To date, elf Cosmetics has released a total of four Putty Primers for the face. Having four to pick from can be highly confusing. We are going to figure out Which elf Putty Primer is best for you by putting all four to the test! I am wear testing all of the primers for you on my combination skin type and sharing the results to enable you to determine which primer to buy.
Where To Buy The Primers
I am starting off with some purchase options. You can get all of the primers online from elf Cosmetics and Ulta. Both retailers also carry the Putty Primer Trio of three mini primers, plus the Putty Primer Brush and Applicator. You are likely to find all of these items in drugstores that sell elf.
You may note that Tatcha is the brand that started the putty face primer madness, and then elf broke the internet with their affordable version. From there, the market has plenty of putty primers. You can check out another amazing battle where I put all of the elf Putty Primers to the test against Tatcha and Physicians Formula!
elf Poreless Putty Primer
Claims: This primer should grip makeup for all-day wear with a flawless finish. It provides a smooth, velvety texture so that makeup glides over the skin seamlessly.
Key Ingredient: Squalane for hydration
Review: The fills my outrageously large pores about 90%. It does smooth out the skin while leaving behind a mild tackiness. Makeup applies normally over top. At the end of the day I see normal wear and tear, which is separation around the nose, settling into the crease of the chin and smile lines, and a heavy look on the upper lip. That happens to me with all makeup. However, I do note that this primer makes my t-zone oily. The entire nose and the surrounding area is the worst, then the forehead, and finally the chin.
Rating: ★★★★☆
elf Luminous Putty Primer
Claims: The velvety texture of this primer should glide right over the skin while smoothing imperfections. It should also grip makeup and deliver a radiant base.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen for hydration and plumping
Review: When it comes down to Luminous vs. Poreless, they have the same texture and consistency when applied to the skin. But, it only fills pores about 50%. It does make the skin feel smooth and hydrated, and makeup applies normally over top. Find gold glitters are what supply the luminous effect, and you can still see some glow after applying all of your makeup. The wear test results are exactly the same as the original poreless version as well. As you can imagine, that means looking oily as well as luminous, which is not the best look.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
elf Matte Putty Primer
Claims: This primer claims to provide a shine-free finish while also smoothing imperfections for a poreless effect and gripping makeup.
Key Ingredients: Kaolin clay and white charcoal to absorb oil
Review: The matte primer has the same consistency as the original and luminous versions. You still get that smooth and hydrated feel, but the skin is also matte. It fills the pores 50%, and makeup applies normally over top. The matte finish is still present once all makeup is applied. The wear test results are highly similar to the original poreless primer. I am seeing a lot of oil production in the t-zone, with the entire nose area being the worst, next is the forehead, but it was not as oily as the original, and then the chin. The matte finish is definitely gone in those areas, and you can see the shine. A pro-tip here- this primer can actually be too matte and dry if you pair it with all matte makeup.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
elf Acne Fighting Putty Primer
Claims: This primer claims to prevent future acne breakouts while also smoothing over pores and imperfections. Makeup should last all day, and the finish is clear and natural.
Key Ingredients: 1.8% salicylic acid to prevent and reduce acne
Review: The consistency of the acne primer is strikingly different from all of the others. It feels very wet, cool, and thin on the skin. The green tint does nothing for redness. Although, I have never experienced a green primer do any color correcting. This primer does not fill pores at all, which is ridiculous because acne prone skin typically suffers from significant pores. It does leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated, and makeup applies normally over top. The wear test is exactly like the matte version.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Comparison Table
Are you still not sure which primer is best for you? You can use this handy chart to compare all of the primers in terms of skin type, benefit, and key ingredients. Do keep in mind that all elf products are free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. Additionally, the skin care does not contain sulfates, and everything is cruelty-free and vegan.
Do not forget, the directions on how to use primers are super easy. You can simply use your fingers to apply a thin layer of any of the primers. Allow them to set for about 30 seconds before applying your makeup.
| Compare the elf Putty Primers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poreless Putty Primer | Matte Putty Primer | Luminous Putty Primer | Acne Fighting Putty Primer | |
| Skin Type | Normal/dry/combo | Oily | Normal/dry/combo | Acne prone |
| Skin Benefit | Hydrates | Mattifies | Illuminates and plumps | Fights and prevents acne |
| Key Ingredient(s) | Squalane | Kaolin Clay | Hyaluronic aci and collagen | 1.8% Salicylic acid |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elf Putty Primer good?
The elf Putty Primer line is good. The primers do somewhat extend the wear time of makeup, but they are not holy-grails. Unfortunately, all of them make me super oily. You have to experiment to find the best one for your particular skin. The original is my favorite because it does the best job of filling outrageous pores.
Which elf Putty Primer is best for oily skin?
I have combination skin, and through wear-testing, I find that all of the elf Putty Primers make my skin very oily. You might stand the best chance with the elf Matte Putty Primer.
What is the best way to apply elf Poreless Putty Primer?
elf Poreless Putty Primer can be applied with your fingers for perfect application. However, if you want a tool, elf does have a brush/applicator.
Can you wear elf Poreless Putty Primer by itself?
You can wear elf Poreless Putty Primer on the skin without makeup. They can be paired with your skincare routine, or alone, if you are looking for a particular benefit such as filling pores or getting a luminous glow.
Can you use elf Poreless Putty Primer on eyelids?
You can absolutely use elf Poreless Putty Primer on the eyelids.
Is elf Poreless Putty Primer water based?
Yes, elf Poreless Putty Primer has a water based formula.
Shop The Primers
The elf Poreless Putty Primer on oily skin is the top choice, as well as the winner overall. It does the most pore filling with the least amount of oil production at the end of the day. However, it still makes me more oily than I would like. On an everyday basis I will reach for it to help fill the pores on my nose when I do not want to use an expensive primer. Which primer will you try? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
2 Responses
Yes, you can wear elf Poreless Putty Primer by itself. Virtually all/any makeup primers can be worn alone, under makeup, or with skincare.