June 15, 2009

Make Up For Ever HD Elixir Review

I think that the allure of Make Up For Ever HD Elixir is pretty understandable for anyone with dry, flaky skin. Promises of a serum that instantly moisturizes and offers a smooth palette for foundation and other make up tempts to say the least. But the question is do we need a serum to do this? Isn’t this what primer is for?


Jump ahead to hear what I think of Make Up For Ever HD Elixir!

Dry, flaky skin makes makeup application a challenge. Foundation doesn’t smooth on perfectly, powders leave behind a flaky mess, and skin generally looks harsher when applying makeup on dry skin. I should know as my skin is dry as hell, particularly in the Winter.

Taking all this into consideration Make Up For Ever created HD Elixir to offer instant moisturizing benefits to skin while prepping skin for a smoother, softer texture. This miracle serum supposedly boosts moisture 520% within 15 minutes, holds it for up to 490% after 30 minutes and 430% after an hour…does this mean it might be able to with stand an entire day of keeping my face moist, dewy, and flake-free? The serum also restores skin radiance, erases signs of fatigue, and firms while giving skin a smoother, softer surface.


Lots of promises here as you can see but the question is does it work.

Speaking from a dry skin point, yes it works. Upon contact I see a noticeable difference in the appearance and surface of my skin. Flaky, dry skin between my brows and patches near my cheeks are instantly moisturized and smoother. It’s questionable if this works better than a simple primer or my facial moisturizer. I mean do I seriously need this extra step in my skin care regime? I think so. If I use my normal moisturizer and I follow up with my primer my skin still isn’t getting nearly enough moisture plus as the day progresses I can actually see flakes popping up here and there. Using the Elixir allows my skin to retain moisture so my makeup manages to remain fresher longer and I’m not sporting flaky, dry patches all over my face towards the end of the day. You may wonder if you own a serum if it’s already doing all this for you. I can’t really say as I only use a serum during my nightly skincare regime. This is specifically meant to keep skin moisturized all day and I don’t think any serums I’ve used have made this particularly promise which makes Make Up For Ever HD Elixir unique for me.


The formula is a light, gel like consistency. It can be applied to your entire face or you can mix it with your foundation. I haven’t tried mixing it with my foundation as of yet but I do look forward to what that does for my foundation application. It comes with a dropper which easily distributes just the right amount for application. The serum is oily free and feels a tiny bit sticky during first application but quickly smooths on and gives my face a fresh feel. This weekend I used the serum along with a bit of mineral makeup. I think with standing mineral makeup is the ultimate test for me as mineral makeup always makes me look made up, terribly dry, and unflattering. I recently purchased Aromaleigh Glissade Mineral Foundation and wearing it along with the Elixir underneath was the ultimate test for my dry skin. I’m happy to report that it made the mineral foundation look fresher, kept it from flaking up and made my dry skin look very fresh and radiant.


Since I’m speaking from a dry skin point it’s difficult for me to say how well it’ll work on oily, acne prone skin or even sensitive skin. If nothing else it’s ideal as as a very light Summer moisturizer.

If your skin is dry, if you tend to flake up and you’re looking for something to make your skin look radiant while keeping your skin moist all day and your makeup fresh, Make Up For Ever HD Elixir is the way to go. Definitely loving this at the moment and Muse Approving it for purchase. Well worth checking out if you struggle with dry skin!

Anyone try yet?

Wanting to?

Do you use a facial serum already?

Tell the Muse!

Make Up For Ever HD Elixir is available now from Sephora.

3 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Layza =]

    I have a question. I am definitely purchasing this Elixir for my dry skin. But do I still have to use a primer over the elixir? Ex. i moisturize with my SPF lotion, use the elixir, then primer? or could I completely skip the primer?

    • the Muse

      it depends layza. if you have larger pores you might want to consider primer after the elixir b/c the elixir is not going to fill pores nor will it make your foundation last longer. If you aren’t a chronic primer user or you don’t have larger pores you can skip primer. The elixir simply preps skin, makes it more dewy so your foundation goes on smoother and flaky areas are smoothed out and hydrated so again your foundation looks better, smoother however it won’t act as a primer for filling pores, keeping foundation in place, etc…does that make sense 🙂

  • Tina

    Hi, It’s very interesting review ! I’m on tight budget and have to choose between this Elixir or the Make Up For Ever HD Primer. My skin is dry but have acne that’s why I use Sekkisei Lotion and BRTC Blemish Recover Balm everyday. Can you help me suggest which one I should buy, please ?
    Thank you very much ! :)))