ELF Studio Range Flawless Finish Foundation

Achieve a flawless complexion with the silky smooth e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish Foundation. The lightweight formula blends in naturally for a beautiful semi-matte finish. This liquid foundation applies easily and lasts all day for visibly brighter and radiant looking skin. Using our Flawless Finish Foundation not only restores uneven skin textures and tones, but most importantly, the SPF 15 protects your skin against harmful sun damage!

Directions

Apply with a foundation brush or sponge. Blend in completely for a silky and sheer effect, or blend in less for a fuller coverage that evens out the skin tone.

i got two of these flawless finish foundation in sand and buff, just because i wasnt sure which shade would be right for me, i felt like i was in between the two. i love the fact that this has SPF15, though i wouldnt recommend just using this and forget about wearing the correct sunscreen protection for yourself. it also says its oil free which attracted me to the product in the first place. (i currently use a certain foundation day to day for work, which is oil free and i love it, thats why i decided to try this out.)

If you have the press powder from the studio range, this works well with this foundation to seal in the foundation. 


the website description of this product says its semi-matte, but i think its actually got more of a dewey finish. 


this isnt my favourite foundation to apply, i find it quite heavy and sticky. Once its settled though it does have a redeeming factor, and it isnt so bad. 


i dont get any breakout from this, but if you do have any, i think using this foundation may enhance it because of its dewey finish. it has a medium coverage, i prefer using this with my sponge rather that a foundation/stippling brush as i find the sponge blends it in a lot better and as i mentioned earlier sometimes i find it quite sticky. this may be better for dry to normal skin, ive got combination skin, and i think after a while, i find my face becoming quite oily. so, for people with oily skin, i probably would not recommend this. 

I use buff more than the sand. with sand i have to mix it with a dark tinted moisturizer (elf tinted moisturiser in spice).

 what are your experiences with these foundations? do you like or hate them? let me know, itll be good to talk about it.

Eyelash Curlers

Eyelash Curlers, it may be basic knowledge to a lot of girls out there but up until a few months ago and really got into my makeup I never really realised the importance of having great curled lashes. 

here is my review and opinion on the curlers that i own, i have 6 in total. 

QVS Eyelash Curler

this is my first purchase of an eyelash curler, i was in superdrug one day and wanted to get a cheap eyelash curler, i already owned one but it was one of those plastic travel type ones (more on this below) and i saw the QVS on the shelf, i believe they were around £3 with an extra set of those rubber protective bands, and thought, what the heck...they must all be the same and for this price, who cares.

WRONG! these were just horrible and useless. they didnt fit my eye shape at all, no matter how many times i crimped it just didnt curl my lashes very well, if at all. I hate products like this, why make them in the first place. 

ELF  Mini Eyelash Curlers

Elf say that the mini curlers are used to curl lashes individually and precisely. I just wanted to get these out of curiosity, i mean you never know till you try it, right? now that i have them, i can honestly say that i have no i real use for it. i believe that if you've got good curlers, you wont need one of these.

ELF Eyelash Curlers

"Create gorgeous curled lashes that appear larger and more defined with this sleek design. Use the larger curler to curl all lashes simultaneously. - elf"

i was expecting quite a bit from this. The curlers fit the shape & socket of my eyes quite well, but unfortunately i was disappointed. there isnt enough spring, to the whole thing. so, yes it curled my lashes but i have better ones. 

SHU UEMURA Eyelash Curler

i bought these from ebay, i have heard great reviews about the product and wanted to try them out. but most of them were quite pricey. these were only 99p, which makes me think that they aren't genuine. but i thought, for that price i didn't really have a lot to lose. i did contact the seller and asked if they were genuine, i was told they were genuine made in china factory. arent everything made in china? :S i know, im a bit naughty for getting this, but its for my own personal use im not asked to endorse anything or am i selling the product. 

after all that spiel, what do i think? well i love it, and for weeks this is what i used on a day to day basis. it fits my eyes well, there is just enough spring to it, i was able to keep it as close to my lids as possible, to give maximum curl. most importantly, it stayed for hours. 

REVLON Travel/Compact Eyelash Curler

this is the first set of eyelash curlers that ive owned. i got this from my gorgeous sister-in-law, i honestly dont know where she got it from and it did not come individually but in fact in a little travel kit, with things like tweezers, nail cutter and a silver/metal nail file. 

It may take some time getting used to the curler's small size and non-traditional design. but it did curl my lashes quickly and it made them appear fuller and more defined. It also curled every single one of my lashes. 

but my favourite curlers, of all after much consideration and with the help of a lot of my lovely elf dolls on the elf FB page, i am so glad i tried the...

ELF Mechanical Eyelash Curlers

this innovative eyelash curler has a special curved design which angles to suit all eye shapes. its silicone rubber pad applies the appropriate amount of pressure to curl lashes naturally and allows for damage-free heating. Get long lasting curled lashes both easily and safely. 

my kitty chiro, appoves this message. x

ELF nail polish swatches

This color-lock formula with chip resistant shield gives long lasting nail color with high shine. The aerodynamic bristle design glides color on flawlessly, while the quick dry formula gives perfect application every time. Key nutrients give nails that natural shine, infused with Vitamin E for stronger, healthier nails. 


ELF formula is FREE of: Toluene, Formaldehyde, and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

I have 6 of the elf nail polishes;  hot pink, coral, berry pink, passion pink, clear, matte finisher.

these are all sold for £1.50, they have fantastic vibrant colours, long lasting formulation. i also use two finishing touches, one is the clear to give off a more glossy look and the matte, well, as the name says gives a matte finish. though both work really well, i am more of a glossy person. 

i cant tell if this is chip resistant, because my nails can be quite weird. even acrylic nails, which normally last at least 2 weeks, only lasts me 3days. 

basically for £1.50 i believe this applies really well, it has good packaging, really nice finish.

 

Swatch

hot pink, coral, berry pink, passion pink

elf lip stains review & swatches

ELF Lip Stain

Achieve full coverage that lasts for hours with this long-wear formula. Enjoy silky matte color or layer on the moisturizing clear gloss for a shiny look. With key Vitamins A & E your lips stay smooth all day long.


Directions

Apply the Stain to bare lips and allow to dry for a matte finish. Apply the clear gloss on top of the color for a shiny effect and to moisturize the lips if needed. Remove with any oil or cream based makeup remover or cleanser.

I have four of these now, red carpet, first date, heart breaker, and mysterious.


I love elf, and i think most of their products are great, but this is probably my least favourite. 


I think the lipstain are really messy to apply on, theyre also watery. nothing like the other lipstain products that i seem to be seeing out in the market at the moment, but this is my opinion. 
I have more than enough in this range, if at all i get to use them. i dont think i will be buying anymore of these from elf. i will stick to the glosses and the "standard" lipstick, and "mineral" lipstick range, which give the same long lasting results as these do.  but hey, here are my swatches.

what are your experiences with elf's lipstain? should I give it another chance? any other recommendations?


xx

take two for an evening look

i cant help it, i wanna play with my make up....so i tried out what i had in mind to liven up my makeup and make it look more like an evening look.

here is my previous post: http://mydesirables.blogspot.com/2011/09/makeup-for-my-evening-out-using-elf.html

so, this is what i did...

FACE

blush in mellow mauve

EYES

mineral eyeshadow in sassy

mineral eyeshadow in seductive

LIPS

plumping lip glaze in ruby kiss

i think this looks much better in person that in the photo, the colours on the photos doesnt quite pop out as much...what do you think?? any suggestions?

makeup for my evening out using elf cosmetics

so this is the first look that im posting up, most of what i used here are from elf apart from 2 things. this was just a practice make-up of what i plan to wear for an evening out on friday, it was also a chance and the excuse to try out the new elf products that i ordered on sunday which arrived this morning (just in time for my birthday) i will list all the things ive used, i also plan to post some swatches up soon.

i think i might need to apply it on a bit thicker to show up and be a bit more vibrant in the evening. this was fine for the mean time because i was all made up and no where to go.

let me know what you think. xx

 

FACE

tinted moisturizer in spice (tone 3)

flawless finish foundation in sand

(ive had to mix the tinted moisturizer, because it was too dark for my skin; with the foundation which was too light for skin to get this finish. not my favorite combination, but i dont believe in just wasting makeup.) 

elf mineral foundation in warm

cool bronzer

natural radiance blusher in glow

natural radiance blushed in shy
shimmering facial whip in toasted

EYES

liquid eyeshadow in coco loco

liquid eyeshadow in mocha madness

17 metallic eye pencil in gold

fraulein power line pencil in perlen geld

mineral infused mascara

LIPS

therapeutic conditioning balm in strawberry creme

lip primer & plumper

lip lock pencil

lipstick in posh #6103

thats that.... i hope you like it, like i said its the first look that ive posted so thank you for taking the time to have a look at my little blurb.

xx liz xx

disclaimer: I am not paid to do this review. I bought all the products used myself, for my own personal use . 

last ever elf 50% sale

this is what i got in the last sale...i cant wait to get it, its my birthday this week and i cant wait to get all these lovely goodies.

im looking forward to trying out the facial whips and tinted moisturizers, i always see good reviews on this. what was in your basket? and what are you looking forward to trying out the most?

my little (big) brown box has arrived!

my box from elf has just arrived. i am so excited. its my birthday next week, and this was supposed to be a treat to myself. ive convinced myself to wait and open it next week, so that id have something to open, but now elf has issued another 50% sale. its also meant to be their last one, for a wihle im sure ;) so, i just gotta open up my box so i know what to get while i can.

oh elf! why oh why have you gotta do this to my little pockets.

so, i wanna take pics and all of this before i open and try it all out, but my camera needs to get charged and i cant seem to help myself, so ive opened up one of the nail polishes in passion pink, and i love it. more reviews and pictures to come out soon....

here's what my box looks like:

top 5 ELF must haves...

hi all, im a little late putting this up but here goes...

these are my top 5 elf product must haves, but this is only my 2nd haul, ive accumulated a few more must haves that i will post later on.

5... Tinted Moisuriser Spf 20 in Sand

This lightweight and hydrating formula is breathable and provides anti-aging sun protection with UVA/UVB SPF 20. Achieve even skin tone and naturally radiant skin with this moisturizing sheer tint of color. The smooth formula enhances your complexion with the nourishing key ingredients Aloe, Cucumber and Vitamins A, C & E - elf

i use this on days where i dont want to put makeup on, i just put a little bit on and it instantly brightens up my face. the fact that its tinted, and matches my skin tone just evens everything out. i curl my lashes and i can pop out to the shop and feel made up. :) (i just realised this isnt with the stuff i took a picture of, above, maybe i was using it ;) during this batch, i actually bought a second lot)


4...Complexion Perfection

Create a balanced and radiant complexion that is beautiful and healthy. The lightweight formula evens out the skin tone and absorbs excess oil. The sheer formula brightens, mattes and neutralizes the skin. -elf

i use this pretty much everyday, for my work makeup. you basically blend the powder over the entire face to brighten and even out the skin tone as well as neutralize any redness. so after putting my foundation and concealer on i dab a bit of this all over my face to seal in my makeup and like it says, neutralize any redness thats going on.


3...studio cool bronzer

Create a healthy looking glow all year round! The sheer soft powders provide the perfect hue of color. Blend all 4 colors together to achieve a blend of perfection or choose your favorite color or colors to mix, match and blend. -elf

my favourite out of the 3 bronzers is the Cool Bronzer, The ideal selection of matte colors to achieve a natural looking tan. i dust this onto my cheekbones, cheeks and slightly around the edges of the face for a healthy bronzed look. once again, i use this pretty much everyday for work, i like it cos it matte to it gives a more natural look when ive got it on. i also have the golden bronzer, which i think is more suited for an evening do.


2...Blush Brush

This new anti bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Be a professional makeup artist and create a flawless look with this e.l.f. studio brush! -Creates a defined and sculpted look -The tailored design allows for easy maneuvering and precise color application -Use to apply blush or bronzer *Vegan Friendly -elf

this is my favourite blush, next to the blending blush that i bought, (but the 2 blending brushes were different - thats for another blog). I have just bought myself another one of these, i love to use it for my blush and sometimes for bronzing. to use, sweep brush over cheekbones for a flush or color. Use the pointed edge of the brush to sculpt the face and contour around the hairline and jawline.

1...Blush And Bronzer Compact

Create a healthy and natural glow all year long. The Blush highlights the cheeks to add a flush of color, while the Bronzer accents and contours cheekbones for beautiful definition. (Blush and Bronze both have a soft shimmer). -elf

this thing stays in my handbag, the lovely and compact design with both the blusher and bronzer, is an absolute must have, my only critique was that i wish it had little brushes or something with it, for keeping in the handbag (just like bourjois do it) then i think this will be even more amazing. to use, brush on the “bronze” to the hollow of the cheeks for definition and dust around the face line to create a healthy glow. use the “blush” on the apple of the cheeks to create a subtle healthy glow.


these are my top 5 ELF must haves, what's yours?
xx