I'm not really sure why I decided to purchase this foundation, I have really dry skin so matte products don't tend to be my friend. I think I was swayed by the HD part, I love the Elf hd setting powder so probably thought I would love this one too. Show The packaging is nice, it's a decent size compact in sleek black and is sturdy enough to keep in your bag fir touchups during the day. It opens up to the product and a large mirror. Underneath is one of those thin sponges (I hate using those, so I just gave it to my children to play with). The texture of this foundation is quite thick and creamy. I wasn't really sure how best to apply it so I just used my dense kabuki foundation brush that I always use. Even though I tried to only get a small amount on my brush it comes off quite streaky and I had to use my fingers to blend it after I'd done a lot of blending with my brush. I can generally get a flawless finish with my brush so I just put it down to this foundation being quite thick. The coverage is pretty good, it did cover what I needed it to. I'd say a definite medium coverage. It didn't come off as super matte on my skin and I definitely needed to powder it afterwards. Not long after applying, it sort of feels mask-like. Not super intense but it is a foundation that I can feel on my skin. It caked up on my dryer areas like my nose and I found that it really didn't last long. Even with setting powder, it settled under my eyes and just in areas of my face that move with me talking etc. The colour is really good for me, I think Elf foundations run slightly darker- I have this in Porcelain and it is perfect whereas in other brands that shade is usually too light for me. Overall, this really isn't a good fit for me. To be fair though, this isn't marketed to my skin type and someone with oily skin could have a way better experience. If you have dry skin like mine and want a cheaper foundation, try out the Elf Flawless finish one. This high-definition, oil-free, lightweight e.l.f. Cosmetics is perfect for normal to oily skin types. The cream-to-powder formula minimizes fine lines and leaves a natural, long-lasting, matte finish. Sorry, we just need to make sure you're not a robot. For best results, please make sure your browser is accepting cookies. Type the characters you see in this image: Try different image Conditions of Use Privacy Policy © 1996-2014, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates Sorry, we just need to make sure you're not a robot. For best results, please make sure your browser is accepting cookies. Type the characters you see in this image:Try different image Conditions of Use Privacy Policy © 1996-2014, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates The packaging is a sleek, matte black plastic that houses a double-layered compact. It’s much larger than I expected. Overall, it’s on the durable side, though not as sturdy as the usual e.l.f. Studio compacts (Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder, Translucent Matifying Powder, Tone Correcting Powder, etc.). Packaging of the e.l.f. Studio Mattifying Cream Foundation The top layer contains the pan holding the cream foundation while the bottom layer has the round sponge applicator. Unlike a lot of the double-layered compacts you see, the large mirror is located on the top lid. FormulationIt’s somewhere between a medium and full coverage product. As the name suggests, the HD Mattfiying Cream Foundation leaves a matte finish. You can leave it as is or finish off with a powder if you’re worried about product transferring to your clothes. On the downside, if you apply too much product it runs the risk of looking cakey. Also, when my skin is super dry, I have trouble wearing the product. It settles unevenly on my skin. e.l.f. Studio HD Mattifying Cream Foundation in Porcelain I’ve noticed that the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation does not like to play nice with my oil based products. I have to stick with non-oily serums/moisturizers and skip the beauty oils. Like most foundations, this product does cause some drying, but many people with dry skin could wear it over a healthy layer of moisturizer. I haven’t found the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation to be greasy and I think most people with normal to oily skin should be able to wear this product with few problems. If you do have dry skin and want to wear a matte look, the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation is a good place to start, especially since you don’t need to use a drying powder on top. This product does contain parabens. ShadeI’ve only purchased the lightest shade in Porcelain. Like the other products in the e.l.f. Studio line that share the same name, it is a very light shade with a neutral, leaning to yellow, base. If you can wear other e.l.f. Studio products under the Porcelain shade, you will have no problems with the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation. Various e.l.f. Studio products in the Porcelain Shade How to UseYou can use a sponge/blending sponge (like the one supplied in the compact) to apply the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation, but I like to use my e.l.f. Studio Stipple Brush. It helps me keep a lighter touch when applying the foundation. Just keep buffing until your don’t see any more streaks. To have an even more matte finish, you could try adding a layer of the the Studio Translucent Matifying Powder to finish. (Did anyone else notice that the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation has two “t”s while the the Translucent Matifying Powder has one?) ImagesFinal ThoughtsOverall, I’ve been very happy with the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation. The product is on the drying side for my skin—not to mention that I have difficulty wearing it in winter months—but frankly just about every face product is like that for me. I really love that e.l.f. releases all of these nifty products at economical prices. There aren’t that many companies offering interesting vegan products like these. It’s always nice to try new formulations. Is elf foundation good?Excellent! Better than I expected. This is the first time I have purchased elf foundation and I am very surprised. It's a great product. What does a HD mattifying balm do?Our mattifying balm gives your skin a weightless, matte finish that provides the perfect canvas for your makeup routine. e.l.f. Cosmetics offers a complete line of makeup and professional tools - all at an extreme value price, so there is sure to be something for everyone. Is elf foundation silicone or water based?The e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation is a water-based foundation. It is free of oils, alcohols, and silicone, and is designed to hydrate and nourish skin while also providing buildable coverage. The foundation is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens and phthalates. Is elf foundation non comedogenic?All e.l.f. products are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. |
