Review: e.l.f. Studio HD Mattifying Balm
There has been a lot of buzz around one of e.l.f.’s newest releases: the Studio HD Mattifying Balm. This type of product has been very popular this year from higher end brands like Mally and Stila, so now that there is an affordable alternative, many are excited to try the trend.
Mattifying balms are essentially pressed primers. The e.l.f. Studio HD Mattifying Balm can be used both under and over makeup to help combat oiliness, as well as minimizing the appearance of pores. This unique formula consists of Vitamin E, Jojoba, Almond, and Grape which all help to nourish the skin.
The balm has a stiff, creamy consistency as to be expected. To apply, you use the included sponge (stored in a flip up compartment under the balm) to pick up the product and press it onto the face. It has slip to it like a normal primer, and swirling the sponge on the surface warms it up to make it easier to spread onto the face.
I can see my pores being slightly blurred as I apply the balm, and my liquid foundation goes on smoothly on top of it. It does a great job at prepping the skin for the rest of your makeup. When applying over makeup as a setting product, I suggest only using a tiny bit and applying it a patting motion as opposed to dragging over the face, which might pick up some of your foundation. I prefer using it under my makeup because it helps my face products last longer. I notice that my face stays matte all day without feeling dry, and I don’t find that I need to reapply this at all throughout the day.
There are only a few things that I don’t like about the mattifying balm. One thing I’ve noticed is that it can sometimes crumble off of the sponge during application, so you’ll end up with little chunks of primer in your lap. You can use your fingers to avoid this happening, but as always: make sure you sanitize your hands before using them to pick up makeup straight from the compact. Also, you’ll want to avoid opening the compact in dusty areas. The white surface isn’t forgiving to any particles that get caught in the balm. Lastly, I usually like my primers to have SPF in them.
Overall, I think this balm is a really handy beauty product that works very well as a primer. It feels smooth on the face, and very lightweight. My makeup looks great on top of it and the mattifying effect lasts all day, keeping my face products in place. For just $6, this is a steal compared to similar products from different brands. I packed it with me during my trip this weekend since it’s also very travel friendly. If mattifying balms have had you intrigued, pick this one up to try!
The e.l.f. Studio HD Mattifying Balm is available now on their website.
Have you tried any of the priming balms released this year?
So need to try out this product!
By the way, having SPF in a primer would be useless, because you aren’t applying enough of the product to get any sun protection. For example, you have to use 1/4 tsp of sunscreen to get the advertised SPF rating 🙂
I know that the SPF in primers or foundations aren’t nearly enough for ample protection, but I like having them in most of my face products anyway– I usually use moisturizer, primer, and foundation that all have SPF. You should pick this up!
Great post! I have the Mally one and it works pretty well, but it comes with this big awkward sponge and no where to put it! This option would be great to keep in my purse for touch ups. I’ve just started experimenting with e.l.f. products again and I think most of them work great considering the low price. I’ve found these solid primers to be a bit tricky to use — you really have to get the perfect amount on your face otherwise it does nothing or looks messy.
I totally agree with you. I have found after more use that I really do prefer using my fingers to pick up product so I can get enough and spread it without the “fallout”. I’d be interested to see how it compared to your Mally one! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I would worry about breakouts. I need primer for my big pored, combination but pretty oily skin. I have a Sephora brand primer that works well, but it’s so expensive! I’ve also always heard great things about the Porefessional, but the one time I used a sample, I broke out immediately! I suppose it could have be stress, but I’ve been working hard for a year now to finally get my skin cleared up so I’m scared to try it again. How did your skin react to it?
I haven’t broken out which is a good sign. I also have combo skin with a rather oily t-zone and visible pores around my nose. It has kept me matte all day without touch ups which is awesome because I hate worrying about reapplicaiton.
That is an amazing product for $6! I need to start playing with more ELF. I always linger when I see it at Target and end up not picking up anything = You’re inspiring me to buy more ELF in 2015!
I have heard great things about this product… and definitely think it would be a great alternative for those looking at those expensive products similar. I want to check this out.
I keep wondering about this product! I might pick it up next time!
Great review. I am always looking for new ways to set my under eye concealer.
I would really like to try this out, I’ll see if they have it at my local Target
Hmm I wonder how this would work around my nose as sometimes they can clog pores…
I won Stila’s version & love it, but can’t afford to replace it. I can’t wait to try this one! Thanks!
I’m very curious if you experience some of the same things with the Stila as I do with this one! Is that one easier to apply with a sponge or do you use your fingers?
I’m not a huge fan of balms for the face (for some of the reasons you mentioned) but I would give this a try.
It’s definitely affordable enough to be able to try 🙂
Whoa! I must try this out!
Tawni @ Haphazard Notions
Another product on my e.l.f. wish list!
I thought of Mallys, too. I was going to get this during the sale, but it’s gone.. I hope it comes back, along with their version of Ballz that were on the web page for a hot second.
Has anyone spotted these at Target or any other brick-n-mortar stores?
They are too new to be at Target, I think. Maybe in the next few months, but my Target is pretty terrible about updating the e.l.f. section.
One of the few things I like about living in a big city now is that there are 30 Targets within an hour drive, so usually I can find it somewhere if Target carries it. It’s just a matter of what Target carries and doesn’t carry.
yeah, sounds like mally!
I’ve heard awesome things about this.
OOO This is like the Mally thing.
Sounds like a better priced DR. Feelgood from Benefit.
sounds great!
I love these balm matte things, I will def try this soon!
Sounds like another elf winner!
I haven’t. I don’t think that they would be compatible with my skin. I wish that they had been around when I was younger and oily. *sigh*
I can’t wait to try this & compare it to the Mally one!
It sounds perfect!
This sounds fantastic! I love that it lasts and you don’t have to touch up.
Not touching up is for sure the best part!
I have very dry skin so I don’t usually use mattifying products, but this sounds like a good one. elf always amazes me with its affordable but effective makeup
Yes! It doesn’t make you feel dried out which is so important for winter.
Cool, I didn’t know ELF made one of these! I wonder how it compares to the Mally Poreless Face Defender. I feel like things like this would be so great for me since I have dry skin.
It’s a great powder alternative for my dry skin!
I ordered this today and can’t wait to try it
I hope you like it!
I might try this! I did try the Covergirl one though, and it made me break out :s
Omg that would make me so mad!