Review: Elf Cosmetics Studio Brushes | Dupes for It Cosmetics?

This post contains products I purchased myself, press samples, affiliate and referral links.* 

Hi guys! Remember way back long long ago when I hauled some new elf brushes? No?

They were the ones I got because I thought they were dupes for some high-end favorites. Still not ringing a bell? Well here's where maybe the elf haul post will jog your memory.

Anyway, I finally got my butt in gear and reviewed these, just in time for elf to release their latest brush collection (the new brushes hadn't been released at the time I filmed this video).

Regardless, some of you wanted to know what I thought of these brushes and if they were indeed reliable $6 dupes. The answer is: Yes.

Check out my video to see which brushes are dupes for my favorite It Cosmetic brushes and which dupes left me kinda disappointed.

e.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush | It Brushes for ULTA 101 Airbrush Blurring Brush | It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Brush (press sample)  | e.l.f. Selfie Ready Powder Brush | It Brushes for ULTA 102 Airbrush Smoothing Brush | Real Techniques Expert Face Brush |  e.l.f. Selfie Ready Foundation Brush | e.l.f. Sculpting Face Brush 

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*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Also, some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards.Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Holiday Gift Guide: Drugstore beauty gifts/stocking stuffers 2013

Just because you have a budget, doesn't mean you can't find some awesome beauty gifts at amazing drugstore prices. There are plenty of great gift sets out there that are sure to please even the most discerning beauty lover on your list.

Check out some of my top picks, none of which will cost you more than a whopping $20. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back, you are one bad ass shopper.

Pacifica Body Butter Collection ($15) / Pacifica Take Me There Set ($18) / Pacifica Day & Night Natural Skincare Collection ($19) / Real Techniques Core Collection Set ($18) / Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral eyeshadow palette ($20) / Essie Holiday Color 2013 set ($15) / The Body Shop Body Butter Lollipop ($20) /The Body Shop Almond Handy Manicure Set ($18)

What are some of your favorite affordable gift finds in the beauty isle? 

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Beauty Gifts $30 or less

1. Real Techniques Cosmetics Brush Set ($30) / 2. Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral LE Matte/Neutral Palette ($30) / 3. Stila Color Me Glossy Lip Glaze ($28) / 4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Covet Waterproof Liner set ($28) / 5. Stila Tools of the Trade brush set ($28) / 6. MAC Stroke of Midnight Viva Glam 1 set ($30) /  7. Benefit Cosmetics Luve It Up! Color Kit ($25) / 8. Julep Hand Model kit ($25) / 9.  ALTERNA Caviar Experience Kit  ($29)/ 10. Living Proof beauty product ($29)

Makeup and beauty tools:

It's quite possible to purchase quality makeup and brushes for affordable prices, especially during the holidays with all the great gift sets. Best of all, you don't always have to hit up a specialty store to find them. Case in point, the Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral Limited Edition matte and shimmer palette is available at Target and offers fantastic pigmentation and easy blending. Speaking of blending, you can also find a Real Techniques brush set while you're there. 

If your giftee prefers high-end brand (how particular of him/her) don't fret. Stila has a great lip glaze set that includes nine glosses and a brush set both just under $30. There's also Anatasia Beverly Hills waterproof liner set and Benefit's cute LuveiIt Up kit, which includes three neutral shadows, a mini creaseless cream shadow, and Dandelion lip gloss. For the bold diva on your list, check out MAC's Viva Glam 1 holiday set that includes the original lipstick and gloss inspired by RuPaul. Bonus, every cent you pay for the set goes to HIV/AIDS research, so it's a do-good, look-good gift. 

Hands and nails:

If you've got a nail obsessed giftee on your list, instead go for a little something different than  nail polish and try this Model Hands set by Julep. Help your nail fashionista take care of her hands and tips so all the fun colors and designs she wears will look even better on her soft smooth and nourished hands. 

Hair

If you're gifting a gal (or guy) with luscious locks, consider helping her (or him) discover some awesome new hair products. Alterna's Caviar kit is a great anti-aging hair travel set that will help keep locks nourished, shiny, and full -- all signs of a youthful mane. And if Jennifer Aniston is his/her hair icon (and honestly, isn't she everyone's?) give them one of the various Living Proof hair care travel kits to address a variety of hair needs. My personal favorite is the  No Frizz Smoothing and Frizz Fighting line. Fantastic humidity fighting products that are light weight, smell great, and leave your hair looking ah-ma-zing. 

Merry Christmas!

Here's a little giveaway to bring you some holiday cheer. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and that 2013 brings health, happiness, and success. 




Giveaway Rules (Open internationally):

1. Must be a channel subscriber (click subscribe it's easy and free!)
2. Like this video
3. Follow me on Twitter
4. Like my Facebook page 
5. Leave a comment on the video (1 entry per person) telling me 

• What is your favorite gift you've ever given to someone else.
• Include your Twitter handle and Facebook name in the comment 

6. Tweet about this giveaway: I entered @girlythingsby_e giveaway to win @UrbanDecay411 Naked Basics palette and more! Check it out here http://youtu.be/ddrpW9k-T-4
7. Contest closes 12/31/12 at noon EST. Winners will be notified through Youtube. Make sure you either add me as a contact or you don't block people from sending you messages. If I can not notify you, I will have to choose another winner. Winners will have 48 hours to respond with their shipping information or another winner will be chosen. There will be three winners chosen for this giveaway and there are three different prizes.

Prizes cannot be redeemed for cash. The makers and manufacturers of the items being given away are in no way affiliated with this contest. While I take every precaution to ensure packages are delivered to contest winners, I do not take any responsibility for items lost, stolen, or damaged during the shipping process once I have confirmed shipment from my end.

Winners: Kristin Johnson, Natasha Lopez, Myah Vickers