What to try from e.l.f.? my e.l.f. picks

e.l.f has grown and improved in both product quality and brand image over the years, which is quite pleasant to observe and experience as a customer.
e.l.f reminds me of the Korean brand Missha  in many ways.
I don't think many of you remember how Missha first started since Missha is now a whole different entity with fancier image, but it actually started with a couple of super affordable products that were only 1000 won (it is less than $1), and of course, there were some questions and doubts about the quality raised by its dirt cheap price. ;)

Ok, enough with trivia...now back to e.l.f. ;p
Nowadays stores like K-mart and Target carry e.l.f products for easier access, but i don't think I have purchased anything offline.
e.l.f. website always has some sort of good deal going on plus I don't really have those stores around me, so I usually place a relatively small order online.

If you are like myself who doesn't mind waiting for a package and even enjoy the mild suspense (?) waiting for it, buying  e.l.f  online is not a bad idea. (and this is also other reason e.l.f. can keep their price reasonable, I reckon.)
I thought I could help my readers a little by introducing my favorite picks from e.l.f.
I mean there are tons of products to choose from, and let's face it, I find some of them are still duds regardless the cheap price!

So without further ado, I present my picks from e.l.f. cosmetics.
(Thanks for the inspiration, Shopping Obsession! ^-^)




From e.l.f Essential line
This is the $1 line!
Sadly, I don't have many favorites and I find most of them are poor quality.
However, there are a couple I absolutely adore and I highly recommend these. ;)

1. Eyeshadow Brush

This is my favorite eyeshadow brush!
The bristles are full and soft. No shedding here. :)
I have bought many of these and commissioned them to my friends and family, and they all are impressed with the quality. :)
A must try from e.l.f.!












2. Blending Brush

This is a larger and softer blending brush to compare to one from the Studio line.
It does a great job blending easily and also good for applying neutral colors all over the lids.














3. Custom Compact

This is a real deal. :)
It is made to fit single items from the Essential line for a custom designed palette.
The compact is very sturdy  and it comes with a large mirror. You can't really go wrong with this.
I don't like e.l.f single eyeshadow at all. So what am I doing with these?
Guess what, they are perfect for those depotted MAC, Urban Decay and old Milani single eyeshadows. ;D








From e.l.f Studio Line
This is probably my favorite line from e.l.f.
I believe most items from this line cost $3 except for some base makeup including the High Definition Powder.

1. Studio Brush Set

For $30, you can get 11 brushes and a case.
Oh wait, you can actually get them for $15 since they seem to have 50% off on the Studio line every other week or something. ;)
It is not like I am crazy about everything from the set (for example, I am not very fond of the fan brush. useless), but the powder brush and the complexion brushes are great. I use them daily.










2. High Definition Powder

Another favorite of mine.
I would highly recommend this.
I have recently repurchased 2 of these.
You can check out my review on this product here.









3. Lip Balm SPF 15

This is a new  found goody from e.l.f.
Moisturizing lip balm with sheer color and sun protection.
I hope they bring out more colors in the future.
You can see my swatch and short review here.














4. Contouring Blush and Bronze Powder

I am sure e.l.f tried to recreate the NARS blush/bronzer duo.
Honestly, the bronzer color is too dark and muddy for my complexion and the texture could be better, but I can't really complain and I still recommend this.
The blush color is close to the cult favorite NARS Orgasm and color payoff and staying power  is more than decent.









5. Shimmer Palette

This is a very versatile product.
I like to use this as eyeshadow base when I use loose pigments. It provides a bit of sticky base with subtle shimmer effects.
This also can be used as highlighter to brighten your complexion.









6. Brush Shampoo

This is inexpensive brush cleaning detergent that performs very well.
I used to just use baby shampoo and I still suspect this is not much different from it ingredient-wise, but I have a bit more faith in this product after seeing it revives one of my messed-up brushes.
I will repurchase this once I run out. ;)













I also like the eyeshadow and powder blush from the Studio line and lipstick from the Mineral line, but not enough to repurchase or recommend them to you as my favorites.
I haven't tried a lot from the Mineral line, either.
I guess my recommendation list would be amended and become longer as I plan to try more products from e.l.f. in the future :)

I hope my post would help you to make a smart online purchase from e.l.f.
Make sure you take advantage of their ongoing deals and look for the coupons!
Please do share your e.l.f. favorites with me as well. ;)

Thanks for reading!