elf Cosmetics continues stepping it up...

e.l.f. Cosmetics has really been stepping up their game lately with a slew of new, affordable, excellent makeup and has ventured into the waters of skincare. With more lines out now beyond their Studio line and core line, there's a broader range of collection for specific things like minimal makeup, active makeup for sports, the aqua makeup line and more. One of the newer released skincare, the Beauty Shield line, offers a core collection of products with the purpose of treating and protecting skin through masks, SPFs, serums, lipcolor and more.

The SPF 50 Skin Shielding Primer intrigued me on one my last pilgrimages to Target, so I picked it up. At $12, it's a bit steep for the usual e.l.f. pricing. Does it give the bang for its buck?

Spoilers: it totally does. This product reminds me a tinted version of Benefit's Porefessional but without the breakout the Porefessional gives me. It's pretty much the exact same texture and slightly lemon-scented smell too. While it looks pretty pigmented when pumping, it's more of a light coverage that's a little more pigmented than Pixi H20 Skin Tint, which I previously reviewed.

The texture is velvety and definitely silicone-feeling, but not in a terribly greasy way. I find it does a great job of blurring and perfecting the skin without feeling too heavy and mask-like. You'd likely need to spot conceal a bit for noticeable blemishes and the like, but for the most part this is another great one to add to the list if you like lighter finishes. As it's a primer though, if you wanted to put foundation over it that's also totally cool and what it's also made for. I'm not here to judge you full-coverage fans, I used to be one for fifteen years so don't @ me! :)

I find that it sets fairly well and doesn't remain tacky, and since it's a primer it helps keep the shine away. I typically wear it on its own, and I love that its SPF 50 as I live on the West Coast where it's perpetually bright as fuck. I haven't tested it for flashback, but since it is higher in SPF I would say don't use this for any events or occasions where you will be photographed with flash, but for outdoor events during the day it has the potential to be brilliant.

You can find it online or in stores at Target, and while $12 is bit of a pill to swallow since e.l.f. used to be more $1-6 back (and many (products still are), I think overall it's a reasonable price when you factor in the SPF and luxe feel in has. It's certainly a great stop gap until I get over myself and pay for the bit more pricier Glossier Skin Tint to see if it is also the greatest thing ever for light coverage fans and worthy of such a cult following.