Topic: Blush/Blushers
This is a two part series of e.l.f.'s (eyes, lips, face) new Studio Line. When it was first released, they billed the items as replacements for more costly versions. I've had experiences with e.l.f. in the past and most have been unfavorable. While their eyeshadow brushes are fantastic, I've found all their other brushes scratchy, their eyeshadows unpigmented and their blushes powdery. It was only after hearing lots of chatter about their new line did I decide to give them another chance. I'd heard that their Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder Duo was meant to be a dupe in quality and design for NARS items. Being a huge fan of NARS, I had to try it out. Here is a standard sized Nars blush (Taos) compared to the e.l.f. item:
Packaging: All NARS powders have a hard, rubbery shell that feels like buttah in the hands. Conversely, the e.l.f. feels like a cheaply made plastic toy. The size is comparable, however to the NARS Orgasm/Laguna duo.
Both companies have large mirrors inside, something some companies, *coughMACcough* seem to forget that we need.
Texture and Pigmentation: NARS consistently wins awards because of the pigmentation and color range of their blushers. With shades that compliment the fairest and darkest among us, users have many options to choose from. Currently, e.l.f. just has this one color option in its Studio Line. While the e.l.f. is more powdery and less pigmented, it DOES do a pretty good job, but does not last as long as the NARS and requires reapplication after a few hours.
The above picture was taken in the late afternoon, in natural light - as you can see, both sides of the e.l.f. duo show up beautifully. As great at NARS? No way, but still pretty good.
Price: NARS single blushers are $25 for 4.8g and their duos are $37 for 9.9g. The e.l.f. duo was only $3 for 4g. Because of the price, I'm willing to cut e.l.f. some slack - fillers aren't nearly as costly as color and so it stands to reason that it is more powdery than NARS.
At the end of the day, I can't say that e.l.f. is an exact dupe of NARS - it isn't something that can be purchased instead of the original. I can say that its a pretty good product, worthy of exploration. For $3, its something you can throw in the car, a desk or gym bag and not be too heartbroken about if it cracks. For the price, it make a great gift for someone new to makeup or to a makeup junkie who just needs a quick fix. While I won't be buying backups of this one, if e.l.f. ever releases this in new shades, I'll be sure to purchase.
Stay tuned for Part II of e.l.f. Studio tomorrow!
