About e.l.f.

e.l.f. claims to use the same formulations as name brand cosmetics, but they keep their overhead down by advertising mostly online and using very little packaging. The products are ‘designed to improve and accentuate the individual–not hide her away’.
The company was started in 2004 by Scott-Vincent Borba, a beauty professional who also create Borba nutraceuticals–an inner-skincare line.

Reviews

I’ve scoured sites for e.l.f. reviews. The consensus seems to be favorable. Some people complain about shipping, but others say shipping issues have been taken care of and are no longer an issue (the company is only 5 years old). The biggest complaint I’ve read has been about their eyeshadows being crumbly and powdery. This makes sense if you’ve read my best drugstore makeup post. Most inexpensive makeup lines use high amounts of talc as a filler in their powder makeups. The most favorable reviews were for eyeliners, mascaras and lip glosses.

My Take

I would try any of the products that are not powder. The blush and bronzer sticks look promising as do the eyeliners, mascaras and lip products. The brush descriptions do not list what the brushes are made from, so I’m guessing they’re all synthetic. With that in mind, I’d try any brush that I’d use for liquid makeup: concealer or foundation. I’d also try their makeup cases since they’re so affordable.
Yes: eyeliner, mascara, cream blush, cream bronzer, lipstick, lipgloss, concealer brush, foundation brush, makeup bags
No: eyeshadow, mineral makeup, powder, blush, bronzer, powder brushes

Your Take

Have you tried e.l.f. products? What do you think?