e.l.f. makeup - A review

Note: I have not been given anything by this company, either product or compensation, for this review. Although I wouldn't be opposed to either ;)

A few years ago a friend told me about this website she used to order dirt-cheap makeup. I looked at it, but didn't really trust it. How good could makeup be, when it was all $5 or under? I admit, I can be a makeup snob sometimes. When it comes to skincare, though, sometimes it's worth it!

Times are different, now, though. Family size is up, income is down, so discretionary spending is cut WAY back. And, our local Target started carrying e.l.f. products in store last year, so no shipping charges and I could see what I was getting. I still was cautious, though.

In April, Emma turned 13. For a birthday present, I gave her a green sparkly little bucket containing a mascara (Maybelline Great Lash), a powder foundation to give her a little coverage, and an e.l.f. lip gloss. I picked the Vixen color, and it really is a great color on her. It's not dark or bright, but gives just a hint of color to her lips. At 13, it's all she needs.

Then two weeks ago I found the custom compacts. I admit, I'm a total sucker for things like this. And, I had just dropped and broken my favorite eye shadow compact. Well, only two of the four colors shattered, but those were the two I used. The other two I hardly touched. So I had some replacing to do. And at $1 each, I had to try it!

The shadows (more options are available online, but my Target store only had the eye shadows available when I was there) have magnetic backs, so they stick in the compact easily. No forcing them in like with some other brands. I chose two colors, Moondust and Sage, leaving two empty slots to fill later. The color goes on well, and lasts just as long as more expensive brands. It is easy to apply and blend, and easy to clean up mistakes. I was pleasantly surprised.

I also tried the cream eyeliner. I've used gel eyeliners by other, more expensive, brands in the past and loved them. I only had one color left, though, and didn't use it often. I tried the Metallic Olive, which is nowhere near as tacky as the name suggests. It isn't a sparkly metallic, or overtly green. It's a good color for my fair skin and blue/green eyes. It even comes with a brush, although I quickly switched to a different liner brush I already had. I just couldn't maneuver the flat-edge brush without messing up royally. One downside, though, is that it doesn't dry as quickly as the expensive brands, so is easy to smear if you're not careful. Just don't touch for a few minutes, though, and you're good to go! It lasts all day without fading or running.

My current blush had broken, also, and since it was a mineral blush it can be a little high. I saw some blush selections and thought for $3, I could try it. Why not? I tried the Studio Blush in Pink Passion since it was the closest to my other shade.  It's not bad, but I must be careful. I can see someone not familiar with application techniques easily looking clownish. It only takes a tiny bit, and I must blend well so it's not too bright. I think I'll try it again, but in a different shade.

Overall, I'm very happy with what I've tried so far. I look forward to new eyeshadow colors, and may try some other products. And best of all, I can play with various colors without worrying about blowing my budget!