Blush Review: ELF Studio

ELF Studio Blush 

Who's obsessed with these?

ELF Studio Blushes retail for three dollars and, IMO, are match the quality of many high end blushes. I've noticed many professional makeup artists toting this around, but it's a bit taboo because of its extreme low price. I see both sides, but I tend to think the price tag is secondary to quality. Thoughts? 

And, for the record - there are several ELF products that are horrendous. But this is a gem! 

Here's what I love about ELF Studio Blush:

• Super pigmented 
• The packaging is eerily similar to $28 NARS blush compacts
• Tons of product - 1.6 oz! That's AMAZING considering its only $1
• Perfect for beginners and experts alike wanting to experiment without financial guilt
• Little-to-no product fallout. 
• ELF frequently introduces new colors so there's always new option
• No brush included - I always hate the crappy brushes companies include. 
• ONLY $3.00.

I won't lie - there's a bit of a catch. Check out the downsides after the jump.

natural everyday brows

Want natural looking brows without compromising form and structure? Your best bet is a brow powder and gel set. Benefit has a great option if you want to invest. I use ELF’s eyebrow kit everyday - it retails for only $3.00 and it works like the expensive stuff! ELF is sold in all Target stores and online.

HOW TO

Start by taking a thin angled brush and pat into powder. You can use any brown eyeshadow that is a shade darker/lighter than your hair. To apply, flick the brush on your brows mimicking the length and direction of growth through the length of your eyebrows. Here’s a quick video example from the beautiful SMLx0. After you get the desired shape, brush a thin layer of gel or a small amount of hairspray to keep the hairs in place all day.

Whether you like super defined or natural looking brows, it always helps to use concealer around the edges of to polish them up. Just do this with a small brush and then blend out. Good luck, and let me know if you try!

Favorites: 2012

From my makeuped & pinkached heart to yours, my favorite products of 2012

foundation:
MAC Studio Sculpt (NW20)

Everything I thought about foundation changed when the MAC artist first painted this on my face. It was easy to apply, left my face looking & feeling flawless, and stayed put for 8 hours. It's a buildable gel-based foundation that leaves your skin with a dewy complexion. If you prefer matte skin like I do, just apply your favorite powder on top.  I've repurchased 5/6 times. The gel-based formula is best for normal to dry skin, & may be too much for oily skin types.

Foundation is one of those products every girl should should invest in. Buying higher end ensures you can sample before purchasing, match your skin tone, and say goodbye to the days of pacing Walmart cosmetic isles, guessing which foundation shade is best.  

powder foundation:
MAC Mineralized Skin Finish (Very Light)

Affectionately called MAC MSF in the beauty community, this powder creates a beautiful canvas. Use this over foundation, BB cream, moisturizer, primer, and even apply to a bare face with a damp brush and this will make my face look polished, matte, and flawless.

This is my favorite method (forward to 2:52) to apply MSF, and it gives full coverage when applied this way- my favorite!

eyeshadow palette:
Urban Decay's Naked, Naked 2, and Naked Basics.

There's a reason you can't stop hearing about these palettes. The shadows are long lasting and make blending a piece of cake. The formulation is admired by professionals and teaches newcomers the eyeshadow standard. Each Naked palette has it's own claim to fame, and I don't know if I could choose a favorite. I recommend going to your nearest Sephora or Ulta to check each one out and see what colors you'd like to start with. A makeup-acher must have.

the rest of my 2012 holy grails after the jump

welcome to pinkache!

I've been makeup crazed since I can remember. My mom can attest to my second grade beauty regime of smearing Smackers glitter-goop all over my eyelids every morning before school. Despite her plea for me to stop going to school looking like a disco ball child, I couldn't stop! I had a pinkache! I needed some glitz and glamour to get through the day! 

I do my best soul searching standing in front of my brushes and prized products as I paint on the person I want to be each day. Makeup is my therapy. It's my preferred art form and my outlet of self expression. This blog has been cooking in my mind for quite some time, and I'm thrilled it's finally coming to life! 

Check out what to expect on pinkache after the jump!