ELF Studio - Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder, Powder Brush & Eyeshadow C Brush

One of my favorite & affordable brands came out with a Studio Line of products last year. I picked up the Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder, the Powder Brush and the Eyeshadow C Brush to try. While these aren't the usual $1 price points as the other ELF products, these are still a great deal at $3 each! They have expanded their products since I ordered these last December and may possibly order some other items for me & Ms. B in the very near future. :)
The brushes come nicely packaged in a ziptop pouch that makes it great for travel. These are Taklon, artificial fiber, brushes with a sturdy & sleek black ferrule and wooden handles. These compacts are similar to the stylings of NARS' compacts that have a mirrored lid.

The brushes are labeled. Kind of unnecessary in my eyes, but this could help someone who is new to make up. These brushes are noted on the website as "Vegan Friendly." :)

The Powder Brush has been my holy grail brush! I love using this to apply either loose mineral foundations or my usual MAC Studio Fix. This brush does not shed and that makes me happy! After several washings and spray cleanings, this brush holds up.

I haven't had the chance to use this eyeshadow brush yet, but I would use this with darker colors in the crease and contour of my eye based on the length and density of the bristles.

The Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder is a great combo! The color is highly pigmented and I love the color of the blush! Its very similar to my favorite NARS blush Deep Throat. The contouring powder I will have to play around with to see how to apply the color without having it look like dirt smudged on my face. Contouring can be tricky if you don't blend well!

e.l.f. Translucent Matifying Powder

This was my first ELF Studio purchase a couple months back and I have to say this was a great pick! From the website, "Achieve even flawless skin that’s smoother, redefined and shine free. This translucent powder workson a wide variety of skin tones to help set your makeup in so it lasts longer. The silky lightweight formula also miraculously mattes skin to diminish oil and shine for a beautiful and healthy look!"




Very reminiscent of NARS compacts. I actually keep this compact in my car for those quick touch ups before heading to a work meeting or on my way out.


The color is fairly light and works well with my skintone right now. I don't know if this would work when I have my tan on during the summer, but we'll see! Overall, I like this product. My only gripe is the sponge. Bacteria city! I wish they would sell replacement sponges that fit in here. Does anyone know if any other brand fits?

One weird tidbit about me. I can't wash latex cosmetic sponges and reuse them on my face. Its not about a hygiene phobia, its more of an allergic reaction! I found out a few years ago that I would break out into a rash if I washed the MAC sponge in my Studio Fix. O_o Yes...strange. Ok EOM.

FOTD - Recessionista Rhondalei

I am a firm believer in having both cheap and steep make up. While I do prefer some of the higher end brands based on wear, color pay off and texture, I do love my cheapies like ELF. This past Christmas, I gave some of my gfs goodie bags with some of my favorite things that included ELF lippies. Rumor has it that Nordstrom has acquired the brand and will be repackaging as a Nordstrom brand. Don't hold me to that since I haven't done any thorough research. I'm just sayin'. :p

This is what I bring to work on a normal basis. Large MAC softsac filled with make up. This isn't very convenient to tote around, but I use a backpack to work and this manages to fit in there along with my laptop and balon.



This is the Recessionista to-go make up bag. I wanted to create something small, light and with products that are office appropriate. No loud, bright colors which I love, but I just can't walk into a meeting with bright fuschia lipgloss poppin!

I managed to cram all of this product into that bag! All these products and the bag are ELF. The only items that weren't ELF that I used was my MAC Browshader in Soft Charcoal/Maple and 266SE brush for my brows. All of ELF is affordable starting at $1 for most products. I couldn't help but order A LOT of make up since it was such a good deal!

Face:
Tone Correcting Concealer in Light
Sheilding Hydro-Tint SPF15 in Tone 1 & Tone 2 (mixed to match)
Clarifying Pressed Powder in Tone 1 & Tone 2 (mixed to match)
Natural Radiance Blush in Glow
Shimmering Facial Whip in Citrus (used as highlighter on cheeks and above brow bone)

Eyes:
Brightening Eye Color Quad in Butternut
Brightening Eye Liner in Coffee
Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara
MAC Browshader in Charcoal/Soft Maple

Lips:
Therapeutic Conditioning Balm in Blackberry Creme
Featherproof Moisturizing Lip Liner in Spice
Plumping Lip Glaze in Oasis

Me bare faced with just eyecream and moisturizer on. This is how I usually roll into work. I close my office door and do my make up while checking email. Haha! My manager once came in and said, "What's going on here? What's all of this? Do you not have a home?" She was just joking...thankfully. I make sure my office door is shut! Maybe I should lock it too? See how young I really look?! Its a good thing, but I do need to look a bit more refined at work & maybe people will take me more seriously. :p



Me after with my Recessionista make over! Even skin with good color and a look that is polished. Proof that you don't need to spend a lot of money to look great! I know most of us gals are on budgets and need to find ways to beautify without breaking the bank. ELF cosmetics is a definite must in my book and I would love to order more stuff...as soon as my Lenten make up diet is over!

I'm thinking of creating more grab and go kits for different days. Like maybe a fun & flirty pink, daytime smokey eye and summery bronze/turquoise kit. What do you think?