elf Soft Glam Satin Foundation At A Glance
• 36 shades for $8 each.
• This is a long-lasting satin finish foundation with medium buildable coverage.
• It is made for all skin types and is non-comedogenic.
• It features 1% Hydrating Hibiscus Complex, plus pomegranate, blueberry and goji berry extracts.
You might find it confusing that elf Cosmetics is giving us a satin foundation when they already offer a killer OG option. I am putting the elf Soft Glam Satin Foundation to the test with several review trials. My opinion is not for the weak!
Details & Claims
The elf Soft Glam Satin Foundation claims to be long-lasting with buildable, medium coverage. The finish should be satin that is not cakey, but breathable. It should not clog your pores. It comes in 36 shades which is suited for a widge range of skin tones. You get 1 fl oz or 30 mL of product for $8. That is standard foundation size. When it comes to where to buy the foundation, you can find it on elf’s website as well as Amazon, Ulta, Walmart, and Taget. Stores most likely will not carry all 36 shades so you will need to shop online to get access to the full range.
The directions are to use a foundation brush or sponge to buff the product all over your face and neck.
Swatches & Shades
I have the shade 11 Fair Neutral which is featured all throughout the review. Below you can see the swatches.
Ingredients
The key ingredient in the foundation is 1% Hydrating Hibiscus Complex. As the name implies, this is what helps to hydrate the skin to ulitmately keep a satin finish. Other notable ingredients are pomegranate, blueberry, and goji berry extracts. Below is the full list of ingredients:
water (aqua), isododecane, glycerin, coco-caprylate/caprate, dimethicone, propylene glycol, cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, tridecyl trimellitate, sorbitan sesquioleate, silica, boronnitride, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, phenoxyethanol, disteardimonium hectorite, peg/ppg-15/15 dimethicone, trimethylsiloxysilicate, diisostearyl malate, silica dimethyl silylate, aluminum hydroxide, triethoxycaprylylsilane, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, erythritol, hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, butylene glycol, lycium chinense fruit extract, psidium guajava fruit extract, vaccinium angustifolium (blueberry) fruit extract, hydroxyacetophenone
MAY CONTAIN
titanium dioxide (ci 77891), yellow iron oxide (ci 77492), red iron oxide (ci 77491), black iron oxide (ci 77499)
Review
I have been wearing elf foundation since my college years, so I am very excited to craft this detailed review! I am beginning my wear test trials with an average primer that does not bring a particular finish and is creamy. I am applying it with a sponge and average setting spray, plus not setting it with powder. This first trial was so awful I wanted to immeditately wash my makeup off! The foundation looked heavy, cakey, patchy, dry, and clinging in random spots. It appeared to be sitting on top of the skin. The finish is somewhat satin, but leans closer matte. I find that it dries quickly, meaning you need to apply it in sections. Despite the fast drying, it does stay tacky to the touch when not set with powder. For the most part I see normal wear and tear, but, it is extra bunchy and crunchy looking in my smile lines.
For my second trial I went with a hydrating primer serum, average setting spray, sponge application, and still did not set it with powder. I am trying to apply in lighter areas section by section. This causes it to look and build much better! Now I can better see the satin finish, but, it is still on the drier side. The buildable medium to full coverage is more evident. I am still not happy with the extra bunchy and crunchy smile line look.
My final trial is causing me to reach for the elf Power Grip Primer. I am trying a sponge on one side of my face, and a brush on the other. Again, I am using average setting spray. This time I am setting the entire face with powder. This foundation really likes powder grip! The results mimick those with the primer serum. Light layers are key for blending and building. Setting powder does not harm the foundation itself – depending on which you use you may alter the satin finish. I can still see the glow on my forehead.
Below you can see what the foundation looks like over the Power Grip Primer with no powder:
Below you can see what the foundation looks like over the Power Grip Primer with powder:
Now, to round out my experience. I love the squeeze tube packaging as it is easy to use. It is practical, sanitary, and helps to reduce product waste. As you begin to finish the foundation you can easily cut open the tube to access the remaining product. I can tell by how the foundation dispenses that it looks like a heavy matte formulation. This is suprising when you read elf’s claims. While a sponge vs. brush does not matter, a damp sponge at least gives you a fighting chance to add hydration.
With that being said, you absolutely need to apply this foundation over a hydrating base. Any primer that is matte or a cream without a particular finish will cause this foundation to look awful. Ulitmately, you need to experiment to find the right combination of primer and powder. We need a no-fuss foundation, especially on days when we are short on time. elf is missing the mark here.
All scathing remarks aside, there are notable aspects that set it apart from its competitors. elf is giving us high-quality skin-loving ingredients for under $10 at the drugstore. We normally do not see 36 shades at the drugstore – elf is not sacrificing inclusivity for price. Their formula is free from harmful chemicals and is also Cruelty Free.
My current combination of moisturizer and sunscreen helps to keep oil production at bay on my combination skin. That makes it hard to judge this foundation in that area as I do not see much oil or shine peaking through. It exhibits normal wear and tear on my skin outside of extreme settling into fine lines. This is not a good foundation for mature skin. Here is a breakdown of its performance:
- Coverage: 1 squeeze provides medium coverage to cover most redness and blemishes.
- Wear Time: Extreme settling into fine lines after 5 hours.
- Transfer Resistance: Can transfer with blotting paper after 4 hours.
- Satin Level: Level 4 sitting in the middle of dewy and matte. Leans more matte.
- Skin Texture: Does not minimize pores and appears to sit on top of the skin.
- Weight: Level 4 as it is somewhat heavy on the skin.
- Breathability: Level 3 somewhat breathable but heavier than expected.
I have tried better foundations, even from elf. elf already has a pheominal satin foundation that blows this one out of the mater. This iteration is not great. No matter how good I get the application, you can see that it still appears to sit on top of the skin. I know that a lot of people simply rave about this foundation. I cannot in good faith. This will not be a special occasion foundation for me.
Amanda’s Review: ★★★
Shop The Foundation
I cannot see myself reaching for the elf Soft Glam Satin Foundation much outside of casual work at home days. It is not the best or worst. How do you feel about it? I want your opinion in the comments. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
2 Responses
This dry-skinned gal with maturing skin will be passing. Elf does not aim for my age group between all their matte, shimmers and glitter formulas. The skincare is about the only stuff that works for me now. Too bad, love the prices. TY for your honesty!
I agree with you! I really haven’t loved any of their foundations except for the OG ones. I’m pushing 30 and it’s not really a mature skin issue on me as of yet. It’s more so these over-hyped formulas that I try so hard to make work. I do recommend the OG satin foundation – more on that to come!