20 Things From e.l.f. That'll Show You Can Go Cruelty-Free On A Budget
From poppin' lip gloss to hydrating skincare, you're going to look better than ever thanks to these products.
Posted onWe hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them.
Have you been thinking about swapping out some of your go-to beauty products for ones that are certified cruelty-free? Look no further than e.l.f. cosmetics to help you get started without having to spend your entire paycheck!
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1. A putty-like primer
Which is infused with Squalane (a plant-based, renewable sugarcane) that'll grip onto your makeup and keep it in place all day and night.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"So the hype is real! I have finally found a primer that covers my huge cratered pores and makes a smooth canvas for flawless makeup. It works wonders on oily and textured skin!!! This is my new holy grail primer!!"
—Anika220
2. A water-gel moisturizer
To give your fried summer skin a hydrating boost and leave you smelling as sweet as a freshly cut watermelon.
Heather Braga / BuzzFeed
My fair skin is prone to getting sunburnt (yes, I use sunscreen daily) and dehydrated in the hot summer heat, so I'm always open to trying new things to keep it feeling healthy. I gave this Jelly Pop Water Gel moisturizer a shot and BOY was I pleased! It smells like watermelon, has a water-like consistency I've never experienced before, and doesn't leave my face feeling sticky or oily. It's simply fantastic. I know it's mainly for your face, but I also used it on my arms and chest after a beach day and felt so refreshed after. Love, love, love.
3. A brow pencil
It'll help you shape and define your brows so you can realllllly take your side-eye glare to the next level.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"I like using this brow pencil because it's quick and easy to use and looks natural on my brows. I use it before using the e.l.f. brow gel in the same color to make my eyebrow makeup last longer."
—Sugarely
4. Face cream
Packed with hyaluronic acid to help keep your skin looking soft and supple.
elf cosmetics / Via instagram.com
Promising review
"So far, so good. It feels good on my face and I love how my face looks afterwards! I tend to get really dry on my forehead and cheeks and it keeps me feeling hydrated throughout the day. I use a tiny bit in the mornings and before bed after washing my face. A little bit goes a long way with this stuff! I have sensitive skin and it doesn’t seem to irritate it! Great stuff."
—dollycakes
5. A powder blush palette
You can use it to create beautiful natural looks that'll transition nicely from day to night.
Marquaysa Battle
One of my coworkers, Marquaysa Battle, has this palette and is a big fan! Here's what she had to say:
"So I'm all into makeup that helps me whip up a quick face without trying too hard. This blush palette helps me add a lil' flush to my face in just a couple of dabs. It's super buildable so you can go subtle the way I like to or get super glam with a deeper blush look. I also use this palette on my eyes and lips too. It's easy to use, the four colors can be layered to create a custom shade, and it lasts a LONG time. This will literally be the only blush you ever need. It's definitely one of my smartest cheap makeup grabs."
6. A Concealer
It'll help you hide the fact you were probably up wayyyy past your bedtime customizing your island on Animal Crossing New Horizons.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"I have never had a concealer that covers my dark circles but this is magic! It covers every blemish/darkness under the eyes and I won't put a face on now without it! Amazing! Also get the sponge, you won't regret it!"
—Robyn4890
7. An oil-free foundation
To help you complete your natural look with a semi-matte finish — it comes in 40 shades to ensure you'll be able to find a seamless match for your skin.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"I love this foundation!! Sinks into your skin, matches my skin tone perfectly, which I've never managed to find in any other brand. Great coverage without feeling like your face is covered in makeup... love it! I've now converted all my makeup over to e.l.f. and have yet to find anything i don't love"
—SammyJf36
8. A compact eyeshadow
It won't take up too much space in your likely already over-crowded makeup drawer or bathroom counter. You're welcome.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"I bought the jalapeño shades last month and I'm already eyeing up the other palettes. The pigmentation on the shimmer shades is great and there's very little fall out. It's so easy to make a cohesive look with the four shades, would buy again."
—HannahPL
9. Liquid glitter eyeshadow
So you can add a touch of glitz 'n' glam to your look with just a few swipes. Tinker Bell would certainly approve.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"I bought this on a whim as the color was stunning and I'm not a lover of glitter. Oh my word this is beautiful! Not at all gritty like some glitters can be and coverage is brilliant! I used this on cut creases for a stunning look or just as a liner with a fine brush for a hint of glitter. I intend on buying the whole range."
—Allibobs
10. Charcoal under eye masks
It'll be the shining star of your next at-home spa night *and* help you de-puff, soothe, and brighten that pesky under-eye area.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"I use the eye mask right before I do my makeup. I let it set for about 15 minutes then I clean under my eye. It makes under my eyes feel clean and hydrated and decrease puffiness. It’s a fairly good size so it covers majority of your under-eye and it also had a nice smell."
—Tydajah T
11. A baked highlighter
You can use it to recreate that just-left-the-beach glow without actually having to sweat in the sun all day.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"I’ve been using this highlighter for years and it’s still great quality from when I first bought it! It gives you such a beautiful glow that isn’t glittery. You can make it very natural or very glam! I will recommend to scrape off the top layer to really make this product work better!"
—Bloombeauty
12. A bottle of primer oil
So lightweight it'll absorb into your skin faster than you can decide which bathing suit to wear.
elf cosmetics
This new product is lightweight and will become part of your summer beauty routine — it smells like a tropical getaway.
13. Nonsticky lip gloss
It'll have you singing "my lip gloss is cool my lip gloss is poppin'" whenever you apply it — because, darling, your pout is gonna be lookin' gooood.
elf cosmetics / Via instagram.com
Promising review
"DUDE. All who seek some long-lasting, high-shine, gloss — I give you this. I’m obsessed with this product, obviously. It’s super inexpensive and it works for literally all skin tones. It doesn’t have much color, which is a plus for me and my tone. There’s no yucky taste and it glides on smoothly."
—tiffnick1207
14. Or a satin lipstick
For anyone who is looking for a more vibrant way to upgrade their lip game.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"Every time I put on this lipstick, I look at myself in the mirror and say 'WOW, she is EVERYTHING.' And I'm not just talking about myself, I am talking about the lipstick. It glides like silk on your lips. It's super rich and it actually moisturizes your lips. I can't wait to try the other shades."
—Jaz Up My Style
15. A toner
Made with hyaluronic acid, aloe, and witch hazel that'll help you banish dull skin while cleansing your face at the same time.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"I've been using this toner for a little over a month now. My skin tone has evened out tremendously. A lot of my acne scars are fading and my large pores on my nose are evening out better. I highly recommend, especially since I have very dry and sensitive skin. Just make sure to use it with the Holy Hydration cream and e.l.f. Daily facial cleanser for awesome results!"
—ansprouse2
16. A retro-inspired body glitter and application brush
So you can sparkle both inside and out.
elf cosmetics
This creative summer collection will help you cover yourself in a multi-dimensional sparkle from head to toe (if you so desire). The product has a bouncy-texture, so no worries about it feeling sticky. Just get your shine on!
Price: face and body shimmer (available in two shades) and body brush for $10 each
17. Lip balm
Infused with hemp seed and sunflower seed oils, that'll help soothe your chapped lips and leave 'em looking more kissable than ever.
elf cosmetics / Via instagram.com
I've been using this lip balm at night before bed and love it. When I wake up in the morning my lips still feel smooth, plump, and hydrated.
Promising review
"I bought this as my profession currently requires me to wear face masks and I felt my lips were suffering from dryness a lot. This balm is soft and smooth and I feel it hydrated my lips well. Would highly recommend this product and will definitely be buying another when my current one is finished."
—CatEyES11
18. A shimmery eyeshadow palette
Filled with 10 neutral colors you can use to build so many looks your Tik Tok followers won't know what hit 'em.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"This is by far my favorite eyeshadow palette! I love the variety of colors it has and that it is small enough to easily be put in a purse when on-the-go or traveling. I use it with primer, as this helps it to be more pigmented and blends easily. It offers a variety if matte, shimmery and glittery eyeshadows. The glittery ones have plenty of pigment and sparkle without being too overpowering. The $10 price point is perfect!"
—Lauren901
19. A versatile multi-stick
It'll quickly become your go-to product since you'll be able to use it on your eyes, lips, and cheeks. Who says we can't have it all????
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"I got two colors in this because I loved the first one so much. It has good pigment, but still somewhat sheer. If you want more color, it's easily buildable, and easy to use. It looks beautiful on eyes, cheeks, and lips. It's a great product to carry in your purse to add quick color, if needed. This color product is a must-have, and one of my favorite e.l.f. products."
—Nikki73
20. A roll-on acne fighting spot gel
For combating breakouts and reducing swelling with a blend of salicylic acid, witch hazel, camphor, tea tree, green tea, and aloe.
elf cosmetics
Promising review
"So when I bought this, I was having a really bad breakout on my forehead. Once I started using this (I used it about one to two times a day for a good couple of days and it cleared up my skin by day three of using it. I continue to use it daily to help fight any problem spots that pop up."
—Momo0609
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
When you realize there's only one reason your sister's makeup looks wayyyy better than usual:
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