elf Camo Hydrating CC Cream At A Glance
• Available in 30 shades for $15 each.
• Full coverage foundation that is dewy and hydrating.
• Contains SPF 30.
• Features a squeeze tube pump dispenser.
It has taken elf Cosmetics quite some time to expand on the success of Camo CC Cream. I was not originally a fan of their matte formula but I have high hopes as I thoroughly test and review the dewy version.
Details & Claims
This foundation is available in 30 shades that retail for $15 each. This is a great shade range for the drugstore! You get 1 oz or 30 grams of product, which is standard size for a foundation. The packaging is a squeeze tube fitted with a pump.
For where to buy this foundation, elf is keeping the scope limited. You can find it on their website, as well as Amazon and Ulta. You will most likely not be able to find all 30 shades in store at Ulta, causing you to shop online and seek your best shade match.
This foundation claims to be full-coverage, yet hydrating. It should have a dewy finish, color-correcting properties, and help to plump the appearance of your skin. It also contains broad spectrum SPF 30. You probably will not be applying enough of it to achieve the full benefits of SPF 30. So, you should layer it over sunscreen.
This CC cream is made for all skin types: dry, oily, and combination. To apply it, elf recommends to start with one to two pumps and blending it with your favorite sponge or brush. You can build it up over areas that need additional color correcting.
Swatches & Shades
Below you can see swatches of the shade Fair 120 N.
Ingredients
The key ingredient in elf Camo Hydrating CC Cream is Vitamin B5 which helps to moisturize and nourish the skin. Below you can read the full list of ingredients.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide – 6.3%, Titanium Dioxide – 6 %, Homosalate – 5%, Octisalate – 4.5%, Octocrylene – 3%
Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Panthenol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Magnesium Sulfate, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Trehalose, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrated Silica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethyl Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Tin Oxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Canola Oil, Glycerin, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Beta-Carotene, Soluble Collagen, May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow Iron Oxide (CI 77492), Red Iron Oxide (CI 77491), Black Iron Oxide (CI 77499)
Review
In order to complete this detailed review I am conducting three wear tests. I have been wearing elf Cosmetics since the start of my career and have extensive experience with their Camo CC line. I begin my trials wearing the foundation over the elf Power Grip Primer and using average setting spray. I did not use setting powder.
I find that this foundation looks so fresh and dewy on the skin. It is easy to blend with a sponge or a brush, as it melts right in. It does not sit on top of the skin. After applying one full pump to the entire face, it is not full coverage, but more medium. It will allow blemishes and redness to peek through.
You can apply a second pump and it builds well. It never looks heavy or cakey. At the end of the day I see normal wear and tear. It does get a heavy appearance on the chin and upper lip. This is pretty good for mature skin. It barely lets any oils peek through. Below you can see the results of this wear test:
For my second trial I am pairing it with a hydrating primer serum, average setting spray, and setting with powder. I find that setting powder instantly makes it appear heavier. This foundation truly wants to breathe and be fresh.
Some dew will begin to peek through during the day, especially on the forehead. For the most part, powder takes away that dewy finish. At the end of the day my smile lines were extra creased. This is weird considering the face has been set. Otherwise, it held up well with minor wear and tear. This foundation is best worn not set for a cream makeup look.
My final wear test is pairing it with all of my ride-or-die special occasion primers and setting spray. The results are basically the same, but there is the tiniest hint of it sitting on top of the skin. This will cause me to reach for this foundation for daily wear, but not for special occasions. These are my notes on performance:
Breathability: Level 5 very breathable and not heavy.
Coverage: 1 pump provides medium coverage to cover most redness and blemishes. 2 pumps is full coverage.
Wear Time: Minor wear and tear after 7 hours.
Transfer Resistance: Can transfer after 4 hours.
Dewy Level: Level 5 just the right amount to look fresh and healthy but not greasy.
Skin Texture: Does not minimize pores and on occasions slightly sits on top of the skin.
Weight: Level 2 as it is almost weightless on the skin.
I hated the elf Camo CC Cream as it looked too dry and heavy on my skin. This dewy version is definitely a saving grace. I think it would be lovely to mix the two. elf is definitely going after high-end CC creams like It Cosmetics at a fraction of the cost.
The key ingredient of Vitamin B5 is what lends the irresistable fresh finish that also keeps oils at bay. Those with dry skin will rejoice! However, do not be afraid if you have oily skin. Proper hydration will keep the oils at bay and this foundation will not make you look like greasy pizza.
I also want to say that the pump packaging is incredibly easy to use. The pump is reliable and hygenic. You can cut the tube open when you are running low to access the remaining product and scrape it out.
Amanda’s Review: ★★★★
Shop The CC Cream
All in all I cannot pull the trigger on the elf Camo Hydrating CC Cream being a go-to special event foundation. It is great for daily wear when you want a fresh face. Be sure to wear it without setting powder for the best finish. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
