If you have purchased ELF products before, you will know that most of them can be a big hit or miss. At one point in my early days dabbing into makeup, I was obsessed with their super low price point, and occasional product hits, particularly those from the ELF Studio Line. I’ve only made one ELF haul from the website (way back in 2010) because shipping to Canada is quite pricey at $14.95 (Although there is a PayPal loophole that lets you pay $6.95, which is the standard shipping to the US) and managed to hit the lucky jackpot with two of the brushes that I ordered.
Whilst I’ve used up or thrown out (because they were broken) most of the products from that haul, these two passed the test of time and truly have lasted a good 4 years. It’s worth noting that these $3 brushes outlasted my Sigma Makeup brushes. The amazing brushes that I am referring to are the Studio Complexion Brush ($3) and the Studio Blush Brush ($3).
All ELF Studio Line brushes feature an all-over black ensemble, from the handles, ferrules, and the bristles. The first signs of my brushes breaking apart is usually when the ferrules start getting lose, and after that, it is only a matter of time before the entire thing splits in half. Unlike my other brushes, the ferrules on these have stayed intact and the hairs are still picking up the products well. The general quality of the brush is a bit on the low-end side, as expected with this brand; both are slightly scratchy when used directly after washing but it’s not so bad that these are typically the first brushes I reach for and the first ones to get dirty.
I typically use the complexion brush as a blush brush because it fits the shape of my face really well. Holding the Complexion Brush on an angle to apply my blush seems to be the most fool-proof way for me so as to not overdo the blush. I use the ELF blush brush as a countouring brush, and angling the brush as I apply the product allows me deposit the product in the crevice of the nose and hollows of the cheek easily.
Both ELF Studio brushes have held up well over countless washes, and have never shed or bled during the 4 years that I’ve owned them. I realize that these brushes are the better quality in the batch so I cannot truly recommend this product due to that variability. However, if you are looking for an inexpensive brush that will do the job on a daily basis and you’re feeling lucky, go ahead and put that ELF order through!
Where to Buy: ELF website, Target, Walgreens and the Dollar Store ($3).
Have you tried any ELF Studio brushes? What do you think of them? Do you have any recommendations? Share with us in the comment section below!
Thanks for the recommendation; the Flat Top brush was one of my faves too! Unfortunately the one I ordered fell apart so quickly! I’ll have to give it another shot ????
Oh really, that stinks! The one I purchased hasn’t shed at all — and I’ve had it for 2 years now. Maybe the one you got was just a miss.
I love these ELF brushes! I have the blush brush and powder brush, and I was really surprised with how soft and nice they are. ELF eye shadow brushes are more of a miss, but I love the face ones.
Likewise! I’ve never tried the eye brushes, and always stick to what I know work best – the face brushes!
I use the Paypal loophole as well haha, it’s the best! I also used to be super obsessed with ELF because of the low price… and their brushes are definitely the best part. However, I feel like the quality of the brushes are inconsistent and used to be better back then ???? I have both those brushes from a long time ago, and they’re still lasting! I repurchased the eyeshadow ones a year ago, and they’re shedding (can’t complain though, they’re only $1).
I’m not as obsessed with makeup as I used to be, so ELF brushes are definitely for me ????
I agree – I haven’t dared to go back to ordering these because I was afraid the quality of the brushes would be disappointing particularly if you have to pay for the shipping! Not sure if they got around to fixing the PayPal loophole but US Target has been stocking them for some time now too!
I am a big fan of e.l.f. studio brushes. I have these as well, and they are much loved!
I also have some from the Real Techniques but I prefer e.l.f. brushes because they are right size for my face. ????
Oooh! I wish I had more success with the range of brushes from ELF. These happen to be the best ones I’ve come across, and while they are not perfect, holding up for over 4 years has been their saving grace!
I agree that those 2 brushes are excellent, considering their $3 price point ???? I never thought of using the complexion brush as the blush brush and using the blush for contouring – I will definitely try that out next time! The powder brush from their studio line is also a great brush, I use that for all-over powder and it works really well!
I find that the actual sizes to be a little awkward for my face shape/size! Glad to find that these are multi-purpose, and versatile!
Wow… I literally was contemplating purchasing the Elf studio brushes just yesterday. I’ve been trying to get by with just my Suqqu blush brush (the one they include with the brush palette)… but who am I kidding. I need a real blush brush lol! Glad to hear they’re such a great value and will definitely pick Elf up ????
Thanks for your review! I love the Studio Complexion brush too for powdering, but it’s a tad big so I’ve been wondering how it compares to the Real Techniques powder brush.
Btw, what is this PayPal shipping loophole that allows us to pay US shipping prices? Please share!! You can write to me at my email address if you prefer (*^_^*)
Great to see that these two brushes are good. I’ve been wanting to try out some more brushes from their Studio Line, and these are now on my list. The other brush that I LOVE from this line is their flat top face powder brush. It’s awesome! I’ve had it for over 2 years now and it’s still going strong — works great for putting on both liquid and powder foundations. You should give it a try if you order from ELF again. ????