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Best of elf Cosmetics
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items I've tried nearly everything that elf Cosmetics has released over the past decade. This best of list comes straight from my beauty room! All of these products are worth the money and you might swear they are high end. I have tested everything listed ...
Sections
5
Eyes
Lips
Primer
Complexion
Blush, Bronzer & More
Eyes
Over the years elf eyeshadow and related products have gotten significantly better. This section contains mascara, liner, and eyeshadow.
These are a high impact shimmer glitter but they don't have a base so they are rather sheer but perfect for layering. This makes them not an exact dupe for Urban Decay. Ever since I tried these as a topper I find that I show reach for neglected spark...
Fine as Fleck Glitter Eyeshadow Topper
This formula is very creamy yet impactful. It's the perfect traditional pencil eyeliner. The color assortment is awesome! They do not skip or tug. The only cons (but I still love them): they don't last on the waterline for anything and if you line th...
Smoky Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
Hands-down these are some of the best eyeshadows that I've ever tried yet they are the least expensive! You will swear this formula is high end like Natasha Denona vibes.
Bite-Size Mini Eyeshadow Palette
I know this one is hit or miss for people but I love it. This is a tubing mascara so I apply it in layers before it dries. It gives nice length, volume, and definition. One of the best from elf who historically makes crap mascaras.
Lash XTNDR Mascara
This eyeshadow primer is everything that you need. It prevents creasing, smudging, fading, and movement all with a neutral tone.
Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer
If you are looking for a firm hold brow product, sort of like a brow glue, this one is elf's offering. It does the job!
Brow Laminating Gel - Clear-Drying Brow Gel
I appreciate this larger tip on this pencil for when I'm short on time and want a quick fill. The formula is just right.
Best Eyebrow Pencil - Instant Lift Brow Pencil
These sticks last all day without creasing, fading, or movement. The pigment is there.
No Budge Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick
These are a suitable dupe for Stila. They are easy to work with before they full dry down. They have a lot of impact and they last all day without cracking or fading.
Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow: Gel Formula
An OG! I STILL have my original pot. It lasts forever and never dries out yet it is so creamy. Grab a brow brush and get yourself some hair-like strokes.
Elf Lock on Liner and Brow Cream
I love all of the palettes in this collection. Several are perfect dupes for top-selling legendary palettes.
Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette
These are just as good as the metallics. Also very creamy, pigmented, and last all day.
No Budge Matte Shadow Stick
Mascaras that have an hourglass-shaped wand are sure to give you mad volume with length and this one does it.
Big Mood Volumizing Mascara
This is the perfect tiny tip pencil for hair-like strokes. I actually gifted this to my mom as her first brow pencil and she's obsessed with it.
Ultra Precise Retractable Eyebrow Pencil
I want to put on the record that any clear soap will give you brows that stay in place all day. A bar of soap is better value for your money, but, elf's does work and I must include it. It's smaller and better for travel than a bar of soap. It does n...
Soap Brow
This brow gel gives medium hold to the brows with some tint but I still prefer to fill them. The tiny spoolie is precise, much like Benefit.
Wow Tinted Brow Gel
This product is very versatile! When I'm sort on time I love to dab it right on the eyelid. It also makes for a great eyeliner. The color is bold and it lasts perfectly all day. However, I do find some shades are inconsitent in formula.
3-in-1 Cream Eyeshadow, Primer and Liner
This is elf's only larger format palette but the quality is really good. The silver shade is one of my all time favorites.
The New Classics Eyeshadow Palette
Lips
elf has quite the selection of trendy lip color, but not much by the way of core basics like a simple cheap lipstick. These are my favorite formulas.
I only have 1 shade so far but I like it and I want more! You get a punch sheer wash of color and a lot of shine. The flavors are strong so keep that in mind. The formula does melt onto the lips. Re-apply as needed. They make your lips feel good and ...
Glow Reviver Melting Tinted Lip Balm
I haven't tried the other variations but I have all of the original lip oils. They have a glassy shine and sheer color. These were my favorite until I tried wet n wild, but a close second.
Glow Reviver Tinted Lip Oil
This is the type of product that goes on glossy with color, then the gloss wears away to reveal a stain. You can wipe the gloss away but I love it! They hold up really well and are so pretty to wear.
Glossy Lip Stain
This is a lip and cheek product but I really like it on the lips as a stain to layer with other items. I only have 1 shade but I want more.
Sheer For It Blush Tint - Tinted Lip and Cheek Stain
This is one of my all-time-favorite lip liner formulas. People say it's not long wearing…. but it is. So creamy, full pigment, natural finish. The shades are perfect.
Cream Glide Lip Liner
Yes, it's a dupe for Clinique Black Honey! As you expect, you get a shiny wash of color with a balm-like formula. Re-apply as needed. Does not dry you out but doesn't do anything special for the lips.
Sheer Slick Lipstick Black Cherry
These have sheer color and super shine in a thick formula. Not exactly a dupe for Tarte. Don't click them up too far as you can't put them back down.
Pout Clout Lip Plumping Gloss Pen
The flavors are great and the formula is gentle yet effective. The only con is that the formula is so soft you will use it up quickly, and it gets messy on the packaging.
Lip Exfoliator
The matte black packaging is luxe, featuring magnetic closure. This is a true satin formula with bold, full coverage in one swipe. It holds up pretty good and does not dry out your lips.
O FACE Satin Lipstick
This lip gloss has SPF, but does not taste like it! Also, the pigment is super punchy for a gloss! So much shine but it is not sticky or heavy. Re-apply as needed.
Sun Boss Gloss - Tinted Lip Gloss SPF 25
Primer
It's no secret that elf makes some of the best primers in the game. This selection will extend the wear time of your makeup and I swear by these.
If you want to lock on your makeup all day this is it. It does not make me oily.
Power Grip Primer
I can't find a noticeable difference between the original and niacinamide I love them both.
Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide
Really all of elf's gripping primers perform the same. Keep in mind that jellypop is the first iteration and I do think Power Grip is slightly better.
Jelly Pop Dew Primer | Gel Primer
This is elf's second gripping primer iteration and it's always been a favorite of mine that I hoarded when it went away for a time.
Mint Melt Cooling Face Primer
This stick does nothing for cooling. BUT. It's a makeup extending long wear primer that I swear by. It is magic.
Stay Cool Gel Primer Stick
I have major pores on my nose and I've tested several putty primers. Tatcha will always be my favorite but this one is a close second. It fills almost all of my pores. Pro tip: pair your gripping primer with your poreless putty primer for a flawless,...
Poreless Putty Primer
Complexion
This section is everything foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, and the works.
This product is best applied with your fingers. Do 5 drops like the bottle says after shaking well. It does oxidize to a lighter shade but I find that it adjusts well on me. I like it not set. It holds up great all day allowing little oil through.
Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50
With oily/combo skin I don't like wearing this alone with all of the glow. I like mixing it into a foundation or wearing it as a liquid lightlight. If I am going to wear it alone I like powdering it with the halo glow powder filter to tone it down bu...
Halo Glow Liquid Filter Complexion Booster
I love this powder and the puff! I prefer it as a setting powder on key areas to maintain some glow. It soft and skin like.
Halo Glow Powder Filter - Pressed Finishing Powder
This is one of my 10/10 long wear foundations. I love how fresh and healthly it looks on the skin. Works great on oily skin and has buildable full coverage that lasts all day.
Camo Hydrating CC Cream SPF 30
This is another 10/10 long wear foundation pick! Has full coverage with more of a satin leaning matte finish that looks skin like.
Camo CC Cream SPF 30 - Color Correcting Cream
This has a natural, dewy leaning finish. A little goes a long way to give you full coverage. You'll never use it up. I don't like the matte one it's soo heavy.
Hydrating Camo Concealer
The fair peach shade is my holy grail. It reflects light while also canceling out under eye darkness. When you apply it you might think makeup won't layer over it but trust the process.
Putty Color-Correcting Under Eye Brightener
I also like the peach shade here. I either reach for this or the pot.
Camo Color Corrector Concealer
This is a must have for light makeup or no makeup-makeup days. I've tried other pens that run out quickly but this one is the real deal. You get light coverage, some brightening, all with a natural finish.
Flawless Brightening Skin Concealer
This powder is finely milled for a lightweight, soft-focus finish. It's hard to mess it up! It's not exactly blurring, but it gives a gentle kiss of glow.
Halo Glow Loose Setting Powder
This setting spray extends the wear of your makeup! A claim that I don't make lightly. It's comparable to your favorites like Skindinavia. The mist is fine and it also sets your makeup. I prefer this to the green Stay All Night because there is no sm...
Stay All Day Blue Light Long Lasting Setting Spray
This setting spray extends the wear of your makeup! A claim that I don't make lightly. It's comparable to your favorites like Skindinavia. The mist is fine and it also sets your makeup. However, it has an awful smell.
Stay All Night Mist - Makeup Setting Spray
This spray sets your makeup well and the mist is fine. It does not extend wear time, but it gives a light level of hydration to your makeup. It's a nice to have if your look is dry.
Dewy Coconut Setting Spray Mist
Blush, Bronzer & More
To break complexion down further, these are my picks that cover blush, bronzer, contour, and highlight.
You don't need high end liquid blush with these. I'm looking at you Rare Beauty. I will warn you they are pretty pigmented. If you apply too much it might look like an unblended line.
Camo Liquid Blush
I love wearing this as a lip stain, but layered with other lip products. It's ok as a blush for a buildable pop of color.
Sheer For It Blush Tint - Tinted Lip and Cheek Stain
This is a great cream to powder formula with a kiss of glow! It blends so well and lasts.
Luminous Putty Blush | Cream to Powder Blush
Of course, I love the original putty blush.
Putty Cream Blush
This is one of their few OG products that is still around today. It's my mom's favorite. 4 solid blush options for daily wear.
Compact Powder Blush Palette with Vitamin E
I like these for all of the various ways that you can use bronzer drops. The formula is definitely a cream, there is no “drops” happening.
Bronzing Drops Tinted Serum
The contour colors are nice and the product blends out so well. You get a fresh, natural finish.
Halo Glow Liquid Contour Wand
This cream to powder formula is easy to work with! She blends and builds. The shade range can also be used to contour depending on your skin tone.
Putty Bronzer - Cream to Powder Formula
I also love the luminous version! The kiss of shimmer is highly flattering. It's still easy to blend and build.
Luminous Putty Cream to Powder Bronzer
Another OG! I have deep dips in mine. It's a great basic powder contour palette.
Powder Contour Palette
This formula is buildable to your desired glow. It does not remove coverage underneath for a fresh finish.
Halo Glow Liquid Highlighter Wand