ELF Cosmetics Review

By Lauren Bottner

Apparently I skipped some crucial adolescent phase cluttered with brushes and wands and doo-dads. Perhaps I was absent on the day that they taught make-up 101, making the fact that I’m 30 and still clueless about cosmetics slightly problematic. Yes, absolutely, beauty comes from within. Yes, from a feminist perspective, women shouldn’t have to paint their faces to be someone that they are not…all true. But there’s a way that make-up can also enhance an inner glow and magnify assets to help put your best foot forward. And I have no idea how to go about it.

I’ve had various makeovers at department store counters which usually result in either a) a lovely conversation with the esthetician and I miss all technique or lessons, b) dashing to the bathroom as soon as possible to wipe all the goop off my face, or c) loving the end result but opting to pay my rent rather than the unbelievable prices some charge for say, lipstick.

So, at age 30, I’ve decided its time to stop being intimidated by round pots of color and letting teeny makeup brushes with odd angles push me around. I’d like to conquer cosmetics. Or at least use more than a few swipes of mascara when I’m going out. It’s harder than you think. I try going to the drug store for some foundation. If I’m starting with the basics, foundation seems to fit the bill. But what color? Do I want SPF? Long-lasting? Liquid? Liquid-powder? Age-defying? Blemish controlling? For a girl who has trouble with decisions, I back slowly away and comfort myself with new fuzzy slippers. And how do you know what colors to wear and what to match with? I fear I may have stayed out of the game a tad too long, and now my bafflement is just embarrassing.

Which is why I’m now quite a fan of Elf cosmetics (cosmetics) Not only can I explore their store online while still in pajamas, they offer helpful hints and instructional guidelines. This is makeup I could grow fond of. Also, I have never seen such an affordable line of products, which allows me to purchase some basics without having to eat ramen noodles for the next month. Fabulous.

I’m not looking for a lipstick to transform me into a supermodel or a makeup regime that is counted in hours. But I do want to have a few brushes and colors of my own to whip out on those special occasions, or even just a Tuesday afternoon. Websites
can’t advise on color or wrinkle noses in protest like a good friend, so obviously, I’m going to have to enlist some help, but I feel like I have made a good start. I have enrolled in the course and will no longer let foundations of any kind be the boss of me. I choose to love myself inside and out, believe that I am beautiful no matter what red spot sprouts on my chin, and declare myself to be enough! And
that includes having the makeup knowledge and supplies to enhance, cover up, and sometimes just play with color if I so choose.

However, you will never find one item in my bathroom, no matter how well priced Elf makes it or how useful it will be. Eyelash curler
The eyelash curler is just too scary to contemplate.

Lauren Bottner is a Jewish writer living in Los Angeles, California. She also is a 30 year old licensed therapist with her own therapist, a reader, sister, daughter, friend, library fanatic, obsessively neat, compulsively early former Hero child who plays at being a grown-up. View her writing at HellintheHallways.com.