UPDATE: I have a new blog! I blog about modern Midwestern cooking at Midweek Minimalist.

For something that gets washed off every night, make-up can get pretttttty expensive.

Most of you have probably heard of e.l.f. products, as they recently became available at Target. The products are dirt cheap (starting at $1!) and boast pretty high claims for the price they are. I love e.l.f. products, especially when I want to try something new. However, I’ve learned that some of their products aren’t as good as their more expensive counterparts and others that work great. So without further ado:

1. Studio Tinted Moisturizer: I chose the “studio” line over their regular tinted moisturizer ($1) because I was looking for something a little higher quality for a face product. It also provides a SPF of 20, which is a nice perk. I planned on using this tinted moisturizer if I was planning on having an errand running day or going to the beach.

Verdict: skip! I found this moisturizer to be too sheer for me. It moisturizes well, but does not provide much coverage. If you have a perfectly even skin tone (lucky you!) this product might work well for you.

2. Essential Eye Primer: I don’t wear heavy eye make-up a lot, so I was mostly looking for something to even out the tone on my eyelids and provide a little “grip” for the eyeshadow I do wear.

Verdict: steal! The applicator on this product is super handy and blends into skin easily. At $1, it does what it needs to do and really does make a difference.

3. Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette in Natural: This is the first shadow palette I have ever purchased. I chose this because of the neutral color palette and the versatility.

Verdict: steal! I love how many different looks I can create with this palette. My one complaint is that although it is a packed shadow, it seems to get sort of powdery and loose once you start to use one color. The pigment is pretty good for the price point also.

4. Studio Makeup Mist & Set: This setting spray is alcohol free and contains moisturizers. It is designed to be sprayed on top of your finished makeup and “set” it in all day. I thought this would come in handy for long days, especially in the summertime.

Verdict: skip! I didn’t really notice any difference in the longevity of my makeup. The only time I find myself using this is if I need a little bit of light moisture on my forehead after I apply my foundation or setting powder. I would recommend trying a little higher quality setting spray like this one.

5. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer: I had been wanting to try primer for quite a while when I bought this but hadn’t really found one in my price range that I was willing to buy. The closest I could find was a L’Oreal primer that was over $10 for a tiny tube. This primer is one of the higher priced “studio” products out of the e.l.f. line and is supposed to help even out your face before you apply foundation.

Verdict: steal! I love this primer. After I put it on I really feel like my skin is more smooth and that my foundation goes on easier. I bought this at Target and they only have the clear version, but I really want to try the tone correcting ones they have online!

6. Essential Nourishing Cuticle Pen: I bought this pen on a whim after having a bad experience with Sally Hansen cuticle oil. I tend to get really dry cuticles, especially in the winter and was hoping that this would combat the dryness.

Verdict: steal! This really made a difference in how dry my cuticles are. I typically only apply it when I paint my nails because I forget, so I think this would be super effective on a regular basis. The application pen is really handy as well, it can easily be tossed into a purse or makeup bag. The oil soaks in fairly quickly and goes on mess free without any drips.



7. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder: This brush and bronzing powder is supposed to help sculpt Kim Kardashian-esque cheekbones and bring a little glow to your face. I bought this after reading about how to HAC on Maskcara (favorite beauty blog!)

Verdict: toss up! I bought this in the color St. Lucia and wasn’t a fan of the blush color at all. The bronzer is okay, but it has too much shimmer to work for contouring. I still use this as a bronzer, so if you are looking for a bronzer/blush combo this would be a steal for you! I noticed they sell a cream version of this and think that might work better for contouring. I recently found a flat bronzer at Victoria’s Secret Semi annual sale for $5 that gives a more natural glow than the e.l.f. bronzer does.

8. Studio Concealer: This lightweight stick concealer is supposed to fully conceal spots and blemishes. I was looking to use it to conceal under eye circles and the occasional blemish.

Verdict: steal! I keep this concealer in my purse for quick touch ups during the day. I wouldn’t say the coverage is super heavy, so if you have heavy acne this probably wouldn’t work the greatest for you. I prefer using this for touch ups only instead of as an under eye concealer. I use Maybelline Dream Lumi to conceal my under eye circles now because it goes on smoothly and brightens that area up.

9. Makeup Brushes: I didn’t write up each individual e.l.f. brush I own because I own quite a few! I included them in this roundup because I think they are all a steal. Most them are in the $1, but you can get the better studio brushes for a little bit more. I especially love the foundation brushes because those tend to get gunky the quickest and I can just go buy another one. The crease brush is another favorite as well!