Product Review -- elf Hydrating Face Primer

I've mentioned before that I have a hard time finding a face primer that works for my skin concerns.

That's because my skin is dry but I also have enlarged pores that I want to minimize.

Hydrating primers don't tend to fill in texture that well, and pore-minimizing primers aren't usually very hydrating.

Over the past year, I've fallen in love with the Touch in Sol No Poreblem Primer, which somehow manages to do both of the things that I need it to.

But it is $18, which, while not super expensive, is a little pricey for everyday use, so I've been on the hunt for a slightly more budget-friendly option.

The elf Hydrating Face Primer seemed like a good place to start.


It's available in two sizes, small with 14ml ($6) and large with 30ml ($10), but I went with the small, so I wouldn't be investing as much if I didn't like it.

The primer comes in a small plastic bottle with a pump dispenser, so it's easy to get just the right amount.

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer

The primer feels like most silicone-based primers, so it does a fairly job of filling in pores and smoothing the skin.

Because it feels like every other pore-filling primer, I didn't have high hopes for it being particularly hydrating.

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer

And honestly, if your skin is extremely dry, this won't do much to help.

It definitely offers more moisture than your standard silicone-based primer, but it isn't overly moisturizing.

Still, if your skin is normal to dry, which mine has been these days, it has just enough hydration to smooth over flaky areas. elf's put grape and vitamins A, C, & E in the formula, which are supposed to help hydrate the skin, and I always like it when products contain good-for-your-skin ingredients.

I don't think the Hydrating Face Primer is as good as the No Poreblem Primer, but it is nice, so I like to use it for everyday, when I don't necessarily need to look completely flawless.

And really, when you consider that it only costs $6, it performs pretty well.

You can buy it on the elf website and at some locations that sell elf products.

Have you tried the elf Hydrating Face Primer? What's your favorite moisturizing primer?