Got e.l.f.?

When I first heard about this website where you can get makeup for $1, I was skeptical. I thought, "Hmm, how good can it be? There must be some catch." And then I discovered the world of eyeslipsface.com for myself.

The first thing I noticed was how professional the site looked. Before even browsing through the products, I visited their buzz page, to find out what the big-time critics were saying. Turns out they have been featured in O magazine, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Real Simple, and various other reputable media.

Then I made my selections. I just picked out some basics for my first order. I ordered 10 items, but I had a coupon code for half off (thanks, Cathy!) so my grand total was $5. Shipping was only $6.95 (FedEx). I placed my order on 12/16, it was shipped the next day, and it was delivered three days after that. Not too shabby.

As soon as my e.l.f. box arrived (I was actually getting ready for a party when the delivery guy came -- perfect timing!), I ripped it open and starting applying. Here's my take:

1. Blending Wedges - Just your average blending wedges. But they’re only $1, so why not?


2. Brow Comb + Brush - No complaints here. It does the job (and looks cute with its white wooden handle).


3. Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara - Does its job keeping my errant brows in place.
   


4. All Over Cover Stick in Fair - My least favorite of everything I ordered. Tiny, orange, and weird.


5. Tone Correcting Concealer in Fair - Awesome! I use it every day. I find it a little odd that my concealer is scented (smells like oranges), but I have sensitive skin and it doesn't seem to bother me.


6. Natural Radiance Blusher in Innocence - Even though the shade is way too light, I love the texture and coverage of this blusher. Also, it is just the right size -- not too small and not too large (you don’t want it to last so long you get sick of the color). I will definitely buy this again, but in a slightly darker shade.


7. Brightening Eye Color in Nouveau Neutrals - My second least favorite product. There are four colors in the case, and they don't really complement each other. Also, you really have to dig your applicator sponge into the powder to loosen it up enough to apply it.


8. Plumping Lip Glaze in Plum Pout - This is the lip gloss I’ve been looking for all my life!! I love it. Minty, pouty, and pink (but not too pink). I need to order some more!


9. Clarifying Pressed Powder in Tone 1 - Not so much. It's way too orangey for my fair skin, even though I got the lightest shade.
   


10. Total Face Brush - Love it. The bristles are soft and supple, and it is just the right size. Great quality for a buck.

So, all in all, a good experience. I had a few complaints, but since my initial investment was only a fraction of what I would have paid to try 10 new Revlon, L'Oreal, or Cover Girl products, they are minor indeed.

Oh, one other thing that made me love them: when I placed my order I qualified for a "free gift" which usually means you have to pay extra shipping for something you don't want anyway, or it really IS free but kinda stupid (like a water-proof alarm clock). Well, e.l.f.'s free gift to me, packed in my box with the other makeup, was one of their candy shop lip tins in Berry Pop, worth $2. Yummy and useful.

To top it all off, I ordered gift wrapping and got a free red gift bag and tissue paper included with my order. I'll save it for one of my friend's birthdays, and they'll never know the difference.

Now that I have been using my new el-cheapo makeup for over a month, I am still an e.l.f. fan. I signed up for their email list, and I get great offers all the time, like $2 shipping, buy 2 items get 1 free, 75% off cosmetics cases, etc. $1 makeup -- it's true, believe it.