ELF Mineral Pressed Mineral Foundation - Review & Swatches

I was so excited about the release of the new ELF Pressed Mineral Foundation ($8.00 .42 oz), I really liked their loose mineral foundation, but who doesn't prefer a pressed version for cleanliness and traveling? This foundation is available in 13 shades, and ELF was kind enough to swatch all the shades on three different skin tones, which they posted on their social media... I spent probably 5 minutes staring at the swatches trying to pick a shade and unfortunately I got a shade that is way too light for me. I really wish ELF would bump up the quality of the swatches they post on their social media, their photos always look dim and grainy, very hard to use it as a tool for choosing a shade. Oh and for reference, I bought the shade Warm (which is yellow toned enough for me, just not deep enough to match my Summer tan), and I wear the shade Nude in the Studio BB Cream and the shade Buff in the Studio HD Mattifying Cream Foundation... I think I should have chosen the shade Tan. Wow, sorry for the ramble-on about my shade selection experience ;)

Packaging wise, it's similar to the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation, except that the powder puff in on top of the pressed foundation, there is no tray underneath. I prefer this design so much more, there's no rattling noise when you are using the product. The powder puff is actually really nice too. I am hoping they add replacement puffs to their website because the quality is better than the basic puffs they used to sell on the website (they removed them from the site, so now they only offer sponges).

"Create long-lasting, lightweight coverage with this hydrating foundation. The innovative pressed powder design creates a silky smooth texture that blendable for everyday wear. Infused with Vitamin E to help nourish the skin for a more revitalized feel."

I initially wore the Pressed Mineral Foundation using the included puff, the coverage is pretty sheer, buildable to light, but you would definitely need to conceal prior because it doesn't really even out the skin tone on its own, nor does it conceal any blemishes or dark spots. Photos show before and after using the puff to apply the powder, this is about two layers because I just wasn't getting adequate coverage.

The next time I wore it, I tried to use the Studio Mineral Powder Brush, that was horrible, it just kicked up a ton of product and applied with a sheer coverage. I then switched to the Studio Kabuki Face Brush, much better and so easy to apply and build up coverage, with the freedom to press or blend into the skin, also good for touch ups throughout the day. With the Kabuki Brush, I can get a good light coverage from the Pressed Mineral Foundation, and with a pressing motion, I can build up the foundation to conceal the redness in my cheeks and some of the discoloration on my chin, I would still prefer to conceal prior. Photos show before and after using the Kabuki Brush, much nicer coverage, again this is without concealer.

Now for my favorite way to wear the Pressed Mineral Foundation, I apply it as a setting powder when I wear the Studio BB Cream (and other foundations too). The BB Cream gives me a light-medium coverage and then adding the Pressed Mineral Foundation on top I get a medium-full coverage, even without concealing. The powder's finish is velvety, not completely matte, I really like it. I have dry-combo-oily skin, after about 2 hours, I have significant shine on my face, not greasy though, more like a dewy look. I will touch up the powder with either the puff or Kabuki Brush, and I can extend the wear for another 3 hours before I feel the need to pull out the blotting papers before touching up again. No before photo, I figured the first two before photos would be sufficient, so here is just the after photo wearing the BB Cream and Pressed Mineral Foundation, oh I love how this looks!! Again, no concealer used.

Overall, I think this is a better setting powder than a mineral foundation. The coverage on its own is less than desirable, but when paired with other face makeup products, it leaves the skin looking flawless and velvety smooth. If you have oily skin, this will probably work against you, unless you have a mattifying primer to prep your skin before applying makeup. I'm glad I have it and if they do another discount sale, I'll definitely pick up more shades to find a better match for my skin tone.

e.l.f. Mineral Pressed Mineral Foundation

- $8.00