While we might not admit to watching the Super Bowl solely for the commercials, E.L.F.’s latest Super Bowl spot has certainly caught our attention. The brand’s marketing prowess is on full display, and they’re not holding back.
Set in E.L.F. Court, the star-studded commercial features none other than Judge Judy Sheindlin as Judge Beauty, alongside “Suits” cast members Gina Torres, Rick Hoffman, and Sarah Rafferty. Hoffman plays the prosecutor, accusing Torres of overspending on foundation, with her verdict being radiant skin thanks to E.L.F.’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter. The jury box includes familiar faces like “Jury Duty”‘s Ronald Gladden and beloved comedian Benito Skinner.
Skinner’s involvement with E.L.F. was a no-brainer, citing both personal history and excitement for the opportunity. “The fact that some of these straight dudes in Idaho who played football with me will get to watch me with acrylic nails on at the Super Bowl? Poetic. A fairy tale,” Skinner remarks.
His history with E.L.F. dates back to his early days in New York, where affordability and effectiveness were paramount in his makeup choices. “Every YouTuber I watched [said E.L.F.] was a good starter, so that was my first experience with it. It’s been in my makeup kit for a long, long time,” he shares.
For the commercial, Skinner revived one of his beloved characters, Kooper the Gen Z intern, showcasing the versatility of his talents. “I just thought it was so funny that they wanted Kooper,” he reflects. “I haven’t been my intern in a while. Whenever people request a character, it’s fun.”
Skinner’s repertoire extends beyond Kooper, with his spot-on impressions of celebrities like the Kardashian-Jenners, particularly favoring Kylie Jenner at the moment. “I feel like Kylie is the main character right now,” he notes. “For a while, I was Kourtney pretty much nonstop. I think [her voice] has seeped into how I actually talk.”
Regardless of the character, Skinner emphasizes the transformative power of makeup and the joy it brings him. “It became a peaceful thing that I would do before I started a video, which is inherently pretty chaotic. It just became this great time to get into character,” he concludes.