Best elf Primers For Combination Skin

I have way too many elf primers for one face, so I am putting them to the test! I have combination skin, meaning my t-zone is oily, but my cheeks are normal. Blemishes/acne are a normal part of life for me, but I do not stuffer from dry skin. I am on a quest to find the best elf primers for combination skin so that you can spend your money wisely.

Common Traits From All The Primers

For the testing process, I am using only products that I am very familiar with. My wear tests are always around 8+ hours so we can see what a full day looks like.

Instead of repeating myself in review of each primer, I want to share some common info up front.

None of these primers stopped normal wear and tear from happening on me. What I define as normal wear and tear is the foundation settling into my smile lines, forehead lines, and the chin crease. I do not know of a product that does eliminate normal wear and tear, so this is completely acceptable.

Also, I have huge pores on my nose, and I consider them to be worse than average. None of these primers have the ability to fill these pores 100%, which is what I expect. I always have to use a separate pore filling primer on my nose. You are probably wondering, what about the Poreless Putty Primer? Read my review for more, but it does help a bit with the pores.

Tube Primers

Who does not love a good ol’ squeeze tube primer? There are some winners here as we search for the  best elf primers for combination skin.

+Matte Oil Control Primer

Primer Application. The formula of this primer is a clear gel and it really is reminding me of my all-time favorite high-end makeup primer, which is Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer. It even has that same greasy feel that Smashbox’s has, although it does feel extra greasy. I need to wipe my hands off after applying this primer. A little goes a long way, so definitely apply less than you normally do. The package directions do say to apply a small amount, and I urge you to heed that warning. The skin feels mildly tacky, and the finish is indeed matte.

Makeup Application. Makeup applies normally over top, and I gotta say, this foundation is looking exceptionally good on me. This primer levels up this crappy foundation.

Wear Test. I ended up giving this foundation two wear tests. On the first round, my foundation was literally peeling off of my face, as pictured below. I finished applying my makeup about one hour before I ate dinner, and after eating dinner, the peeling action was real. I could literally take a pair of tweezers and pull the foundation off, which I have never seen ever in my life! This is a real shame because this primer makes this foundation look beautiful, and could be the closest drugstore dupe to Smashbox. I believe this peeling is happening because I applied too much in defiance of the package directions. I applied as much as I do for any other primer.

On the second wear test, I applied about half of what I did before, and that does the trick! Absolutely no peeling on the second go. This may just be my favorite elf primer because it transforms a bad foundation into lovely product, and works as good as high-end. Your oils are perfectly controlled as nothing passes through for me. The matte look lasts all day. We have a winner for one of the best elf primers for combination skin.

For a fun little extra, I did go to a few stores and wear a face mask during my second wear test. I am sharing a picture of the inside of my mask so that you all can see how much rubs off. The results do not surprise me or upset me in any way. Naturally, you will see rub off when something is making contact with your skin. Luckily, my face does not look that mangled from the mask, but all of the foundation is gone from the tip of my nose. There is no makeup product that will prevent that from happening on my nose.

Jellypop Dew Primer

Primer Application. This primer is a clear gel that is sticky, and ultimately does leave the face sticky. My skin is dewy, but there is no glitter.

Makeup Application. The dew actually shows through the foundation and other products, but the downside of that is my foundation still feels tacky no matter how much powder I apply. When I blend other products over my foundation, like my blush and bronzer, I find difficulty in doing so because the foundation is not dried down. It also causes setting powder to look patchy and clingy. Using a setting spray does tone down the patchy and clingy look to an extent.

Wear Test. Somehow, the tackiness does go away during the day. My nose is very shiny with oil, and there is much breakdown around the nose. There is cracking on my chin and it extends towards the cheek/jaw area. The dew definitely lasts while letting some oil through. My skin does look heavy.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Poreless Putty Primer

I am no stranger this primer and it is probably the primer you are looking for in this best elf primers for combination skin science experiment. I have emptied at least two samples, plus I use my full-size on occasion. I always say that this primer does not impress me as much as it impresses the world, which is definitely an unpopular opinion. This is the first time I am really scrutinizing the wear and giving an in-depth review. My thoughts are changing a little bit here!

Primer Application. This primer does smooth the skin out, and it fills some of the pores on my nose. I do not get a perfect fill, but this is a stark difference to all of the other primers I am reviewing here. It dries with a mild tackiness. As far as any blurring, I do not see any instant Photoshop effects.

Makeup Application. Makeup applies normally over top with no issues or complaints.

Wear Test. This primer does control my oils all day. I can just see the hint of mild cracking forming near the right jaw, but it is no where near as bad as what I am seeing with the other primers. As I have said, I do not get a perfect pore fill, so it does not eliminate the need for me to use a second primer on the nose area. But, the foundation is holding up noticeably well in comparison to the other primers, and I honestly think that Poreless Putty Primer makes a visible difference. I still do not think it is God’s gift to the makeup world, but good things are happening.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Pump Primers

Mineral Infused Face Primer

Primer Application. The formula of this primer is a clear gel, and if you have ever tried the other pump-style primers, then you will notice that it feels like the others. It leaves the skin smoothed out.

Makeup Application. Makeup applies normally over top, and honestly looks good for the foundation.

Wear Test. Some oil is coming through on the forehead and the nose. There is no cracking. My chin is hinting that the foundation might break down, but it never gets to that point. I see some separation around the nose. Ultimately, none of these negative finds look at that bad! I am surprised by this one.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Blemish Control Face Primer

Primer Application. This primer feels cool and wet on the skin, leaving a dewy finish that is fresh. There is a mild tackiness.

Makeup Application. Makeup applies normally over top.

Wear Test. There is much cracking happening around the nose area. It suggests that the foundation might flake off, but that never actually happens. I do see that strange cracking and dryness by the jaw. Some oils are being allowed through on the t-zone.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Tone Adjusting Face Primer

Primer Application. This primer is purple, but it sheers out when applied to the skin, so you are not left with any purple pigment. My face does not look different, but purple is meant to cancel out yellow spots, which I do not have. It has that similar, greasy feel that most of the pump primers have, so much so I do think of the +Matte Oil Control Primer. It does smooth the skin, but leaves no tackiness.

Makeup Application. Makeup applies smoothly over top and it looks good, reminding me of the +Matte Oil Control Primer once again.

Wear Test. The cracking and peeling issue that I see with the +Matte Oil Control Primer is happening again, but it is worse on one side of my face than the other. It is peeling on the right, but only suggesting that it may peel on the left. As you can see in the below picture, the peeling is mild in comparison to +Matte. Sorry to stick my nose in your face and get all up close and personal, but it must be done. There is not much of that odd cracking/dryness on the jaw, and the rest of the face looks good, despite some separation around the nose creases.

Of course, I am doing a second wear test due to the peeling on the first one. This time I am applying one pump of primer rather than two (but I always apply two with the pump primers). With the second go, there is no peeling, and the face looks much better. The spots that peeled before only look a bit cracked and heavy. My face looks good, considering the foundation I am wearing. One pump is the key, and this is definitely one of the best elf primers for combination skin.

Rating: ★★★★★

Poreless Face Primer

Primer Application. This primer does smooth the skin and mildly blur some pores, but I do not get a perfect fill. The skin does not feel tacky, and that usual greasy feel of the formula is present.

Makeup Application. I see some patchiness on the center of the forehead and on the left side of my nose.

Wear Test. The primer does allow some oils through on the t-zone, and the makeup is actually settling into the pores on my nose, making them highly visible. I see some breakdown on the chin, as well as some cracking/dryness similar to what I report for the Hydrating Primer Serum.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Illuminating Face Primer

Primer Application. The skin does appear to be illuminated by this primer, which is due to gold glitter and shimmers that are visible on the skin. It does smooth over the skin easily, and dries with a slight tack.

Makeup Application. Makeup does apply normally over top, and it really looks smooth and perfected. There is not much glow left after applying all of my makeup products.

Wear Test. Some oils do come through, and my face really looks how it does in my review on the Blemish Control Face Primer. I can see some of that cracking/dryness, but it is not as severe.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Pros and Cons of the Best e.l.f. Primers for Combination Skin

Pros

• Jellypop Dew Primer: Dewy finish that shows through foundation.
• Poreless Putty Primer: Smooths skin, fills some pores, controls oils all day, helps foundation last longer.
• Mineral Infused Face Primer: Smooths skin, foundation applies well, minimal cracking, holds up better than expected.
• Blemish Control Face Primer: Fresh, dewy finish with mild tackiness.
• Tone Adjusting Face Primer: Smooths skin, makeup applies well, better results with one pump, can be one of the best for combo skin.
• Poreless Face Primer: Smooths and mildly blurs pores.
• Illuminating Face Primer: Adds visible glow with shimmer, smooth application, perfected finish under makeup.

Cons

• Jellypop Dew Primer: Sticky finish, foundation stays tacky and looks patchy, heavy breakdown around nose and chin.
• Poreless Putty Primer: Only partial pore fill, requires another pore primer for nose area.
• Mineral Infused Face Primer: Some oil and separation around nose.
• Blemish Control Face Primer: Cracking and dryness near nose and jaw, oils allowed through t-zone.
• Tone Adjusting Face Primer: Can cause peeling or cracking if over-applied.
• Poreless Face Primer: Patchiness on forehead and nose, visible pores due to makeup settling, t-zone oiliness.
• Illuminating Face Primer: Oils come through, some cracking/dryness.

FAQ

What is the best elf primer for combination skin?

The top pick is the Poreless Putty Primer. It helps fill pores, smooth skin, and control oils throughout the day without breaking down.

Which elf primer controls oil best?

The +Matte Oil Control Primer is a standout. It keeps shine at bay, delivers a true matte finish, and helps makeup stay put all day.

Do elf primers work well for large pores?

Yes, especially the Poreless Putty Primer. While it doesn’t completely fill very large pores, it noticeably smooths skin and minimizes their appearance.

Are the pump-style elf primers good for combo skin?

Most pump primers aren’t ideal, as they allow some oil through or cause patchiness. The Tone Adjusting Primer is the exception when applied lightly, as it controls shine and smooths skin.

Are elf primers as good as high-end options?

Yes. Some, like the +Matte Oil Control Primer, perform on par with high-end favorites like Smashbox Photo Finish, making them excellent affordable alternatives.

Shop The Primers

My absolute favorite out of all 16 primers tested is the +Matte Oil Control Primer, so it wins my ultimate stamp of approval! What is your favorite elf primer? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

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