Product Reviews Rated 4.05 out of 5 stars
1288 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Don't Overlook This Due to Low Price! This is a wonderful foundation! I have tried a wide range of foundations in my day, from drugstore to high end, and this one is in my top 3! And since it's so affordable, it is my main go-to; I save the higher end ones for special occasions or really bad skin days. (For the record, I also enjoy Make Up For Ever Ultra HD, Nars Sheer Glow, and L'Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte.)
I am 30 with minimal fine lines/wrinkles and normal to dry acne-prone skin most of the time, but get oily outdoors and during the hotter months, which is most of the year in notoriously humid Florida. This stuff manages to hold up even when standing in sticky hours-long lines at Disney World!
I prefer to apply it with a very damp Beauty Blender over a brush for the most streak-free application. It has a natural matte finish, and doesn't cake up into crevices or on dry patches. It isn't too thick or too runny, and layers up nicely. I have a lot of freckles and discoloration on my face and one thin coat evens everything out, but if I have extra redness or a bad skin day, it builds nicely for higher coverage. It goes on quite wet at first, but that gives you time to work with it before it dries down to a natural matte finish.
It sets nicely without needing setting powder, but of course powder seals everything in for maximum longevity. On me, I wear this for a good 6 hours before I notice any fading or breaking up WITHOUT powder, depending on the weather.
The only con is the shade selection. I am pretty fair with a neutral undertone (MAC equivalent of NC15-NC20 without a tan) and I use the shade Porcelain in this foundation, which is the lightest shade available. E.L.F.'s Porcelain is definitely not suitable for very pale skin, and I myself can just barely use it if I blend well, as it leans more pink than I'd like.
Also, it has a slightly minty scent due to the teatree oil. It doesn't linger once the foundation dries, but the smell is definitely noticeable upon applicatio
Most Helpful Critical Review Do you even know what porcelain is? The lightest shade is not only NOT light, it's called porcelain, which is white... 2 stars for a decent formula, but come on ELF, this is beige, not a white porcelain.
Reviewed by 1288 customers Lightest shade is not... 1
girl mom from undisclosed
Lightest shade is not light enough and it oxidizes orange on my skin. So disappointed because I've seen a lot of good reviews:(
not enough shades!! 3
Mikaykay from undisclosed
I bought this a while back, and while the coverage is great, the shade is far too orangey. Im cool toned and VERY pale so I purchased their lightest shade (porcelain) and it's definitely not light enough.
Wish they would get more shades!!
Too Dark :( 2
skysky from undisclosed
I have a very pale complexion with warm undertones. I ordered Porcelain, the lightest color option available, and it is waaay too dark. It is also a VERY warm golden color. Not even close to what I was expecting.
I only used it once, so idk if it helps with breakouts, but it did have a nice natural finish and offered a nice blurring effect. It also didn't get slimy at the end of the day. High transfer if you accidentally rub your face on something tho.
I feel like I would have liked this product if they offered a wider, and more accurate, color range.
Great for normal, dry, and acne prone skin! 5
vwebbermakeup from Miami, Florida
I am shocked that I don't hear anyone taking about this foundation! It has medium buildable coverage and a natural, slight dewy finish. What I love most is that the salicylic acid doesn't dry out my skin (I have dry skin), rather it treats any level of acne I have and when I take it off, my skin looks less irritated and my blemishes look smaller. It doesn't matter whether I have white heads, small bumps, acne scars, or clear skin, this foundation looks amazing and also leaves my skin in better condition when I remove it. It also looks great with glam looks and more natural ones.
Excellent Foundation! Goes on Very Smoothly! 5
blackjack42 from Chicago, IL
I am very impressed with this foundation. It has a silky texture and is definitely full coverage. I felt like the application process was effortless when using my fingers. I cannot speak to the acne fighting properties because I am always breaking out. But I am sure the salicylic acid, witch hazel, and other ingredients will definitely help improve my skin quality and texture. I am already repurchasing this, and I highly recommend it!
I am pretty impressed... 5
Anka from undisclosed
I am pretty impressed with all of E.L.F. Studio line, the quality exceeds expectations (especially considering price). This product was no exception, I really like it! E.L.F.
Great coverage but terrible color 2
Victoriam from Florida
I ordered the lightest shade and even did the 'virtual try on' but when I put it on it was orange-almost a ocher tone.
It has very nice coverage but don't trust the virtual on or the bottle itself- if you have orange/yellow undertones it may work
Very Good! 4
nycraven37 from NYC
I'm pleasantly pleased with this foundation, and you can't beat the price! It is a full coverage foundation, at least on my skin. I haven't used it enough to determine if it fights acne, but I am enjoying it thus far.
Good price and texture, needs more shades 3
charlotte1416 from Montreal, Canada
I bought this about two months ago, and wish it came in more shades. I have problem skin, so the extra boost of salicylic acid is great, and the coverage/texture is good - doesn't pill or look blotchy. However, I'm also very fair-skinned and even the palest shade is way too dark, so I have to mix it with my old foundation to make it look even half-natural. Also, I know that they offer this product in very few shades, which excludes so many people from benefitting from this affordable product. I won't be re-buying it until there are more shades at both ends of the colour spectrum.
holy grail oroduct! 5
desertrataz from Arizona
I have repurchased this foundation over and over. It has super natural, your-skin-but-better, coverage and it doesn't feel "makeupy". It's the only base product at the drugstore that actually covers my redness pretty well without clogging my pores or causing breakouts and I prefer it to more expensive foundations and cc creams. I have dry, sensitive skin but I truly think it could work for different skin types depending on how you prime/set. It also doesn't settle into my lines around my eyes, although it does settle a little around my mouth but I just make sure to prime there and it still looks great. I use it alone, mixed with oil or moisturizer, and as a spot treatment/concealer depending on how my skin is looking.
The shade range is kind of limited which is my only real complaint. I have fair-light skin with warm undertones and neither porcelain nor buff really suit me, but it's neutral in tone enough that with a concealer that suits my skin tone I can make it work well. I would say that the shades run darker than reflected on the site. I don't think that porcelain is as light as it appears online. During the summer porcelain doesn't run warm enough and during the winter it isn't pale enough. Buff works for my warmer, darker summer skin tone, but it's still a little too dark. For the price and coverage though I don't mind because I use concealer to cover redness and imperfections anyways.
I don't like to order things online, but this foundation isn't carried at any stores near me any more so I order it online and have stocked up on a few bottles because it is seriously that good. It's a good product, and not even just for the price, it's just good and you get almost 2 oz of product! I hope this is never discontinued!
Great 5
York from undisclosed
Is the best foundation in the World. Help with acne problems and have a beauty cover
great value 5
ktkaff from Columbus, OH
this foundation is surprisingly great for the price! i liked the way it looked on my skin, it lasted throughout the day, and it didn't cost an arm and leg!
Not enough shades 3
Allyash from NY
As others have said, the porcelain isn't porcelain.... It's very dark on me. And I'm sure others that have different tones have a hard time with this as well.
flawless coverage 4
Garisil from Mississippi
So I am a 40yr old and Ive used the same makeup brand since my teens, Ive ventured out and tried other foundations, but none to my liking so I went back the ol trusty. Ive always been obsessed with Elf lip products. Now recently my face has had a mind of its own and has done everything from acne (which I never had as a teen), to redness around my chin. peeling around my nose and chin, feeling like it was sunburned. I have literally tried 5 different brands of Foundation since January, all with these amazing reviews, but none has worked for me until this on a whim It came up in my searches and Im like hey its cost effective, I already love the setting spray, concealer, lip products so why not. Well folks I applied this and my face is fabulous, it covered my redness, acne, and dryness. It is weightless. I literally feel as if Im wearing nothing, I have on moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, and powder. There is no burning, no cracking, no moving, no shine, it hasnt set in my fine lines. It takes a small amount to cover my face. I recommend this foundation 100% Ive had it on 8hrs and Still fresh Thank you elf for changing my life and making it so affordable to look beautiful.
Porcelain isnt Pale 2
CrystalPistol from Tucson, az
I reviewed this before, but I wanted to update the photo. Its a great product, goes on well and feels great but the color isnt nearly pale enough. I posted a photo that would help show the difference between my skin, and a full face of this makeup. Please make paler options!
Porcelain is NOT Porcelain 2
Pastywhiteghoul from Indiana
I bought this in my shade, porcelain but found it to be much darker than any other porcelain shaded makeups... Be wary of this fact when buying for very fair skin. It was about half to two shades almost darker. Not quite sure how much darker exactly. But it was like I was putting on ivory shaded or something when I asked for that pasty white girl porcelain tone. It doesn't match my tone at ALL! I have to try to cover IT up with lighter powders or old foundations until I can find a white cream to add that is non-comodogenetic! Just... Wow. Disappointed.
Goes on smoothly without caking 5
crazychickenmom from Franklinville, NJ
I've been using this product for years and it's the only foundation that I've used that doesn't look "cakey". I hate the painted on look and this gives me a smooth and moderate coverage. I blend the buff and beige together when my skin goes thru changes from summer/winter. I'm very prone to acne and this doesn't clog my pores or make it worse. I have cystic acne so I can't tell if it treats it but it covers pretty well. The price especially makes me happy.
great coverage 5
evvv from undisclosed
Great coverage and goes on flawlessly. The porcelain shade fits people with "light" skintones like me but not pale/fair ones. I no longer need to worry about foundation giving me acne because this one fights it!
Please come out with lighter shades! 4
Natalie12345678 from Tallahassee
I've had this product for a while but it's so dark on my pale skin (i bought porcelain, the lightest shade). It feels great and covers so well and I love the ingredients, but its so dark on me that I cant reasonably wear it out. If you're pale please be cautious buying this product
Please restock soon! 5
Bitterlee from undisclosed
This is my favorite foundation of any that I have tried, regardless of the brand. I know I can find other foundations that help fight acne, but few have salicylic acid in them, match my skin tone AND are affordable. I've been using this product for the past year, and not only does it cover up acne, it helps clear my skin. I haven't had a real breakout in over a year. I'm on my last bottle....please don't get rid of it!
Awesome foundation 5
HayLynn from Richmond, IN
I was a little worried it wouldn't match my skin tone cause of the darkness of the bottle but, it matched perfectly! I love the squeeze bottle style! Game changer!!! The product itself is super light a spreads easily.
Love this 4
Hayleym86 from NJ
I've been using this foundation for a few years and I love it. I took away a star because I don't think it actually helps with my breakouts but I just love it as a foundation. The shade I use matches me perfectly and the light/medium coverage is just enough to smooth everything out without looking like I'm really wearing makeup.
Seems interesting 5
Hiiii from undisclosed
I am thinking about buying this item since I have some acne problems. The reviews see god enough
Please Add More Shades 3
Minty from Los Angeles, CA
I love this foundation and have been using it for over 3 years!! It has really helped with my acne. The only problem is the lightest shade is way to dark for my skin so I would appreciate it if there was more variety in shades.
Great coverage 5
Calligraphy01 from undisclosed
I absolutely love this foundation. It, along with my regular skin care, has cleaned up my acne. The coverage is medium to full, and glides on the skin beautifully.
