e.l.f HD Mattifying Cream Foundation
Bought this yet again during the Black Friday sitewide 50% sale in 2013 and got to it in December when I visited my elder sister in Las Vegas.
There were mixed reviews about it but since it was on 50% which is US$3 with some tax for shipping to Nevada and free shipping, I told myself it is not a whole lot of money wasted if it does not work out for me..
Similar to NARS packaging, it is in a sleek matte plastic packaging.
In the thick packaging comes with a decent size mirror, the product and a flat circular sponge disc for application.
I bought it in the shade 'Sand' which was a pretty good match for my NC20-25 skin tone.
Well, this product is not oil-free and definitely not mattifying as it claims. I tried it in both climates, the dry desert climate of Las Vegas and the humid climate of Singapore and my review is pretty much similar. I do like the creamy texture of this cream foundation which blends like a dream. It is almost effortless to blend this creamy foundation out to a flawless finish, similar to that of other HD cosmetics that I have tried. I really love how it looks on my skin with a dewy finish but as it is totally no oil-free, extra efforts have to be put in to prevent my face from looking like an oil-slick in less than 4 hours!
A mattifying oil control primer has to be worn prior the application and upon application, I will have to blot any excess oil or product off my face and a mattifying face powder has to be used to set the foundation and finally a mattifying facial makeup setting spray has to be used to keep all the oils at bay.
If only the claims for oil free and mattifying is true because I really like the finish of this foundation!
As for now, I will only wear it for special occasions.
For those with dry to combi skin, you will probably enjoy this product. But for those with a similar skin type like mine, unless you are prepared to combat those oils, my personal recommendation is that you should save the $.