E.L.F. Studio HD Mattifying Balm Review
I’m a huge fan of Mally Face Defender so of course I had to go ahead and give E.L.F. Studio HD Mattifying Balm ($6) a little try out as I’m all about scooping up a budget dupe.
Now Revlon Photoready Prime + Anti Shine Balm and Covergirl Tru Magic Skin Perfector Mattifier are both budget friendly options but I have to say neither has taken to place of Mally’s formula for me so I’m kinda still looking for that possible dupe which is why E.L.F. Studio HD Mattifying Balm seemed a good pick up!
Let’s take a peek!
For me Mally was the pioneer in creating a solid balm face perfector and since that time both high end brands and mid end ones have been trying to duplicate. I recently checked out YSL Touche Eclat Blur Perfector and I really expected it to somehow blow my mind since the price was considerably higher than Mally’s version. But in this case price doesn’t matter because again, I still reverted back to using my beloved Mally formula.
On that note I was thinking that there was no way E.L.F.’s six dollar version likely wouldn’t make me switch. And it doesn’t. I still love Mally’s version more but I will say I really enjoyed E.L.F.’s formula.
E.L.F. Studio HD Mattifying Balm comes housed in a dual compartment compact which has a mirror and the balm located on the top and a sponge located in its own compartment below the balm. I’ve always likened these balms to a melted silicone primer that was poured into a compact and left to harden. That is in fact exactly what it feels and looks like, a solidified version of a silicone primer. Not I have drier skin so I always prefer hydrating primers myself but in the case of these balms I actually really like them.
This can be used before or after makeup but I personally like using it after I apply makeup. After I apply all my makeup I dab the sponge in the balm and I gently smooth it over my face. It helps refine my entire look and gives my skin a softened appearance. I don’t have visible pores on my face but I do have ones on my nose and this completely blurs their appearance. It also soaks up the small amount of excess shine and oil I have on my forehead. I wouldn’t say this is a cure all/end all for major shine and oil but it will curb some of the shine and mattify skin nicely.
I really feel like these balms are a little makeup miracle. They just refine and soften skin so it gives your complexion a flawless, perfected look. I don’t have visible pores, nor do I suffer from acne or blemishes and my skin is quite good but this makes it even better. It just perfects my entire look and softens my makeup giving it a natural, flawless look.
E.L.F.’s formula is actually one of the thicker balms I’ve used but it doesn’t pill during application nor does it have a slick feel. It’s a very lightweight and just feels soft and smooth on skin. You can definitely prep with it prior to makeup application but I tend to do my entire face including color cosmetics and proceed to finish my look by smoothing this lightly all over my face. It doesn’t ruin my complete makeup in anyway and as I said it softens and perfects my look beautifully.
I wouldn’t say it’ll replace my beloved Mally formula, it won’t, but it is a damn good budget option and a nice way to try out a balm perfector if you haven’t yet tried one!
E.L.F. Studio HD Mattifying Balm is available now www.eyeslipsface.com.