I've tried a couple of e.l.f products before, that I picked up at Target, but I wanted to try some more of their brushes and make up products. Not to mention, I had a bad experience earlier with a brush I bought. I went for the things that I've heard recommended the most.
When I bought this, they had a buy one-get one 50% off on everything, so I only ended up paying $20.28 after tax and shipping. Isn't that an amazing deal?
Studio Translucent Matifying Powder: I didn't really love this, I mean it does matify, that's for sure, but I did not like how this made my skin look. It made my skin look powdery, dry and lifeless. I'd much rather use Make Up For Ever HD Powder, which matifies without making me look dry. I rather regret buying this and I don't like it at all!
Studio HD Blush in Superstar: I loved this product so much, it's a steal at only $3. Careful when applying it cuz this is extremely pigmented and a little goes a long long way. This wears amazing through the day and you can either use just a little bit for a more natural look, or build it up for an awesome glow. This has to be one of my favorite blushes now, I love the staying power of this. Be careful when applying it cuz you might end up with a clown face. Apply a bit to the back of your hand and if it's not enough grab a bit more. Believe me when I'm telling you this...yes I ended up with a clown face on the first try. LOL! I definitely recommend this product and think it's worth every penny, also it will last you for like forever!
Studio HD Blush in Superstar - Swatch:
Maybe the picture doesn't show how little the amount I applied is, but it's around the same size of the loop at the end of a bobby pin.
And it spread to this much! As you can see a tiny little bit does go a long way, this is way more than what I would want on my cheeks, so I can't repeat myself enough, careful when applying it. It might take a bit of practice, but trust me, it's so worth it at the end!
Essential Eye Crease Brush: First off, I should start by saying this product is sold for $1, and for that price it did surprise me. This brush is OK at doing it's job of applying shadow to the crease of the eye, but it has shed a little bit. I guess that's understandable since, well it's a $1. In spite of the shedding, I do think this product is worth it if you are starting your collection and don't have a lot of money in your budget, or just want to save money. After all, I don't think this is a bad brush and I do recommend buying it. We can live with a bit of shedding right? It's not excessive, it's like one hair here and there, so in my humble opinion I think it's fine. At the end of the day, if you hate it, you're only out $1.
Studio Powder Brush: I bought this brush before at Target and it shed badly( as you can see here)! But I really wanted to try this brush, since they didn't want to exchange it at Target and just returned my money, I decided to buy it. I love it, the bristles are super soft and it hasn't shed one bit. I've already washed it two or three times and there is no shedding at all. I think the other one was just defective and I'm so glad I gave it another shot. I love this brush for buffing in liquid foundation. It's extremely gentle on my sensitive skin and doesn't irritate me one bit. It applies foundation amazingly well and the bristles are SO well packed that it doesn't bend. This brush is great and I definitely recommend it, also at only $3 it has become one of my favorite brushes. This is worth every penny and even more. I can't emphasize how happy I am with this brush enough.
Studio Stipple Brush: I don't really like this brush much for foundation, but I use it specifically with my HD blush. The bristles are super soft and not rough on skin at all. This brush hasn't shed one bit. I really wanted to pick up the Small Stipple Brush, but it was out of stock, I've heard that one is great too. One thing I would really like is if this brush had more bristles, but either way it's an awesome brush and at $3 it's a steal. Great for liquid products to get that airbrushed look. I recommend this brush for sure!
Essentials Eyeshadow Brush: Another $1 product, and I guess you get what you pay for. This brush is OK, it sheds a lot. I've ended up with bristles on my eye lids after using it, which is not something I'm fond of at all. This brush is OK for applying eyeshadow to your eyelids. I really wish this brush had more bristles than it does, cuz I'm used to eyeshadow brushes having more bristles than this. This is an OK brush to start your collection off with and if you don't like it you are not really loosing a lot of money on it. I don't really recommend this one as much, but the next brush is amazing!
Studio Eyeshadow "C" Brush: THIS BRUSH! This is my new go to for applying eyeshadow. This brush is super soft, the bristles are really well packed, it hasn't shed one bit for me and it applies eyeshadow like a boss!! I love it so much. I definitely recommend this amazing brush and at only $3 it is more than worth every penny. Amazing brush if you have a low budget for make up. You are gonna be as happy as I am with it. You are spending $2 more than the Essentials Brush(previous one), but it's definitely worth it.
Final Thoughts:
I'm really happy with all my purchases, everybody that I asked or read reviews from about e.l.f products recommended the Studio line(black brushes) over the Essentials line(white brushes). Now I understand why they did this. I have my own personal opinion now and I cannot agree more with, well, everybody else. The Studio line is much better than the Essentials and the difference in price is only $2 which I think is worth the bit of extra money. If you are thinking of picking up e.l.f brushes, go with the Studio line for sure and you won't be disappointed.
If you want to try e.l.f, I say go for it. It's definitely a hit or miss company, but their hits are major hits(haha!) and with their misses you are not out by a lot of money.
Hope you enjoyed this mini haul & reviews and they come useful if you are looking for any of these products.
Have you tried e.l.f products? Which is your favorite?
Disclaimer: I purchased this with my own money, and this is my own personal opinion :)
