Elf knows what it's doing when it comes to giving us the products we want at a reasonable price. But in amongst the cult primers, highlighters and blusher the brand hasn't unleashed a new foundation in over seven years.
We're guessing it's because they're serious about bringing the competition each time they release a new launch, and foundations are notoriously difficult to pitch right. As the base of all the rest of our glam, it literally sets the scene and can make or break a makeup look. Add in precise undertones, staying power and enough coverage to even everything out without looking caked and it's a tricky equation to get right. But adding to its existing complexion (which includes a viral concealer and CC cream), the brand has finally thrown its hat back in the ring with the Soft Glam Satin Foundation. The latest squad member, which is available in 36 shades, is designed with a long-wearing, medium-to-buildable coverage and a drop of hydrating hibiscus complex to keep it breathable.
Obviously we had to try it. So, here's what happened when five team members did…
The product:
Shade: 24
This blends into skin really well and, despite feeling a little thick when I first applied it on the back of my hand, it's very customisable. You can dot a teensy amount on for a no makeup makeup look, or build it up for more coverage. My shade (24) fit my summer skin tone perfectly. It gave glow, but not too much, and it stayed put pretty well on a very hot day. For £8 I'm really impressed.
Rating: 7.5/10
Shade: 45
As someone with acne-prone, sensitive skin that's also on the drier side, I’m constantly looking for a lighter foundation that will hydrate my skin, and elf has done exactly that – at a bargain price.
The foundation glided onto my skin like butter, blended out beautifully and felt weightless on my face. I was a bit worried that my other makeup products wouldn't agree with it but I didn't experience any lifting or blending issues. It can definitely be built up from medium coverage to a fuller coverage look if that's what you're after. The satin finish is perfect for summertime and gives me such a beautiful natural glow. There was a little bit of transfer as it is a dewy satin finish, but nothing that a setting spray and gripping primer won't fix. It will definitely be staying in my makeup bag from now on.
Rating: 8/10
Shade: 21
I'm hard to impress when it comes to foundations as an acne-prone girly who likes to cover her blemishes, but doesn't want anything too 'flat' matte, but this base just earned a front spot on my vanity. For a drugstore formula the shade match was *chefs kiss*, and it applied super smoothly with little to no buffing out required (it didn't leave those pesky brush strokes you sometimes get with a more full-coverage foundation). Wear-wise, it's lasted me the whole day during a heatwave, so, really, I have no complaints.
Rating: 10/10
Shade: 41
As someone who tends to opt for at least a little foundation most days, I'm always on the hunt for a good formula. In my books, that tends to be a lightweight, more natural finish foundation that means my skin looks like me, just on a great skin day.
On opening e.l.f.'s Soft Glam Satin foundation, the first thing I noticed was that it felt a little thicker in texture than I'm used to, so it required more blending out, though once on I was impressed with how well it evened out my skin tone. As someone with olive undertones, it can be hard to get a decent match, but I loved the soft glow the shade Tan Neutral (41) gave me. Though I did find it sat a little heavier on my skin, this was easy enough to remedy by simply applying less, with a little bit going a long way in terms of coverage. Overall, the formula wore well through the day and while it's not taking the top spot in my makeup bag just yet, with the incredibly reasonable £8 price point in mind, I'm blown away!
Rating: 8/10
Shade: 20
I'm a firm believer that quality makeup shouldn't come with a premium price tag, and Elf is one of the few brands that managed to prove my point times and time again. Naturally, when their latest launch in form of a medium coverage foundation landed on my desk, I was intrigued. Right of the bat, I was impressed with the coverage, which was easily buildable and easy to blend. There also wasn't any separation when I layered my blush, bronzer and highlighter over the top either. However, I still found that the formula wasn't hydrating enough for my dry skin. That said, after having another go at it with a hydrating primer, it actually worked out well. Overall, I'd say that this product is definitely worth checking out if your skin is on the more oily/combination side, especially if you're someone who's on the lookout for a medium coverage foundation.
Rating: 6.5/10
For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
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