Fashion + Beauty

Friday, December 4, 2009

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Is $1 Makeup too Good to Be True?

Ever heard of the brand e.l.f.? It can be a little tricky to find (it often sells at Big Lots!, Food 4 Less, Kmart and online of course) but if you do, you'll discover that basically everything (we're talking foundation, blush, eyeshadows, everything) cost $1.

Makeup for $1?! It sounds too good to be true, so it's no wonder TotalBeauty.com readers were skeptical. Check out their comments below, and if you want to try it out for free (hey, you can buy a lot else with that dollar), click here.

"I personally really like e.l.f. (Though you guys in the States get it at half the price that it's sold at in England!). I find their foundation brush excellent and I love the customizable palette I got from them -- the colors match effortlessly, go really well with any skin tone and create a really nice overall look." -- Bianca_S

"I haven't tried all the products, but I really like the lip gloss in a tube -- it really goes on nicely, and it has SPF in it. Best of all, my local grocery store sells it, so it is convenient as well." -- katkat

"I tried this brand and was disappointed. The eyeshadow faded as fast as I put it on (I don't have oily lids) and it didn't blend well. I tried another product in the line (lip gloss), another mistake. Do yourself a favor and don't waste your money. Stick to well known brands like Bobbi Brown, Mac, Chanel, etc. I know its expensive; but when you start adding up all the money your spending on cheaper products; well, in my check book, that makes a huge difference." -- qvcshopping

"So far I've only tried the makeup brushes, and I love, love, love them. They are so soft for a $1 a piece! I bought the 12 pack set and had a coupon so I paid $6 and I would have gladly paid more." -- yukitea

"I don't really care for e.l.f.. I had bought an eyeshadow set and some lip gloss once. The eyeshadow was really dry and crumbly and flaked on my cheeks. The lipstick seemed just plain cheap. In my opinion it's just another really cheap brand." -- hankatcar

"I REALLY like the sunkissed bronzed powder and pressed powder I bought. I now use them everyday. I tried the lip gloss in a tube and I did not like it, but my friend LOVES it." -- ShiningStars3

"I have never tried it and won't because I am a professional makeup artist and have to use products of quality. If they are only charging a dollar, you pay for what you get, you can't expect to get a Shu Uemura or Chanel quality eyeshadow for a dollar." -- muclvdgift

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From the Community…

Comments 11-20 of 20
  • AMBER C's Avatar
    Posted by AMBER C Thu Jul 2, 2009 7:47am PDT

    For $1.00 and no animal testing involved, I am a fan. The white nail polish is a favorite of mine lately. I plan to get most everything they have. My standard make up is still Physicians Formula but this is a nice addition to bring some color into my routine.

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  • HK's Avatar
    Posted by HK Thu Jul 2, 2009 10:42am PDT

    I personally LOVE e.l.f. The only problem I've ever had was the coloring of a all over stick, which, was perfect because it worked perfectly for my friends skin tone... so I just got the lighter shape and it's a perfect concealer and then using the mineral foundation... makes my skin look great.

    And I agree with the eyes, make sure to put a powder base on before any of the liquidy eyeshadow, stays on longer.

    And for only a dollar? AWESOME.

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  • HK's Avatar
    Posted by HK Thu Jul 2, 2009 10:55am PDT

    I personally LOVE e.l.f. The only problem I've ever had was the coloring of a all over stick, which, was perfect because it worked perfectly for my friends skin tone... so I just got the lighter shape and it's a perfect concealer and then using the mineral foundation... makes my skin look great.

    And I agree with the eyes, make sure to put a powder base on before any of the liquidy eyeshadow, stays on longer.

    And for only a dollar? AWESOME.

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  • Kelie's Avatar
    Posted by Kelie Thu Jul 2, 2009 4:45pm PDT

    I wouldnt even waste my 1 buck to try it.. if it is that cheap its going to be cheap. Thats why I dont waste my money on those Jane products either. I pretty much use cover girl.. I love M.A.C but honestly with the world today I cant afford that anymore =/

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  • Delle d's Avatar
    Posted by Delle d Thu Jul 2, 2009 7:18pm PDT

    If you're on a budget and willing to try something new, here's what i have tested from teh e.l.f. line

    Lippies - Bleh!

    All-over color sticks - bleh! not blendable enough.

    Blushes/Bronzer Powders - they are soft, finely-milled and not so harsh on the skin. the color is totalyly buildable so you can out as little or as much as you want. the shimmery blush/bronzers are great for asian skintones like mine. i wear this peachy-pink color with gold shimmer. it doubles as highlighter for face and body. there are matte shades for the natural look as well. the tiny packaging is uber cute too and fits my purse nicely.

    Brushes - really soft and keeps clean

    Liquid eyeliners (felt tip and brush-tip versions) - they're highly pigmented and smudge-able and scratchable so its ok if i goof, but after a few seconds it stays put. it stays put for the rest of the day.

    glosses - tasty but that's just about that. the gloss celphone charms are cute

    Mascaras - i use the double-ended one in brown for that natural look. the waterproof end is for my lashes and the regular end is for my brows. i lightly tissue-blot the mascara wand to avoid clumping before and after use.

    I haven't tested the eyeshadows because i have tons from CG.

    Hope this helps!

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  • BB's Avatar
    Posted by BB Fri Jul 3, 2009 9:59am PDT

    I tried a few E.L.F. products and honestly wasn't all that impressed. I used many colors and formulas purchased at the drug store. I adore Sephora and department store brands too.

    It doesn't matter what the price is, as long as it does what you want it to do. If a lip gloss lasts an hour, that's fine. If a lip stick claims to be "long wearing" and is smudged or greasy after an hour, then it's junk.

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  • daisy*kae's Avatar
    Posted by daisy*kae Sat Jul 4, 2009 6:13pm PDT

    i've tried the lipgloss and was pretty much pleased with it. was it the best lipgloss i've bought? no. however, for $1 i was happy with the results. i too like jane cosmetics. i practically hoard their loose powder. every now and then i'll find it 50% off @ rite aid and i'll clean them out, lol. one canister pretty much lasts a year for me; so buying four at a time lasts me awhile. :)

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  • Ivonne's Avatar
    Posted by Ivonne Fri Jul 10, 2009 10:11am PDT

    i just bought several stuff..its bretty good i have to say im inpresed ..its not bad and just for a 1$ ..thats is a good deal..that now adays we dont have much money .

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  • Tanae R's Avatar
    Posted by Tanae R Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:24am PDT

    I actually ordered about 20 dollars worth of stuff and i love it! the eyeshadows are very pretty and i have no problem with them lasting all day, the lip gloss is awesome. And although it might be cheap but the quality is good, if you would rather pay 10 dollars or more on eyeshadow or whatever then more power to you but im not spending all that money on something i can get for a dollar!

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  • Watermelon's Avatar
    Posted by Watermelon Sun Aug 30, 2009 6:18pm PDT

    Their eyeshadows are def not worth it-they broke in my makeup bag and got powder all over. It was a mess for something that didn't stay on for more than an hour in the first place. I also didn't care for the eyeliner and found that any body poweder did not match my complexion (I'm African American). All in all not a good purchase.

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