Review: "Affordable Luxury" with e.l.f. cosmetics Studio line

From the runway to everyday – become your own makeup artist and achieve professional results whenever you want, wherever you are, with the complete e.l.f. Studio makeup & cosmetic line of products. And remember, even though it’s delivered right to you in our most chic packaging, the professional Studio makeup line is designed to satisfy all of your beauty needs, without sacrificing your budget!

I was recently contacted by e.l.f. Cosmetics to review several products from their Studio line. Touted as their professional, makeup artist quality range, I was eager to put them to the test.

Complexion Perfection

Pros

• Mattifies and brightens.
• Controls oil.
• Great as a base for powder foundation, to set under eye concealer or use as brow highlight.

Cons

• Leaves a white cast, however I may have applied too much or I may be too dark.
• Poor packaging - The mirror is loose. Not sure if it was damaged during shipping or if it's a defect.

Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder

Pros

• Very pigmented.
• Universally flattering colors but the bronzer did pull a bit more orange/red than I would prefer.
• Blends nicely.

Cons

• Texture is chalky for both, but the bronzer is smoother than the blush.
• Minimal wear time - With my oily skin I would have to reapply every 3-4 hours.
• Poor packaging - The mirror is loose. Not sure if it was damaged during shipping or if it's a defect.

Powder, Blush, & Eyeshadow "C" Brushes

Pros

• Synthetic, anti-bacterial fibers.
• Dense yet soft.
• Flat-top powder brush is perfect for buffing on both pressed and loose powder.
• Tapered shape of blush brush makes it great for both contouring and applying blush.
• "C" brush is great for applying pressed shadows, all-over lid color or brow highlight.
• Comes with covers to protect brush heads and maintain shape.
• Minimal shedding (so far).

Cons

• Cannot use alcohol based brush cleaner with these since it may damage ferrule.
• Long dry time.

Eyebrow Lifter and Filler

Pros

• Both sides are very pigmented.
• Comes with a sharpener.
  

Cons

• Filler is too soft. With the size of the pencil, it's a bit difficult to fill without having clumps. You have to brush off a lot of excess which is wasteful no matter how affordable the product is. 
• Lifter side is too dry which makes it difficult to blend.
• Does not wear very long.

Pigment Eyeshadow in Naughty Noire

Pros

• Easy to blend.

Cons

• Not very pigmented. I had to really pack on the color to get it as dark as it is in the jar.
• Needs an eyeshadow base, otherwise pigment will not stick.
• Does not wear very long.

Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths

Pros

• Thick and soft.
• Gently and effectively removes most makeup.
• Remover does not sting so it's great even if you have sensitive skin.
• Lid and removable/reusable label keeps cloths moist.
• Perfect for travel.

Cons

• Lightly scented so if you are sensitive to scents, you may not like like these.
• Waterproof/long-wearing products will require extra cloths.

Overall: I used several of the products that were sent to me in my Naughty Noire FOTD. Performance wise, I think they were great for the price. Out of all the products that were sent to me, the brushes and makeup wipes were my favorites, so I would definitely recommend checking them out. The Complexion Perfection powder would be nice to have, but I don't think it's essential. The Blush/Bronzer Duo, while a great dupe of the one by NARS, falls short in terms of texture and staying power. I would recommend checking out their blush singles instead. I would skip the brow filler/lifter and the pigment.

Where to buy: eyeslipsface.com and in select stores.

Price: Studio products start at $3 (So affordable and awesome, right!?)

Hope you found this review helpful! Have you tried e.l.f. before? If you have, I would love to know what you liked and didn't like.

Also, if you haven't already heard they're running a Memorial Day Sale - Buy 1 item, get the 2nd for 50% off! Use code MEMHALF with an order of $25 or more. Code expires on Monday, May 30, 2011.

I plan on buying more powder brushes, the large brush holder, and a few of the blush singles!

Thank you again to e.l.f. for giving me the opportunity to review their products!