Testing out the e.l.f. products with the most hype

In a time where some beauty brands seem to be flailing, struggling or just shutting down all together, is, dare I say, thriving?!

They’ve launched several products in the last year or so that have achieved TikTok fame and cult status. Of course I had to try them out, so here’s my take on whether these elf products are worth the hype.

Seemingly meant to rival the $39.50 , this $14 full coverage comes in 20 shades, vs. the measly 12 It Cosmetics offers.

I love how they’ve broken the shades into warm, neutral and cool undertones, making it easy to find your match. I was surprised at how perfectly Fair 140 W matched me.

Camo CC Cream Breakdown

• $14
• SPF 30
• Best for oily skin
• Full coverage so not technically a CC cream
• Bonus ingredients like niacinamide, anti-aging peptides and collagen
• Great shade range 
• Settles into pores over time on dry skin like mine

Worth the hype?

Yes, but only on normal to oily skin types. My dry skin kinda looks like a nightmare with this.

This was launched to pair with elf’s Camo concealer products and if it were a teardrop shape, it would the closest material match to the I’ve used.

Camo Concealer Sponge Breakdown

• $5
• Becomes an oddly-long shape when wet that is a little awkward to hold
• Marshmallowy soft so great for under eye blending
• Ivory, so will stain easily

Worth the hype?

Yes. It’s a great $5 that does a lovely job at blending liquids and creams.

I couldn’t avoid this ; it was everywhere! As with most concealers, only use what you need. Any excess of product in the under eye area will crease with time.

Hydrating Camo Concealer Breakdown

• $6
• Great coverage 
• Minimal creasing when properly applied and set
• High pigment load
• Not particularly hydrating, despite name 

Worth the hype?

Yes. For a full coverage drugstore , this is pretty excellent.

It seems impossible for a $3 eyeshadow palette to be anything but mediocre. While I don’t consider the elf Bite Size palettes to be anything earth-shattering, I was pleasantly surprised!

Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palette Breakdown

• $3
• Nice shade selections overal and per palette
• Shimmer shades have great pigment
• Matte shades a bit pigment poor
• Blends easily with minimal fallout
• Shimmers seem to apply best with finger

Worth the hype?

For $3, sure, but if you have other palettes you like, you don’t need . It’s not super pigmented so whoever said that, you could do better.

I don’t agree with the name, as we need to stop trying to achieve the impossible ideal of “poreless” but this primer balm is super popular.

Poreless Primer Putty Breakdown

• $8
• No pilling or rolling on the skin
• Easy to apply and blend
• No scent
• Feels hydating

Worth the hype?

No. I didn’t feel that minimized pores or kept my makeup on any longer. I still think the original still minimizes pores and fine lines best. They are, after all, the “primer authority.”

Ride or Die Lip Balm

I feel like this ultra-thick lip balm is a $5 version of the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask. It comes in 7 shades/flavors and contains simple, tried-and-true hydrators like jojoba and castor oil.

Ride or Die Lip Balm Breakdown

• $5
• Nice thick formula for overnight wear.
• Tough Cookie shade makes a pretty nude lip
• Cheeky Cherry scent is absolutely rank and should be removed

Worth the hype?

Yes. is the best drugstore lip balm I’ve found.