Sunday, April 6, 2014

Best Elf Products


Elf products, available at most drugstores and Target, are cheap, easy to use and have clean and simple packaging. However, Elf products are a hit or miss and because of how cheap they are most people opt out, thinking the product will be cheap as well. Here are a few of the diamonds I have found in the Elf cosmetic line. 

Elf Concealer Stick 
A small, slim stick of cream concealer that goes on smooth and blends easy to cover blemishes. I found it easy to use; just apply a bit over the problem area and it practically disappears. I go through about one stick every month or so; not much comes in the tube but at $3 a stick, it's pretty much a steal. They have a liquid concealer also, but I prefer the cream. The only con, is that it only comes in two shades. Ivory and beige, I'm beige so I can't complain, but hopefully they'll come out with more shades so it's more versatile. 

Elf Black Cream Liner Pod and Brush
I bought this as an alternative to Maybellines' black cream liner pod and it can certainly hold it's own! It's just as dark and is slightly creamier. I do not like the brush however, possibly because I prefer my own brushes but I also find it hard to use because of how short the handle is but it would do in a pinch. It smudges easily so be careful during application. But definitely worth the $3 I spent. 

Elf Blush

As someone who prefers creme blush to powdered, I actually liked this product. It works just as well as any other blush, they have a pretty good selection, and it's only $3. Be careful not to apply too much though, it gets oddly shimmery when you do that and makes you look like Malibu Barbie. 

Elf Eye Shadow Brush
I have many brushes from different companies and brands, but this brush is by far my favorite. It picks up shadow well and is the perfect size and fluffy-ness for the eye lid. I use other brushes to blend and for other parts of the eye but this is great for applying the base shadow. And it was only $1! 

Elf Lip Exfoliator
So this product looks a little odd, it feels and tastes a little odd too. But it works decently well. I recommend cleaning the end of the lipstick after each use, the purpose is to get rid of dead skin, so naturally some of it probably gets stuck there. So I clean it just to be safe. After I wipe it off I make sure to put on Chapstick, then my lips are super smooth and hydrated. At $3 it's a good buy. 

Elf Eye Primer
For a night out, I recommend Urban Decay's Eye Primer Potion ($12) but for every day use the Elf Eye Primer ($1) works really well. I use it to keep my eyeliner in place, I don't wear eyeshadow everyday and this works great for the little bit of eyeliner I do use. It doesn't work well for holding on to eyeshadow for extended periods of time but if you're like me and only use eyeliner, this is a must have. 



I'm in the process of trying new Elf products, every trip I make to Target I pick up one new product. Next to try is their lipstick! Feel free to send me your opinions or reviews on Elf products I have yet to try. Hope you enjoyed my post.  Leave your comments below!

Foundation: Liquid v.s. Powder

Probably one of the greatest questions in the make up world is the choice between liquid and powdered foundation. Most people just pick whatever they saw on the last TV ad, but you should put a little more thought into than that. Your answer, lies in your skin.

Liquid

Liquid foundation has  many benefits. The biggest plus is it's coverage, usually applied with a sponge or even your own fingers, it acts as a concealer and foundation all in one. (for extra icky blemishes, I still recommend using concealer on top of your foundation) Liquid is great for long wear, or extra special occasions (i.e. prom, date night, picture day) It helps even skin tone, controls shine and some formulas even moisturize and have SPF. But the cons of this mattifying miracle, wearing it everyday might result in breakouts caused by clogged pores. Sweating or excessively touching your face increases the chances of a breakout. Liquid foundation might also be drying, resulting in a cakey and cracking finish, so be sure to use moisturizer underneath.

Powder

Powder foundation is a light alternative to its liquid counterpart. Powder has a more realistic and mattifying finish. It has less coverage, so pair it with a concealer of your choice. But its great for everyday wear, you can apply it more than once if you seem to be extra shiny. Less coverage isn't always a bad thing, it allows your real skin to shine through. (Ladies with freckles, this is your best choice) It's cons however: be careful not t0 apply too thickly, or it will come off on your hands and clothes, applying too thickly will also make for a very over done look. 

Try Both

If you just can't decide or you like extra coverage, do a combination of both. Liquid underneath and powder on top. This will make for a flawless finish, that's shine proof and blemish proof. Perfect for a night out on the town. 


There's no secret formula to which one will work best for you. Try out a few and see which one you like! I recommend Bare Minerals Matte Foundation Powder ($27) for everyday wear and Maybelline Fit Me! Liquid Foundation ($7) for special occasions.

Welcome!

So, before I begin posting about makeup and hair products, well before I start my blog really I'd like to say.. Welcome to my blog! As an avid shopaholic and beauty product hoarder, I thought I would put all my knowledge, acquired from years and years of experimentation, to good use in creating my very own beauty blog! Choc-full of tips, product reviews and recommendations. Feel free to leave comments and questions and send recommendations to my gmail account located in my profile and I'll be sure to get back to you! Enjoy!