[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] If anyone caught the Jennifer Coolidge x elf advert for the brand’s primer in the Super Bowl break, I think you’ll agree that it was a masterclass in ad entertainment. I have said for a long time that elf is making cosmetics for older women without even knowing they’re doing so. I think they know now. There’s a myth that older women have tonnes of money to spend on cosmetics and while that’s true for some, it’s absolutely not for many. There’s a current trend on TikTok for #deinfluencing which is really the waking up moment for Gen Z and Gen Y to the fact that they really don’t need most of the make up/skin care they have. It’s a trend asking people to think about their consumption as well as calling out brands for fuelling that consumption. I mean, I like it. I’m Gen X – my mum had three lipsticks max at any one time (apart from the time she was sent some by Estee Lauder – yes, the actual Estee who was a guest at one of my dad’s fashion events) and waited for one to run completely out before buying another. Imagine!
Part of questioning consumption is looking at how much of our money goes on trends, fads and labels. I love a label, I’ll admit, but it feels like its time to champion the products that actually don’t strain our credit cards and make them the new must haves. One of the biggest arguments I ever had with a PR was about consumption pressure – I remember saying to her, ‘you don’t see what I see’… and by that I meant the bigger picture of desperation to have ‘things’ at the cost of not having things that were more needed. I think if you can spend £6 on a mascara and come away feeling on top of the world, you’re winning. I understand the irony of being someone who spends their days writing about things that nobody truly needs, but always hope that pressure is never there. They exist, you might like them, you never ‘need’ them.
This is Lash N Roll in action and honestly, I would say it’s £6 well spent. It’s pitch black so you get a great looking lash fringe, it has a spiky, skinny and curved brush so application is a doddle and reaches all the tiny lashes. It hasn’t smudged or flaked. It’s not Tom Ford – it doesn’t need to be because it’s doing the exact job its supposed to for just over a fiver and doing it as well as any other I can think of. It’s HERE and make sure you opt for the Pitch Black rather than Black although it looks like there is dark brown version on its way.
I’m also wearing the elf Luminous Putty Bronzer in Summer Fridays that has a hint of metallic – also £6 HERE. I’m wearing it on my cheeks and also on my eyelids where it gives just a smidge of colour and blur. This is very much an ‘older’ product – smoothing, easy application (you don’t need to go anywhere near the magnifying mirror – just a dab on the fingertip straight to the lid) and a less is more stylish look. In terms of consumption, it’s a two in one. It also turns the idea that because you’re older, you need to spend more on its head. You don’t. My base is Bourjois which from memory is £10.
Also in the latest batch of newness – look out for the Good Vibes Only collection which is my kind of flower power, swirly, flares and platforms kind of inspiration. The brush set is the only thing that’s grabbing me because I have a shirt that’s not dissimilar! It’s £10 HERE. If elf made a shirt in this pattern I’d snap it up!
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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
14 comments
Loving this look on you!
Just FYI, the ELF bronzer is £7, not £6.
Keep on finding us a bargain, Jane – spending £60 on a lipstick just isn’t feasible for so many of us.
On the case!
I wonder if it’s intentional that it looks a bit like Benefit Roller Lash?
I should think so!
Hello, your smile is beautiful. I tried this mascara too, but I couldn’t get the same result, I think I used it wrong or the mascara I bought was broken.
Thank you! I wonder what went wrong – it’s not as lengthening as some but colour and application were perfect.
You nailed it. I’ve stopped buying brands that have an Age Tax – when the products for older skin/women/health within their range are more expensive than for younger folk.
I only have two lipsticks, and replace them when I’ve run out. And I’m no where near the age of your mum.
I used to own more, but now just have more joy knowing I have the colours that work and the hunt for the perfect colour is over.
Age tax is such a good way of putting it. It’s interesting that the new brands are all trying to pitch at the same price level in the hopes that younger women (and men) will just assume that’s what skin care costs. You only need to look at Cerave to know it doesn’t need to. Even my lovely Canmake is a high street brand in Japan and costs under a tenner for very decent SPF face care.
I think elf are doing so well and seem to be bringing out quite a few dupes, which I have no problem with. Will put this on my list of mascaras to try, though I have a big love for the Essence ones as they are so cheap! Btw what are you wearing on your lips in this photo – it looks lovely. Emma x
Thanks! I had to go back and look – it’s Dior Lip Maximizer in Holographic Lavender.
Ah yes I liked the look if the Holo Lavender on when you swatched it before. I think that’s the one I could only find on the Dior site. Thought maybe that was because it’s new. I will look again, as it looks so nice! Emma x
welcome!
I purchased the Elf Roller lash dupe today. Having read a few reviews and done some research.
Totally disappointing, I’m afraid. The consistency was dry, not at all wet with no pigment of note. I always test mascaras on my hand to check the amount left with the one I am currently using and my current one that is a few months old had more product on the brush than the brand new Elf mascara. If it’s a tint then fair enough but it’s not sold as such.
Not recommended.
Sorry you had that experience – I’m wondering if you had a bad one – mine was really perfectly fine.