e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
primer
4.6 (48523)

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Drugstore dupe for luxury primers with poreless finish.

$9
Range: $9–$10

Where to Buy

Editorial Rating

4.6 (48523)
/5
92%
Score

Review Summary

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer has taken the beauty world by storm as an affordable alternative to luxury primers like Tatcha Silk Canvas. The smooth, putty-like texture glides over skin, filling in pores and creating a velvet-smooth base for makeup. The primer contains squalane for hydration and helps foundation apply evenly while extending wear time. The pore-blurring effect is genuinely impressive for the drugstore price point—pores appear visibly smaller and skin texture is smoothed. The formula grips foundation well, preventing it from sliding off throughout the day. It works beautifully with both liquid and powder foundations. The jar packaging allows for easy scooping, though it's not as hygienic as a tube. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free. However, the primer can be somewhat heavy for very oily skin types, potentially contributing to excess shine. Some users find it difficult to gauge the right amount—too much can cause pilling under foundation. Despite these minor issues, the exceptional value makes this a staple for anyone wanting pore-minimizing results without luxury prices.

Specifications

Size
0.74 oz (21 g)
Formulation
Gel primer
Texture
Putty-like gel
Finish
Poreless smooth
Key Ingredients
Squalane
Skin Type
All skin types
Special Features
Grips makeup, Blurs pores and fine lines, Oil-free
Vegan
true
Cruelty Free
true
Application
Apply with fingertips to clean, moisturized skin
Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Packaging
Jar

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Incredible value for quality
  • Genuinely blurs pores effectively
  • Smooth, velvety putty texture
  • Contains hydrating squalane
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Disadvantages

  • Jar packaging not as hygienic
  • Can be heavy for very oily skin
  • May pill if too much is used
  • Texture takes getting used to