FIRST IMPRESSION: e.l.f liglosses

I recently purchased two lipglosses from e.l.f cosmetics. I have one Hypershine Lipgloss and one Liquid Lipstick. So here, I will discuss my first impressions of these two products! 

Liquid Lipstick in "Perfect Pink"

Hypershine Gloss in "Fairy"

I really enjoy the packaging of each of these lipglosses. I think the tube looks sleek, and it definitely isn't bulky. I also love when packaging allows me to see the actual color of the product. I think these go pretty on par with what to expect from drugstore looks, but I do think they feel quite sturdy. I don't think they will be breaking on me any time soon!

"Fairy" on top & "Perfect Pink" on bottom

As soon as I swatched the Hypershine Gloss, I was smitten. It's so shiny! Usually when I buy products that make a claim to be extremely glossy or shiny, I disregard it. Lipgloss is lipgloss, right? Not exactly. This was definitely shiny! Now, the swatch on my hand does tend to make this lipgloss look pretty pigmented, but it went on my lips rather sheer. But, it's a lipgloss, not a lipstick, so I don't find that to be a problem. If I want a shiny color, I can put this over a lipstick and get the desired affect. My lips looked insanely glossy, and it helped created a "perfect pout."

As for the Liquid Lipstick, I was also impressed with this product! You can see from the swatch it is significantly pinker than "Fairy" and not quite as shiny. Now, I was under the impression that it would go on and look like a lipstick, but I think the photo of the swatch does reflect the fact that it still is a gloss. It's not quite as shiny as "Fairy," but it still has a gorgeous sheen to it. There also isn't any glitter in the formula, so it's just a shine you're putting on your lips, not an explosion of glitter. On the lips, the color transfers well. It does sheer out a bit, but it definitely coats your lips and gives a subtle, yet beautiful color.

Each of these products would be ideal for every day wear. They're perfect glosses! Each of them retail for $1.00! You can't beat that!

Luscious Liquid Lipstick Applicator

Hypershine Gloss Applicator

The applicators on these two products are very different. While each product features a standard twist-up style, the actual applicator varies. The liquid lipstick has a doe foot applicator. When you twist the product up, it starts to come out in little "bubbles." By bubbles, I mean that it starts to come out in various small, circular places. I find that this applicator is very easy to work with, and enhances the ease of use for this product. It's a thick and chubby applicator. It covers my lips in one swipe, and I don't really have to work with the product. It's very easy and carefree. I can just swipe this on my lips and go! It's very fast and (at the risk of sounding redundant) very easy!

The Hypershine Gloss features the standard brush tip applicator. I know I should have realized this in the store (since the cap is clear and everything), but I didn't! I was extremely disappointed since I opened this product second. I really enjoyed the fat doe foot applicator of the other, and brush applicators just just too tedious for me. I know, I know...I'm lazy. But, whatever! I have my preferences! Luckily, I enjoyed the color a lot and am willing to sacrifice not having the chubby doe foot applicator, and suffer through brush application for the pretty shine!

Well, those are my first impressions for the e.l.f. lip products! I enjoyed them right off the bat, and am hoping the staying power will surprise me, too. Guess we'll have to wait and see! ;)

Have you tried any e.l.f. products that have really impressed you lately? 

REVIEW: CoverGirl Clean Foundation Oil Control Formula

"With our Clean Oil Control Makeup, you'll get all the shine control you want, without the drying coverage you don't. Our Clean foundation is made with ultra-light oil-absorbers that control oil, plus gentle conditioners that help prevent dryness." -CoverGirl website

Let me just start off by saying WOW. This five-dollar drug store foundation has become a contender for my favorite foundation of all time! I'm amazed that five dollars can buy such a great foundation, but it sure can. Let me also say that I have not tried any of the other formulations, just strictly the one for oil control. Now, let's dive in.

I find the "blendability" (is that a word? let's pretend it is) absolutely incredible. I love that I can put this on my face, and spread it out so easily and quickly. I don't even need to worry about where I put it, because I can blend it out. It really does even out my skin tone, and it does it so simply. It isn't too runny, and it isn't too thick. I find that some foundations (ie, Tarte's Amazonian Clay Waterproof foundation) can come off too thick and just sit on my skin, while others I've tried over the years are too watery and don't provide adequate coverage. This foundation can blend seamlessly into my skin without a problem. 

The color of this foundation is also above average for me. Usually I have to just accept the fact that I will never find a foundation from the drugstore that will suit my skin tone, but this is not the case. I'm sure I just got insanely lucky, but I'm convinced it was destiny. Shade number 520 Creamy Natural was basically formulated just for me. 

Now down to the nitty-gritty. Does this foundation really control oil? I'm going to go with a decisive and confident YES. I honestly don't even remember which foundation I was using before I went out and bought this one, but I remember being shocked by how much better my skin looked throughout the day. I'm not saying that I can confidently go without a primer or a setting powder, but I definitely do think it helps keep my oil under control. Keep in mind, though, that I do have horribly oily skin. If yours is just slightly oily, you may be able to get away without a primer. I like that this foundation does seem to keep oil at bay, but I do have a problem with some other performance claims CoverGirl associates with this foundation...

I copy and pasted a statement about this foundation from the CoverGirl website at the top of this review. In that statement, the claim that moisturizers help keep dryness in check is made. Do I firmly believe that there is moisturizers in my bottle of foundation? No. I am exceptionally dry on my chin, and this foundation is meant for oil control, which means my dry areas are highlighted. Unless I apply this directly over a hefty amount of moisturizer, I'm going to only accentuate my dry patches and look like a fool. So, I do not think it is right for them to claim that it will moisturize any dry areas. 

Other than the moisturizing claim, I have no complaints about this product. It blends well, it matches my skin tone, it's the perfect consistency, it controls my oil production, and looks great all day. Oh, and you definitely can't beat the price! I absolutely love and recommend this product to anyone with oily skin, especially if you are on a budget! 



Have you tried this foundation? Tell me your thoughts on it in a comment :)