ELF Mineral Infused Primer

Using a face primer didn't use to be a part of my makeup routine because I thought it was not really necessary, and I didn't want to spend big bucks for another layer of product on my face. Well not if you have normal skin, and you're not worried of makeup clogging your pores. I have oily skin and I normally just use bb cream or tinted moisturizer instead of foundation, and they are not as long staying and don't have great oil control. So I thought a face primer would really make my face look neat and clean longer, and searched for a good-quality primer without spending too much. Then I saw this product and decided to get it, and hoped it's worth it. 

Ingredients list and warning

I love that it comes in a clean and plastic packaging with a pump. It contains 14g of product, which is amazing because it's really affordable. The best part about this primer is it is mineral infused. It will prepare the skin for makeup application. It's developed to combat excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores, and fine lines for a flawless and smooth canvas. I read on other blogs that it's a dope for Smashbox Photo Finish Primer! I haven't tried any Smashbox product yet, nor the primer, so I cannot back this up.

The packaging is cute!

This primer is clear and silicon based so it spreads evenly, and slightly mattifies the skin. I have visible pores and fine lines, and it fills them in, making my face look fresher and more flawless. Applying my face makeup is easier with this primer because my foundation just blends and goes on smoothly, and applies evenly. Using this primer keeps my makeup in place and my oil at bay, even if I use a foundation or a bb cream that's not oil free! I don't need to retouch or blot my face in the middle of the day anymore, or worry about melting or patchy foundation because this product holds my makeup together. All you need is a small amount to cover the entire face. One pump is a little too much, and I wish I could control it better because the extra product is a waste, and I have to just layer it on my face and neck.

ELF Mineral Infused Primer in Clear

Now to the fun part, the pros and cons!

PROS:

• Keeps my makeup in place
• Controls my facial oil
• Fills in my pores and fine lines
• Foundation goes on smoothly
• Helps to create a flawless finish 
• Slightly mattifies the skin 
• Hasn't broken me out
• Prevents makeup from caking
• Prevents my under eye concealer from creasing

CONS:

• The pump dispenses more product than I need

TIPS:

• Always apply moisturizer underneath the primer to prevent the skin from producing more oil. If possible use an oil-free face lotion
• Let the moisturizer set before you apply the primer
• Allow the primer to dry before applying your foundation, otherwise it can make your makeup look oily

I posted this picture on my previous review, but I just have to post it here again. This was on my cousin's wedding last week. You can see that my face looks flawless and smooth. My fine lines are reduced, and my pores are not even visible. My makeup lasted for more than 7hrs and until I got home. It held on pretty nicely even if it was very hot inside the church, and it was an afternoon wedding. If I wasn't wearing a primer, my makeup would have faded already.

My verdict: 5 STARS!!! The quality is really good for the price. You certainly get more than what you pay for, and I will surely repurchase. 

ELF Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

Hey everyone! After testing this product for almost a week now, I believe I'm ready for my review of this ELF Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black. I have wanted this for so long because it's very inexpensive, and it says waterproof. Now I have been a fan of the brand not only because of the affordability, but they make good makeup. I got this at SM Department Store for P129.75 or you can get it for $1 online.

The packaging is made of a light plastic that's easy to control during application and carry around. The tip is very soft and pointy, like sponge-y, but it breaks and splits no matter how much of a light hand you use. As you can see in the photo above, it's not a clean end anymore. The swatch below shows the pigmentation of the eyeliner and I love how very black it is. You just cannot make a very precise line though because the end is not strong enough to draw a thin line, so if you apply more pressure you end up creating a thicker line. When it's still wet, you can smudge this to create a smokey eyeliner effect. 

ELF Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black Swatch

ELF Waterproof Eyeliner Pen Waterproof Test

ELF Waterproof Eyeliner Pen Waterproof Test (more water)

I sprayed water on the swatch on my hand to test the waterproof claim, and it didn't run at all. This held on pretty nicely on my lash line for hours, until I removed it. It did wash away after I showered so it's not really 100% waterproof. DO NOT rub your eyes when you're out using this liner as this will smudge if apply much pressure. 

You can effortlessly create a cat eye or winged line with this eyeliner because it glides on smoothly, and you can easily grip the pen to have good control. I don't normally use eyeliner, so I am no expert on drawing my eyes, but I did manage to create a clean line.

The product is a little watery so it doesn't create a very, very clean line if you look closer in the photo above. It creeps into the fine lines on my lids, and I'm not liking that part. You cannot notice it anyway unless you really look closely. This, however, can be avoided by putting on a primer first so no biggy. The photos below was taken after I got home (after 7hrs), and as you can see the eyeliner held on pretty nicely. The eyeliner pencil on my upper waterline melted though so you may notice some smudging on my lower lash line.

  

So let's discuss the pros and the cons quickly:

PROS:

Affordable

Long staying

Smudge Proof (unless you apply good amount of pressure)

Budge Proof

CONS:

Not 100% waterproof

Tip is not strong enough and breaks after one swipe

A little watery

My verdict: 3.5 STARS!!! Overall, this eyeliner is not bad considering the price. My Maybelline works better, but it costs 3 times more so I cannot really complain about this product. It's good enough for the price I paid :).

If you have tried this eyeliner, please let me know what you think by leaving a comment below. That's all for today everyone, until next time. Please like, and follow me if you aren't already. May you all have a dazzling day! ♥

ELF Cover Everything Concealer

Hello everyone! Today I have another Elf Cosmetics review, and this is on the Elf Cover Everything Concealer in Light. It's a new product they launched early this year, but it only reached my area last week :(. I have been seeing this online, and I was dying to try it. It's on a new type of flip top packaging which I think is nice and clean; however, it's a little flimsy so you have to be careful not to drop it. It retails at P199.75 locally, or $2 from the website. I've used this concealer for a week now, and it's time to review it.

ELF Cover Everything Concealer

They only had it in two shades, which is light and yellow, but I think there are more in some areas. I wanted to get yellow too but with Elf being a hit and miss brand, I wanted to test it out first to see how it goes. From the packaging, it appears like the shade is not a good match for me because it seems darker, but when you apply it, the color is really light, and managed to brighten my eye area well after setting it with loose powder.

ELF Cover Everything Concealer in Light

The consistency of this concealer is thick, and greasy. It doesn't blend well even with a face primer underneath. I tried using an eye primer, but it's no good either. It doesn't go on smoothly. It's sticky, and pulls the skin under my eyes. Pushing and patting it onto the skin alone doesn't work as it settles into the fine lines, so you have to blend it with a brush. It's patchy and flaky, especially when applied around the nose. You need to set this with powder asap, otherwise it will crease. I pat the powder onto the area where I applied it, and lightly blend so it appears natural and avoid caking. It looks okay after you set it with a powder. 

ELF Cover Everything Concealer in Light Hand Swatch

ELF Cover Everything Concealer in Light when blended

This doesn't stay on for more than 3hrs on me, especially if it's hot and humid. If you're indoors and in a cool area, it can last up to 5hrs. It melts and creases, and I have to lightly powder the creased area to clean it up. The coverage isn't very good so if you're looking for a medium to full-coverage concealer, this isn't for you. I prefer using this under the eyes, and lids versus spot concealing and covering imperfections. I have oily skin so it may work better to those with normal/combination skin. It may be a little too pink if you are warm toned, so I recommend you try the tester first for color matching. For reference, I have yellow and slightly pink undertones (neutral) so the shade worked just fine for me.

Overall, this concealer didn't live up to my expectation. I thought this was going to be better because it costs more than the other essential products. I wanted to like it because I love elf, but this one is a clear MISS to me. There's always a first, right?! I'll post a FOTD wearing this concealer soon.

My verdict: 2 STARS!!! Have you tried this concealer yet? Let me know what you think :)

UPDATE:
Apparently using a damp flat eyeshadow brush helps to blend this concealer smoothly. It still lacks coverage but the application is not as difficult anymore, especially under the eyes. Just thought you all should know!