ELF Studio: The Good, The Bad, and The Meh

When affordable line, E.L.F (or EyesLipsFace to be precise) launched its Studio line at $3 a pop, ripples of excitement ripped through the beauty community. Well, I was excited anyway. Especially when I clapped eyes on the Nars-like Blush/Bronzer Duo thanks to Connie. But after buying quite a few items from the line I have to admit that not all of it is worth your money and time. Even when they're only RM18.50 each via SGDrugstore.

Note: These aren't full reviews, just brief overviews of each product, and why they belong in their respective categories. I'll review in full anything you guys want. Just ask. =)

The Good
First, here are the items that are definitely worth your RM18.50! These are great products that exceed expectations and I find myself using again and again!

(Listed Top-Bottom, L-R) Eye Primer/Liner Sealer Duo, Small Smudge Brush, Eyeshadow 'C' Brush, Powder Brush, Blusher/ Bronzer Duo

Eye Primer / Liner Sealer Duo: This is incredibly handy on a travel trip. The primer isn't as great as my Mac Studio Paint Pot, but it's a good sight handier as it's fat crayon-like format makes it easy to swipe and go. The liner-sealer duo does really change any dark eyeshadow into a long-lasting waterproof liner. The brush is rather had and spiky though - this does allow for quick application.

Small Smudge Brush: Too small for some, just right for me. Great for precise application of cream-powder eyeshadows, and for smudging out gel eyeliner.

Eyeshadow 'C' Brush: Soft and densely packed this is amazing for both packing on the shadow, and blending out hard lines.

Powder Brush: Watch out! ELF Studio can get these mixed up with their Complexion Brushes! But on the whole this is an incredibly brush I use to stipple on blush (because my Revlon Colorstay foundation is tacky, I like to stipple on, rather than brush on blush), apply mineral foundation, and matte powder. I'm considering getting a back-up, Syen already has! And Connie adores this brush.

Blush/Bronzer Duo: I love this blush and bronzer! So handy, and according to Connie, comparable to a Nars Duo. The blush is a cooler, less sparkly shade of Nars Orgasm that nevertheless looks great on everyone. I once used it on an entire wedding party (the lousy makeup "artist" they hired only had one shade of blush - hot pink) and it looked lovely on everyone. The bronzer is very pigmented, so a big fluffy blush and a light touch is needed. I love how it's gold-based and not red, and shimmery but not sparkly. Lovely! Great for coutouring too.

The Bad
Believe me, when I say bad, I mean really really disappointingly bad.

"Mini" Eyelash Curler and Concealer/Highlighter Duo

"Mini" Eyelash Curler: This isn't a criticism of the product itself. But as with the Powder/Complexion Brushes, ELF Studio has gotta stop DOING this. I bought a Mini Eyelash Curler and got a full-sized one! ARGH!

Concealer / Highlighter Duo: The product itself is decent, but the packaging is abominable! I twisted the concealer portion one morning and the damned thing snapped off. Concealer everywhere! I scooped out what I could into a small pot, but oh I was furious!

The Meh
Here are the products that may work for some, but were lackluster for me. Not a waste of money per se, just not great.

(Clockwise) Fan Brush, Eyeshadow / Eyeliner stick duo in Green Moss, and Mattifying Powder

Fan Brush: Too thin and too flimsy for ANYTHING. Even dusting away eyeshadow fallout doesn't work. And when I tried to dust bronzer on, I was left with a line where it inititially touched my face, but it was too flimsy to blend it out. Just not worth it.

Eyeshadow/Eyeliner Stick in Green Moss: Connie finds this to be the best shade, and I agree with her. It's lovely. But the packaging is awful, the shadow wobbles and I'm afraid it'll break.Plus the eyeliner, while smooth, isn't dark enough and the eyeshadow is hard to apply. I just don't find myself using it.

Mattifying Powder: While mostly translucent, it's still too pink. It doesn't control oil particularly well, and for the bulky packaging, there is very little powder. I expected it to be the size of the blush/bronzer duo halves, but it's much much smaller.

So that's my overview, any comments or anything to add? Do let me know what you girls think of this line!

E.L.F. Cosmetics in Asia!

Maybe I'm a little behind on things but the cheap-cult brand, ELF cosmetics is available in Asia! And not just anypart of Asia, Singapore and Malaysia. Fortunately for me, I find even the promotional price of S$3.30 (RM7.80) so much more than their famous US$1 price that that I can resist buying - and therefore can eat this month. Also, I think that forcing Asians to buy from a more expensive distributor is just plain evil.

But if you've been dying to try out ELF, read on for several products I picked out based on high reviews in MUA.

1. Super Glossy Lipshine SPF 15
Be warned! Although the reviews on this is stellar, it is apparently, phenomenally sticky. Most popular shade is Candlelight, described in reviews as "the perfect nude shade" and Watermelon, "fresh sheer red".

2.Eye Shadow Brush
Apparently a very versatile brush and a worthwhile buy.

3.Elements 4-Pan Compact
Indignation aside, this is the one thing that will tempt me to buy from ELF Asia. At S$3, it's not such bad value if you have enough pan shadows to fill it. Many girls recommend removing the centre piece and fixing pan shadows to the metal base with magnets. That way you can fit in 5 Mac shadows.

4. Elements eyeshadows
Near as I can tell, the shadows are rather hit and miss. But two highly pigmented and impressive ones appear to be Sage (olive goldy green), and dusk (dark dusky purple black).

5. Wet Gloss Eyelash & Brow Gel
Not revolutionary, but handy enough at this price. Better just use it on your brows and not your lashes though as quite a few girls say it stings.