It is safe to say that Tatcha broke the internet when they gave us their “putty” primer. From there, other popular brands are trying their hands at making a dupe. I have a total of six putty face primers from three different brands that I am putting head-to-head. I am testing out the primers on my combination skin and providing all of the details, including a wear test, star ratings, and more, to help you determine which primer is the best.
Details
First I will be sharing information that spans all of the primers. First and foremost, all of the putty primers have the same application directions. You can apply a light amount with your fingers and allow the product at least 30 seconds to set.
No matter what makeup that I wear, I always have what I call “natural wear and tear” at the end of the day. This includes settling into smile lines and the creases of the nose, separation around the nose, and a heavy look on the upper lip. For these reviews the same holds true, so I am only sharing the wear test results outside of natural wear and tear.
Also, makeup applied normally over all of the primers. There was no issues with clinging, pilling, patchiness, etc.
When I test primer I make sure to use them with other makeup products that I am highly familiar with. Through each test, all other products (foundation, powder, setting spray, concealer, etc.) is kept the same, so that the only changing variable is the primer itself. My makeup is worn for at least eight hours.
Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
Did you know that it comes in two sizes? Besides the full-size you can also pick up Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer Mini if you want to try it and save some cash.
Claims: This primer claims to enable makeup to last longer while smoothing the skin and actually creating a barrier so that your pores do not get clogged. It should also treat dullness and uneven texture.
Key Ingredients: Hadasei-3, silk, anti-pollution natural actives
Review: You should be excited to hear in this primer has the same consistency and feel as elf’s. Even the color is highly similar, but dare I say that it makes the skin slightly smoother. It does fill all pores 100% with a lovely blurring effect. Tatcha leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated with no tacky finish. At the end of the day I see oil production in the t-zone, with the nose and surrounding area being the worst, then the forehead, and finally the chin. These results are the same as elf with the only standout being 100% pore fill and more smoothing effects.
Rating: ★★★★★
Where to buy:
See On Sephora See On Tatcha See On QVC
Physicians Formula Butter Believe It Putty Primer
Claims: This primer claims to be luxurious and velvety smooth to deliver a soft, poreless complexion. Your makeup should glide over the buttery texture and last for all day wear.
Key Ingredients: Murumuru Butter, Cupuaçu Butter, and Tucuma Butter
Review: This primer applies to the skin just like butter, even with an oily feel. However, it dries down and absorbs into the skin to give you a hydrated and soft feeling with only the slightest amount of oil left. It appears that concealer blends extra well over top. But, it does not fill pores at all. At the end of the day it has only caused oil production on the nose. Since this primer has the least oil production out of ALL of the primers, but fails to fill the pores, I dock it one star. It would be perfect five out of five if it did 100% pore fill.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Where to buy:
See On Ulta See On Physicians Formula See On Target See On Rite Aid See On Walmart
elf Poreless Putty Primer
If you need more to explore, I have an entire review dedicated to the entire Putty Primer elf line, which includes this original formulation.
Claims: This primer claims to grip makeup for all-day wear with a flawless finish. It should provide a smooth, velvety texture so that makeup glides seamlessly over the skin.
Key Ingredient: Squalane
Review: This primer only fills about 90% of my terrible pores. It dries down to leave a mildly tacky finish. At the end of the day I have significant oil production in the t-zone, with the entire nose area being the worst, then the forehead, and finally the chin. These results are the same as Tatcha.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Where to buy:
See On elf Cosmetics See On Ulta See On Target See On Walmart
elf Luminous Putty Primer
If you are loving these combination skin reviews, do not forget to check out an entire assortment of elf primers that I am also putting to the test.
Claims: This primer claims to have a velvety texture that allows makeup to glide over the skin. It should also grip makeup, smooth imperfections, and provide a radiant base.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen
Review: The luminous version has the same consistency as the original. It leaves the skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Fine gold glitters is what causes the glow, which you can still decently see once all of your makeup is applied. It fills pores about 50%. At the end of the day, the wear test results are the same as the original. Keep in mind, that means a glow combined with oil, which is not a cute look.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Where to buy:
See On elf Cosmetics See On Ulta See On Target See On Walmart
elf Matte Putty Primer
Claims: This primer should smooth imperfections, provide a poreless effect, give a matte finish, and grip makeup.
Key Ingredients: Kaolin clay and white charcoal
Review: The matte version has the same consistency as the original. It somehow leaves the skin feeling smooth and hydrated, yet matte at the same time. You also get about 50% of pores filled. At the end of the day, the wear test results yet again yield the same results as original and luminous. However, I note that the forehead is so much more oily than the others. The matte finish is lost in the t-zone, and the forehead is terrible.
One other note here is that I have paired this primer with other matte complexion products, and you get the opposite effect. It can cause your makeup to look too dry.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Where to buy:
See On elf Cosmetics See On Ulta See On Target See On Walmart See On Amazon
elf Acne Fighting Putty Primer
Claims: This primer claims to treat and to prevent acne breakouts. It should also smooth pores and imperfections with a clear finish.
Key Ingredient: 1.8% salicylic acid
Review: The acne version has an interesting consistency that feels wet and cool on the skin, with a clear finish. Unfortunately, the green tint does nothing to color correct redness. I have yet to try a green primer that has provided color correction. It does not fill pores at all, which is terrible considering most acne prone skin suffers from enlarged pores. But, it does leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated. The wear test results are exactly the same as the original.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Where to buy:
See On elf Cosmetics See On Ulta See On Walmart See On Target
Comparison Table
| Compare elf vs. Tatcha vs. Physicians Formula Putty Primers | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| elf Poreless Putty Primer | elf Matte Putty Primer | elf Luminous Putty Primer | elf Acne Fighting Putty Primer | Tatcha The Silk Canvas | Physicians Formula Putty Primer | |
| Skin type | Normal/dry/combo | Oily | Normal/dry/combo | Acne prone | Normal/dry/combo | Normal/dry |
| Skin Benefit | Hydrates | Mattifies | Illuminates and plumps | Fights and prevents acne | Fights dullness and uneven texture | Softens the skin |
| Key Ingredient(s) | Squalane | Kaolin Clay | Hyaluronic acid and collagen | 1.8% salicylic acid | Hadasel-3, silk, anti-pollution natural actives | Murumuru, Cupuacu, and Tucuma butters |
| % of pores that it fills | 90% | 50% | 50% | 0% | 100% | 0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best putty primer?
Out of this wear test, Tatcha The Silk Canvas is the best putty primer when it comes to pore filling and smoothing effects. However, the best putty primer for you will vary depending on your skin type. Physicians Formula is the only one that does not cause oil production, but it will not fill any pores. You have to weigh the pros and cons with the effects that you are looking for.
What is elf Poreless Putty Primer a dupe of?
elf Poreless Putty Primer is created to be a dupe of Tatcha The Silk Canvas. The wear test results are highly similar, as are the ingredients, formulation, and skin benefits. However, Tatcha will fill all of your pores and give a hint more of a smoothing effect than elf.
Is Tatcha Silk Canvas good for oily skin?
As tested on combination skin, Tatcha The Silk Canvas does cause significant oil production in the t-zone. The nose area is the worst, with the forehead coming in second place, and the chin in third. However, makeup wears differently on everyone, so you might have a different result. It does not hurt to try it on oily skin. Perhaps you might want to purchase the mini version as a tester.
Is Tatcha Silk Canvas water based?
Yes, Tatcha The Silk Canvas is water based. The second listed ingredient is water, and it is silicone-free.
What is putty primer used for?
Generally speaking, putty primer is used to smooth and blur the skin in preparation for makeup application. They typically fill pores and soften and hydrate the skin. There are different putty primers on the market that claim to provide a variety of effects for all skin types.
Shop The Primers
I declare that Tatcha is the best primer. While Physicians Formula has the least amount of oil production, it does not fill pores, where as Tatcha fills pores 100% and does the most blurring and smoothing. You might want to experiment with these primers to come to your own conclusion. What is your favorite putty primer? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
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