elf Frequent Flyer Luminous Putty Bronzer Review & Swatches
Frequent Flyer
elf Frequent Flyer Luminous Putty Bronzer ($7.00 for 0.35 oz.) is a deep burgundy with subtle, warm reddish undertones and cooler berry pearl woven throughout a more satin-matte finish (after it dried down).
- Medium to mostly opaque, buildable color coverage
- Lightweight, thin, and emollient feel (like a typical cream blush)
- Dried down to a satiny, semi-matte sheen with faint pearl/shimmer
- Applied well with fingertips or a brush without lifting up base products
- Long-wearing (8.5 hours)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Giorgio Armani Cool Mauve (50) (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Rare Beauty Faith (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Desire (P, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Anastasia Blackberry (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Cool Plum (61) (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Happiest Cruise (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Corolline (P, $15.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Anastasia Velvet (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Estee Lauder Rebel Rose (P, $34.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Urban Decay TMI (DC, $26.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$7.00/0.35 oz. - $20.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "highly pigmented, creamy color" that gives a "natural, sun-kissed glow" with a "hint of shimmer." The shades had buildable coverage from semi-sheer to medium to fully opaque, though it was fairly opaque when iniitally applied--it was just very blendable to the point where it was better built up in layers. I'd recommend letting each layer dry down before adding another on top for more opacity, though.
The texture was lightweight, emollient, and like a gel-cream--spreadable without being too thick or too thin. I liked patting it on top of my skin using fingertips, but a synthetic brush also worked. I didn't have issues with it lifting up base products, thankfully. The formula turned more velvety as it dried down and did leave a more semi-matte finish behind after about 15-20 seconds.
The finish was subtly pearly and combined with the underlying semi-matte finish, it had the effect of a soft satin. Some shades were more pearlescent and truer to a satin finish, though. Most shades lasted around eight to eight and a half hours on me before showing signs of fading on me.
Browse all of our elf Luminous Putty Bronzer swatches.
Ingredients
Phenyl Trimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina), Silica, Synthetic Wax, Polyisobutene, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Glycerin Red Iron Oxide (Ci 77491), Black Iron Oxide (Ci 77499), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Black 2 (Ci 77266)(Nano)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Even though I do realize that this is a bronzer formulated for truly rich skintones, I would so use this with a stippling brush or sponge, just pouncing on the least amount of product necessary to use as a blush. It reminds me of the WnW black blush they put out awhile ago that goes on as slightly shimmery dusty burgundy.
this would not work for me but DANG it is SUCH a pretty color
The color is beautiful. Reminds me a little bit of Bobbi Brown’s Chocolate Cherry.
What a beautiful color! I’m much too pasty for it but it is gorgeous for sure.