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When I got the elf box complimentary from Influenster (free to join, open to all), I was pretty excited since it contained a variety of new beauty goodies: a hydrating bubble mask, mineral infused primer, lip exfoliator, matte lip color, and baked highlighter/bronzer duo. With all of these items available at Walmart and Target, I knew many of my readers would be totally psyched to hear of some potential new loves at a great price! Pure honesty as always, not all of these were my favorites. However; what I didn’t like may be EXACTLY what you’re looking for, so let’s get to my review of these new elf products…
I think the star of this box is the brand new Hydrating Bubble Mask. elf just recently launched an entire skin care line (I’ve seen it all at my local Walmart… not yet at Target). I’ve been reading and seeing a lot of reviews saying it’s pretty great quality, but with my diva-status skin, I have to tread lightly. Personally, I was a little surprised to see some of the prices of the skin care products. I’ve always known elf to be the brand of $1-$3 (and I’ll even let some of the $6 items slide… because they’re good). But the skin care stuff ranges from $8-14. Not MAJOR… being that elf constantly has 50% off sales (like right now as I type this on Mon. evening 12/26), but still.
Considering elf launched this new skin stuff, I thought the box would have been more skin care – like maybe the highly rated illuminating eye cream, exfoliating scrub or sheet mask. However, this box was sort of a shmorgeshboard of new and old products. All full size – thanks, Influenster – but randomly selected, in my opinion.
The hydrating bubble mask is advertised as hydrating. It’s in the damn product title. Yet it also says it applies as a gel, transforms into fizzy bubbly foam that removes dirt and cleanses pores for glowing healthy skin. My question is… why was this not called a clarifying mask? Nothing about this was hydrating – not even on my insanely oily skin.
It did exactly as described: gel >>> foam >>> squeaky clean skin without being too dry. But there was zero hydration. Not a bad product, just not as advertised.
elf has had this mineral primer around for a minute, and many have said it’s a dupe for the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer ($54). Hourglass advertises their formula as great for oily skin, and so does elf. When I compared both formula’s ingredients, both are chock-full of silicones, however; Hourglass’ formula is much cleaner in terms of fewer ingredients.
Nonetheless, BOTH the elf and Hourglass formulas break me out. I was an oily mess using elf’s and even Snapchatted it a few weeks back. Such a letdown. But if you have more normal/dry skin (or aren’t super sensitive), I can see how this is an incredibly accurate dupe for the Hourglass formula.
This lip exfoliator treats and helps smooth lips, leaving them with a buttery and hydrating film to protect. Influenster sent the mint-flavored one. elf also make a few different flavors like rose, grapefruit, coconut, sweet cherry, and a brown sugar but I was happy because I love mint flavored lip products – it’s nice to use before bed! The product is a thick stick with sugar granules mixed with shea butter, vitamin E, coconut and jojoba oils. It’s really nice and an excellent product if you like to wear matte/liquid lipsticks or just suffer from dry lips.
I keep it in my bathroom to use once or twice a week. Typically, I’ll run it back and forth on my bottom lip for 15 seconds, then my top lip for 15 seconds. Wipe the excess off with a tissue and leave the leftover balm on to go to sleep. Love this stuff!
Advertised as being smooth to apply, nondrying and long-lasting, the elf matte lip color I got in the box was in a pretty berry/wine shade. I wore it in this post, and I was very pleased with it. There are 15 shades on elf’s website, but I’ve yet to pick up a couple more. Naturally, I’m eyeing the two nude colors – Natural and Tea Rose – although Praline also looks perfect for a winter neutral.
The formula is as described – applied smoothly, lasted long and was never dry. I’d say it’s more of a satin finish – not totally matte (which I prefer anyway). I also am a fan of the crayon/slim lipstick packaging, as they’re easier to apply without a lip pencil. Definitely give these a try next time you’re shopping on elfcosmetics.com, Walmart or Target.
Said to create a sculpted glow, this highlighter/bronzer duo looked promising. In the pan, it seemed to be very pigmented – but when swatched, it was mediocre on my medium tan/olive skin. I actually didn’t bother using the shades separately. I mixed both colors and it resulted in a near-dupe of the Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder $65 highlighter (although MUCH less pigmented/buttery). If you’re someone who isn’t into the *see me from outer space* highlight and you’re fairer than me, you may totally LOVE this.
(products from L to R: hydrating bubble mask in gel form, mineral infused primer, baked highlighter/bronzer mixed, baked bronzer side, baked highlight side, matte lip color in wine)
Next time you’re in your local Walmart or Target, I overall recommend trying out these items. The primer was the only total fail for me, but the rest were decent, if not awesome (e.g.: matte lippies and lip exfoliator).
Have you tried any new elf products? If you have or have tried any of these particular products, please let me know in the comments. I always like to hear if my opinion is out of left field or if I’m fairly spot on. If this review helped you in any way, please share it on your social media platform of choice – I have little sharing buttons towards the bottom of this post 🙂 It means a lot to me.
-Steffanie
