elf has two very popular primers in their lineup that are extremely different in terms of formula and effect. I find it interesting that the internet has an appetite to see the elf Putty Primer vs. Power Grip go head-to-head! In this comparison and contrast review I will be covering all the details from the perspective of someone with combination skin that gets oily in the t-zone, with large pores on and around the nose.
Details & Claims
I am starting with where to buy the primers. Most retailers that carry elf Cosmetics should have them, including elf’s website, Amazon, Ulta, Target, and Walmart. Below you can shop the individual primers. They both retail for $10.
Power Grip Primer
Poreless Putty Primer
Power Grip Primer is gel-based, and it comes in a 0.811 fl oz pump tube. It is designed to smooth and to hydrate your skin, while leaving a tacky base for gripping your makeup. The finish is natural and translucent for use on all skin types and tones. The key ingredient is hyaluronic acid for hydration. Do note that I cover this primer in depth in my elf Power Grip Primer review.
Poreless Putty Primer is a creamy, silicone-based primer that comes in a .074 oz pot. It has a velvety texture that glides over your skin to smooth out imperfections and fill pores. The key ingredient is squalane to aid in long-lasting wear. It is also translucent and made for all skin types.
The application and use instructions are slightly different. For Power Grip, you should spread the product across your skin and then pat it in. The heat of your fingers will melt the primer into your skin.
For Poreless Putty Primer, you can use your fingers to blend the product into your skin. They also offer a Putty Primer Brush and Applicator, which is dual-ended. One end scoops the product up so that you do not have to put your fingers into the pot, while the brush buffs it into the skin. I prefer my fingers instead of the brush. I find that the brush causes the primer to sit on top of the skin in an unfavorable way that makes your foundation not look good. This primer can also be used on the eyelids.
You should allow both of these primers 30 seconds to dry before applying your makeup.
Review
In starting with Power Grip, it does dry down with a natural finish that is also tacky. It does not fill pores, and it layers well with skincare. Makeup applies normally over top.
During the day, I see normal wear and tear. Most notably, it does not control oil production on combination skin, so the t-zone gets fairly shiny. When it comes to extending makeup wear time, I am in the middle. If you pair it with a decent foundation, it can help. But, it will not improve a lackluster foundation.
For Poreless Putty Primer, it fills about 90% of the huge pores in my trouble area. The finish is smooth and mildly tacky, but nothing like the gel. I would not go as far as to say it blurs, but it has that softly mattified effect. Makeup applies normally over top, and it layers well with skincare.
At the end of the day, I also see normal wear and tear, as well as shine and oil in the t-zone. Much like the gel, I do not see it extending or hurting makeup wear time. If you want to know how this primer stacks up against the “putty” competition in the market, definitely check out my elf vs. Tatcha vs. Physicians Formula Putty Primers review.
Below is a comparison and contrast table to summarize the key points:
| Compare elf Putty Primer vs. Power Grip | ||
|---|---|---|
| Poreless Putty Primer | Power Grip Primer | |
| Base | Creamy silicone | Gel |
| Skin type | All | All |
| Benefit | Hydrates | Hydrates |
| Key ingredients | Squalane | Hylauronic acid |
| % of pores that it fills | 90% | 0% |
| Finish | Smooth, mattified, soft | Natural dewy, tacky |
When it comes down it, it is your preference that matters. The gel is not going to fill pores, but it will give you that natural, healthy glow look, and it is highly tacky. Where as the putty will fill your pores with a more smooth, mattified look.
Both primers wear and perform similarly enough. You might want to make these your dynamic duo by applying the putty only on your pore problem areas, then the gel on the rest of your face.
I put all of their putty primers to the test on which elf Putty Primer is best. This will help you to explore their line further as you seek a formula that works with your skin type.
Shop The Primers
The wear time results are virtually the same, yet each primer is highly different in terms of their formula and what they are designed to accomplish. The gel is a sticky makeup gripper that cannot fill your pores, while the putty can fill the majority of your pores. They are great to pair up, but it comes down to your preference. What base formulation do you prefer for your primer? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
