2.27.2014

Elf Acne Fighting Foundation Review

Today I want to review for you the Acne Fighting Foundation from the brand Eyes Lips Face.  If you didn't see the elf haul I posted, check out that video here.  But as soon as I got this foundation I swatched it on the back of my hand.  I was pretty impressed at the coverage it looked like it had on my hand & even more impressed by the coverage on my face!  A while ago I got the Maximum Coverage Concealer from Meijer to see how that would play out as a foundation.  I was less than pleased - so that experience really pushed me away from trying elf face products other than blushes.  But I have to say I'm glad I picked this product up!  This review is going to focus on the foundation but I did set the foundation with the Studio pressed powder by Elf, I may review that later.
From the Elf Website:
This lightweight acne fighting foundation works to disguise redness, blemishes, & uneven skin tone.  The flawless coverage foundation formula is infused with acne fighting key ingredients Salicylic Acid, Witch Hazel, Camphor, Tea Tree & soothing Aloe to help prevent and treat acne blemishes.

Apply to clean & moisturized skin.  Squeeze a small amount on to a sponge, fingertips, or a foundation brush & starting at the center of the face blend outward.  One layer gives a natural finish or apply in buildable layers for fuller coverage.

Price is $6 for 1 fl oz, but I bought mine for half off (they always have half off studio sales!).  I'm in the color Porcelain which is the second to lightest shade & has more yellow tones to it.
First Impression:
The first time I used this foundation I applied this over the L'Oreal Youth Code primer.  I dotted the foundation on my skin then blened it out with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush.  This is the first foundation that I've loved applying with this brush.  Sponges work so much better for me & usually I use the brush to buff the foundation into my skin if I've applied maybe too much or really want to give a brushed look to my skin.  This foundation worked amazing with this brush!  With my new favorite contraption - the Beauty Blender - this foundation blended wonderful as well.  I think the Beauty Blender is my favorite new tool.  The coverage of this foundation is definitely buildable.  A thin layer did even my skin tone & hid the redness on my skin.  I was so impressed with the coverage on this!  I was also able to build it up a little in the areas I needed more coverage.  This foundation doesn't have too much of a dewey look - more of a satin matte finish, I'd say.  I set my foundation with the Real Techniques Powder Brush using the Elf Pressed Powder in Porcelain - I have two shades, Sand which has more pink tones & Porcelain which is definitely more yellow toned.  I liked this pressed powder too, but that might be in a separate review.

I would recommend only up to 2 layers of this if you're using a brush because it can start to look a bit like you're in fact wearing too much make up.  But the Beauty Blender really gives the best look for me with this foundation.  The finish of the foundation is more satin matte & really does even your skin tone.  I found it was a bit flat looking so I warmed up my face with the Maybelline Fit Me powder in a darker shade.  
Wear Time:
The thing that impressed me the most was the staying power of a $6 foundation.  When first applied this foundation looks flawless - the coverage is great, it blends well into your skin, and it is very impressive.  This foundation dissolved mostly in my t zone, where I get most oily, over the course of the day.  I noticed it first on my nose then I saw that it sort of gathered around the edges of my nostrils.  I was also able to pick the foundation up if I pressed my fingers along the edges of my nose. Because the foundation did not wear away or break down on the sides of my face my blush was on all day long - I was wearing an elf blush too. I think that if I'd brought the pressed powder a long during the day or had blotting sheets I could have touched up & looked good all day.  Even though I could see it breaking down I feel the it maintained the coverage all day, if that makes sense.  I would say you can get a good, solid 4-5 hours of awesomeness out of this foundation.  But longer than that and you're gonna need to touch up - though I just roll with it at work. I was also surprised that the foundation didn't oxidize on me for being at such a low price point.  It was rather impressive.

Overall Impressions & Recommendations:
I like this foundation & was very impressed with it even though it was only $6.  I wore it everyday for a week & loved it over the L'Oreal primer.  I tried it once with a thicker primer like the new Rimmel Stay Matte Primer and it didn't not work at all.  So thinner primers work best with this foundation.  The wear time is alright, not as great as some of my other foundations but I'd wear this on the weekends or for a jot out.  I have a feeling this would look amazing in photographs just because of the matte look & the coverage.  So for shorter periods of time this foundation is a great option.  Additionally, if you're on a super duper tight budget stock up on this when studio items are half off.  I'd probably only buy this again when it's half off.

As for the claims from the website, I agree with everything they mention though I'm not sure I saw any benefits from the acne fighting ingredients.  I don't think it clogged my pores or broke me out so that's a plus!  I would suggest this for normal to combo skin because I believe it would last longer.  I don't know much about dry skin, but would not really recommend this for super oily skin.

So there you have it, a full review of this affordable foundation.  I'm hoping to do more reviews in this format in the future.  I think the format of this is pretty comprehensive covering from when I open the product to wearing it for a bit & including swatches.  Hope you enjoy!

Any foundations you've been loving lately?  What is your experience with elf foundations?

xoxo, Moe

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