I Sampled Every Item from e.l.f. Cosmetics—These 9 Have Taken the Place of My Luxury Favorites.

      Source: Steph Alleva Cornell for The Everygirl

      The discussion around drugstore versus high-end makeup has been ongoing in the beauty community for decades. If you were around during the early days of beauty YouTube (around 2014 to 2018), you probably spent a lot of time watching drugstore dupe videos, as achieving "the look for less" was crucial. Since I was often juggling community college classes and part-time retail work during this time, drugstore makeup ended up being my main choice. Considering my background as a beauty enthusiast and a budget-conscious individual, I’d even go so far as to consider myself a drugstore makeup expert now. Among all the affordable makeup options I've tried, e.l.f. Cosmetics has consistently been the top brand.

      E.l.f. Cosmetics has been available since the early 2000s, but the last decade has treated them exceptionally well (think buying Hailey Bieber’s Rhode for a staggering $1 billion level of success). There hasn’t been a period in the last ten years when e.l.f. hasn’t been included in my makeup kit. Even when I became proficient enough to work as a freelance makeup artist in my early to mid-20s, e.l.f. products were used on all of my clients. Whether it was for photoshoots, prom, or wedding makeup, e.l.f. consistently impresses both in the makeup session and at the checkout. As someone who has worked as a makeup artist and is passionate about drugstore cosmetics, I’ve tried nearly every product that e.l.f. offers, and these items have become staples in my makeup bag.

      Source: Steph Alleva Cornell for The Everygirl

      e.l.f. Cosmetics

      I’ve applied this concealer on a variety of skin types—oily, dry, and mature—and it reliably delivers flawless coverage with minimal creasing. It also serves as an effective spot corrector for acne scars or sun spots, and at just $7, I like to keep several shade options available for different areas of the face.

      e.l.f. Cosmetics

      This liquid bronzer is wonderfully buildable, and due to its neutral undertone, I use it as a hybrid between bronzer and contour. I apply it in the hollows of my cheekbones for contouring and place it closer to the center of my cheeks and over my nose for bronzing.

      e.l.f. Cosmetics

      Soft, pink-toned under-eyes have been a significant beauty trend lately, and this powder achieves that effect perfectly with its pink undertones. I take a generous amount on the e.l.f. triangle powder puff, tap off the excess on the back of my hand, and gently pat it under my eyes and above my cheekbones. Pro tip: Be sure to tap out any creases in your concealer before applying the powder.

      e.l.f. Cosmetics

      This putty primer comes in four varieties: poreless, mattifying, acne-fighting, and luminous. I apply the poreless primer in areas where my pores are most noticeable (usually around my nose and smile lines) and the luminous primer on my cheekbones, nose, and above my brows for a “lit from within” glow.

      e.l.f. Cosmetics

      E.l.f.’s makeup brushes don’t receive nearly enough recognition. I’ve yet to find one that I dislike, but this particular version is my absolute favorite. I use the fluffy end for foundation and the dense, angled end for bronzer and contour. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter what the brush is labeled for; it’s more about your personal size preferences for different techniques (for example, you could easily use an eyeshadow brush for precise highlighting or concealing).

      e.l.f. Cosmetics

      She’s beauty, she’s grace, she’s a $10 primer with an impressive 10,000 five-star reviews. This primer ensures my makeup lasts all day, regardless of activity or perspiration (something I can vouch for while living in the hot climate of Texas).

      e.l.f. Cosmetics

      These bronzing drops are ideal for the shoulders, collarbones, and chest area, especially in summer. I always make sure to use this on clients to ensure their décolletage shines as brightly as their face.

      e.l.f. Cosmetics

      This lip balm is my latest e.l.f. acquisition, and I can’t seem to stop applying it. It’s hydrating, pigmented, and unlike other lip oils, it has an applicator that doesn’t create a mess. Also, it has a delightful scent.

      e.l.f. Cosmetics

      After experiencing the 2010s frenzy over the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pencil, I’ve struggled to use other brow products. However, I’ve found I use brow pencils faster than any other beauty item, so I needed a more affordable alternative to the $25 options. At just $6, this brow pencil offers the perfect