Elf Poreless Putty Primer Review: Does This Primer Make A Difference?

ELF, the reigning queen of drugstore makeup, continues to captivate makeup enthusiasts from both high-end and drugstore realms. Renowned for its cruelty-free American brand identity and adeptness at crafting successful makeup dupes, ELF holds a prominent place in the hearts of beauty enthusiasts worldwide. One of its standout offerings is the Elf Poreless Putty Primer, currently holding the title of the number 1 best-selling primer in America. But does it live up to the hype?

Do I Recommend ELF Poreless Putty Primer?

Without a doubt! The ELF Poreless Putty Primer has become a cherished addition to my makeup routine. It imparts a delightful, satiny-smooth finish to my skin, working wonders to create a flawless canvas for my makeup application. Its moisturizing properties, especially considering its budget-friendly price point, make it a fantastic choice for most skin types. However, if you have excessively oily skin, this may not be the ideal pick. ELF consistently delivers quality, and the Poreless Putty Primer is no exception!

What Is a Primer?

A primer is a skin-toned fluid with corrective properties, primarily used beneath foundation or other liquid and powder makeup bases. It serves multiple functions, such as filling in pores, concealing skin discoloration and imperfections, providing hydration, offering light coverage, brightening the skin, and controlling oil. Check out our comprehensive Primer Guide for a detailed overview of everything you need to know about primers!

Given the diverse functions of a primer, it’s crucial to pinpoint your specific goals when selecting the right one for your needs.

How to Use the Elf Poreless Putty Primer

To apply the Elf Poreless Putty Primer effectively, begin by using a damp beauty blender, gently bouncing it over the skin. Follow this up with a primer-compatible brush to ensure even distribution across the desired areas.

It’s advisable to apply the primer evenly and allow it to dry completely before proceeding with your chosen foundation. When applied correctly, this primer skillfully conceals pores of all sizes, bestowing a flawless complexion.

Should the product seem slightly dry or in need of improvement, a tried-and-true trick, though not mentioned in ELF’s promotional materials, involves gently stirring the product inside the bottle. This homogenizes the blend, enhancing its application.

ELF suggests using the Putty Primer Applicator for optimal results. Some users have discovered that alternating between formulas, such as ELF’s Matte Putty Primer or the Luminous Putty Primer, can be effective in addressing different skin conditions brought on by changing seasons.

In essence, ELF’s Poreless Putty Primer offers versatility and effectiveness, contributing to a refined makeup application.

Will the Elf Poreless Putty Primer Work on My Skin?

ELF has thoughtfully curated three distinct finishes to cater to various skin types and preferences. While the Elf Poreless Putty Primer is primarily designed to create a poreless, flawless complexion, it remains suitable for those with normal, combination, or dry skin, as it doesn’t offer oil control. If your skin leans toward the less oily side, this primer may be your ideal choice.

For individuals with oily skin, ELF has introduced the Matte Putty Primer, which excels in mattifying the skin and effectively controlling oil production.

If your skin is on the drier side or requires an added dose of hydration, the Luminous Putty Primer is the perfect pick. This variant imparts a luminous finish, resulting in a radiant complexion while effectively concealing imperfections and maintaining skin hydration.

What Does the Elf Poreless Putty Primer Do?

The Elf Poreless Putty Primer boasts several impressive benefits, making it a versatile addition to your makeup routine. It:

• Extends the longevity of your makeup, ensuring it lasts throughout the day.
• Helps foundation adhere smoothly, promoting a seamless makeup application.
• Minimizes the appearance of pores and other skin imperfections.
• Provides essential hydration to your skin.

Packaging

The ELF Poreless Putty Primer is presented in a robust black unicarton, featuring the ELF logo on the front and usage instructions on both sides. This packaging, while not luxurious, strikes a balance between quality and affordability, mirroring ELF’s brand ethos. Upon opening the box, you’ll find the product enclosed in a sleek container with a black lid. Its compact size facilitates easy handling and storage. Despite its petite appearance, a little goes a long way with this primer, making it a potent addition to your makeup arsenal.

The Primer Formula

The ELF Poreless Putty Primer boasts a creamy texture that imparts a velvety feel upon application. This texture persists even after it dries, offering a comfortable and non-tacky finish. Notably, the primer is fragrance-free, ensuring compatibility with sensitive skin.

Price Point

One of the standout features of the ELF Poreless Putty Primer is its exceptionally reasonable price point. At just $9, it delivers exceptional value. While some might suggest splurging on high-end primers, ELF ensures that quality need not come at an exorbitant cost. Primers are often considered a staple in makeup routines, and this primer offers an excellent balance of affordability and performance.

Pros

• Very affordable price point
• A small amount of product goes a long way
• Minimizes the appearance of pores
• Provides hydration
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Fragrance-free

Cons

• May not be suitable for oily skin types
• Unique texture may not appeal to everyone

Alternatives

If the Elf Poreless Putty Primer’s formula doesn’t align with your preferences or you seek alternative options, there are several alternatives available to address your pore-concealing needs. If ELF products are challenging to find in your region, here are some alternative solutions to consider.

NYX Studio Perfect Primer

For those in regions where ELF is not readily available in stores, NYX offers a compelling alternative. The NYX Studio Perfect Primer also comes in additional color-correcting shades such as lavender and green, making it a versatile choice. The standard clear formula provides a neutral base without altering your skin’s color or coverage, eliminating the need for precise shade matching.

• Lavender: Counteracts dullness and brightens the complexion.
• Yellow: Corrects dull tones.
• Green: Balances out redness in the skin.

Tatcha The Silk Canvas

If you’re seeking a high-end alternative, Tatcha’s The Silk Canvas is an excellent choice. Often touted as a luxurious dupe for the ELF Poreless Putty Primer, Tatcha’s offering features an anti-aging formula designed to shield the skin from urban pollution, makeup residue, and clogged pores. It’s formulated to ensure your makeup lasts throughout the day while also controlling excess oil and providing a soft-focus finish. The Tatcha primer is also renowned for its ability to diminish the appearance of fine lines and imperfections, creating the ideal canvas for any makeup application.

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Fix Pore Perfecting Primer

The British brand Makeup Revolution, widely available in the UK and Europe, serves as a viable alternative to ELF’s Poreless Putty Primer. This primer is crafted to create the illusion of flawless skin and blur the appearance of pores. Its long-lasting formula is designed to keep makeup in place throughout the day while imparting a velvety finish.

Winky Lux Whipped Cream Primer

Winky Lux’s Whipped Cream Primer stands out with its charming and less minimalistic packaging compared to ELF. Reviews of this product have varied, with some users reporting inconsistencies between product samples. However, those who have had positive experiences with the product praise it as a potent primer. If you prefer a creamier texture and don’t mind a slightly heavier feel, this primer might be an excellent choice for you.

Benefit POREfessional Primer

While not an overt dupe for ELF products, Benefit’s POREfessional Primer remains a highly beloved and sought-after item in the beauty world. This primer effectively blurs pores and shares similar claims to the ELF Poreless Putty Primer, albeit in a tube format. Although it comes at a higher price point and tends to be used up more quickly, Benefit’s primer delivers exceptional makeup-enhancing results. Give it a try to experience its magic and determine if it aligns with your preferences.