality make up products and tools range at an average price of $3 each. 

Minerals- 100% mineral products without parabens, chemical dyes and preservatives for the nature conscious beauty at an average price of $3 each. 

Bath & Body- Offers spa range of cleansers and moisturizers at an average price of $4 each.

Quick Review: elf Nail Polish in Innocent

Some time back I'd purchased a whole bunch or elf products during their 60% off sale.  Here's a look at one of the nail polishes that I purchased, Innocent (which costs US$0.40 after discount!):

elf Essential Nail Polish (Innocent)

Net Weight: 0.35 fl oz

Price: US$1.00 each

Availability: eyeslipsface.com

I like the color, a nude polish with hints of pink undertones.  It's a nice classic color and one that would take sometime before I get bored of.  Personally I think this is a very demure feminine shade that works well with those with light and medium skintones if you want that nude nails effect.  As you can see from the photo above, it's the perfect nude shade for me.

I had to layer 3 coats of this formula to achieve a decent degree of opacity.  As far as consistencies go, I would describe it to be midway between being too runny and too thick.  It applies pretty streaky for me though but it wasn't something I would complain too much about considering how inexpensive the product was.

The painted color isn't quite true to the shade you see in the bottle or the swatch on the elf website (however, the actual color in the bottle and the online swatch looks fairly close.

Swatch from the elf website.

The formula is said to be free of the following ingredients/components:

• Toluene
• Formaldehyde
• Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

Product claims:

• Chip resistant and long lasting with high shine
•  Aerodynamic bristles that glide on flawlessly
• Quick dry

At the moment I can't vouch for their first claim but I'll update on my findings at a later date.  As for the bristles, I didn't find it difficult to apply the polish and I would say it was quite easy to use despite being a bit streaky.  I wouldn't say that the formula is entirely as quick drying as they'd like us to believe but it didn't take long to wait to apply the 2nd and 3rd coat in my case.  The formula is also infused with Vitamin E which is a great moisturizing ingredient so hopefully I won't be experiencing any dry nails after taking this off.

NOTE: This polish was applied with a coat of Rimmel Stronger Try Harder Base Coat and a coat of Sally Hansen Dries Instantly 30 Second Top Coat.

Looks and Nails of the Week

Just a quick little post on my Look of the Week:

Face
Revlon New Complexion One Step Make Up (03 - Sand Beige)
MAC Mineralized Blush (Pet Me) [LE]
ELF Blush & Contouring (contour color only)


Eyes
Urban Decay Naked Palette (Sin - inner half, Toasted - outer half, Hustle - outer upper lash line)
Stila Multi-Effects Mascara (Black) - 1st coat
Maybelline Full 'N Soft WP Mascara (Very Black) - 2nd coat
in2it Waterproof Brow Powder (Darkest shade)

Lips
MAC Cremesheen Lipstick (Fanfare)

And for Nails of the Week:

Base Coat: Rimmel Stronger Try Harder
1st Coat: Revlon Copperglaze Platinum
Tips: Revlon Black Lingerie
Strip: Sally Hansen French Manicure (Natural White)
Top Coat: Sally Hansen Dries Instantly 30 second Top Coat

Needless to say I'm better at make up than I am with nails but it's fun to experiment.

Til next post! *hugs*

elf Studio Haul and Review

There are generally mixed opinions when it comes to elf products.  Especially due to their insanely low and affordable price tags, it is assumed that the products aren't as good as higher end brands (or at least more expensive brands).  But I've noticed that some YouTube makeup gurus have no qualms about using elf products.

Latest from elf is their Studio line.  I personally didn't find the regular elf products attractive and the brushes on their website didn't look enticing enough to make me want to get them.  Their falsies however I might consider getting.  They're only USD1 each!