11 Best elf Primers To Enhance Makeup Coverage For All Skin Types
Elf primers are here to help you create a smooth, long-lasting finish on a budget!
Nyssa Green is an Emmy award winning makeup artist and a trusted beauty and lifestyle expert with over 20 years of experience. Her diverse portfolio of clients includes celebrities from all walks of life, like Alicia Keys, Bono, Jane Fonda, Vickie Winans, Jermaine Dupri, several US Presidents, authors, and politicians.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 2.5 yearsShatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.
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Ask a beauty blogger or anyone from the beauty industry, and they will tell you the same thing: primer is the secret ingredient to their flawless, picture-perfect look. When used in both heavy makeup and natural looks, the right primer can significantly benefit and make a big difference to your look. So, why not use the best elf primer to achieve the best glass-skin look? Elf primers are popular across the globe and have a few things in common. First, they leave you with a smooth finish and help makeup last longer. Another reason why elf primers are so popular is they are affordable and won’t leave you with a hole in your pocket!
However, while all elf primers give you a long-lasting statement-making look, your skin type plays a major role in keeping that effect up. Going for their hydrating primer is the best choice if you have dry skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, which keep your skin moisturized and healthy. On the flip side, people prone to acne breakouts should opt for the primers that help clear their pores out. So, before you select the primer of your choice, you need to keep these pointers in mind. To help you out, we have created a list of elf’s top-selling primers to give you that shiny and glowing look. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
The Top 11 e.l.f Primers That Your Skin Will Thank You For In 2024
1. Best Hydrating:E.l.f Hydrating Face Primer
Having flawless skin is every woman’s goal, be it young or old, and this can be achieved with the use of vitamin-infused, cruelty-free and vegan, e.l.f Hydrating Face Primer. Not only does this primer hide fine lines and minimizes the appearance of pores on dry and sensitive skin, but it also helps boost your complexion and hydrates it, giving it a long-lasting fresh look. Samantha Trout, a beauty and fashion vlogger on Youtube, says, “It did spread out really evenly. It feels really nice on my skin. It made my makeup apply really evenly.” This primer has loads of vitamins namely vitamins A, C, and E that benefit your skin, offer a flawless complexion, and keep your skin safe from harsh chemicals. Here’s a reviewer’s experience detailed in this video to help you get a better understanding of the primer.
Pros
- Works as a hydrating base
- Diminishes fine lines
- Paraben, sulfate and phthalate-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May not suit oily skin.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 22,810 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
2. Best Mineral Formula:e.l.f Mineral Infused Face Primer
Big things come in small packages is a saying that holds true for this product from e.l.f. The expertly crafted primer itself is light and makes your skin feel silky smooth, a perfect base for your foundation to stay on throughout the day. YouTuber Katie Hoke, a makeup enthusiast, says “I like that it’s clear. It feels really really soft on the skin.” The e.l.f Mineral Infused face primer also helps in refining your complexion while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Its featherweight silky formula creates a smooth foundation base and works really well on all skin types. Click here to check out this tester’s experience of using this primer.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Infused with minerals
- Creates a smooth base for makeup application for radiant skin
- Winner of the Influenster Reviewers Choice Award in 2017
Cons
- The packaging may be bigger in comparison to the quantity it contains
"This primer fills my fine lines and smoothes out my wrinkles. It blends swiftly on my skin and provides good coverage. I like its silky feel on my skin. The primer improves the longevity of my makeup and leaves my skin looking shiny."
3. Best For Daily Use:e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer Matte Finish
This primer from e.l.f Cosmetics may just be your secret weapon to achieve a flawless look. The e.l.f Blemish Control Face Primer virtually weightless offers a matte finish, leaving your face feeling soft and blemish-free. Stephanie Holiday, a makeup lover exclaims in her YouTube video, “ It feels super moisturizing. I feel like the primer controlled my oil. I feel like I didn’t really get greasy. There has been no cracking or separating and the touch-up process was super easy .”
This mattifying primer allows a cleaner base for your foundation without it getting clogged in the pores. Now it is up to you, whether you choose to go with a minimalist look or listen to your inner beauty enthusiast and go all glam, this primer is perfect for most skin types, especially acne prone skin. This reviewer’s experience featured in thisvideo will give you a better insight into the qualities of the primer.
Pros
- Perfect for daily use
- Helps fight breakouts
- Contains tea tree extracts, salicylic acid and vitamin E
Cons
- Might not come with SPF.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 9,535 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
| E.l.f Hydrating Face Primer Best Hydrating | e.l.f Mineral Infused Face Primer Best Mineral Formula | e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer Matte Finish Best For Daily Use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | Normal | Normal |
| Dimensions | 1.6 x 1.6 x 5.5 inches | - | 3.4 x 3.4 x 12.88 inches |
| Weight | 0.49 Ounces | - | 1.76 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 22,810 | 13,384 | 9,535 |
| Price | $12.04 | $6.5 | $7 |
4. Best For Skin Plumping:e.l.f. Puff Puff Primer
The e.l.f. Puff Puff Primer contains hemp seed oil that nourishes and hydrates the skin. The ultra-creamy formula creates a perfect base for other makeup products. Thisnon-greasy primer soothes and hydrates your skin while improving its texture to offer exceptional results. It is enriched with vitamins A and C that add a luminous effect to your skin and provide all the nourishment it needs. This product plumps and soothes the skin, adding a natural glow and making it ready for heavier makeup products. Tiffany Riley, a makeup enthusiast, says in her YouTube video, “I like how it’s very smooth and very creamy. It has this cooling texture. It goes on very good and blends in the skin very good.”
Check out this YouTuber’s video for an honest review of the primer.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Ultra-creamy
- Non-greasy
- Offers dewy glow
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This elf Puff Puff primer lends my skin a flawless finish. It spreads smoothly on my skin and preps it for base makeup. It has a non-greasy texture, which feels good on my skin. I love that it absorbs quickly into your skin and adds a healthy glow."
5. Best Fast-Absorbing:e.l.f. Prep & Hydrate Balm
e.l.f Prep & Hydrate Balm as the name suggests is a water-based primer stick. This primer is extremely lightweight. Its skin hydrating ability makes it a very sought after product. It considerably improves skin texture, thus preparing your skin for makeup application. Having skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, cocoa, aloe and grape is an added advantage. The stick form is small and cute and can be your travel partner for all your adventures. This award-winning formula has been highly appreciated by multiple reviewers online.
Pros
- This primer comes in a sleek twist-up stick that is easy to use and carry
- It dries up fast and is easy to use under heavy foundation
- Paraben, sulfate and phthalate-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- People sensitive to perfumes may find the scent of this balm overwhelming.
"This water-based primer feels lightweight on my skin. The stick formula is ideal for precise application. My skin looks dewy but gets a natural finish. Its nourishing composition hydrates my skin and smoothes its texture. The best part is that it does not let my sweat ruin my makeup."
Pro Tip6. Best Easy-To-Apply:e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
This Poreless Putty Primer is squalane-infused. Applying this primer on top of your moisturizer helps offer an even base to apply your makeup. It locks in moisture due to the addition of squalane and hides pores the imperfections when applied prior to makeup giving it a day-long-lasting ability. YouTuber Juicyjas, a makeup enthusiast, says, “It is super easy to blend right into the skin.” The e.l.f Putty Primer works well on all skin types. This primer is perfect for women who are constantly on the go, as it comes in a compact case that is easy to carry and apply whenever needed. You can also go for luminous putty primer or matte putty primer by e.l.f if you want to try other finishes.
Pros
- It locks in moisture keeping your skin hydrated
- Easy to apply
- Paraben, sulfate and phthalate-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May not cover wrinkles.
7. Best For Large Pores:e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer
Having won the 2014 Life & Style Best of Beauty Award, the e.l.f Poreless Face Primer is a restorative base and gives your face a baby-soft-finish, filling in large pores around your nose and cheekbones and other imperfections. This face primer is infused with tea tree oil and vitamins A and E, this primer offers nourishment and is perfect for acne prone or dry skin. This poreless primer product is cruelty-free and 100% vegan.
Pros
- Fills in pores and lines.
- Power-packed with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients.
- Creates a silky smooth base.
Cons
- Some may find the smell unpleasant.
8. Best Mattie Finish:e.l.f. Oil Control Primer Mist
The e.l.f Oil Control Primer Mist is an amazing primer for daily use giving your skin a refreshed feel after every use. This primer is water-based and controls excess oil with the help of purified water, cucumber, vitamin A, and E infused primer mist, which prevents creating a cakey texture on your skin. Its water-based formula is great for your skin texture and this mist prepares your skin, letting your makeup glide on while making it last long. Kaitlyn Barringer, a beauty and skin care vlogger on YouTube, says, “It is really really refreshing on the skin. It dries out pretty quickly and feels really really good. My skin doesn’t feel sticky but it does have a really nice tacky base which is good to help your foundation and concealer stick. It actually gives my skin a really nice glow. My foundation blended out beautifully over the top of this.”
Pros
- Instantly mattifies
- Improves skin texture and preps for makeup
- Lasts long
Cons
- May make your face look shiny
9. Best Color-Correcting Formula:e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Face Primer
The e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Face Primer offers a smooth base for other makeup products in your day-to-day life. The lightweight formula is suitable for every skin type. This primer fills in fine lines and refines your skin tone. The sheer green tint minimizes redness, color-corrects blemishes, and evens out skin tone. The silky cream consistency offers a natural and flawless matte look and controls unnecessary shine. This long-lasting, tinted primer blends seamlessly and remains sweatproof.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Sweatproof
- Matte finish
- Improves fine lines
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Triclosan-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 13,149 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
10. Best Lightweight:e.l.f. Cosmetics Illuminating Face Primer
The e.l.f Cosmetics Illuminating Face Primer is the perfect makeup base for all skin types to give skin a radiant glow. Whether you want a primer for combination skin, oily skin, or dry skin – it works for all skin types. This clear primer helps in brightening skin, giving it a smooth finish that is perfect for liquid foundation. The virtually weightless formula blurs imperfections and illuminates your skin while covering fine lines and wrinkles. It is one of the best primers for dry skin which creates a smooth canvas for your foundation and concealer.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to apply
- Gives skin a natural glow making it look healthy
- Paraben, sulfate and phthalate-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- This primer has a little shimmer effect that may not be preferable to some.
Pro Tip11. Best For All Skin Types:e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
The E.L.F Power Grip Primer has the ability to hold your makeup and imparts a soft, smooth, and velvety texture to your skin. It is transparent, colorless, and an appropriate makeup base for all skin types and skin tones. You can apply this primer to your t-zone and oiliest zones and its powerful grip will keep your makeup intact for a smooth and flawless look. This makeup primer is infused with powerful nutrients like hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, enhancing the appearance and feel of your skin.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Hydrates the skin
Cons
- None
"This primer fills my pores and gives my face a smooth texture. It hydrates my skin and lends it a plump feel. Its sticky gel texture does not feel very greasy. I like how seamlessly my foundation gets applied on the top of this primer. It also prevents my base makeup from caking up."
e.l.f Cosmetics offers such a wide variety of primers to choose from making it much more difficult to figure out the best one to suit your needs. The following points offer you a thorough understanding of the product, which could make your life easier.
Which e.l.f Primer Should You Choose To Get The Flawless Look You Have Been Craving For – A Buying Guide
- It is essential that you know your skin type before you purchase any of the primers mentioned here as each one of them is made to suit a specific skin type. This makes it easier to narrow down the primer best suited for you.
- e.l.f primers are vegan and cruelty-free which means that no animals were harmed and tested upon while making these products.
- e.l.f primers are budget-friendly as compared to many other leading brands without compromising on the quality of the products.
Infographic: e. l. f. Primers: Buying Guide & Application Tips
e. l. f. is one of the most trusted makeup brands worldwide. While choosing the best e. l. f. primers, make sure to know about your skin type, tone, and the finish you are looking for. There are several primers from the brand that are non-comedogenic, offer color correction, and deal with redness. The below infographic explains how to choose the best e. l. f. primers for your skin tone. Check it out!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Until a couple of years ago, many of us were not aware of what primers do or how they are useful. While skin care is the ultimate way to good skin, primers significantly help enhance your makeup for healthy looking skin. With the wide range of primers that e.l.f. has to offer, it is easy to choose the best e.l.f. primer for your skin. Their product line has primers for five main categories of skin types that are dry, oily, combination, mature, and acne-prone. Infused with soothing aloe vera, the e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer not only preps your skin but also keeps it moisturized, making it a must-have for hydrated, flawless makeup. If blemishes are your concern, the e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer Matte Finish, enriched with salicylic acid, is your go-to option for a shine-free, clear, and natural complexion. For a dewy finish, the e.l.f. Prep & Hydrate Balm, formulated with coconut, shea butter, and grape, delivers a natural glow. Always do a wear test before using any primer for a big occasion. We hope that this post helped you choose the product that suits you best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is e.l.f primer good for your skin?
e.l.f primers are made without phthalates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, parabens, hydroquinone, triclosan and triclocarban. They contain added vitamins to boost your complexion.
Which e.l.f. primer works best for mature skin?
The Hydrating Face Primer from e.l.f. nourishes dry and mature skin and helps makeup stay on all day.
Does e.l.f Primer have SPF?
The e.l.f Beauty Shield SPF 50 Skin Shielding Primer has SPF 50 that shields your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and other environmental reactions. This primer with SPF is suitable for people working in sunny weather with makeup all day.
Is e.l.f primer non-comedogenic?
e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer, Matte finish is one of the best non-comedogenic primers in the current market.
Is e.l.f Primer good for oily skin?
The e.l.f HD Mattifying Balm is one of the best primers for oily skin.
Can one use e.l.f primer on the eyes?
e.l.f has a separate range of primers to use on your eyelids as using face primers so close to your eyes may cause sensitivity.
Does e.l.f Poreless Primer cause acne?
No, the e.l.f Poreless Primer doesn’t cause acne.
Why does e.l.f have the most popular makeup primer in the U.S?
e.l.f has a huge range of products that are vegan and animal-cruelty free while also being pocket friendly. This makes them one of the biggest primer brands in the USA
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast. She does extensive research on different makeup products and brings the top picks for the readers, making their choice easy. She compiled the list of 11 best e.l.f primers after thorough research and reading many customer feedbacks from trusted platforms. These primers contain mild and skin-safe ingredients, which can help improve your skin health.
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