E.L.F. Studio HD Blush Review & Swatches
E.L.F. Studio HD Blush ($3) has launched to some great excitement and let’s face it who wouldn’t be hyped about a three dollar blush that quite reminded us of Make Up For Ever‘s much more expensive version at $26!
Rich, creamy, and HD ready these promise a long wearing formula and are available in five shades.
Do you need them?
Yes, you do!
It’s one of the best budget products I’ve come across to date. However, it isn’t without its quirks so listen up!
These lovely little blushes are a mere three dollars each and come in a small (0.2 oz) bottle with a pump. Don’t get nervous about the packaging! I know I was scared that I’d pump too much out but the depressor is easy enough to handle so you aren’t left with a ton of blush. It’ll push out just the right amount so long as you use a light hand. And believe me, you only want a little bit to come out!
The blushes are intensely pigmented. I’m talking full color experience here and even the darkest skin tone will find a shade to fit them as they build up incredibly well. The formula is very concentrated so a little dot goes a very LONG way.
The formula starts out a tad troublesome as at first pump it released a rather unpleasant liquid-y separated, oily blush (as swatched below). A quick shake redeemed the issue and I ended up with a creamy textured blush. They are rather a pain to blend out due to the strong pigmentation of the product. Even the smallest amount seems to be too much and produces very patchy application if you aren’t careful. I suggest a squirting a small amount on the front of your hand and blending a fibre brush into the blush and proceed to apply using the brush. This lightens the color considerably and allows for a smooth, airbrushed finish. The louder shades like Diva and Encore prove the more difficult to apply on a lighter/medium skin tone. Just use a lighter hand and don’t rush during application and you’ll be just fine.
Although creamy they aren’t entire hydrating which again leads to blending issues. They do have a soft, velvety feel with a lightweight finish and a soft focused glow when applied correctly but they don’t have the most moisturizing formula in the world so don’t expect dewy.
Wear time varies for me. Although they start out life vibrant I find that vibrancy fades a little as the day progresses and into hour six or seven the color isn’t nearly as intense as when it originally started but they do pretty much last the day away without touch ups.
Diva
Encore
Superstar
Headliner
Overall, it’s debatable how long the formula will actually keep. I do wonder if they’ll begin to separate in a month or more as E.L.F. doesn’t have a great track record with expiration dates. For now, I couldn’t be happier with the budget friendly price tag and fairly nice formula. They aren’t without application issues that’s for sure but the heavily pigmented formula, ideal packaging, and overall finish once applied correctly is a cheap thrill I couldn’t resist indulging in.
Likey!
Superstar
Headerliner
Diva
Available now at www.eyeslipsface.com
Tried ’em?
Love ’em?