2017 Update: When we released Top 25. Best e.l.f. Products Worth Buying, we were so happy to see how many people enjoyed it. Since our original post in July 2016, e.l.f. Cosmetics has released a huge selection of new products. We’ve added 15 of the best e.l.f. products – a mega list of 40 items in total. Check out our new picks!
If you’re a makeup junkie like me, you know that this obsession can get quite expensive. Don’t get me wrong – I do enjoy the occasional beauty splurge. But I just can’t rationalize spending $25.00 on a tube of lipstick at Sephora on a regular basis. Fortunately, one of my favorite brands happens to be one of the most affordable cosmetic brands out there.
I discovered e.l.f. Cosmetics about five or six years ago by coincidence. E.l.f. stands for eyes, lips, face – they do a bit of everything. Their online inventory was pretty impressive, and new customers get free shipping on their first orders. The low prices had me a little skeptical…could a decent concealer really be cheaper than a cup of coffee at Starbucks?
But, I figured “Why not?” and gave them a shot. Let’s just say it was love at first brush stroke. Now I’ve got an e.l.f. collection that consists of about 100 different products. I use many of the products in this post on a daily basis, and I can’t get enough of them. Before we dive into their must-have items, I’ll do a quick overview of e.l.f. Cosmetics:
- They are a 100% cruelty-free and vegan brand.
- Their products start at only $1.00, and the most expensive item on my list is a whopping $6.00.
- Any order over $35.00 qualifies for free shipping.
- They are constantly running promotional offers – free gifts with a purchase, free shipping with no minimum purchase, buy one get one 50% off, and much more.
If you were wondering if e.l.f cosmetics were ‘good’ or not, I think the list speaks for its self – they sure tick all of my boxes.
My Top 40 Best e.l.f. Products:
So without further ado, let’s take a look at my personal favorites from e.l.f. Cosmetics in this expansive top 40 best e.l.f. products list – we’ll do a review table first including all my top picks then I’ll break down the categories of eye, lip, and face makeup and e.l.f. tools down into more detail.
| ELF Cosmetics | Product Image | Review | Price | Get it Here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Brow & Lash Mascara |  | Dodge filling in your brows each day and keep your lashes tame all day. | $ | |
| Expert Liquid Eyeliner |  | Holy grail of liquid eyeliners. Strong pigment and thin brush for a perfect look. | $ (Hot buy) | |
| Cream Eyeliner |  | This best-seller gives department store cream liners a run for their money. Great buy. | $$ | |
| Eyebrow Kit |  | Incredibly easy to use eyebrow kit for beginners and pros alike. | $ | |
| Eyebrow Lifter & Filler |  | Easy to use combination brow product - great value buy. | $$ | |
| Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow |  | Highly-pigmented cream eyeshadow that lasts all day - with a hint of shimmer. | $ | |
| Lip Exfoliator |  | Natural ingredient lip exfoliator that removes all the dead skin on your lips - another holy grail product. | $$ | |
| Lip Liner & Blending Brush |  | This brush helps make any lip color look flawless. This duo is an absolute steal. | $$ (Great value) | |
| Lip Definer & Shaper |  | Nifty tool to naturally make your lips look fuller. | $$ | |
| Lip Kiss Balm |  | Lip moisturization with a hint of color. An easy to apply natural look in comparison to lipsticks. | $$ | |
| Matte Lip Color |  | Easy to apply, can line & fill in one due to the precise tip, and never leaves your lips looking dry like some matte products. | $ | |
| Poreless Primer |  | Silky smooth primer that's a life saver if you have oily skin. Minimizes poors with a super light feel. | $$ | |
| Shimmering Facial Whip |  | Another holy grail product, this whip adds the perfect hint of color and shimmer to your look. | $ | |
| Beautifully Bare Blush |  | This product has great buildability for any look, whether you want a bold or subtle glow. | $$ | |
| Studio Blush |  | Super affordable blush with an incredibly silky feel. | $$ | |
| All Over Cover Stick |  | I constantly repurchase this product - it's an amazingly effective concealer stick for any purpose. | $$ | |
| Cover Everything concealer |  | Great value concealer - I love it in corrective yellow. This is a solid long lasting product. | $ | |
| Essential Acane Fighting Spot Gel |  | AKA the Zit Zapper! Greatly reduces the redness and size of pimples/acne quickly. | $$ | |
| Studio Kabuki Face Brush |  | Ultra soft bristles for applying facial powders without a chalky finish. | $$ | |
| Contouring Kabuki Brush |  | Slightly more precise than the original, this is great for blush, bronzer and more. | $$ | |
| Angled Blush Brush |  | Apply your blush perfectly every time - for just a few dollars. Also great for sculpting and contouring. | $ | |
| Eyelash & Brow Wand |  | Essential if you want perfect eyelashes every time. Removes clumps and gives a full and flawless look. | $ (Super hot buy) | |
| Essential Concealer Brush |  | Perfect for covering up blemishes, and also applying bold lipsticks. I have one for each. | $$ | |
| Slant Tweezers |  | This makes plucking your eyebrows bearable for a fraction of the price of other tweezers. | $ (Must have) | |
| Essential Shine Eraser |  | Bargain item ideal for oily skin - saving grace for when you start to look shiny. | $$ |
Best e.l.f. Eye Makeup
**NEW** Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette ($10) – The rose gold makeup trend is here to stay, and this bestselling e.l.f. palette fits in perfectly. It has a range of pinks and nudes that it make it so easy to create any look. I’m a huge fan of the lighter mattes and shimmers, and the darker hues are great for lining. The colors are very pigmented and easily blendable. You couldn’t ask for more from this rose gold palette.
**NEW** Intense Ink Eyeliner ($3) – I raved about the Expert Liquid Liner before, and this newer eyeliner is equally fantastic. This pen-style eyeliner features a tapered felt tip that makes is easy to create both thick and thin lines. The pigmentation is super impressive, too. However, my favorite thing about this is that it dries super fast. Smudging perfectly applied eyeliner is such a pain, and that’s never a problem with this product.
**NEW** e.l.f. 3-in-1 Mascara ($3) – If you want a mascara that does it all, then this e.l.f. option is right for you. It offers length, volume, and definition all at once. I like the uniquely shaped silicone brush. It’s pretty different from other drugstore-priced options – in a great way. It also doesn’t budge or flake once it dries, so make sure you have a strong makeup remover on hand!
**NEW** Mad For Matte Eyeshadow Palette 1 ($10) – Mad For Matte is a palette full of classic everyday hues. Five colors range from light cream to dark brown, and the other five shades are sultry and smokey. The matte finish really pops, and the wide selection of colors equal endless looks. If you need a classic go-to matte palette, I absolutely recommend the original Mad For Matte.
**NEW** Mad For Matte Eyeshadow Palette 2 ($10) – Mad For Matte 2 became a budget-friendly cult classic shortly after it’s launch. Like the first pigmented palette, it features ten matte shades. However, they go far beyond classic nudes. You’ll find bright purple, burnt orange, olive green, jet black, and so many more shades. The first half of the palette features more muted colors, so you can truly do anything with this gem.
Clear Brow And Lash Mascara ($2) – If you’re not a fan of filling in your brows, then this product is perfect for you. I use this when I don’t feel like going through the daunting routine of applying eyebrow makeup. This transparent gel keeps my brows tame and neat throughout the entire day.
Expert Liquid Eyeliner ($2) – This liquid eyeliner is the holy grail of eyeliners. I prefer the Jet Black over any other drugstore brand I’ve tried. It’s highly pigmented and the brush is thin, so it’s easy to create the perfect winged look. It’s certainly a long lasting product, but I suggest using it with the e.l.f Eye Primer and Liner Sealer for maximum wear. Definitely near the top of the best e.l.f. products.
Cream Eyeliner ($3) – This e.l.f. best-seller gives department store cream liners a run for their money. The cream eyeliner comes with a small application brush that allows you to flawlessly apply the rich formula. For an everyday look, e.l.f. offers the popular shades Black and Coffee. For a bold and bright look, try out Punk Purple, Teal Tease, and Plum Purple.
Eyebrow Kit ($3)- If you’re new to applying eyebrow makeup, this is an excellent starter kit. It’s also great for experienced makeup mavens, of course, but it’s incredibly easy to use. The kit features a powder and wax duo, and it comes with a small double-ended brush. The wax glides on easily and holds the powder perfectly in place.
Eyebrow Lifter And Filler ($3) – The Lifter side of this pencil pairs perfectly with the Eyebrow Kit. You can instantly give your eyebrows a subtle arch while also giving them a neat, even look. The Filler side is ideal for lightly filling in your brows for a natural look. However, I do recommend using a cotton swab to blend in the Filler side. Though the product is a light ivory hue, it stands out a bit if you don’t blend it.
Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow ($3) – These highly-pigmented cream eyeshadows last all day and offer a very subtle hint of shimmer. They are perfect for an everyday look or a glamorous vibe. There are five neutral tan/nude hues to choose from along with shades purple, pink, blue and white. I suggest using the Blending Eye Brush for even application of this stellar eyeshadow.
Best e.l.f. Lip Makeup
**NEW** Moisturizing Lipstick ($3) – It took me awhile to try e.l.f.’s Moisturizing Lipstick; I’m 100% hooked on their original Matte Lip Color. However, I’ve got to say that I’m truly sold on this bestseller. The colors are rich and the texture is silky smooth. The lipstick has a satin finish with just the right amount of shine. There are 14 colors to choose from ranging from Orange Dream to Pink Minx. You’re sure to find a color that you’ll adore.
**NEW** Velvet Matte Lipstick ($3) – e.l.f. stepped up their matte lipstick game when they released their Velvet Matte Lipstick. The formula is slightly more silky than their original mattes, so it glides on smoothly. The lipstick contains vitamin E, argan oil, and other moisturizing ingredients to keep your lips hydrated. You get the best of both worlds with nourished lips and a lovely matte finish.
**NEW** Day to Night Lipstick Duo ($5) – In addition to budget beauty, I’m all about convenient beauty products. That’s why this dual-ended lipstick quickly caught my eye. One end features a subtle, more neutral color for work, lunch dates, and other daytime activities. The other end features rich, bold colors that are perfect for a night out. Each lipstick has a satin finish and is easy to apply. Usefulness doesn’t get more beautiful than this!
**NEW** Kiss It Goodbye Lip Color Remover ($3) – When I discovered this lip color remover, I was so excited. I was even more excited to find that it works on the most stubborn lip products. This color remover features a blend of oils that break down color and moisturize lips all in one. Coconut oil is typically my go-to, but keeping it in my makeup bag is a hassle. This product is perfect for on-the-go color removal.
Lip Exfoliator ($3) – This is another e.l.f. product that is on my “holy grail” list. This lip exfoliator gently removes dead skin from your lips and leaves them feeling soft and smooth. It comes in three sweet flavors and is made from natural ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil. I always use this before applying any kind of lipstick. I also apply it at night before bed and add a dab of coconut oil to my lips. This regimen is super hydrating, especially if you’re prone to dry lips.
Lip Liner & Blending Brush ($3) – I consider this duo to be an absolute steal. The “Natural” shade is an excellent match for many of nude and pink lipsticks in my personal collection. This double-ended treasure also features a flat blending brush. By using outwards brush strokes, this brush works well for making any lip color look flawless.
Lip Definer & Shaper ($3) – I use this nifty tool when I want my lips to look a bit plumper. It’s a double-ended stick – one end features a neutral pink shade to line and shape your lips. The opposite side is a transparent shimmery hue that gives your lips a full look. I usually just dab the shimmery side on my cupid’s bow when I’m wearing lip gloss or non-matte lipstick. It instantly makes my lips look naturally fuller.
Lip Kiss Balm ($2) – If you’re like me, you just don’t feel like wearing lipstick every single day. I love the Lip Kiss Balm because it moisturizes my lips while giving them a subtle hint of color. It’s perfect for days where you feel like sporting a simple, natural look. My favorite shade is Bare Kiss, as it’s just a few shades darker than my actual lip color. There are seven other shades to choose from, including user favorites like Berry Sweet and Kissing Coral.
Matte Lip Color ($3) – There are several reasons why I’m an avid fan of the Matte Lip Color. The slim pencil style design makes precise application a breeze. You can line your lips and fill them in with this single product. And unlike many other matte lipsticks I’ve tried, this product does not leave my lips looking dry. I’m partial to the shades Nearly Nude, Coral, Tea Rose, Praline, and Natural. However, this amazing lipstick comes in 17 different shades ranging from Catwalk Orange to Fuchsia.
Best e.l.f. Face Makeup & Products
**NEW** Baked Highlighter ($4) – Let’s be honest – most of us love a good highlighter, but they can often be way overpriced. I’ve only found two drugstore highlighters that are truly amazing, and e.l.f.’s Baked Highlighter is one of them. This highlighter comes in four colors, and all of them are ultra sheer and subtle. They’re perfectly shimmery without an overdone glittery look. Moonlight Pearls is my personal favorite; it goes with virtually any makeup look that I want to achieve. For just $4, I can totally see this highlighter become a cult favorite.
**NEW** Illuminating Palette ($6) – If you want to take your highlighter up a notch, the Illuminating Palette may be perfect for you. This quad palette features four
**NEW** Color Correcting Stick ($4) – Color correcting concealers are a godsend for covering up redness, dark circles, and other skin imperfects. I like these because they come in a very convenient and mess-free stick form. They make precise application a breeze. I’m personally a fan of Correct The Red, a mint green option for hiding redness and blemishes. At just $4 a pop, these are a great makeup bag staple.
**NEW** Contour Palette ($6) – Contouring can be overwhelming if you’re not experienced with it; I know that I’m still perfecting my skills. If you’re new to contouring, this affordable quad palette is right up your alley. It features four shades for brightening, sculpting, and shading. The powder is smooth and blendable, so your contour won’t look harsh. Pair it with the Contouring Brush and Highlighting Brush to achieve great results.
Poreless Face Primer ($6) – This silky smooth primer is a life saver if you have oily skin. It minimizes the look of my pores and has a super light feel. You only need to use a tiny amount to cover your face, so one bottle last for months even with daily application. It has a very subtle and pleasant scent due to the tea tree oil. I occasionally mix a dab of this primer with a heavier foundation for lighter, natural-looking coverage.
Shimmering Facial Whip ($3) – This is yet another holy grail product that I can’t get enough of. The Shimmering Facial Whip adds a subtle hint of color and shimmer to your eyes, lips, or cheeks. The three shades Pink Lemonade, Golden Peach, and Lilac Petal are excellent for a light blush or lip tint. The white Spotlight is a perfect highlighter for anywhere on your face. I use it in the corners of my eyes to give them a bright pop when I’m looking tired.
Beautifully Bare Blush ($4) – (Peach Perfection) – The buildability of this product is awesome. Whether you want a bold look or a subtle glow, you’re good to go with Beautifully Bare Blush. I apply Peach Perfection to my cheekbones and blend it in gently using my fingers. If you apply too much, it’s easy to buff it out using a bit of powder and the Kabuki brush mentioned below.
Studio Blush ($3) – This super affordable blush has an incredibly silky feel to it. Like The Beautifully Bare Blush, this product has excellent buildability. A single layer gives you a subtle hint of color, but you can easily add more for a bolder look. I personally like the shade Giddy Gold as a bronzer and Gotta Glow as a highlighter. For blush on my cheekbones, my favorite shades are Peachy Keen, Mellow Mauve, and Candid Coral.
All Over Color Stick ($1) – The All Over Color Stick is one of the first e.l.f. products that I tried, and I constantly re-purchase it. It’s essentially a very effective concealer stick. It’s great for under eye circles, red spots, you name it. I even use it as an eyeshadow primer when I run out. You can also opt for the shimmery version that is very similar to the Shimmering Facial Whip.
Cover Everything Concealer ($2) – I use this super-affordable concealer in Corrective Yellow. It’s excellent for any blueish tones you want to cover up – undereye circles, veins, and so on. It’s pretty long lasting, but I do like to sweep a bit of powder under for all-day wear. It pairs perfectly with the best-selling High Definition Undereye Setting Powder.
Acne Fighting Spot Gel With Aloe ($2) – Formerly known as the Zit Zapper, this neat little tool is great for quickly getting rid of blemishes. In my experience, it greatly reduces the redness and size of pimples in just a day or two. The roll-on applicator allows you to apply the spot gel with ultimate precision.
Best e.l.f. Tools
**NEW** Beautifully Precise Multi Blender Massager ($12) – I’ve never spent more than $8 or so on a makeup brush, so the Beautifully Precise line left me wary – boy, was I wrong. I absolutely love this brush for flawlessly applying BB cream and liquid foundation. The unique shape flows along the contours of my face, so my foundation looks totally seamless. I’ve also used it for adding highlighter to my cheekbones with ultimate precision. In my opinion, it’s definitely worth a few extra dollars.
**NEW** Beautifully Bare Lip Brush ($3) – I featured the Lip Liner and Blending Brush duo in our original post. However, this new brush has unique features that make it stand out. I noticed immediately that the tip is more finely tapered. This makes it easy to line my lips and fill in every single spot. The brush is also retractable, so it’s perfect for my makeup bag.
Kabuki Face Brush ($6) – I just bought this brush as a backup for my Contouring Kabuki Brush. The ultra soft bristles are perfect for applying all-over face powder. I use it daily to get an even application of powder without a chalky looking finish. I chose the small one due to the portability, but e.l.f. also has Kabuki brushes with longer handles.
Contouring Kabuki Brush ($6) – I got this as a Black Friday freebie during one of e.l.f.’s many amazing sales, and I am in love with it. Like the original Kabuki Face Brush, it’s perfect for flawless powder application. However, it offers a bit more precise application than the original brush, so it’s excellent for blush, bronzer, and more.
Angled Blush Brush ($4) – This brush pairs perfectly with the Studio Blush. It allows you to apply blush flawlessly. It’s also an excellent tool for easily sculpting and contouring your face using the Contour Palette or your bronzers/powders of choice.
Eyelash And Brow Wand ($1) – This brush is an essential tool if you want perfect looking eyelashes every time you don mascara. Whenever any of my lashes stick together, I lightly brush this wand through them. It removes clumps and separates my lashes without removing my mascara. The end result? My eyelashes look full and flawless. For only one dollar, this is a complete steal. One of the best e.l.f. products at the best price.
Essential Concealer Brush ($1) – This concealer brush is perfect for covering up small blemishes on your face. I use this on the occasional zit I get along with the All Over Color Stick in Apricot Beige. I actually have two of these brushes – I use one for concealer and one for bold lipsticks. When you’re donning a super dark shade such as black or plum, this tiny brush helps you pristinely apply the product.
Slant Tweezer ($1) – I’ve tried other tweezers that cost ten times as much as these, but nothing compares to the Slant Tweezer. They’re made from stainless steel and have an ultra precise tip. No one loves plucking their eyebrows, but this tool definitely makes it much easier.
Essential Shine Eraser ($1) – If you have oily skin, this bargain item is ideal for you. I keep these blotting papers in my makeup bag, and they instantly soak up excess oil. They contain green tea extract and take mere seconds to use. I definitely consider them a saving grace when I’m starting to look a little too shiny.
The Verdict: TOP 40 Best e.l.f. Products Top List
With this comprehensive list of the best e.l.f. products worth buying to guide you can go on a guilt-free shopping spree on e.l.f.’s website. Just to put the amazing savings into perspective, this entire list of 40 items totals less than a few items at the department store. If you have any e.l.f. cosmetic favorites or feedback, don’t hesitate to share your opinion below!
Amy Baum
Check out our other sections and my social profiles :)!
Latest posts by Amy Baum (see all)
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Mad For Matte Holy Smokes Palette Review - August 23, 2017
- Best Sunglasses Under $50: 10 Cheap Glasses For Women - August 4, 2017
- 7 Ways To Do Your Nails: DIY & Professional Manicures - July 25, 2017
Good job amy!!
Hi Amy, saw your reddit post and came to say the blog is great and thanks for compiling a list like this one for us.
Absolutely! Thank you so much for the feedback. <3