Wednesday, May 11, 2011

AMW Reviews: ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder

I've been asked about inexpensive alternative to anything expensive!  I hear you, don't we all love good deals?  One brand that lives up that type of expectation is a brand we all know ---  E.L.F. Cosmetics.

E.L.F. Cosmetics obviously performed because the company grew bigger.  They even came up with E.L.F. Studio Line which includes more professional looking products and brushes! 

I finally have my hands on the Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder I've been eye-ing for a long time!  Keep that smile as you read on...


ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder says ---
Create a healthy and natural glow all year long. The Blush highlights the cheeks to add a flush of color, while the Bronzer accents and contours cheekbones for beautiful definition.

Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Magnesium Stearate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Paraffinium Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Iron Oxides (CI 77491 CI 77492 CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77981), Red No.40 Lake (CI 16035), Ultramarine Blue (CI 77007)

AMW says ---
Pros
  • NARS-looking packaging without the rubbery feel.
  • No animal testing as promised by EyesLipsFace (ELF) Company.
  • Pigmentation of both shades are quite pigmented.  
  • Though the Contouring Blush has specks of gold, it doesn't come out as Disco Ball!
  • Inexpensive for huge amount of product!
  • Versatile compact: Use the light pink shade to create a lightly flushed look.  Use the darker brownish shade as a bronzer for the sun-kissed look.
  • No allergic reactions.
Cons
  • Not a fan of shimmery powder?  You won't like this product!
  • Staying power is not that strong, the color was gone in less than half the day!
  • If you like the "obvious blush" look, will need to pack up more product as the shade comes off super natural and light on cheeks.
  • The texture is a bit too powdery.  
  • I personally like calling this a blush and bronzer duo rather than having the name "Contouring" in it, doesn't work effectively as a contouring powder.  Prefer matte powders for contouring.
Overall
A hit and miss!  The Pros and Cons are almost equal and I can't say I don't like the product as I don't mind using it on a daily basis, but I don't mind putting it aside as well!  Overall, the pigmentation and packaging is good but I'm not a fan of the chalky texture which makes it easy to over-apply!

Tips 
from ELF
  • Brush on the “bronze” to the hollow of the cheeks for definition and dust around the face line to create a healthy glow. 
  • Use the “blush” on the apple of the cheeks to create a subtle healthy glow.
from AMW
  • Use a dense blush brush to apply the "blush" powder on the apples of your cheeks to create a nice, sweet look. 
  • If product doesn't show up, feel free to use a cream blush underneath to make the blush powder appears more vibrant and staying power better.
  • If you want to create a "slimmer" effect for your face, use a huge powder brush and lightly apply a tiny amount of the "bronzer" on the hollows of your cheeks, sides of your face and chin.  Blend, blend, blend!  
  • If you have fair looking skin, mix the "Blush" powder and "Bronze" powder to make the product show up more.
  • If your skin color is on the darker side, use the "Bronze" powder instead as your blush powder and use the "Blush" powder as a highlight!  The gold shimmer will give a nice glow to wherever you apply it!
  • Less is definitely MORE with this product.  ]
  • If you have friends who can order at ELF website, ask them to help you purchase as it's cheaper there.

Will I repurchase?
No, one compact is enough!  Like to use this for personal use, won't use this on clients as the staying power is not that good.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who likes to try light colored blush and a bronzer at an affordable price!

Where to purchase and how much?
International readers may order via ELF website for $3.00 (approx $129.00).
Local readers may find these at local beauty sections of selected SM Malls, Robinson's Department stores, etc... for Php250.00 (approx $5.80)



ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder


Blush = rosey coral shade with flecks of gold (Almost similar to the sheen of NARS Orgasm)
Bronzing Powder =  reddish brown powder with tiny gold sheen



"Bronze" powder used as a contour powder as shown on photo below but make sure to blend well after application.  To make this work as a contour powder, set with a powder foundation or setting powder with matte finish to remove the tiny gold shimmers.

Here's how the blush appear on my skin  
(MAC NC20, Paul & Joe 20, Revlon Nude 
or in other liquid foundation I am Light or Light Medium)


Any users out there?
I'd love to read your thoughts and we can all decide if we should...

Keep it or Lose it!

Have a wonderful day!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



23 comments :

  1. awww so nice of elf to copy nars' laguna/orgasm duo. it gives budgeted women an option ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for this review Nikki! I've read lots of good things about this one and I'm actually considering buying it. :D

    ReplyDelete
  3. aww too bad the staying power is not that good but the compact looks so cute! it looks similar to NARS talaga! have you tried the Laguna bronzer?

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have the Nars' Laguna/Orgasm Duo and I love it so much and since I go to school with a lot of items in my bag, plus I'm not so careful on how I handle my stuff, I'm scared to bring it with me so I purchased this one so I have a contouring + blush with me. It's quite handy and It doesn't take much space. For my 'retouching' needs. lol. I agree with the pros and cons. Great review! :) -Dawn

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great review Miss nikki! I like ELF products but I would like to try their brushes. ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great review! I have this one and I'm loving it! :) I bought mine online. Mas cheaper kc. hehe
    I even used it on my contouring post :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have this too and I love the blush. It is very pretty and lasts a few good hours on me. But the bronzer is too dark for my pale skin. It just doesn't work on me at all. :(

    ReplyDelete
  8. i got this just last weekend and i find both too dark for my skintone. i did however use small amounts all over my face for a healthier glow.I don't use bronzers so this was my 1st and and i find this ok for testing since it's 2 in 1 and easy on the pocket.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love your eye shadow color. Have you done a tutorial on this color yet? Pls do one when u have time. thanks

    ReplyDelete
  10. So true that for contouring matte bronzers do work best. But I still love this compact because it works and for the price, I'd say it's worth it. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  11. @Marge Yes, I've actually swatched the NARS Laguna/Orgasm way back and it's quite close. The ELF one is a bit darker though as compared to NARS :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. @Aya It's inexpensive, so it's worth it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. @Shopcoholic I think the staying power is not that good with our weather down here. Others said it stays on them! So depends on each individual!

    ReplyDelete
  14. @PEACHY PINK SISTERS Nice, I was going to say Dawn that this is nice for "backup" and you can bring this anywhere and not worry about breaking it or anything!

    ReplyDelete
  15. @Photoescape Me too, if I don't have enough brushes, I will definitely purchase ELF brushes!

    ReplyDelete
  16. @MissKatv I agree, if you can find resellers online, you get it more inexpensive pa :) Glad you liked the product

    ReplyDelete
  17. @gio I agree, if you have paler skin, the bronzer turns too muddy and dark!

    ReplyDelete
  18. @tartlove Agree on using small amount, I always apply this with super light hands! By the way, have you tried using the bronzer as blush? it looks nice!

    ReplyDelete
  19. @lavender Watch out for the tutorial soon! Maybe..tomorrow? hahahahah I actually did the tutorial for eyes and used this contouring blush and bronzer

    ReplyDelete
  20. @Hollie I agree, the the price, you can't complain! It's not bad!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Ilove elf products! Thanks for the review:)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I was contemplating on buying this but i think I won't na. I'm not a "shimmery lady". ahahaha!

    http://gorgeouzmomma.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to comment your questions, suggestions and just anything you may want to say! Keep smiling and stay happy!