elf Stay Cool Primer Stick vs. wet n wild Cooling Hydra De-Puffer Compared

Several makeup brands are introducing cooling sticks into their lineup. Most notably, elf and wet n wild have two very similar options that seem like copies. I am putting them to the test head on with a elf Stay Cool Primer Stick vs. wet n wild Cooling Hydra De-Puffer For Eye + Face comparison review.

Details & Claims

To begin with the details on the sticks, both come as a twist-up stick in highly similar aqua blue packaging. elf gives us 0.59 oz or 17 g of product for $7. wet n wild gives us 0.45 oz or 13 g for $5.99. In comparing the price vs. quantity, there is virtually no difference.

When it comes to where to buy the sticks, the retailers are the same. You can find them on the brand’s respective webistes, along with Amazon, Ulta, Target, and Walmart. wet n wild additionally is in Five Below stores.

elf Stick

wet n wild Stick

The claims is really where the brands differ. elf claims that their primer is a solid gel stick with a cooling, watery feel. It should prep and smooth your skin for makeup application while also hydrating. The packaging with mess-free application makes it travel friendly.

wet n wild, on the other hand, makes NO mention of their stick being a makeup primer. They claim their stick should glide on smootly to give you a cooling effect. It should reduce the appearance of puffiness to instantly wake up the skin. The formula, like elf, is travel ready and should blend quickly into the skin. This implies it is more of a spot-treatment, perhaps for the under eyes.

There are some similarities and differences in the key ingredients. If you are wondering about the topic of water or silicone based, elf makes it known their stick is water based. The key ingredient is aloe water, but they also give callouts to hyaluronic acid, spring water, coconut water and marine water.

The wet n wild key ingredients are Vitamin E and caffeine with callouts to green tea oil and hyaluronic acid.

For how to use the sticks, the brands give pretty much the same instructions. elf states after applying your skincare swipe primer stick across your skin, then apply your makeup. wet n wild simply says to apply the product to the under eyes and face as desired.

Swatches Compared

Below I have swatches of both sticks. I am comparing them to my hand before and after to show that they are invisible on the skin and do not have any blurring or smoothing properties.

Comparison Review

For this review we must keep in mind that I have been intimately covering these brands for many years. To conduct my review, I have tested these sticks three different ways.

The first test is for under eye application only for de-puffing. I find that neither stick de-puffs anything for me, even though wet n wild makes that claim. With that being said, my under eyes experience more of a sunken-in look over puffiness, so I may not be the best tester of this category.

My second test is all over the face application to cool and soothe red skin, both from irritation and post-workout. I also find that neither stick really does anything notable.

I will say that these sticks are simply a pleasure to use. They feel the same in application, which is cold to the touch almost giving you the illusion that they are wet, but they are not. elf is a tad bit more emolinet than wet n wild. The sensation is an instant pick-me-up and wakeup call and I like to use them when I am feeling tired.

You will find that they really do not feel like they leave much on the skin by way of primer. They are so lightweight you might wonder if you are applying much of anything and if it will have an effect. Well, I am here to say that my third test of using them as makeup primer is very successful and shocking!

For the makeup primer testing, I did elf on one half of my face, and wet n wild on the other. I did this daily and used a variety of foundations. I went for foundations that I know well, including some that are so-so, some that do not work well for me, and a few that I know work well.

For foundations that are so-so or poor on me, they hold up so well with either stick. Beyond that, they make the foundations look more skin-like.

I had a day where I ended up wearing a so-so foundation for 15 hours and there was little change to my makeup outside of normal wear and tear! My face virtually looked the same as it did on initial application! Everything sinks into my fine lines and these sticks do too, but it was very slight and not crazy. They are mature skin approved.

The only bad thing that I can say is that these do nothing for your pores, so you will need to pair them with a pore-filling primer. They leave your skin with a natural finish and slight tackiness. Other than that, makeup applies normally over top, all makeup and skincare layers well together, and these sticks perform and wear the same.

I fully believe that they not only extend makeup wear time, but improve the application and wear of mediocre foundations. I bet you did not see this result coming, especially since wet n wild makes no primer claims! I do not make this conclusion lightly, ever. The competitors are blown out of the water here on this point alone. You can see the wet n wild stick in action as a part of their 2024 new releases.

Some wearers say that the elf stick is like the stick version of their popular gripping primer. For more details, you can read my elf Power Grip Primer review.

Below is a table to compare the key points of these sticks.

You will also note they have incredibly similar packaging and the price equals out with the amount of product. You cannot go wrong with whatever brand that you pick, but you definitely need one in your life. Neither of these brands have tried cooling sticks previously, but they do both offer other primer sticks.

Now, time for some quantatative comparison metrics.

Hydration:

• 10/10 both sticks hydrate the skin all day and allow minimal to no oils to peak through,

Cooling Effect:

• 10/10 both sticks provide a cooling, wet sensation to the skin.

Ease of Application:

• elf: 10/10 – Glides smoothly over the skin, easy to apply evenly, slightly more emolient than wet n wild
• wet n wild: 9/10 – Also applies smoothly.

Travel-Friendliness:

• 10/10 both are mess free and lightweight for travel.

Versatility:

• elf: 9/10 – Makes a great primer but does not really calm or soothe red skin.
• wet n wild : 9/10 – Works amazing as a primer, but does not claim to be one. Does not meet its claims of de-puffing.

Value for Money:

• e.l.f. Stay Cool Primer Stick: 8/10 – Offers more product at a slightly higher price.
• wet n wild Cooling Hydra De-Puffer: 8.5/10 – Slightly cheaper, but with less product

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use the elf Cooling Primer Stick?

You use the elf Cooling Primer Stick by swiping it across your skin. It is excellent as a makeup primer or a spot treatment to cool off the skin.

Is elf Stay Cool Primer water based?

Yes, the elf Stay Cool Primer is water based. It contains several waters in the ingredients, including coconut water, aloe water, spring water, and marine water.

How do you apply the wet n wild Cooling Hydra De-Puffer?

You apply the wet n wild Cooling Hydra De-Puffer by swiping it across your skin. Like elf, it is great as a makeup primer and for cooling specific areas.

What Reddit Users Are Saying

Beyond my personal experience I am doing additional research to see how these sticks work for others. Below are come comments and reviews from Reddit users.

Shop The Sticks

Let me know if you try these sticks as primer! It is hard to believe such simple products deliver these high results. How do you use cooling sticks? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

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