I’m not going to lie. I’m not a massive primer fiend…
I’ve tried one previously and was pretty disappointed, so I wasn’t too eager to try another until I saw this featured on a Youtube review and heard the price – €8.92!
ELF Cosmetics (Eyes.Lips.Face) is one of those companies that seems too good to be true. First and foremost – no animal testing. In fact, their FAQ section explicitly states that their products do not even contain animal derived ingredients with beeswax and lanolin being substituted meaning they are vegan friendly! They also currently support HSUS and are partners with PETA in the Caring Consumer Project. And all the packaging is recyclable… Doesn’t get much more eco-friendly eh?
In fact the only downside that I’ve noticed about this company is that they are so good, certain products seem to go like hotcakes (I’m still trying to snag a highlighter that is continuously out of stock). Even their shipping is extremely reasonable and there are regular discount offers too. It’s easy to see how they have become such a popular and raved about company. Now I’m just hoping they resume shipping here – US and UK folks count yourselves lucky!
This primer comes in four colours – Green (Tone adjusting – listed as ideal for minimising redness and correcting blotchy skin), Lavender (Brightening – listed as ideal for uneven skin tones and to brighten dull or yellow tones), Salmon (Radiant glow – listed as ideal for creating a luminising effect on dark spots and uneven skin tones) and clear, which does what it says on the jar I suppose. I got the clear one, and definitely plan to try the others as soon as possible.
This product is silky smooth on the skin and the consistency is that of a gel, so it leaves absolutely no residue. It reminds me a lot of the Smashbox primer (I can’t afford to purchase it, so that opinion is limited to shop samples) – does anyone else find that too? It has the same feeling on the skin for me anyway.
You’ll need a one to two pumps to get it spread evenly I find, and it absorbs extremely quickly so you can progress with the foundation application quickly. So the main question – does it work?
I have been using it with a light-medium coverage BB cream and I can confidently say – it’s become a staple Holy Grail product for me. The real testament to make-up lasting is what you need to remove at the end of the night, and I can safely say after 12+ hours, I was still covered perfectly. Comparing it with my other primer experience – well, there’s no comparison! The last one left horrible residue and felt like sunscreen on the skin. This is so light, it doesn’t feel like I have any layering at all and yet you can see the benefits it has on makeup application and longevity! And there’s absolutely no clumps, lumps or bits left on the face. I should also add that this primer didn’t cause me any irritation, and I do have somewhat sensitive skin of late.
In conclusion – 100% recommend! If you’re looking to try a new primer, I couldn’t recommend this one more, and at that price point that you can’t really go wrong!
Have you tried this primer? What’s your favourite cruelty free primer? What’s your must-have ELF product?
~ MTL
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