A Quick, Cheap Fix: E.L.F. Tinted Moisturizer Review



Photo Credit: eyeslipsface.com



On a whim, I picked up some E.L.F. Tinted Moisturizer the last time I was in Target. I've been doing the sunless tanner thing, and am just a little too dark for my Too Faced Beauty Balm. I've also noticed that my Garnier BB Cream has started to look a little greasy. I have to tone it down with a pretty heavy-duty matte powder, which kind of defeats the point of having a BB Cream, really. I'm wondering if, perhaps, I've reached that point in the tube where all the illuminating ingredients have settled. In any case, I needed something for my slightly less-ghostly-than-usual skin, and it needed to be cheap. I saw this product for $3 and figured, "what the hey?"

You know what? It's actually not bad. I've given it two days of wear, and I'm really happy with it. Here's a breakdown:

Packaging: The moisturizer comes in a really nice, black inverted tube with flat-top cap. It looks high-end, reminiscent of NARS or MAC. You can see the product's shade through a small, clear strip on the front. My only gripe is that my cap didn't fit quite right. It's closed and secure, but it sits at a strange angle. Not a big deal, but I thought you should know. 9 out of 10.

Texture: I really like the consistency. It might be a bit thin for some, but right now, it's so hot and humid that I'd wear tinted water if I could. I've just used my fingers to apply, and the moisturizer absorbs nicely. Best of all, you don't need to use another moisturizer with it. Believe it or not, some tinted moisturizers just don't do the trick on their own. This one leaves your skin nice and hydrated. 9 out of 10.

Finish: There doesn't appear to be any shimmer in this product (none that I've noticed, anyway), and I've only needed to lightly brush a little mineral powder over the top to set it and my concealer. Light coverage. 10 out of 10.

Ingredients: It's not paraben-free, but it does contain Aloe, Cucumber, and Vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains SPF 20. 7 out of 10.

Shades: Here's the kicker. There is a wide range of shades, from Porcelain to Espresso, and at only $3 each, you can afford to buy more than one shade and custom blend. Sadly, they all have a slight yellow cast to them. For me, that's not a problem, as I have yellow undertones, anyway. However, if you're rosier or more neutral, you can pretty much hang it up. It's not going to work for you. I have no idea why E.L.F. does this, but I've noticed in their other face products, too. 5 out of 10.

Price: For $3, you get .25 ml. I've heard complaints that that's too small of a size, but my normal face moisturizer costs $18.99 for .50 ml. The E.L.F. gives you half as much, but at a mere sixth of the price. I'd say that's pretty darn fabulous. 10 out of 10.

Final Verdict: 8.3 out of 10. I like it. Whether it's to get you by, or you just want a decent tinted moisturizer for a budget price, I recommend it.

I'm wearing "Nude", the second lightest of the seven available shades (over two coats of sunless tanner. I'm that pale. Oh, look! Tanner lines around the bridge of my nose! Yay! *sigh*).

Other Products Used:

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in Light

E.L.F. Mineral Foundation in Warm

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden

Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Free Love

Buxom Stay There Eye Shadow in Mutt
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Whiskey

Buxom Buxom Lash Mascara

E.L.F. Brow Kit in Medium

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

NARS Blush in Super Orgasm (sorry, Mom!)

Buxom Stay There Eye Shadow in Cocker Spaniel (as Highlighter)

Burberry Lip Mist in Copper

I swear, it doesn't look like that much on the counter!!

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