E.L.F. • Studio Cool Bronzer • Bronzers
(53 reviews)
| Average Rating. | 4.0 |
| Would buy this product again. | 75% |
| Package Quality | 4.2 |
| Price | 1.6 |
| Ingredients | |
*TOP REVIEWER* AndreaJunelle on 5/12/2013 3:37:00 PM more reviews by AndreaJunelle
Age: 30-35 Skin: Very Oily, Fair, Warm Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium Eyes: Brown
Well hallelujah, I've FINALLY found my holy grail contour powder! *squeal!!*
For reference, I'm almost 31 years old with fair and mostly neutral (slightly warm) undertones (between MAC shades NC10 & NC15 ATM) My skin is also oily and acne/clog-prone. I have brown hair & eyes and my "season" is considered a Clear Winter.
I've always felt like contouring can really add something special to a full face of makeup, but never could find my *perfect* one. Before finding this $3 ELF gem I'd previously been using L'Oreal True Match pressed powder in C7/Nut Brown (which I never would have thought to purchase on my own but saw several youtubers using it successfully) - and while that worked ok, it was a *tad* too dark for me so therefore required a lot of blending into my pale skin.
Everything else I tried either didn't look right (too warm, too cool) OR, broke me out. (NYX Taupe, Chanel Notorious, & NYC Sunny are a few of these examples)
Not long ago I was placing a drugstore.com order and needed to add something for $2 and some change to get free shipping. I placed this bronzer in my cart (on a total whim without reading reviews!) for $3, got it home and it's perfection. I think I've used it everyday since lol
I typically use a large/fluffy blush brush for applying contour powders or bronzers but this specific one I've been applying a little differently, using ELF's Studio Blush Brush. It's not big and fluffy like you'd expect a blush brush to be, it's actually a little thin and tapered(but very soft!).
So I've been lightly swirling that brush through the middle of this powder (making sure to catch all 4 shades) dab it on to the areas of my face that I want to contour, then go back with a kabuki brush and blend those "dabbed" areas out (if that makes sense? lol ;D) -It works like a charm!
As you can see in the photos others have already provided above, this bronzer is one that contains 4 shades that are all completely, 100% MATTE. There's a pure white, a medium rosy pink, a light bronzer shade (light brown) and a darker bronzer shade (med-dark brown).
The packaging is sleek (as all ELF Studio products are) - In the medium size black compact similar to NARS blushes.
I really can not think of anything wrong with this bronzer. The price is right, the colors are pigmented yet not too pigmented or difficult to work with, it does not break out my finicky skin, and provides that "sculpted" look that I love :)
The only person I wouldn't recommend this to would be someone looking for a bronzer that is going to "brighten" up their complexion. I don't have this issue as I'm a highlighter freak with oily skin-I'm always lookin "glowy" (lol ;D) But some others do like their bronzer to give a "glow". Since this is matte, it will not give that kind of finish on the skin. I'd recommend the Golden or Warm bronzers from the Studio line (or Physicians Formula Happy Booster Bronzer or Bronze Booster as these are my favorite NON-matte bronzers)
But I know a GREAT many of us struggle to find that perfect contour shade that can double as a bronzer and if you're someone out there who's still struggling to find it ya gotta give this a try! It's only $3 and it's awesome! I do highly recommend and would certainly repurchase. 5 lippies well deserved ELF :)
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itsbeauti on 2/18/2013 11:38:00 PM more reviews by itsbeauti
Age: 19-24 Skin: Oily, Medium Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
Although this is a bronzer, I love using it as an eyeshadow. The colors area really matte which is great for contouring since it would look more natural than using a shimmery one.
Pros:
Matte
Pigmented so be careful, start with a small amount only and buildup
It would take a long time to hit pan
You get a blush and a highlighter so really nice
Very, very cheap
Nice packaging, like NARS
Staying power is REALLY GOOD. I have oily skin but this doesn't come off or melt down. Also, it's not chalky on the face
Cons:
The mirror of mine is loose. It's just taped using a double sided tape. How "nice" is that! :(
The blush has a brownish tone to it, so if you like a "fresh" pink blush, don't use it
You have to be very careful in applying this and buildup the color as you go. It would look muddy if you're not careful
If you're looking for a cheap contour powder, this one is really good. But as I said, always be careful when using it and buildup the color. Don't apply too much right away. It's blendable, but looks muddy when you apply too much at once.
I'm not sure if I would buy it again. Pricewise and considering how long it would take to empty a pan, it's a great buy. But I'm someone who is always on the look to try new products so maybe I won't buy it again. But it's definitely something I would recommend.
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victoriajosf on 1/30/2013 12:17:00 PM more reviews by victoriajosf
Age: 19-24 Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium Hair: Black, Straight, Medium Eyes: Brown
Overall: Good for contouring and correcting foundation that is too light for you.
I was looking for a product to contour my cheeks and jawline and this is perfect! Have to blend it really well so it does not look like a bruise, but it is pigmented and if you wear foundation it blends well. Love that it is matte, no shimmer in it so it is best for contouring. I love the fact that it has 4 colours, as this means you can pick which shades to pick up on your brush depending on how tanned your face is or how much your tan has faded. For example I do not mix the white and pink when my tan is really dark but I mix in the white when my skin is lighter. I mix in the pink when I want to look more rosy than edgy.
It is so cheap and good and has lasted me more more than a year. I bought both the Cool and Warm and honestly have not touched the Warm one.
Also, I am Chinese from SEA living in UK so need to deal with being really warm tanned Malay like colour skin to pale grey Chinese skin (and all the shades in between) regularly since my skin tans quickly and fades quickly. Fed up with having to buy a different shade of foundation all the time, I just apply the lighter foundation closest to my skin tone, and use this product to lightly dust all over my face (applying more thickly where I contour). It really helps and is a trick to use in case you buy foundation that is too light for your skin as well!
P.s. If you really like the bottom left section of the bronzer and find that you are only using that colour, you might want to check out Hoola by Benefit. I have recently bought it since my E. L. F. was finishing and love it! Hoola is good for me now, as my skin is currently pale, but I will go back to E. L. F. when my tan returns as the top right corner is good for darker skin.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
luverchick on 1/15/2013 11:48:00 PM more reviews by luverchick
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium Eyes: Hazel
this is a really nice and pigmented bronzer but has to be applied with a light hand because when you put too much it can look muddy.....but either way i love the colors as matte eyeshadows as well
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evapop on 1/11/2013 4:02:00 PM more reviews by evapop
Age: 36-43 Skin: Oily, Medium, Neutral Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium Eyes: Brown
LOVE all the ELF studio bronzers! Amazing value for great products with no orangy tones. The other bronzers (golden and warm) are shimmery and fun. This one - in cool - is my go to for contouring and highlighting as its matte and blendable. Plus, case is much higher end than its price would suggest. (Bought it online as E.L.F. always has coupons for under $3. Amazing deal!)
It can be used for a super natural daily look (all the colors swirled to contour and white to highlight along with mascara and gloss), as well as a more dramatic look (darker color to contour, along with a shimmer highlight, strong blush, strong eye, muted lip).
For reference, am an NW20, dark hair and eyes.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
spookibelle on 1/4/2013 5:35:00 AM more reviews by spookibelle
Age: 19-24 Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool Hair: Red, Straight, Fine Eyes: Green
When I swirl all the colours together (which is the easiest way to apply it), it's a bit dark for my skin, but makes a great contour colour. It's difficult to apply the colours separately. I'm not sure what the white shade is supposed to be for- it doesn't show up on me. Great product though, and I adore the sleek packaging.
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ChloeYoung on 8/18/2012 9:04:00 AM more reviews by ChloeYoung
Age: 18 & Under Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Brown
I just hated it at the first sight when it arrived in my mailbox,after I had high expectations on it. the white shade reminds me of real chalks, and the word 'chalky' isn't enough to describe that texture anymore. as for the rest three colors, they are just colored chalk powders.... though cheap, still a waste of money.
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*TOP REVIEWER* chayaNY on 8/17/2012 11:41:00 AM more reviews by chayaNY
Age: Unknown Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Brown
This could be my dream bronzer because its red based which in my experience renders a more natural looking "tan.". Further its matte, pigmented so great value for the money, versatile too with the blush shade and the lightest shade too which can tone down others or be a matte highligter. My only problem with it is it goes on splotchy for me which I almost hate to admit because I have very dry skin and think that's part of the problem. I don't think its purely an issue with the product. I have tried it with various other products underneath to make it go on more smoothly. I plan on giving it another go now that I've found a primer I like because my search for a matte red based bronzer to replace one I loved that's been discontinued, would be over thereby saving me a lot of money! I will repost if my opinion changes. I will add that one brown shade is very dark and has the mostt red, the other has a more golden undertone to it yet still leans cool. The pink is very cool, a dark, dusty rose while the fair shade is a very sheer off white that to my eye leans yellow. The packaging is Nars via ELF, and quite nice and sturdy. This can work for eyes, blush, bronzer and contouring, another reason to try and make a go of it. If it works for you you've got a desert island product for sure!
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nadineeileen on 8/17/2012 11:18:00 AM more reviews by nadineeileen
Age: 18 & Under Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Blue
I really love this for everyday and it is not orange at all. I've used this for about a year now and I get a lot of compliments when I wear it. But unfortunately this made me break out so I can't use it anymore. That's why I'm not gonna buy it again. :(
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smtiquia on 7/7/2012 1:51:00 AM more reviews by smtiquia
Age: 36-43 Skin: Other, Tan Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
This is the perfect bronzer for contouring as it is matte!
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*TOP REVIEWER* FauxChic on 7/5/2012 1:59:00 PM more reviews by FauxChic
Age: 19-24 Skin: Dry, Dark, Warm Hair: Black, Coarse Eyes: Brown
This is a great universal product, for such an affordable price it includes two bronzers, a highlighter and a mid tone natural pink blush - all of which are matte. On my NC45 skintone it works out as a great product. It is a bit chalky but I can't complain - it's so affordable! I've been using it everyday since purchasing and I love it.
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*TOP REVIEWER* Matillyrose on 6/28/2012 11:01:00 PM more reviews by Matillyrose
Age: 44-55 Skin: Dry, Fair Hair: Brown Eyes: Green
This is the best bronzer that I have ever tried and I have tried a few.
I have very fair skin and have never been able to find a bronzer that gives me enough definition without coming off too dark.
I give it a swirl and apply, blends well, is buildable and perfect every time.
I love that I can use the separate quads for highlighting, bronzing and blush, I love that this palette is MATTE and I love that it suits me :o)
The packaging is fantastic, ELF have done a really good job with their Studio range, I can't fault the packaging at all.
For me ELF is hit and miss but this is definitely a HIT!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
jujilover87 on 6/9/2012 4:49:00 PM more reviews by jujilover87
Age: 30-35 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
I really like this. as a cool toned gal, it can be tricky to get bronzy without looking muddy. this product acheives this for me! i simply swipe my brush and put this on my cheeks, upper forehead and chin. Love it. Best of all, it hasnt caused any breakouts...
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*TOP REVIEWER* aplainjane on 6/6/2012 3:20:00 PM more reviews by aplainjane
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Brown
Best used for contouring on my fair skin. It can go on quite patchy, so blending it is super important. I prefer NYC Sunny for contouring over this any day.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
cupcakeofmylife on 5/4/2012 9:25:00 PM more reviews by cupcakeofmylife
Age: 18 & Under Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
I think it's a good bronzer for the price. i Bought them for 10AU$ but it's 3US$ in the states so it's worth picking up for a spare bronzer. It's not pigmented and you have to build the colour up (I'm NC30).
It's really nice that it's drugstore and it's matte but I think i'll buy another better bronzer like the Benefit Hoola.
Oh, and I like the packaging, with the really big mirror inside.
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snowDoLL on 3/18/2012 9:22:00 PM more reviews by snowDoLL
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine Eyes: Green
I quite like this palette, but for me it isn't perfect. I'm really pale with cool undertones, so the browns in this are a little too orangey, though not nearly as bad as most bronzers. (I think I'm going to try a taupe bronzer next, looking at NYX blush in taupe I saw recommended somewhere.) All of the colors are very matte. Trying to use the white powder alone was unsuccessful; it has almost no pigmentation at all. So I just use it like the directions say: to swirl all of the colors together. (Makes me wonder why they even made it have 4 different colors.) This palette will be near-perfect for neutral or warm toned pale/fair girls. If you fall into that category, definitely buy this!
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janathelamb3 on 1/24/2012 10:23:00 PM more reviews by janathelamb3
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Green
I've had this for a little over a year. I bought it when I first started getting into makeup but I didn't really know how to use it and it sat in my collection. Recently I've been going back to my old stuff and now I love it. I swirl all the colors together a little, tap off, and put it on like blush and on my temples. I think my skin is cool toned but I really don't know. I'm not sure if these colors are cool toned anyway, they look kind of warm to me? Maybe that's not why it is named the way it is anyway. Bottomline, it's a great matte cheap bronzer. You can even use the colors as eyeshadows for a great natural look. Novices wouldn't even know you were wearing makeup.
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jazzcb85 on 11/10/2011 10:25:00 PM more reviews by jazzcb85
Age: 25-29 Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
It is not bad, it is inexpensive. I think it is a bit to chalky. I love the packaging, the mirror is nice and big.
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*TOP REVIEWER* Christinaann5 on 11/10/2011 8:16:00 PM more reviews by Christinaann5
Age: 25-29 Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool Hair: Blond, Straight, Coarse Eyes: Brown
This bronzer is absolutely great for not only cool skin tones either- everyone can use this! also- ITS MATTE GIRLS! AND BOYS! yes an affordable bronzer with no orange or ruddy undertones. I have been looking for a natural contour for my cool undertone for years & years and at last! this has been a lifesaver! most if not all i own are so orange or too warm that they look nasty but with this- i dont worry no more
=PRICE/AVAILABILITY=
This cool bronzer is online from the Elf website from the Studio Collection under face- it can also be found at Target stores or where you can find your Elf Studio products but def online- this cost $3 usd. So its so affordable & def worth $3
=SHADE/FORMULA/PERFORMANCE=
The Cool Bronzer is one of the 3 shades in the Studio Bronzers, the others are Golden & Warm which both are more shimmer throughout or a glow to them but Cool is matte. The formula is smooth & applies & blends easily onto the skin with any brush. I love using the Elf Studio Complexion brush since its such a good fluffy but dense at the same time brush. There is 4 different shades to this- so you can use individual shades or swirl all together for all over bronzing. I love all of them- all 4 are matte- you get a nice white that can used to highlight areas on the face if used alone, a very nice baby pink that is gorgeous as a blush for a natural & sleek look on the cheeks a great day to day blush, then also a milk chocolate mid tone brown which i love to use on my pale skin as a very natural contour shade, gives definition & slims my face, then a dark chocolate shade that i also use sometimes to contour if used very lightly this would be great for people or everyone thats darker than me- & all together it gives a nice natural bronze shade for all over bronzing. I love all the shades even as eyeshadows since its matte & natural, you can get so many diff eye looks with these 4 shades., its like a big quad. I love this its actually my fav bronzer- i use this all year round from summer to winter to fall to spring.
=PACKAGING=
I love the Elf Studio packaging, its very similar to Nars coming in a black matte compact with the Elf Logo & Cool Bronzer stamped into the front of compact w/ snap closure. Then on back is a small sticker w/ cool on it. inside the whole front flap is a huge nice useable mirror. its as big as the compact. Then the other side is the big nice size bronzer. no excess bulky packaging like some of the studio line items. I love the packaging. it makes me feel rich & i got expensive makeup laying around! The pan is huge so you get a whole bunch of bronzer. the 4 shades sizes are big enough that my brushes can tap into w/out picking up the next shade. i dont have to squeeze it to pick up one of the shades so its very nice. The pan isnt too deep but deep enough that i havent even hit pan anywhere. Its sturdy & amazing compact that can slip into pocket or travel makeup bag. I love this & the mirror will allow you to see what you're doing.
Overall, this is probably one of my tops bronzers but def my fav contouring shade that i searched for years for. I love this & hope you all give it a try. The bronzer is so big that it will take a while to get thru but when i do, ill def repurchase & repurchase over again & again.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
missleahchristine on 10/28/2011 9:40:00 PM more reviews by missleahchristine
Age: 25-29 Skin: Dry, Medium, Cool Hair: Blond, Curly, Medium Eyes: Hazel
Love that there is a cool bronzer out there! This gives you buildable color without looking orange. It is a little powdery but just tap off the excess and you are good to go. Can't beat it for the price. I like that it is matte too bc you can always add shimmer if you want. Great bronzer.