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Apply e.l.f. Putty Primer after skincare and moisturizer. Scoop about a dime-sized amount, smooth a thin, even layer over the areas where pores or texture are most visible, and continue directly to foundation—e.l.f. says Putty Primer does not need to set first.
How to apply e.l.f. Putty Primer
- Complete skincare and moisturize. Putty Primer is intended for moisturized skin, so finish your skincare routine before opening the compact.
- Scoop a small amount. Start with approximately a dime-sized amount. Use a clean finger or the spatula end of the optional Putty Face Primer Brush and Applicator.
- Place it where you need smoothing. Concentrate on areas with more visible pores or texture instead of automatically applying a thick coat over your entire face.
- Spread a thin, even layer. Use your finger or the brush end of the applicator to smooth, buff, and blend the primer across the moisturized skin.
- Apply foundation next. There is no required setting period for Putty Primer, so you can move to foundation and the rest of your makeup as soon as the thin layer is applied.
How much primer should you use?
Use about a dime-sized amount as your starting quantity for the application. The goal is a thin, even layer, particularly over textured or pore-visible areas. Adding a heavy coat is not part of e.l.f.’s stated method; if you need more coverage in a specific area, build carefully rather than spreading a thick layer everywhere.
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Where should Putty Primer go?
Apply it across moisturized skin, with extra attention to the parts of the face where texture or pores are more noticeable. This targeted approach lets you prioritize the areas the primer is meant to visually smooth while keeping the application even.
Finger application versus the Putty Primer Brush and Applicator
Using your fingers
Finger application is an official method and requires no additional purchase. Scoop the primer with a clean finger, then spread the thin layer evenly over the areas you want to prep.
#1 Best Overall
- LIQUID MAKEUP PRIMER: Your favorite Poreless Putty Primer is now available in liquid form! This silky liquid face primer seamlessly glides over your skin.
- CREATES A PORELESS-LOOKING FINISH: This liquid face primer grips makeup for long-lasting wear and gives you a poreless-looking finish.
- INFUSED WITH SQUALANE: Infused with squalane. Great for oily, normal, dry & combination skin types.
- HOW TO USE: Apply prior to your makeup application to create a smooth canvas.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
Using the dual-ended applicator
The Putty Face Primer Brush and Applicator combines a spatula end for scooping with a brush end for applying, buffing, and blending. e.l.f. presents it as a convenient, more hygienic option, but it is optional; the brand’s directions also allow finger application.
Choosing the right Putty Primer finish
e.l.f.’s comparison groups its three Putty Primer variants by the finish they are designed to create. Choose according to the look you want rather than treating one version as universally best.
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Rank #2
- ALL-DAY WEAR: This primer transforms your face into a flawless, smooth canvas ideal for long-lasting makeup application.
- FULL OF RESTORATIVE BENEFITS Infused with Tea Tree and Vitamins A & E for restorative benefits
- IDEAL MAKEUP BASE: Use this under foundation to create the ideal makeup base for glowing, smooth skin. Creates a smooth look by blurring pores and fine lines.
- PERFECT PAIRING: Use with our Putty Brush for easy, flawless application, and for a smooth, and pair with our Putty Blushes and Putty Bronzers to create the perfect sun kissed complexion.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
| Variant | Finish goal described by e.l.f. |
|---|---|
| Luminous Putty Primer | A radiant, glowing complexion |
| Poreless Putty Primer | A poreless-looking finish |
| Matte Putty Primer | A shine-free matte complexion |
Putty Primer does not use the Power Grip waiting time
Do not transfer the timing instruction for e.l.f.’s separate Power Grip Primer to Putty Primer. Power Grip is a gel-based primer that e.l.f. says should set for 30 seconds; e.l.f. says Putty Primer can be followed by foundation without that wait.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MATTE FINISH: Our best-selling primer goes matte! This velvety, oil-free formula delivers a perfect matte finish.
- SHINE FREE FINISH: This skin perfecting putty primer is infused with kaolin and white charcoal. Velvety texture glides effortlessly over the skin, smoothing over imperfections for a poreless effect
- PERFECT PAIRING: Use the Putty Primer Applicator for easy and hygienic putty primer application. Apply primer to eyelids prior to eyeshadow application to lock your eyeshadow in place.
- SKIN-LOVING INGREDIENTS: All e.l.f. products are made from skin-loving ingredients you want, minus the toxins you don’t—all at good-for-you prices. All e.l.f. products are 100% cruelty-free and Vegan.
- All e.l.f. products are made from skin-loving ingredients you want at good-for-you prices. All e.l.f. products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and leaping bunny certified.
Rank #4
- PRIMER FOR RADIANT COMPLEXION: The e.l.f. best-selling face primer goes luminous. This primer delivers a soft, radiant base for your makeup application.
- THE ULTIMATE MAKEUP GRIP: Luminous Putty Primer grips makeup for long-lasting wear.
- PLUMPS & HYDRATES SKIN: Infused with hyaluronic acid to help plump and hydrate the skin.
- HOW TO USE: Moisturize skin before applying a thin, even amount of face primer prior to makeup application. Allow to set for 30 seconds before applying foundation. Pro tip: Use the Putty Primer Applicator for easy and hygienic putty primer application
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
Rank #3
- LIQUID FACE PRIMER: This silky green liquid face primer gives you a smooth, poreless-looking finish while gripping makeup for long-lasting wear.
- KEY INGREDIENTS: Formulated with calming cica to help soothe skin and visibly reduce redness.
- GREEN MAKEUP PRIMER: The sheer green hue instantly reduces the look of redness.
- GREAT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: Ideal for dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin types.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA. e.l.f. brushes are synthetic, vegan & cruelty-free.
A simple makeup order
- Finish skincare.
- Moisturize and allow the moisturizer to settle into the skin as part of your normal routine.
- Apply about a dime-sized amount of Putty Primer in a thin, even layer.
- Focus on textured or pore-visible areas and blend the edges.
- Apply foundation immediately after the primer layer is even.
- Continue with the rest of your makeup.
Before you apply
- Use clean fingers or a clean applicator.
- Begin with the recommended small amount rather than a thick coat.
- Keep the primer focused on areas that need the most smoothing.
- Check the current compact or e.l.f.’s instructions if the product packaging or formula has changed.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
