August 27, 2012

E.L.F. Studio Cream Eyeshadow Review & Shadows

My E.L.F. Studio Cream Eyeshadow review is a long time coming. I intentionally held up reviewing these cream shadows as I was curious how they would withstand the test of time as I was skeptical about the packaging.

Cream shadows are mighty iffy when stored incorrectly. Although sealed in a rather nice packaging, I felt like air was being let into these jars which result in a harder formula as time progressed.

How did my test turn out?

At $3 each these cream shadows seemed an excellent deal. Even the packaging is somewhat professional so at this price the only thing left to rant about would be the formula.

Upon my original test I found the texture of the shadows dense yet creamy enough to blend easily onto lids, leaving behind a nice, rich color pay off. There was some creasing issues even with trusty UDPP worn under these but not enough to really complain about. Overall, I was impressed.

I felt for three bucks they blended beautifully well, offered sheer to medium color pay off, and even acted half way decently well as a base for powders.

Here’s the thing…

Don’t add them to your stash if you already own a good deal of eyeshadow. The problem is you’ll want to pay close attention to using them daily and diligently before they begin to morph. The formula overall has a velvety almost silicone-like texture to start but…!

Although the plastic jar and screw top lid look very pro, I had noticed the top didn’t screw as tightly as I’d like. I was worried this would result in the formula hardening. That’s why I waited to review as I was curious how fresh these would remain.

I was right because a mere three months after purchase the shadows begin to harden rather badly. Granted, they still show some signs of useability but within a month more at best two months they will probably be ready for the trash.

Eggplant, Bronzed, Dawn

Eggplant

Dawn

Bronzed

Overall, at three dollars there isn’t a lot to complain about if you do have to toss them. They have a fairly ok formula for use during the time they are fresh and make a nice budget pick eyeshadow considering the drugstore/budget world is sadly lacking in cream formulas. However, they need to do something about the packaging. A tighter lid would garner them a higher recommendation from me. No one wants to toss an eyeshadow out after a mere three months right?

Tried ’em?

Do share your thoughts!

Available now at www.eyeslipsface.com

I purchased this item.

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

  • Beauty and the Scientist

    I had a couple of these and actually liked them, and got pretty decent wear time from them. But and to get rid of them due to the bulkiness. Such a shame.

  • vijayta

    this problem occurs even with high end cream shadows and liners. I find that storing them upside down helps keep them fresh longer, as even if the packaging is a bit iffy lesser air enters the container. Instead of 3 months , they may last about 6 months ! =)

    • the Muse

      I’m good with mid range/higher vijayta, I have my MUFE aqua creams nearly a year and thank god no hardening ;-D thanks for the tip!!!!!!! gonna try that!

  • Jennifer D.

    Hi there. I have also had two mid to upper end cream shadows that I have had for 8-13 months that are still amazing. The one ELF one I purchased was dry upon receiving. It just wasn’t worth returning. I like some ELF products…many actually, but it is touch and go:) Thank you.

    • Jennifer D.

      Actually, I just remembered that my Maybelline Tattoo Cream Shadows are just as amazing as they were the day I purchased them when the first arrived on shelves. No drying. Mary Kay Cream eyeshadows have limited colors, but I have had two for over a year and they are BEAUTIFUL (I have a cream color and a bronze/taupe color) that are just amazing.

  • Sarah S.

    I wonder what the jar indicator shows on these? I’ve noticed most of my elf products claim a shelf life of only 6 months anyway… I wonder, seeing as many people share MAC paint pots, if the best way to deal with these might not be to depot them into containers that are more air-tight?

    • the Muse

      hm nothing on the bottom sarah, but I tossed the box and that’s prob where it was! I doubt it, that would prob morph the formula even more….and I’m too lazy to bother lol!

  • Kiss & Make-up

    Aww, sucks that they hardened to fast 🙁 I haven’t tried the Studio cream eyeshadows yet, but I do own most three of the duo cream eyeshadows from the normal ELF line. And to be honest, those are no good… They crease and fade. But I got them for less than 1 euro each, so I’m not too devastated about it 🙂 I am a big fan of the ELF Studio cream blushes, though. Although I do think they’re more like mousse than cream.

  • Jackie Duggan

    I ordered the shade Dawn a few months ago and instantly noticed the jar indicator said 3 months! The sticker was on the side of my pot but it seemed like it would fall off if you looked at it too long. The indicator is about on point; I have some definite drying. It is still blending but it’s almost done. I will probably not re-purchase unless they change the packaging, like you said I just have too many other shadows to play with to make good use of the one in 3 months.
    My other note my original order came with a pot that was dried out. I submitted a quick email to them so they knew and they sent a new one free that I received quickly. I am not hard up for the $3 but I wanted them to know so maybe they’ll fix it in the future and I’ve read so many scathing things about their customer service I wanted to see myself as it was my first order.

    • the Muse

      hi jackie! thanks for sharing! yup, same issue here, very dry within a three month period although I didn’t notice that sticker…! they are great about getting new stuff out if it ends up broken, you aren’t happy etc…! but I still feel poorly about purchasing and having them dry out in such a short time!

  • Camille

    Do you think that putting them in an airtight bag might help? Or like a ziploc bag? I was thinking about doing this for my black ELF cream liner, which is just as good as MAC Blacktrack for $3 (the value kinda diminishes if I have to repurchase because it dries out).

    • the Muse

      i doubt that would help camille. you’re still letting air in each time you use it.