
Drugstore beauty brand e.l.f are a favorite amongst many due to their accessible products and budget price point.
Not only that, their products work too, proving that you do not always need to use high-end beauty brands to achieve the best looks.
Their Poreless Putty Primer is a case in point. Once hailed as a TikTok favorite, it is most certainly worth the hype.
The rebranding of their original Poreless Putty Primer saw it go from ‘just okay’ to ‘absolutely worth it’.
The old formula was thick and felt synthetic, but the new primer feels like you are not wearing anything and a little more natural. There is no pulling at the skin either, and it slides on effortlessly.
If you have stumbled across this article, then you are obviously in the ‘it is amazing’ camp. So without further ado, let us take a look at the primer in more detail, and discuss how to apply it properly.
Benefits Of A Primer
Using a primer before makeup, or even alone, has become popular within the last few years.
Whilst before you would have to suffer with an uneven colored skin base, and patches of dry skin that did not budge, a primer has resolved all those issues.
There are many primers available, but they have all been created to provide a smooth base to allow makeup to adhere to it, so it lasts longer, as well as provide a canvas that is much easier to work with.
Primers can even out skin tone, whether that is through slight redness or a few blemishes. It can also fill in pores and marks.
It does this by creating a barrier that sits between your skin and makeup, making the application of foundation easier and smoother.
Also, makeup will stick to the primer making it last so much longer. Gone are those days of watching your makeup slide down your face by mid-afternoon.
- Infused with Squalane for optimal hydration, perfect for all skin types.
- Velvety texture glides effortlessly over the skin, smoothing over imperfections for a poreless effect and the ultimate grip on your makeup.
- Apply a thin, even amount to moisturized skin prior to makeup application and allow to set for 30 seconds before applying foundation.
- Easy to carry and convenient for travel.
- Cruelty-free, vegan and 100% free from Phthalates, Parabens, Nonylphenol, Ethoxylates, Triclosan, triclocarban.
Why Choose The e.l.f Poreless Putty Primer?
Being a budget drugstore brand, e.l.f are a fantastic go-to for those who do not want to spend too much money on their beauty products.
That is not to say it is not good either – it sold out when it was first released, likely thanks to TikTok who raved how good it was.
At only a few dollars, it promises a smooth base to apply makeup on, and it can also be worn alone to blur the appearance of pores and even out skin tone.
Due to it having squalane in the ingredients, it is said to hydrate the skin by protecting it from loss of moisture when worn all day.
This should be music to your ears if you suffer with dry skin, but it also suits all skin types making it an easy primer to try.
It is also fragrance free and completely cruelty free, with some even saying that it is a dupe for the expensive Silk Canvas Primer by high-end beauty brand, Tatcha.
We will let you have your own thoughts on that!
How To Apply The E.l.f Poreless Putty Primer

Related: How to keep makeup from rubbing off
When you first apply the e.l.f Poreless Putty Primer to your face, you will notice that it has a balm-like feeling to it.
This enables it to be spread much more easily, avoiding the problem some primers have which cause a pilling or pulling effect on the skin.
Using your fingers, apply the primer using light patting motions to enable the primer to be pressed into the skin.
The trick here is to not massage the primer, especially with too much pressure, as this can cause the primer to become thin over the skin and not create a pore smoothing effect.
The pot itself does not come with an applicator of some sort, so you will have to use your fingers to scrape some of the product out, so do make sure they are clean.
Your hands should be clean anyway if you are applying the primer with your fingers.
If you prefer a brush, a flat kabuki style foundation brush works just as well as your fingers.
Whilst there will be no warmth that may help the primer to melt and set, it does give a great finish to the face without the need to use your own hand.
Does The e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer Work Well With Makeup?
When it comes to primers, it can be difficult to find one that works alongside the skin, and not against it.
If you have ever worn thicker primers that promise to hide pores and blemishes, then you may have suffered from pilling and caking of the foundation, forcing you to have to rewash your face and start all over again.
The e.l.f Poreless Primer actually works really well, especially to give a smoother appearance.
Whilst hiding pores 100 percent of the time is a difficult task, it does a great job of keeping the face hydrated and smooth.
Also, makeup application was easy over the primer. It allowed for smoother application on drier areas such as the forehead, chin, and top of the cheeks.
If you do suffer with oily skin, it might be a little too hydrating, though this can be sorted out with what products you use next in your makeup routine to avoid shiny skin.
So essentially, it actually should not be a problem, no matter what skin type you have.
Can The e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer Be Used On My Skin?
The great thing about the e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer is that it is suitable for all skin types, from normal and combination to oily skin types.
That being said, it is quite hydrating and those with oilier skin might appreciate the e.l.f Matte Putty Primer.
If you are after extra hydration, the e.l.f Luminous Putty Foundation will provide extra glow, which is especially great for those with a drier complexion.
Final Words
The e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer is a great example of a drugstore brand that has quality beauty products.
Whilst you can spend nearly a hundred dollars on a high-end brand, e.l.f have created a primer that has been loved by many on TikTok and around the globe.
The primer itself works a treat, with its ability to minimize pores, as well as the easy and smoothing application, it is no wonder that this primer has been a hit with many.
When used correctly, it can provide a fantastic canvas for makeup application without caking or pilling under foundation.
If you are unsure how to apply something thick and balm-like just like the e.l.f Poreless Putty Primer, then you will want to know how to do it correctly to make the most of each application.
Fortunately for you, it is actually really easy, and now that you know how to, hopefully you can enjoy using it too!
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API