We Tried $264 Of e.l.f. Cosmetics Products & Here Are Our Honest Thoughts
e.l.f. Cosmetics has come a long way as a brand. As a pioneer in affordable beauty, it has always been a trusted training ground for people who wanted to experiment with makeup without breaking the bank. Many of us still remember the days of blush sticks and eye shadow palettes you could grab for under five dollars. Somewhere along the way, the brand has evolved from our go-to for cheap makeup in a pinch to a well-respected source for products that offer impressive quality for the price tag.
Just look up e.l.f. on TikTok and you will be inundated with effusive praise for the brand's 'dupes', which provide staggeringly similar versions of mega-popular makeup products for a fraction of the cost. Some recent viral bangers include the Halo Glow Liquid Filter (the more affordable twin to Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter) and the Glow Reviver Lip Oil, which gives Dior's $65 version a run for its money at a mere $18. Ahead, our editors have tested the brand's buzziest recent makeup and skincare drops, along with longtime favourites, to see which of them are deserving of a spot in your beauty bag.
At Refinery29, we're here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that looked at the iconic (and expensive) Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter and said, "Game on, pal." Not only does this give that dewy, soft, "barely there" finish, but it's designed to hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid, helping improve your moisture barrier for longterm glowiness, too. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when your schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version. E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine in the "Ecstatic" shade, which reviewers say captures the some magic as "Black Honey," the $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique that's blowing up on TikTok at a fraction of the price. 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A classic herringbone necklace so close in style to the Tiffany HardWear version that you might blink and mistake it for the real thing (imagine being able to drop $13,000 human dollars on a necklace though, MY STARS). A pair of ~dreamlux~ leggings made with an oh-so-buttery soft material reviewers compare to Lululemon's Align ... but WAY cheaper. If you're looking for a reliably squatproof, comfy, compressive legging, look no further than these. A pair of slingback heels you'll love for the Chanel vibes and love even *more* for the affordable price tag and surprising comfort. Reviewers mention how comfortable these are compared to typical slingback straps, with no gnarly "break in" period typical of the style. A pair of oversize square sunglasses giving such ~designer~ vibes that passerby might mistake you for an incognito celebrity. Reviewers mention that these have the same look as Bvlgari, Quay, and Bottega versions that cost up to $400 👀. A plated, jewel-embedded ring you can buy yourself as a little treat if the $1,250 Cartier Love Ring is decidedly out of your budget. Dare I say this version is ... prettier than the designer one? E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Lip Mask for anyone who wants to go TURBO on locking in enough moisture for the perfect pout, but winces at Laneige princes. This silky, hyaluronic acid-infused formula is designed not to stick, so it plays nice with other lip products at all times of the day. Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots, a hydrocolloid sticker comparable to the $$ "Mighty Patches" that you can apply straight onto open zits to help drain them and reduce redness overnight. Personally *love* to see a problem magically disappear while I'm snoozing. An oversize, lightweight knit button-up cardigan with a vibe reviewers compare to the beloved Jenni Kayne "Cocoon" cardigan. 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A Denman hair brush designed with evenly-spaced bristles to detangle and shape your curls at the same time, cutting your styling time in half. Sounds like heaven, huh? Anything to cut down on the time that your arm has to be sore from brushing. A Glow Recipe toner, which contains a mixture of hyaluronic acid and tea tree extract to moisturize your skin and help even texture. It'll also give you an effortlessly glowy look so you can shine bright like a diamond always. Added bonus, it smells like watermelon! First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant that'll ever so gently help to eliminate any rough or bumpy skin that you've been trying to get rid of. People with keratosis pilaris are raving about this product and its smoothing powers. A facial ice roller you can throw in the fridge or freezer then use it to de-puff your puffy morning eyes. It also can help relieve migraines so, aha, win-win situation baby, am I right? 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