I don't think this is an orgasm... (ELF Blush And Bronzer Compact)

Member Name: kerrypanda

Product:	ELF Blush And Bronzer Compact
Date:	06/08/09 (120 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A solid classy looking compact, pretty colours.

Disadvantages: The pans aren't full, I would've preferred less shimmer.

e.l.f.s Blush and Bronzer compact comes from their slightly more expensive studio line, where the products retail at £3.50 instead of £1.50.

The first thing I noticed on opening this was how nice and sturdy the compact itself is. It looks and feels very well made. Someone who didn't know about e.l.f. would not think it cost less than a fiver.

Another thing that makes it look like a quality item is the way the lid lifts up very easily, but shuts securely. I never have to risk breaking a fingernail to open it, and I never worry that it has opened up in my bag.

Inside the compact there is a good size mirror which covers the whole of the inside lid, and the two large powder pans which are securely fixed in and protected by a piece of clear plastic that has e.l.f. stamped on it. I keep that in the compact to protect the powders for when I just want to use the mirror.

The packaging looks basic, not cheap exactly but I didn't want to keep it. It comes in a matte black box with a corrugated insert to protect the contents. The box has a shiny illustration of the product on the front, and on the back explains that the contouring blush and bronzing powder create a natural glow year-round.

Something I have noticed about e.l.f. is they don't fill their make-up pans to the top. I am used to buying a blush or shadow and having the pan full of product, these look like half used almost. I didn't get an 'off' one, as my other e.l.f. shadow products are the same, I think its just an e.l.f. thing generally!

Each powder pan has about the same width and length as a standard box of matches.

The Blush

Compared to the website picture ( http://www.eyeslipsface.co.uk/product~prodID~123.h tm), and the one accompanying this review, the blush I received is a darker peachy pink than the colour you can see. It's a really pretty colour. It has a lot of gold shimmer to it, the kind that can look green under certain kinds of lighting, so don't use too much, be warned!

There have been a lot of comparisons drawn with Nars' racily named Orgasm and Deep Throat pink blushers. And the bronzer has been likened to Nars Laguna bronzer. If you have those products you probably wouldn't have any need for this. I wouldn't know if this compact stands up to comparison as I've never personally used Nars, though I believe Orgasm is a straight pink colour, no peach tones.

The Bronzer

I don't often use a bronzer as I'm pale and they can make me look like I need to wash my face!
Compared to the website colours, again the actual product has a darker colour to it. The bronzer is a cocoa brown shade with gold shimmer too, but less then the blush has.

Using the compact

You can use the blush and bronzer separately or together. I use the blush on the apples of my cheeks, and the bronzer on my cheek hollows.

The main thing to know about these powders is that they're well pigmented - a little goes a long way. Strong pigmentation is good as you don't need to use much. The blush gives a lovely rosy cheek look, and the bronzer does its job too (I admit I have to use this very sparingly, hardly any!)

They blend into the skin well and look very natural until you are under bright lighting, which can give a touch of the Wicked Witches.

I am pleased with my purchase definitely and if it runs out I will buy another one. I would imagine it is not as good as Nars, but it is an excellent economy buy and a really smart looking product at any price.

Summary: If you go crazy with it, it will rebel and turn into clown make-up!