Budget Beauty: e.l.f. Foundation & Powder

I am always out looking for a bargain, but when it comes to makeup, "cheap" - more often than not - usually equals "toxins."  It's an unfair reality that, generally, "safe cosmetics" come with a super high price tag that us moms just can't justify.  I'd rather buy my son a new easel for painting than spend $50 on 3oz. of foundation... Sorry, makeup industry.

e.l.f. brand cosmetics (Eyes Lips Face) is a massively cost effective brand that I discovered about a year ago at my local Target.  Most of their products are $1, $3, or $6 each and they have a pretty wide selection to choose from.  But at that price point, could a "safe cosmetics" junky really expect to see anything worth buying?  Surprisingly, the answer is YES.

e.l.f. Studio High Definition Powder

This HD powder is translucent and is made to "soften" the look of your skin - as with any HD powder, it does create a bit of a "flash back" which whitens the face in photos, but it still works wonders.  I actually own this product, and while I wouldn't wear it out when I know I'll be taking pictures, it's a great "everyday" powder to apply over foundation.

In the safety department, this product is nearly flawless.  The ingredients list is short - Only containing Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Tin Oxide, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, and Sodium Dehydroacetate.  I know that looks like a series of words in another language, however, all but one have zero adverse health effects.  The only one that does, Silica, is considered a bulking agent in powders that has a very limited concern relating to inhalation.  Given that, Silica is still not classified as toxic or harmful.

e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish Foundation with SPF

I'm addicted to foundations - love them.  However, most are of full of nasty stuff.  e.l.f. has this $6 option with relatively limited toxins - in fact, this product has vastly less health and wildlife concerns then just about any other high end OR drugstore brand.

This is a semi-matte foundation with a medium coverage (to mask those lovely spots and dark circles that us moms can't get rid of).  It is a liquid formula and can easily be applied with a brush or sponge applicator.

The biggest concern with this product is the SPF it contains - many women see "sunscreen" and automatically think that the product is going to be much better for them... Not necessarily true.  While we definitely need to protect our skin from sun exposure, the SPF found in cosmetics isn't always a good thing.  This foundation has two active ingredients - Octyl Salicylate 2% and Titanium Dioxide 5.5%.  Neither are considered HIGH risk, but Octyl Salicylate is a known allergen and is potentially harmful to the environment. 

The only other concern with this foundation is the ingredient Phenoxyethanol - this is another known allergen / eye irritant, and is limited in products used on the lips.  Still, it is classified as a "low" priority ingredient overall, which is a good thing.

Safe or Not?

These are both products I would buy and use (and have in the past).  There's no reason to break the bank on makeup when these types of healthy options are available at close to no cost.

Want to know more about beauty products and their impact on your health?  Check this out from The Cozy Life.