Recently I broke down and bought the Too Faced Sweet Peach Eye Shadow Palette. I had been going back and forth on whether to purchase it or not as it is quite pricey ($49) and has had a slew of mixed reviews. I went looking for a smaller palette with similar colors and despite being spring, I just couldn't find any with peach and pinks that I wanted. So, knowing I had a coupon, I went ahead and bit the bullet. Luckily, for me, Ulta almost always has some deal where you get a gift with purchase and just my luck it was a travel size of the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara that is my absolutely favorite!
I have tried this palette a couple of times now. Here are my thoughts:
1. It has absolutely beautiful colors.
2. It does NOT work well without an eyeshadow primer.
3. If you do not use a shadow primer, the color instantly fades and you are left with practically nothing in a few hours, especially if you use the lighter shades.
4. I use the NYX white eyeshadow base. With this primer the colors of this palette pop in a gorgeous way. They blend really well with this primer and I am finally getting a chance to explore accents with the darker colors in the palette.
5. There seem to be a lot of shimmers, but really there aren't. There are a couple shadows that are extremely glittery, but the other non-matte colors are just a tad bit of shimmer; almost still matte.
6. IT SMELLS LIKE PEACHES!
The bottom line is if you are looking for colors that are in this palette, use a good eyeshadow primer, and can afford the price tag, I highly suggest it. If you don't think you will use all of the colors, don't bother. I am definitely enjoying this palette, but the range of colors was exactly what I was looking for. It smells heavenly and looks gorgeous on. Just use a primer!!
I was sort of a late bloomer when it comes to makeup, fashion, and beauty in general. Maybe it's the fact that I grew up in the 90's grunge era when flannels and Birkenstocks were kings. (Which, to be honest, was a hell of a lot easier than teenagers have it with trends these days).
Makeup, especially, was not something I was way into. I am sure the fact that I was a dancer and performer and spent Friday nights and all day Saturdays in stage makeup for all four years of high school, had something to do with that. I was also never taught the proper way to apply basic makeup. I learned from those around me, and from what I had to do for dance and colorguard. Fast forward to college when it was the mid 90's and burgundy lips outlined in black were all the rage. **cringe** Then...then I turned 40.
I have spent the majority of my adult years in minimal or no makeup. Then the big 4-0 happened and I suddenly got obsessed. It all started when I wanted to learn how to do better eye shadow and started searching YouTube for tutorials. I was sick in bed one weekend and I spent HOURS on YouTube. Then I found JamBeauty89. Sweet Jessica Braun. Her face always looks flawless and her reviews of products are so honest. She's adorable and I now feel like she's my little sister, waiting anxiously for her next video. I saw a video of her talking about a line I had never heard about before, ELF Cosmetics. It's because of her that I am now obsessed with ELF.
I found that Target now carried ELF, so I went and purchased a couple of items that Jessica had talked about on her channel. Then the spiral happened. I can't even tell you how many ELF products I now own. It is by far the best inexpensive cosmetics line I have ever used. Most of their products are hits, but there are some products that are misses. The price is so cheap, though, that I never feel bad for having spent the money to try a product that turns out to be a dud. The majority of their products are truly AMAZING. (Makeup and brushes ranging from $1-$12, with the majority of products in the $3-$6 range).
The first product from ELF I would recommend is their Flawless Finish Foundation. I have had numerous compliments on my face and makeup when I wear this foundation. I have really sensitive skin and this is the first drugstore brand that I have been able to wear without breakouts or skin irritations. I usually use a beauty blender or this Beautifully Precise Multi Blender by ELF to create a blended application.
The second product from ELF I would recommend is from their skin care line: the Hydrating Bubble Mask. It's become a weekly ritual for me. It's kind of a weird sensation, tingling a bit when the bubbles start to form, but my skin never feels cleaner and softer than it does after I use this. Men and women both will love this mask. Plus, it's a fun way to spend a quiet evening at home.
It's been hard to choose the last product because I could write about dozens of their products I love, but, I will recommend their bronzer. I had the one in warm, but I used it all up and need to repurchase. I used it every single day until it was gone. It was such a subtle and gorgeous glow to the skin, making this California girl still "sun-kissed" in the fall and winter months.
Jessica started my obsession with ELF Cosmetics, which then led to my obsession with everything else she recommends. That led me to other YouTubers and other brands that I now love. Too Faced and Tarte have become favorites of mine as well.
So, if you are just starting out with this beauty thing like I was, or if you just need a change, I highly recommend ELF. It's also great if you have a teen that is just starting out their journey into the cosmetics world and wants to try different products. I also highly recommend checking out Jessica's channel. I have learned so much about beauty and products from her. If you want some other recommendations, let me know in the comments. Happy shopping! .....and sorry not sorry about your impending obsession.
