The Affordable elf Cosmetics Essentials in a Makeup Artist's Routine
I am the Content Manager here at Adore Beauty. I have been a makeup artist for over 6 years now and love all things beauty.
If I could define elf Cosmetics in a Google search, it would be “affordable makeup that actually works”.
Over the years I had seen SO many elf products take the internet by storm (currently sitting at 2.6 billion views on TikTok is no small number), however, admittedly I hadn’t ever taken the opportunity to really give them a go in my everyday makeup routine.
This all changed when I saw another makeup artist post about how AMAZING the elf Halo Glow Filter and elf Power Grip Primer are and it was at this point that I knew I had to see what all the fuss was about.
After this, I had actually been purchasing both the Power Grip Primer and Halo Glow before they launched at Adore Beauty because I LOVED them so much and they had quickly become staples in both my professional and personal makeup kit.
With this in mind, when they finally did land on-site I knew that I was the perfect person to deliver an honest road-test for you all.
My Affordable elf Makeup Routine.
1. elf Cosmetics Power Grip Primer.
If you’re after a primer that will hydrate the skin whilst prepping it for perfect makeup application, then look no further!
The elf Power Grip Primer has a fragrance-free, gel-based formula that works to grip your makeup in place whilst giving the skin a soft-focus effect for a smoother complexion.
Infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, the elf primer works to moisturise the skin whilst creating the perfect canvas for your foundation to grip onto.
As it’s great for all skin types, this has been a super versatile primer that I love to keep in my kit and is quickly becoming one of my favourite formulations to work with.
How do I use it?
Always apply your primer as the last step of your skincare routine before foundation.
I like to apply a pea-sized amount of primer and have found that fingertips work best with this primer as the warmth from your fingers will help melt the product onto your skin.
You will have to work quite quickly with this primer once it’s applied but it should feel nice and hydrating, before becoming a little bit tacky (hello gripping sensation!) but this will subside once the product has settled on the skin.
A really key tip here is to allow at least one minute for the primer to set before going in with your foundation to allow for a seamless finish.
My skin always feels hydrated and looks nice and glowy immediately after application!
2. elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter.
What: elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter in shade 4 Medium.
Now onto my FAVOURITE PRODUCT OF ALL TIME!
I will honestly talk about this base product to anyone who will listen.
If you want skin that looks like it’s glowing from the inside out, you MUST add this to cart immediately!
The elf Cosmetics Halo Glow is a multi-purpose, liquid glow booster infused with skin-loving ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid that deliver the most ethereal lit-from-within glow!
I genuinely did not expect to like this product as much as I did but as soon as I tried it I knew this would be an immediate repurchase situation.
Let’s go through some quick facts:
- Radiant finish: Infused with light-reflecting particles, this formula offers a subtle luminescence, mimicking the effect of a soft-focus lens on your skin.
- Smoothing qualities: Experience a diffused finish as this product works to minimise the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven texture.
- Versatile use: Perfect as a standalone highlight, a mix-in with your foundation, or a radiant primer to boost the glow factor of your base makeup.
- Lightweight texture: Its featherlight formula ensures that the skin feels breathable and comfortable throughout the day.
- Cruelty-free and vegan: True to elf's ethos, the Halo Glow Liquid Filter is crafted without animal testing and is free from animal-derived ingredients.
Halo Glow is fragrance-free and super easy to use as it comes with a large doe-foot applicator that allows control over how much product you’re applying as well as makes it SUPER easy to use.
The packaging is glass which makes it a little heavier, something to think about if you’re travelling with it.
With that being said I kind of love the glass as it makes it feel more luxe which is super impressive when you factor in the price point.
How do I use it?
This is a SUPER versatile product that can be worn underneath foundation, as a standalone foundation, mixed into your foundation OR applied to specific points such as cheekbones or high points of the face to create a seamless glow.
I personally like to use this as a standalone foundation as I like the light coverage for everyday use and am always looking for a glowy finish.
I like to use a kabuki brush to buff this into my skin but you can also use a makeup sponge, foundation brush or your good old fingers.
Whilst this product is suitable for all skin types, it does have an extremely luminous, glowy finish so if you’re a strictly matte kind of person this may be something to note.
3. elf Cosmetics Putty Blush.
What: elf Cosmetics Putty Blush in shade 'Turks and Caicos'.
The elf Cosmetics Putty Blush is unlike any other blush I’ve tried before!
It's a lightweight cream formula that transforms into a semi-matte, velvet finish once applied to the cheek - very cool!
Here are some quick facts:
- Highly pigmented, creamy formula melts into skin for a natural glow.
- Infused with Argan Oil and Vitamin E for a boost of hydration.
- Lightweight, buildable formula.
- Perfect for on-the-go.
How do I use it?
The small round compact makes it SUPER easy to travel with which is handy as I’ve found that I love sweeping this over the cheeks as well as my lids for a uniform look.
As this formula is quite unique, I like to apply this blush after foundation and blush application but before any powders or setting sprays to ensure a seamless application.
My favourite way to apply this blush is with a synthetic bristle stippling brush.
One of my faves at the moment is the elf Cosmetics Putty Blush Brush.
The colour payoff is lightweight yet buildable, making it PERFECT for anyone who is a little intimidated when it comes to cream blushes as well as being a great tool for makeup aficionados looking to add a healthy flush to the cheeks.
4. elf Cosmetics Brow Lift.
Lastly, I have to touch on a brow product that really packs a punch!
It’s of course the elf Cosmetics Brow Lift.
Now fair warning for anyone that hasn’t used this product before, a little bit goes a VERY long way.
True to its name, this is an extreme-hold brow-shaping wax that keeps your brows in place all day/night long.
It is PERFECT for anyone wanting to mimic a laminated look or tame unruly/expressive brow hairs.
Here are some quick facts:
- Extreme, long-lasting hold that lifts, tames, and sculpts brows for a feathered effect.
- Conditioning formula is infused with Aloe to nourish brow hairs.
- Clear, universal finish.
- Fragrance-free.
The packaging is very similar to the putty blush which makes it very travel-friendly and with 8.8 grams of product packed into this tub, I can guarantee that you will have this product in your kit for a fair chunk of time!
Two things I love about this product are:
a) even though it provides such a stronghold, it somehow leaves hairs feeling soft and nourished post-application; and
b) it doesn’t leave a white film like other brow lift products are known to do which is a total game changer in both comfortability as well as keeping the brows looking healthy and natural.
How do I use it?
I like to use this product as a FINAL step in my brow routine once I have applied all other pigmented products.
As this is quite a strong hold product you want to ensure that once you’ve applied it, the brows can set in place without being touched as they won’t be as easy to move/work with post-application.
My favourite way to apply this is with the elf Cosmetics Brow Lift Applicator.
I use the spatula on one end to dip into the product and apply it to my brows, and then comb it through with the spoolie side to disperse the product and style my brows in place.
If you don’t have one of these, a disposable spoolie or brow brush will also work!
Final Verdict.
As you can probably see in my before and after picture above, this routine can bring so much life and colour back to my face and the design of the products makes them so easy to use.
Even though I have a full face of makeup on, the formulation of these products is so lightweight that it feels like I’m not wearing anything at all!
If you’re looking for affordable makeup that really does deliver on its promises, elf might just be what you’ve been searching for!
Try it for yourself and you can thank me later.
Watch us take you through our favourite e.l.f. Cosmetics viral products in the YouTube video below:
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