e.l.f. Studio HD Mattifying Cream Foundation {Review}

This post contains affiliate links Pros: Good coverage, nice matte finish, well designed packaging, economically priced
Cons: Could have more available shades, causes slight dryness

The HD Mattifying Cream Foundation is a welcome addition to the e.l.f. Studio line.

HD Mattifying Cream Foundation

Rating: A+
Price Tag: $6 USD
Weight: 0.34 oz
Shades Available: 6 shades
Where to Buy: eyeslipsface.com

Packaging

The packaging is a sleek, matte black plastic that houses a double-layered compact. It’s much larger than I expected. Overall, it’s on the durable side, though not as sturdy as the usual e.l.f. Studio compacts (Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder, Translucent Matifying Powder, Tone Correcting Powder, etc.).

Packaging of the e.l.f. Studio Mattifying Cream Foundation

The top layer contains the pan holding the cream foundation while the bottom layer has the round sponge applicator. Unlike a lot of the double-layered compacts you see, the large mirror is located on the top lid.

Formulation

It’s somewhere between a medium and full coverage product. As the name suggests, the HD Mattfiying Cream Foundation leaves a matte finish. You can leave it as is or finish off with a powder if you’re worried about product transferring to your clothes.

On the downside, if you apply too much product it runs the risk of looking cakey. Also, when my skin is super dry, I have trouble wearing the product. It settles unevenly on my skin.

e.l.f. Studio HD Mattifying Cream Foundation in Porcelain

I’ve noticed that the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation does not like to play nice with my oil based products. I have to stick with non-oily serums/moisturizers and skip the beauty oils. Like most foundations, this product does cause some drying, but many people with dry skin could wear it over a healthy layer of moisturizer. I haven’t found the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation to be greasy and I think most people with normal to oily skin should be able to wear this product with few problems.

If you do have dry skin and want to wear a matte look, the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation is a good place to start, especially since you don’t need to use a drying powder on top.

This product does contain parabens.

Shade

I’ve only purchased the lightest shade in Porcelain. Like the other products in the e.l.f. Studio line that share the same name, it is a very light shade with a neutral, leaning to yellow, base.

If you can wear other e.l.f. Studio products under the Porcelain shade, you will have no problems with the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation.

Various e.l.f. Studio products in the Porcelain Shade

How to Use

You can use a sponge/blending sponge (like the one supplied in the compact) to apply the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation, but I like to use my e.l.f. Studio Stipple Brush. It helps me keep a lighter touch when applying the foundation. Just keep buffing until your don’t see any more streaks.

To have an even more matte finish, you could try adding a layer of the the Studio Translucent Matifying Powder to finish. (Did anyone else notice that the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation has two “t”s while the the Translucent Matifying Powder has one?)

Images

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’ve been very happy with the HD Mattifying Cream Foundation. The product is on the drying side for my skin—not to mention that I have difficulty wearing it in winter months—but frankly just about every face product is like that for me.

I really love that e.l.f. releases all of these nifty products at economical prices. There aren’t that many companies offering interesting vegan products like these. It’s always nice to try new formulations.