Saturday, December 11, 2010

Review: ELF Studo Tinted Moisturizer

ELF recently came out with a new Tinted Moisturizer in their Studio line. When seeing the packaging, I thought it looked exactly like Smashbox's Tinted Moisturizer. But seeing it now, I think Smashbox's more stubby. I can't comment on the quality of that one versus this because I have not used the other one. I am a fan of tinted moisturizer, or so I am a fan of the skin matching makeup like the Revlon and the Almay one, they offer natural coverage on days you don't need a lot and feel comfortable on. I thought this ELF one would perform a similar way. This product is described as a "lightweight and hydrating formula, breathable and provides anti-aging sun protection with UVA/UVB SPF 20. Achieve even skin tone and naturally radiant skin with this moisturizing sheer tint of color. The smooth formula enhances your complexion with the nourishing key ingredients Aloe, Cucumber and Vitamins A, C & E."

The packaging is similar to that of the Almay/Revlon skin matching products. However the ELF comes with 20ml, while the other has 30ml. And that brings me to my first issue with this product, it may say 20ml on the bottle but I have my suspicions about whether you actually get that much. My tube feels 1/3 filled when you shake it. I know this product is only $3, but still I expected something more. Also, the back of the tube is just black with nothing on it at all, it would of been good if they added ingredients on the back (list does come on the box however).

This product comes in 7 shades, I bought the lightest one in "Porcelain". On the package it states this colour is for "very fair skin tones with yellow undertones". I would say this would definitely not suit very fair skintones, this stuff is very yellow and not very light at all. If you have strong yellow undertones, this might work for you, if you are neutral or cool, definitely will not. The next shade up is much darker, so it's a no go for me.

The coverage on this is very light, and it has a sheen when first applies (as seen in my terribly focused picture above), but it does try semi-matte. I would use a powder to set this for sure. The consistency is like a mousse. I find this product very hard to blend. The worst part of this product for me is the wretched smell! This smells of sunscreen, very strongly of it. I have a hard time keeping this on my face, every time I used this, I wanted to take it off immediately. Also, it separates very easily, you can see that in the little window on the tube. You have to shake it up well, and when you do shake it, it doesn't feel like there is anything in the tube. I think it's obvious I do not like this product, I would be curious to read what others think, there hasn't been much talk about this product yet since it is fairly new.

Have you tried the ELF Studio tinted moisturizer?

14 comments:

Miss Jayce said... Best Blogger Tips

omg i got the exact same thing!! well i checked it under the light, and its only half filled. i do believe its 20ml though as indicated. just that their packaging is bigger than the actual contents. i believe their packaging fits 30-40ml worth of stuff. =P hope you enjoy it! i think its TOOO sheer right now! gunna do more tests though =P

Junerose said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks for the review. I definitely won't be buying this. I do think though that the amount that you see in the tube is most likely 20ml as stated. I have a Smashbox Cooling Tint and a Missha BB cream that both look like they are only about 1/2 to 2/3 full brand new. I think it's just the packaging.

Alina Rodriguez said... Best Blogger Tips

I have never tried this tinted moisturizer from E.L.F. but I may try it and see how it works on me when E.L.F. is running their usual 50% off sale and such. I have strong yellow undertones in my skin so maybe the color matching may be good for me. I am interested in the other E.L.F. foundation-the Studio Flawless Finish Foundation. I wonder how that one is compared to this one?

Great Review! :)

Justine (Productrater) said... Best Blogger Tips

@MissJayce - hmm the packaging size is comparable to the Almay which is 30ml (pictured in blog post), so I am not sure about that...

@Junerose - So how much do you actually get? cause the Revlon/Almay stuff seems to be filled all the way.

@Alina - I bought the flawless foundation too, I will review that soon as well, still trying it out. Ya they always have coupon codes so it's worthwhile shopping then.

Milz said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks for the review I was thinking of getting one now I think I should skip it.

herroyalbleakness said... Best Blogger Tips

One lemming killed :D thanks for sharing your take on this.

Annie said... Best Blogger Tips

Have you ever tried the $1 tinted moisturizer? I don't find it that bad. It's thicker than I thought it would be but still provides decent coverage for a moisturizer. Smells citrus-y though.

Justine (Productrater) said... Best Blogger Tips

@herroyalbleakness - no problem.

@Aiyo - I have the $1 tinted moisturizer in a drawer somewhere, but haven't tried it.

Dyna said... Best Blogger Tips

hey justine thanks for this review, will you do a review comparing the regular line moisturiser and the studio one. Because I have the regular one and I love it. I had my eye on the studio one because of the sleek packaging and spf30 but if it's not even worth it, I won't buy it. Thanks

o said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks for your review!
If the lightest shade is so yellow I reckon it would not work for me.

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks for the review Justine! I think I will pass on this one! I am uber-fair (with dry skin) and have the hardest time finding inexpensive powders, foundations, and concealers that are light enough for me. Great review!!!

nicoletta said... Best Blogger Tips

Great review, i find tinted moisturisers very hit and miss. I like them to blend effortlously, leave a nice healthy sheen and even out my skin. Unfortunately this seems to do none of the above ha.
I do like ELF in general and the prices are fab when they get it right.
I like to read reviews that tell you when something is a bit Bleuggh that way we don't waste money trying it out ha xx

Maryjane said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks for the tip. It's always nice to know someones honest opinion about a product versus what the manufacturer has to say about it.

Maryjane xoxo

Cydonian said... Best Blogger Tips

I almost got this and I'm glad I didn't... I read elsewhere that said about how much product you get. Think I'm gonna pass and stick with my CoverGirl TM :)