I used to wear a lot of makeup and it was TEARING my skin up! I have a much better skincare routine now, which allows me to wear less makeup. These are my favorite ones! Can you tell my favorite brand? 😅
Elf Camo Concealer: I use the MATTE concealer because the hydrating concealer is a NO-GO for oily skin! Elf has so many different colors to match you perfectly, and the concealer will last all day! $7 on Amazon.
Elf Poreless Putty Primer: I know some girlies swear by the power grip primers by Elf, but I LOVE the Poreless Putty Primer. It’s effective, it allows the concealer to last even longer and provides a smooth application for concealer, no creases. $10 on Amazon.
Elf HD Setting Powder: This setting powder is literally amazing! My make up will last all day, rain or blazing shine. Humidity and sweat… it does it all! Pairing it with the primer and concealer, flawless look! $6 on Amazon.
Elf Stay All Night Setting Spray: I go back and forth between using this one and the coconut dewy spray. I use the Stay All Night whenever I am going out on the town or if I will be out all day. $10 on Amazon.
Elf Baked Highlighter: I love a little highlighter on the brown bone, cheek bone and nose! This simple highlighter blends well and doesn’t leave streaks 🥰 $22 on Amazon.
... Read moreOkay, so you've seen my top 5 e.l.f. Cosmetics favorites that literally changed my makeup game, especially for my oily skin! But let's dive a little deeper into why e.l.f. is such a fantastic brand overall and how you can get even more out of their incredible, affordable lineup. It's more than just these five products; it's about building a routine that works for you without breaking the bank.
One of the biggest reasons I adore e.l.f. is that it proves you don't need to splurge to get amazing quality. As someone who's tried high-end and drugstore, e.l.f. consistently delivers. They're also super accessible, which is a huge plus when you're running low on your favorite liquid concealer or need to grab a new solid primer on the fly. Plus, they're cruelty-free, which makes me feel even better about supporting them.
If you're looking to expand your e.l.f. collection or just starting out, here are a few more tips and product categories to explore to complement those holy grails:
Building Your Full e.l.f. Face:
Skincare First: Before you even think about makeup, e.l.f. has a surprisingly good skincare line. For oily skin like mine, I've found their cleansers and moisturizers to be gentle yet effective. Prepping your skin properly is key to making any makeup, especially products like the Poreless Putty Primer, perform its best. A clean, hydrated canvas (yes, even oily skin needs hydration!) helps everything else glide on smoothly and last longer.
Beyond Concealer: Foundation Options: While my matte liquid concealer handles a lot, sometimes you need a little more coverage. e.l.f. offers several foundation options. If you're on the oily side, look for their matte or satin finish foundations. They often have a great shade range, so you can find a perfect match to blend seamlessly with your concealer. I usually apply foundation first, then go in with my concealer for targeted coverage.
Mastering the Set: You already know my love for the HD Setting Powder and Stay All Night Setting Spray. But here's a pro tip: for extra staying power, try "baking" with the loose setting powder under your eyes or in your T-zone. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently dust it off. This really locks in your liquid concealer and primer, especially useful for long days or humid weather. And don't be afraid to re-spritz with your setting spray throughout the day if you need a refresh!
Adding Dimension & Glow: My baked highlighter gives that perfect natural sheen, but e.l.f. has a fantastic array of blushes and bronzers too. Their putty blushes are incredibly popular and blend like a dream. For bronzer, I lean towards matte options to avoid adding extra shine to my oily areas. A touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks and bronzer where the sun would naturally hit can totally transform your look and add warmth.
Eyes & Lips: Don't forget the rest of your face! e.l.f. eyeshadow palettes are often dupes for much pricier options and come in a huge variety of colors and finishes. Their mascaras are also solid performers. For lips, they have everything from hydrating lip glosses to long-lasting matte lipsticks. I always keep a simple e.l.f. lip balm in my bag for everyday moisture.
General e.l.f. Usage Tips:
Experiment: e.l.f.'s price point makes it perfect for trying new things. Don't be afraid to pick up a product you're curious about and see how it works for you.
Application Tools: Invest in decent brushes or sponges. Even the best makeup needs good tools for smooth application. e.l.f. even has its own affordable brush line!
Read Reviews: Always check reviews, especially for shade matching, as colors can sometimes look different online.
By combining my holy grail picks with these broader e.l.f. strategies, you'll be well on your way to a flawless, long-lasting makeup routine that keeps your skin happy and your wallet fuller! It’s all about finding what works best for your unique skin and preferences within their amazing range.