Splurge or Save?: NARS Albatross vs. e.l.f Gotta Glow

 Of the many makeup companies and products out there, NARS products are considered to be somewhat of a luxury, targeting those willing to “splurge” on high quality cosmetics derived from France. On the other end of the spectrum, Eyes Lips Face (e.l.f) boasts very affordable cosmetics often ranging from $1-6 each and quite popular with women of all ages wanting to “save” on good quality everyday makeup essentials.

While there are many products in e.l.f’s Studio Line that have been compared to NARS, this post will focus on NARS Albatross (their infamous highlighter) and e.l.f’s Gotta Glow. Both blushes by definition, these are used most commonly as highlighters, giving a sheer glow/healthy effect to the skin when applied to the cheekbones.


Both compacts have sleek black packaging and a mirror. The e.l.f mirror is smaller and the NARS compact does not have a peep window showing the product swatch, otherwise they are quite similar. The e.l.f one is surprisingly of good quality given the price.


When initially swatched, e.l.f’s gotta glow was very chalky, and NARS Albatross was smooth and velvety. Blended out however, both looked close enough to pass for each other. I don’t think that Gotta Glow has the depth and complexity of Albatross, but I still think they are absolutely comparable.


E.L.F studio – $3.00 

NARS blush – $29.00

Left: NARS Albatross
Right: ELF Gotta Glow

Top Swatch: ELF Gotta Glow
Bottom Swatch: NARS Albatross

Have you tried either of these? What do you think?
Would you Save or Splurge?