E.L.F. Studio Blush Review and Swatches: Back to School Beauty Budget Picks
This post is a Back to School Beauty Budget Picks for College students and Back to Schooler’s in need of some budget friendly beauty picks that won’t break their bank. This series is all about affordable skincare, cosmetic, & beauty bits and bobs for those heading back to class in the next few weeks!
Today’s pick, E.L.F. Studio Blush.
Let me tell you something.
If you told me you spent $3 bucks on blush and that it worked, chances are I’d call you a liar. Honestly, $3 blush, has to be garbage right?
Jump!
E.L.F. Studio Blush is E.L.F.’s answer to a NARS dupe-able blush but not with the expensive price tag.
At first glance you might mistake E.L.F. Studio Blush for a NARS Blush as they do sport a similar look and feel. But honestly, once you pick it up you’ll easily see that E.L.F.’s version sports different packaging all together. Housed in a hard shell plastic case these definitely have the look of a NARS Blush down but do they perform like one?
No, they do not.
BUT…..
They are good enough to fill the NARS hole in your heart you might be sporting at the moment if your beauty bank simply can’t afford $25 to dish out on the NARS version.
These will set you back a mere $3 bucks and honestly, formula wise, you aren’t actually forsaking a whole lot here.
The blushes have a silky smooth feel and blend easily onto skin. The formula is incredibly lightweight, doesn’t sport some rank, cheap makeup scent (hey, you know what I mean dontcha?), and has pretty nice pigmentation. Now I think in some ways these are superior to NARS because of the way they apply. NARS is a great blush and I am not denying that in the least however in some cases you can easily over do it when using one. E.L.F.’s version seems to apply softer with a more subtle finish. I feel like I can easily build E.L.F.’s version without every fearing I’ll over do it or have dreaded clown cheeks, that’s saying something because I’m very heavy handed with blush.
Some of E.L.F.’s shades definitely have a NARS feel and in some ways can easily be dupeable shades. Pink Passion definitely has an NARS Angelika look to it and a few other shades lean towards being a bit Orgasm-like.
Colors all apply very smooth, very subtly, YET pretty and give a flushed look that’s flattering yet never over done in the long run. I tried several shades which included Blushing Rose (Dusky Rose), Berry Merry (Dusky Mauve Berry), Candid Coral (Muted Dirty Peach), and Tickled Pink (Pale Bubblegum Pink). Unlike many of NARS Blushes these are a matte finish sans shimmer or glitter so those who aren’t up for the likes in their blush formula will enjoy the super silky matte texture.
Another plus is the hard case shell as we all now how smudgy and gross NARS rubberized packaging can get. I’m unsure if I technically love the packaging at this point to be honest as it does seem a tad cheap looking but regardless I can’t deny they easily store away without coming across grungy and gross the way NARS version does.
There honestly isn’t a ton of bad going on here. If you’re a makeup snob you do have to get over the fact that they cost $3 because you’re probably as conditioned as I am to turn your nose up but they are honestly VERY good quality blushes for the price.
- Those looking for an inexpensive NARS Blush dupe!
- Anyone looking for a nice, subtle blush that packs a beautiful finish without looking over done!
- Anyone who wants fancy packaging (packaging wise they MAY not appeal due to the industry and slightly cheap looking black compacts).
- Makeup snobs may find it hard to give in to a $3 blush!
For the price they are an IDEAL pick for college students or back to schooler’s in need of an inexpensive blush pick. Color selection is slightly limited at around nine shades but you’re sure to find at least one suitable shade to love or several. Remeber to check for sales at retailmenot.com as E.L.F. always has 50% off or more coupons that are hanging up and around the Internet so do a search prior to indulging. Order early as well in time for class as sometimes E.L.F.’s shipping is a tad delayed.
They aren’t NARS by any means but they are the next best thing. A solid blush that performs very well plus won’t set you back $25.
Likey!
Muse Approved for Purchase.
Worth your buck!
Available from www.eyeslipsface.com
I haven’t been privy but check your local Target for E.L.F. as well. I haven’t seen the Studio Line but I have seen other items from the E.L.F. Collection.