The ELF Cream Contour palette is another iconic product from E.L.F. cosmetics. It made a splash when it was one of the first drugstore brand contour palettes. It didn’t take long for other budget-friendly beauty brands to catch up, but ELF continued to be one of the leading players in the game. Now, it still gets a lot of hype and is featured in Allure. Is it for you? Find out in this ELF Cream Contour Palette review!
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ELF Cream Contour Palette Pros Vs. Cons
Pros
Widely Available
E.L.F. Cosmetics can be found almost everywhere. They’re on Amazon, Ulta, and Walmart, and you can always find their products on the ELF website. I’m a massive fan of the ELF website because shipping is fast, they have more products, and they tend to be cheaper on the website than elsewhere. However, you can find them wherever you prefer to shop.
Nice Packaging
The packaging has a timeless look that complements every style, making it ideal for taking with you on the go.
Removable Compartments
If you have blush or foundation palettes, you can take the little palette of color out to swap them. This is a great way to create your custom palette from an ELF cream contour palette.
Infused With Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps nourish the skin, making this an excellent product for dry skin.
Perfect Pigmentation
The contour shades show up on the skin quickly. However, they’re not so pigmented that you’d need to spend an hour contouring your face. ELF achieved the perfect balance with this palette.
Blendable
Some contour pigments show up well on the skin, but you have to break your hand to blend them in. The formula used in the ELF contouring palette makes it easy to blend these in for a flawless look—it’s like putting a smear of melted chocolate on your face.
Affordable
You can buy this on the website for $9. Other places might have different prices. For example, Ulta charges $10. It’s still one of the market’s most affordable, high-quality contouring palettes.
Perfect For Fair Skin Tones
If you have a fair skin tone, the lighter color will give you the perfect contrast for highlighting and sculpting your face.
Stays In Place Well
The creamy contour pigments don’t slip and slide all over your face. Instead, you can trust that your look will last after blending. Once you’ve finished, use some setting spray or powder to seal in your look.
Buildable
You won’t have a problem layering your foundation on this creamy contour palette or any other makeup. If you need to build up the product, that’s not a problem either.
The Colors Match The Picture On The Website
I’ve picked up several products that looked pigmented on the website, only to discover they are not. That isn’t the case with this one! The pigmented colors are perfect, just like in the picture.
Versatile
This palette can mix contouring colors to get the perfect shade. Use the highlight shade under your brow bones or for sculpting. If a particular shade matches your skin tone, use it as a cream concealer, or mix it up until one of them does. You can even use it as a cream eyeshadow!
Dries To A Powder Finish
When you first apply these pigments, they look oily or greasy. However, once you blend them out and they dry, they look like a powder finish.
Cons
It’s Easy To Accidentally Use Too Much Product
The shades are so creamy that a little goes a long way. The first time you use this palette, start with a small brush and make small strokes at a time to ensure that you don’t use too much.
Not Suitable For All Dark Skin Tones
I don’t have dark skin, so I read all the reviews on whether this product would suit people with dark skin. According to many of them, it’s not. The darkest shade would still be too light for some people. The shade range works for people with fair skin, medium skin, and maybe a medium-tan skin tone, not those with darker skin.
Too Dark For Pasty White Skin
If you have fair skin, you can probably use this contour kit. However, if you have pale skin closer to white, you’ll find these shades too dark. Instead, opt for another contour palette with cooler tones for the professional finish you want.
Setting Powder Is A Must If You Have Oily Skin
This isn’t a downside but something you need to keep in mind. If your skin type is oily, set this with a powder after applying. Try using a translucent powder. You can also use a powder bronzer to set it if you would like.
Not Ideal For Acne-Prone Skin
Several reviews state the person loved the range of colors, but it didn’t pair well with their acne-prone skin. If you have acne-prone skin, use a mild powder contour designed for oily or acne-prone skin types.
In Conclusion
This product works well with a variety of skin types. The range of artificial colors is perfect for adding healthy color while sculpting your face. However, this palette primarily works well for people with medium skin tones. If your skin is extremely pale or dark, this one probably isn’t for you.
I love the palette and hope ELF comes out with more to have a more inclusive line of contour palettes. You can pick it up here!
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