When I first heard that ELF were bringing out a Active Collection, I just KNEW I needed to try it out. However when I first cast my eye across the products included in the collection I was a little disappointed with the choice. Out of the seven products in this range, only two jumped out of the screen at me. I expected there to be a foundation or at least a concealer and was surprised and disappointed that those products weren’t included in the range. Never the less, I put the Post Workout Cool Down Mist and Sweat Resistant Mascara and Brow Duo STRAIGHT into my basket and headed for the checkout.
Post Workout Cool Down Mist £9
Pros:
- Very refreshing
- Light and fresh scent
- Travel friendly
- Doubles as a setting spray
- Lasts all day
Cons:
- Cap easily falls off
- Availability
Having tried and loved ELF’s Makeup Mist & Set setting spray previously, I was eager to trial the Cool Down Mist once I read it doubles as a setting spray. On arrival of the much anticipated delivery, I hastily gave my new product a spritz. First impressions easily became lasting impressions, the scent and feel is instantly refreshing, potentially a little too much spritz pressure but that’s a minor issue. Due to the skinny design of the bottle it is easy to chuck in your bag, however watch which pocket or section you put it in as the cap has a tendency to pop off which could lead to leakage, and nobody wants that.
Initially I used the mist it as a refresher post workout, as the name suggests, however, recently I have been using it on a daily basis as my staple setting spray. Honestly, it’s brilliant. I will apply my makeup for the day at 8am, work all day, go to a workout class at 6pm, with no touch ups and although my foundation begins to drip off with the sweat, I’m still presentable and well covered…until I start to mop up my sweat with blue roll. Only then do I start to lose my coverage. Overall I would highly recommend this spray, it’s refreshing, locks in makeup all day and doesn’t cost a bomb.
Sweat Resistant Mascara and Brow Duo £7.50
Pros:
- Lengthening Mascara
- Good formula consistency
- Stays in place all day
- Sweat-resistant
Cons:
- Would be good as individual products
- Availability
I hadn’t heard or experienced the most positive results with ELF mascaras, they’re often the wrong consistency and lack much impact on the lashes. The Sweat Resistant Mascara on this duo however, is incredible. This mascara has quickly taken over from Perversion by Urban Decay as my everyday mascara. It’s incredibly lengthening, stays put all day and can survive the most brutal workout. From work to gym to party, this is an absolute MUST for all those on the go gym lovers. When it comes to the brow end of the duo, I must admit it’s not something I often find a need to use. I switch between a brow pencil and brow powder, depending on occasion, so when I use my powder I find the setting gel end of this duo perfect for locking the pigment in, whereas on a pencil day it is not a necessary addition.
So what’s the verdict?
ELF have successfully spotted and gone someway to fulfil the increasing demand for workout-friendly cosmetics, however I question the inclusion of certain products as specifically “Active”, for example the Blend it Out Silicone Sponge Duo, I fail to see how this set is any different to a standard set. Otherwise it’s a clever collection with beautifully designed packaging that, in terms of the products I’ve tried, definitely lives up to it’s promises. The one major downside to this collection is it’s UK availability, unfortunately this range is not available in Superdrug, so the only option is to buy online. It’s not all doom and gloom though as ELF often have incredible deals whether it be free postage, free products or both.
