The elf Cosmetics Primers featured in this post were provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own.
Who loves a good makeup primer? I do, and use them all the time. Little known fact, elf Cosmetics carries America’s #1 primers, and today we’re going to take a look at 5 of them, which include a makeup priming sheet mask!
Painted Ladies is turning 9 next month (yay!) and I’ve been taking a look back at some of the very first blog posts, which include this one, about primers. Things have changed so much in that time, both with me and the beauty industry. However, the answer to the question I posed in that blog post, to prime or not to prime, remains the same. Primer all the way!
Sometimes I won’t use an official “primer” before applying my makeup, but I always use a skincare product to give my foundation a solid base on which to stand and withstand my oily skin situation. One I’ve been loving for a few months now is the elf Prep & Hydrate Balm ($8). This stick is legitimately excellent, includes shea butter and cocoa butter and adds just the right amount of hydration my skin needs.
The elf Oily Control Primer Mist ($8) is new and I am super excited about it! It doesn’t contain dimethicone, which I try to avoid in skincare and makeup as much as possible. And it works!
Yes, this spray contains vitamins B, E as well as cucumber to refresh skin and give your makeup a matte finish.
One primer I’m personally skipping is the elf Poreless Face Primer ($6). I’m sure this tea tree oil enriched primer is nice and all, but it’s chock full of dimethicone, so it’s a no go. Some do fine with dimethicone, a common makeup ingredient that helps smooth skin, however my skin doesn’t fare well with long term use.
The elf Beauty Shield SPF 50 Skin Shielding Primer ($12) is rich with anti-oxidants and contains a solid base of SPF 50 to not only nourish, but completely protect your skin. It does contain dimethicone, but I had to try it out to see if it was truly universal.
And yes, the color did work out for my skin tone. I used the Oil Control Primer Mist before I applied this particular primer, and I had matte skin success all day long. I’m impressed!
Last, but not least, is the elf Primer Sheet Mask ($2), which I’m not sure if I’ll ever use! I like the idea of a makeup primer sheet mask, but the odds of me having the time to apply and wear a sheet mask before I apply my makeup are slim to none!
My Final Thoughts: If you’re looking to test out some new makeup primers from America’s #1 primer supplier, elf has some great options. I’m a huge fan of the Prep & Hydrate Balm and Oil Control Primer Mist.
Rating: Overall, A
Price: $2 – $12
Availability: Target stores, www.elfcometics.com
Cruelty-free? Yes
