e.l.f. Beauty Bundle: January 2015

Sometimes I forget about the e.l.f. Beauty Bundle because it only comes every two months but when I think about it, this is one of my favorite subscriptions. for $19.99/every 2 months (plus S&H) you receive a big box of e.l.f. beauty products. I tend to really like e.l.f. products. They are an incredible value when you buy them at Target- rarely is anything over $3- and they tend to make great dupes of high end products.

And even though I typically shop at Sephora, it really does feel like Christmas when I receive this huge box of makeup. This is only my second box, but I received a re-usable bag (below) holding my products both times. I’ll probably end up hoarding those. One time, I took my lunch to work in it. I will note that in the last box they included a card that described all the products contained in the box and this month the card was noticeably absent. I don’t know if that was an oversight or not, but I missed it!

The biggest (and possibly most random) item this month was the Makeup Artist Brush Belt ($15.) I opened this item and sort of stared at it in puzzlement. While I am a gal that loves (and collects) makeup, I’m definitely not a makeup artist. This is just an awfully specific kind of product so I’m still a little puzzled as to why I own it. However, I am going to keep it in the packaging and wait til I can find a suitable recipient.

• Mineral Moisturizing Lip Tint in Rose ($3): This was the last lip product I opened but one that will likely be my very favorite. I love this kind of lip product that is more of a balm than a lipstick. And this color is my jam. It’s a little darker than my natural lip color. It will go into rotation immediately.
• Matte Lip Color in Natural ($3): This was the first lip product I opened and I liked the formula. The color is very nice and, well, natural, but might be just a bit too light for me. But only a little. I liked this overall
• Pout Perfecter ($3): This lipgloss scared me at first- ummm hello, glitter. But when applied, it sheered out a bit and just looked shimmery and not glittery. This would be nice over a lipstick to create a fuller lip look. And there isn’t a gritty glitter feel, either.

• Retractable Kabuki Brush (price unknown- could not find on site): I love receiving brushes in boxes. I am becoming a broken record on that front. I will always find a use for every single one of them. I don’t know exactly what I will use this one for. But I’ll find one. E.l.f brushes are typically pretty good quality for being only a few dollars.
• Contour Brush ($3): I like having a lot of eye shadow brushes because then I don’t have to wash them as often. This one will be nice. It would also be helpful with the Eye Brightener I received below.

• Nail Polish in Nude ($2): I have more nail polish than I will ever use in my lifetime so I’m debating gifting this one. But I am also curious about its formula so I might not. I think this is a pretty, neutral color which seems to be the theme of this box.
• Pressed Mineral Blush in Wanderlust ($5): This is a little darker than the blush I normally wear but I’m curious about it because it looks like the color of blush I wore on my wedding, which I thought looked quite good. I’m definitely going to hold onto this one and try this one.
• Zit Zapper ($1): I’ve considered buying this when I have seen it at Target but never did so I’m glad to try it out. I don’t have terrible skin but I do get the occasional hormonal breakout. I’ve learned these days that drying them out just makes it look worse so I have been using Argan Oil (Josie Maran’s) to sort of calm everything down and make it smooth enough to put makeup on. But I think I might try putting some of this on prior to having any “issues” to see if it helps anything. Wouldn’t it be funny if this was the Magic Product? And it is literally a $1 at Target? I’m willing to try.

• Eye Brightener ($3): When this was in the box, I was hoping this was going to be a solid, but this is more like a Bare Minerals loose eye shadow. Though it’s fairly shimmery, it’s meant to be used as a highlighter: inner corners of eyes, cheekbones, etc.
• Mineral Eye Liner ($3): Hey! a black eyeliner! That’s really all I have.
• Eye Widener in Pearl ($1): This is a white eyeliner, intended for the waterline and inner corners and under the brow to highlight and to give the appearance of rest. Personally, I think white can be a little harsh on the waterline, but if blended well it would be ok in the inner corners of the eyes.

Final Grade: A

I just love this box so much. For $20, I received a value of about $45. Which goes a looooong way in e.l.f. products. I’m a huge fan of this box. This is a fun box if you are new to makeup and want to build your collection or if you have pretty much everything but still want to try new things! Click here if you are interested in trying it for yourself! I think you’ll love it!