Okay, I used to be willing to spend crazy amounts on my make-up at Sephora. But, as times are getting harder and harder, and as my photography equipment is growing, I would rather sacrifice my make-up for equipment ; o ;
That is 'til... I found E.L.F.!
You see, I'm not a fan of these "budget" brands save for Revlon's liquid eyeliner (It is STILL the best one I have used to date. Stays on for more than 24 hours.) I've tried NYX -- which turned out to be disgusting. Their shadows weren't pigmented and their lipsticks chapped my lips even with lipgloss.
So I took a plunge and decided to try ELF's make-up
This was my haul. I bought -- All Over Cover Stick, 4 Nail Polishes, Lipstick in Natural Nymph, Matte HD Powder, Eyebrow Stencil, Beauty Encyclopedia Eye Edition, Mineral Eyeshadow Base, and the Shimmering Palette. All for around 40 or 50 dollars shipped?? I also bought a few brushes which were whatever and didn't feel like reviewing them.
I'll start the review with the primer, which was very disappointing. My eyeshadow did crease and fade with the primer alone. However, combined with my MAC paint pot in painterly, it is perfect! It has the staying power of Too Faced Shadow Insurance without the oily seperation after 3 months ; o ;
5/5
DAYUM! is all I have to say in response to this lipstick. I've been trying to find a perfect nude for the longest time. So far, I've went through myth, cream d'nude, and Gosh's Darling. I found this one very close to myth, and in fact better! Myth gives off an orangish tone while this one gives off a milder orange tone with a hint of pink as well. It stays on EXTREMELY WELL. I can eat and not have to reapply! The coverage is very matte and opaque so you might need a bit of lipgloss if you have chapped lips like me
2/5
The nail polish was actually whatever. The only thing good was the price (1$). Other than that, it stayed on fairly long, due to the horrible condition of my nails but still chipped within a week. Also, this doesnt have much of a shine so you will always apply a topcoat. The drying time is very long ; o ; ....
4/5
This powder is actually really good! Priced at 6$, it keeps my foundation looking smoother, longer. For those people who say that they give you so little ... Its only six dollars.
5/5
OH WOW. This Shimmering Palette does what others can not! I've tried Too Faced Highlighting Face Shimmer and Make-up Forever's Highlight/Contour kit ... This one really wins! Its comparable to Benefit's Moon Beam except at a fraction of the cost. It blends well but if you have dry skin like me, you should moisturize well before applying. It will definitely show your flaky skin if you don't moisturize.
I don't know how to grade this but it was just so cheap!! (1$)
2.5/5
For a dollar, it certainly does get the job done but its just so pasty! It feels like chalk and glue on my face. Also, I noticed that this makes me more prone to pimples while using it if I don't exfoliate my face rather than just using cleanser at night. I guess I'll put this in my make-up bag for emergencies because of its small size.
3.5/5
Im kind of between giving this a 3 and a 4. I would give it a 4 on the price and a 3 on the performance. For an eyeshadow palette, it really covers all of the basic colors for a smokey eye. I do smokey eyes 24/7 so this book is perfect for me. However, it IS a bit hard getting the shadows where you want it to. It takes a bit of practice to really use this book to its full advantage. Also, one thing to note: the black here sucks. I'm sticking to Urban Decay in Oil Slick for my darkest black. The only thing that really bugs me is a lack of mirror and its cheap cardboard casing. Keep in mind this book is five dollars. Yes, Five dollars for twelve colors, two cream shadows, and a crappy eyeliner.
This is the final outcome of using all of the products!
Close-up of my eye.
Oh yeah, if I don't follow you back its because I'm still new to blogger. Im trying to get the hang of it still ; o ;
And and and MY EQUIPMENT CAME YAY!! I'll post photos of it next time
Until Next Time,
Mint