June 19, 2012

E.L.F. Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder Review & Swatches

PR Sample
This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

E.L.F. when you do things right you do things right and your new Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder is all kinds of right.

At some point in my makeup life I avoided powder under my eyes in a major way. It was aging me terribly and just wasn’t a good idea all around. I discovered Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder and proceeded to hate all over it. At the time I was just starting to have issues with dryness under my eyes and was really struggling with how to treat the issue. Needless to say after I started moisturizing my eyes properly I enjoyed Laura’s powder and later discovered even nicer products for settling my concealer like Skin Food’s Salmon Powder and Benefit Powderflage.

Needless to say when E.L.F. Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder launched I was curious. Three dollar setting powder? Mmmm…!

Take a look!

Although smaller than Laura’s own version this setting powder is still a value. Laura’s Setting Powder is $22 for 0.14 oz where as E.L.F.’s version is $3 for 0.04 oz. Even if you buy four E.L.F. High Definition Undereye Setting Powders at three dollars each you’ll STILL saving money as it would only set you back $12 which would be the equivalent in size of purchasing one Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder for $22.

E.L.F. Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder kinds reminds me of a cross between Laura’s version and Benefit’s. This is a translucent pinkish powder with a hint of shimmer. The texture of the powder mimics that of any silica powder in the fact it’s silky, applies transparent with a bit of brightening, and has a thinner consistency.

Since the powder is so thin it applies perfectly under eyes and sets concealer without creasing into finer lines or wrinkles. It creates the illusion of brighter eyes as it blurs imperfections and sets concealer for longer wear. I find setting concealer with powder does indeed allow it to wear long and strong all day.

One rant…it comes with a brush for application but I find it useless. It would be a more suitable eyeliner brush rather than one for buffing powder under eyes.

Overall, I can’t rave this one enough! Granted, I still love my Skin Food version and nothing can take the place of it in my heart but this is a cheap, inexpensive way to set concealer, brighten eyes, and create a smooth canvas under eyes for so much less. Look out Laura, E.L.F. finally has something they can taunt you with! A cheap thrill that’s worth picking up!

Loves it.

Muse Approved for purchase.

Tried it?

Love it?

Do share!

Available now at www.eyeslipsface.com

PR Sample
This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

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

  • Tammie

    I know I ask this every time, but would this be effective at all sans concealer? I do put my powder foundation under my eyes, so would this have any effect over that?

  • HapaGirl

    Muse! Hi dear, thanks for the review. What kind of brush do you recommend for setting powder under the eyes? I have the Skinfood dark circle powder (bought on your recommendation!) and I have yet to find a good brush to use with it. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

    • the Muse

      hey hapa! 🙂 you’re most welcome. I LOVE the Bobbi Brown dual end concealer brush that she gave away with the concealer palette, it’s my hg, wish bobbi would release it outside of buying the kit but you might wanna invest in a mac 224 or get one of the xmas sets when it releases (they always have a 224 in those sets) and use that. Blending brushes always do so well at getting a thin layer of powder under eyes without over doing it

    • Amy

      I hope I don’t sound like a stalker but Hapa, are you from Hawaii?

    • Barb

      try the SEPHORA PRO AIRBRUSH CONCEALER BRUSH #57 our little muse has reviewed it

      i use it for concealer and powder under my eyes

      I love it!

  • thismakeupgirl

    yess! I was hoping this would turn out to be a good product. I’ll be trying it out soon then 🙂

  • Stacie

    I didn’t like this at all, it contained so much glitter that I would never wear it out in public under my eyes

    • the Muse

      shimmer seems to buff completely away for me stacie, so sorry it didn’t work for ya!

  • Charlotte

    This looks promising. I’ve been using my favorite powder foundation to set (it’s the only area I powder, unless I’m wearing powder foundation everywhere, and it works fine.. but I like the idea of more brightening. I had about given up on ELF after a few bad experiences.. but they have been doing better lately.

  • Cindy

    I was really excited about this product, but as soon as you mentioned shimmer I frowned. I’ve got large pores, and I know shimmer/sparkle just makes them look bigger. I know it’s as under eye product, but my large pores start pretty high up. Should I skip this product or is the shimmer subtle enough?

  • Leigh

    What brush would you suggest to apply this with!? And patting, or sweeping on?

    • the Muse

      sweeping Leigh and I rec’ed a mac brush right in the comments ;-D

  • Camila

    Yay! I’m always on the hunt for bargain beauty and knowing how picky you are about products on your under eye area, I have to get this! Thanks for the review!

  • Trillium

    On a related note, Muse, what are your favorite creamy under eye concealers? The ones I’ve tried are all a bit dry for my liking.

    • the Muse

      i really like bobbi’s concealers trillium also listed a ton under bits and bobs/fab favs 🙂

  • Mia D.

    Wow it looks like I got a different one! I ordered from the site as soon as this came out. Mine came in a white powder though with sparkles not a pink powder. I’ve stopped using that & the other powder and have since just picked up silica powder instead. The silica does a lot better than both of those ELF products. In fact I wore make-up on a 90(F) degree day, sweat my butt off, and yet the make-up stayed on. Not fresh looking but was still there and looked good.

    • the Muse

      it’s not completely pink mia it’s a slight pink, check yours again you’ll see it isn’t completely white ;-D

  • Maria

    I just ordered this powder 🙂 Thanks so much for your reviews! I read these daily.

    • the Muse

      my pleasure maria and thanks for reading ;D! let me know how it works out for you when it arrives?

  • elizabeth

    I’ve been actively planning my elf order since your post on the makeup remover pen last week, going to add this to my shopping cart!

    • the Muse

      happy hauling elizabeth ;-D check retailmenot.com for coupons girl! so many to be had ;D!

  • Bethany

    You said you tried other under eye powders like laura mercier and benefit powderflage. Which one do you recomend the most? I’ve been looking for one and I really want one that doesn’t have glitter in it! Which one has the least? Thank you!

  • Krista

    Hey, I just wanted to let you know that this blog appears to have stolen your photos-

  • Caroline

    I actually already have this in my collection of many, many makeup items I’ve bought but haven’t gotten around to trying yet. Sounds like it’s a winner! Perhaps I’ll give it a shot tomorrow morning. Thanks for the recommendation! 🙂

    • Isabella Muse

      Sadly, I don’t have a recommendation for any pink powders like this but Hard Candy’s Sheer Envy is great for setting under eye concealer as is Ben Nye’s Banana Powder. It was probably discontinued to make the way for new items.