e.l.f. is the Ultra-Cheap Makeup Brand You Didn’t Know You Needed

e.l.f. Cosmetics Makeup Mist & Set – Clear ($9)

Ahh, setting spray–that magical stuff we all like to spritz over our makeup to help it stay put throughout the day. A matte setting spray is a lifesaver if you get oily, whereas a hydrating mist will help dry gals and guys stay looking fresh and dimensional as the hours pass by. If you liberally apply setting spray both morning and night, like I do, going down the expensive route can be a dilemma. At close to $50 for my everyday fave, it’s easy to wonder whether that chunk of cash could be put to better use!

At only $9, this setting spray from e.l.f. delivers expensive quality without the hefty price tag. Formulated with key ingredient aloe, it’s ideal if you’ve got normal to dry skin, as it will ensure your complexion remains hydrated and protected. It’s also alcohol-free–bye bye, nasties! For those more on the oily side, make sure to check out the e.l.f. Cosmetics Matte Magic Mist & Set Spray ($9) to help keep shine at bay.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Contour Palette ($16)

My gripe with drugstore contour palettes is always the same–too orange, frustratingly cakey and almost impossible to blend. If you’ve experienced the same issues when buying cheap, it’s easy to be turned off. After all, nothing is worse than a stark, unblended contour. Yikes.

Thankfully, the e.l.f. Cosmetics Contour Palette is decidedly not like the other low-end alternatives on the market. Just like pricier finds out there, it blends like a dream and doesn’t oxidise as it wears. Although one shade does appear quite dramatically orange on my ultra-pale complexion, the others are so workable, it doesn’t even matter! I love using the palest shade with a sponge to bake and set under my eyes, whereas the darker contour shade is fantastic for carving out those cheekbones.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Precision Liquid Eyeliner ($9)

If you’re always on the hunt for the perfect cat eye, this is sure to be the liner that helps you achieve it. Blacker than black and totally long-wearing, the tapered brush applicator means that you’re afforded ultimate control. Often a pen-liner kinda girl myself, I blanched at the thought of using something with a brush–it just screamed ‘you’re going to get eyeliner in your eye and look like a horror-movie level demon’. Just me? Okay, movin’ on.

Very surprisingly, though, this product is anything but difficult to use. The brush applicator is a good width, meaning you can tilt it to achieve a thicker line along the lash line, or a thinner one for your wing. One thing to note, though–if you’re impatient with your makeup, this may not be the one for you. As it’s quite a liquid-y formula (duh–liquid liner) it does take some time to dry, so don’t apply it as you’re rushing out the door unless you want to look like a panda.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Face Primer – Poreless ($16)

As an oily girl, there’s nothing that excites me more than the words ‘silicone primer‘, except maybe ‘silicone primer that doesn’t break me out’. It’s a double-edged sword if you suffer from greasy, breakout-prone skin, as silicone both mattifies and fills pores for that smooth look under your foundation. Unfortunately, with ‘pore-filling’ usually comes pimples, pimples and more pimples. Thus, it’s pretty safe to say this product is a modern miracle for the price point.

Create that flawless base for your makeup by spreading this all over your skin, letting it cool and sink into your pores without fear. It doesn’t feel thick, but rather absorbs well with just a hint of tackiness. It definitely lives up to its claims–pores are practically unnoticeable, fine lines are blurred and makeup stays all day long. Pop this one into your routine and stress less about your face melting off in the impending summer heat! There’s also a version for dry skin, the Face Primer – Hydrating, which works just as well at prolonging the wear of your makeup.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Day to Night Lipstick Duo ($12)

It’s odd to think of cheaper brands having mind-blowingly innovative ideas, yet e.l.f. have managed to knock this out of the park with a few of their beloved products. One of my handbag essentials, especially for long days where I can’t make it home, is the e.l.f. Day to Night Lipstick Duo. This double-ended lippie features two variations on the same colour palette, giving you double the options in the one handy tube.

The formula is rich, creamy and applies satin–it’s the perfect blend of matte and glossy that is bound to work on almost anyone. Take your pick of pinks, nudes, berries or reds that will help you transition from day to night with ease. My favourite is the ‘Need It Nudes‘, which features a lighter shade that’s perfect for work, and a darker brown-nude that will beautifully complement your evening look.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Baked Highlighter ($12)

Highlighter is every girl’s radiant dream–dust a little on your cheekbones for that enviably shimmery, stardust-like glow. Although you’ll have to prise my BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector from my cold, dead hands (that stuff is literal magic), I’m always up for trying newbies to mix things up a bit. Enter the e.l.f. Baked Highlighter.

At only $12, this is the biggest steal in e.l.f.’s whole collection. Upon whipping out my fan brush and dipping it into the pearlescent powder, I was immediately floored. Just like any high-end highlighter, this product is pigmented yet blendable, doesn’t feel chalky, and resists accentuating any texture on my cheeks (of which I have a fair bit). The result is a gorgeous, luminous glow with small flecks of glitter. If you’re looking for a cheap alternative to your ride-or-die, this is likely the one.

We hope this guide to our favourite e.l.f. products will help you choose from the extensive range–and if you can’t make a selection, just remember that it won’t set you back too much to buy it all! At no more than $16 a pop, this stuff is the real deal. It’s just begging for you to try it out!

Plus, throughout the month of November, e.l.f. is taking the coveted position of our RY Brand of the Month. You can claim 10% off the entire range, so if you’re looking to stock up, now is definitely the time! Check out our offers page for more information.