SEO Link List

automotive & industrial

Brake Tools

Bumper Stickers, Decals & Magnets

Bumpers & Bumper Accessories

Cleaning & Maintenance

Diagnostic, Test & Measurement Tools

Engine Tools

Exterior

Exterior Care

Finishing

Gaskets

Glass Care

Hood Scoops & Vents

Horns & Accessories

Ignition & Electrical

Interior

Interior Care

Jump Starters, Battery Chargers & Portable Power

Lighting & Electrical

Mirrors & Parts

Plumbing

Pullers

Running Boards & Steps

Safety

Shocks, Struts & Suspension

Snow & Ice

Steering & Suspension Tools

Thread Repair Kits

Tires

Tools & Equipment

Towing Products & Winches

Trailer Accessories

Truck Bed & Tailgate Accessories

baby products

Activity & Entertainment

Apparel & Accessories

Baby & Toddler Toys

Baby Care

Car Seats & Accessories

Diapering

Feeding

Gifts

Nursery

Potty Training

Safety

Strollers & Accessories

Travel Gear

beauty & personal care

Foot, Hand & Nail Care

Hair Care

Makeup

Personal Care

electronics

Camera & Photo

Car & Vehicle Electronics

Cell Phones & Accessories

Computers & Accessories

Home Audio

Household Batteries, Chargers & Accessories

Television & Video

Video Game Consoles & Accessories

Wearable Technology

health & household

Baby & Child Care

Health Care

House Supplies

Oral Care

Personal Care

Sexual Wellness

Sports Nutrition

Wellness & Relaxation

home & kitchen

Bath

Bedding

Heating, Cooling & Air Quality

Kitchen & Dining

Lighting & Ceiling Fans

Seasonal Decor

Storage & Organization

Vacuums & Floor Care

office products

Educational Supplies

Office & School Supplies

patio, lawn & garden

Gardening & Lawn Care

Outdoor Decor

Outdoor Heating & Cooling

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Power Tools

Patio Furniture & Accessories

Pest Control

pet supplies

Birds

Cats

Dogs

Fish & Aquatic Pets

Horses

Reptiles & Amphibians

toys & games

Arts & Crafts

Collectible Toys

Dolls & Accessories

Dress Up & Pretend Play

Games & Accessories

Kids' Electronics

Puppets & Puppet Theaters

Puzzles

Remote & App Controlled Vehicles & Parts

Sports & Outdoor Play

Stuffed Animals & Plush Toys

Tricycles, Scooters & Wagons

Vehicles

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer

Curated from 102 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 25, 2025

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer

Brand: e.l.f.
Price: $8
Snoop Score:
3.6
Sentiment
3.5
Popularity
1.2
Technical
4.5

Snoop's Take

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer is a makeup primer designed to create a flawless, smooth canvas that holds makeup in place for all-day wear. It infuses grape extracts and vitamins A, C, & E into a vegan, cruelty‐free formula specially developed for acne-prone and combination skin types. The community feedback is a mixed bag. Many users rave about its ability to lock in hydration and keep makeup intact, with one user noting, “it’s the best primer I’ve ever used, and I’ve tried most of them!!” However, others criticize issues like a slippery application and tendencies to enhance pores. Several users mention that while it works wonders on oily or combination skin, the product can also leave makeup patchy or even cause separation when paired with certain foundations. In conclusion, given the polarized reviews, this primer is recommended only if you’re aware of its potential drawbacks; its strengths in hydration and longevity are offset by significant concerns over application and compatibility issues, making it a product best suited for those who experiment with layering techniques to combat its weaknesses.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Foundation Primers

My skin is definitely more oily and it holds up very well through the day. 10000% recommend.

Positive Feedback

It’s very slippery. My foundation basically stayed wet.

Negative Feedback
Product
3.6
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer
Daily Makeup Routine
6 / 10
Special Occasions
6 / 10
Sensitive & Acne-Prone Skin
8 / 10
Anti-Aging Support
6 / 10
See how this compares to all Foundation Primers

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Great for oily skin
My skin is definitely more oily and it holds up very well through the day. 10000% recommend.
I’m 99% sure it’s my primer that’s causing it.
The side with just skincare seems smoother, except that it still sits in my pores and forms light spots.
I really love the elf grip primer and I always put moisturizer on before the primer.
Works well for long-lasting makeup
I used to swear by this but then I switched to ELF and it works exactly the same but at a fraction of the price.
That setting spray is the star of the show honestly.
It gives a nice glow and base.
Good for combination skin, especially T-zone
So far this technique has worked well for me, I live in a hot/humid climate and I have dehydrated skin.
Hydrating for dry skin
I like this one a lot and used it for a long time. It was very hydrating for my dry skin, and makeup stuck to it well.
I see this as more of a hydrating primer.
Helps makeup stay in place
this primer helps my make up stay in place really well 😊
Creates a smooth base for makeup
It make my skin look smooth and glowy!
Best primer experience
it’s the best primer I’ve ever used, and I’ve tried most of them!!
Raved about as a dupe for high-end primer
It’s raved about and supposedly a “dupe” for the Tatcha primer.
Blurs imperfections effectively
I think the elf blurs better, even.
Keeps makeup in place for long hours
brilliant, keeps my makeup stuck to my face even during my 12hr shifts.
Trust me I’ve tried everything and it’s the best yet!

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Feels slippery and may cause makeup to slide
It’s very slippery. My foundation basically stayed wet.
Feels like no matter what I do my makeup just sits on my face and will run right off or separate almost immediately.
Both seem to rub off fast, even tho i use heavy duty setting spray.
Horrible experience on some skin types
this foundation was HORRIBLE on my skin.
Enhances pores and wrinkles
I swear to bob that it actually enhances pores and wrinkles and creases.
Makes makeup look patchy
It made my makeup look SO patchy.
Sticky and hard to blend
It's sticky at first, making my foundation hard to blend.
Requires warming up to avoid pilling
I also have to warm up the primer between my fingers before applying otherwise rubbing it in directly will cause it to pill with other products.
Does not mix well with silicone-based foundations
it does not mix good with silicon based products 😭 i used it with the fit me foundation and it separated and pulled SOOO bad
NO it separates so bad makes your skin break out do not mix, my advice :)
Can cause makeup to look cakey and flaky
it does get a little cakey/flakey in some spots, mainly between my eyebrows.
Feels greasy on the skin
I don't like them because they make my face feel greasy.
Can feel 'wet' for some users
I agree a little "wet" for me, so I wanted to switch things up.
Can cause breakouts for sensitive skin
I do think that this is a fairly safe line of primers for ppl with sensitive skin.
I was literally going to post this. Didn’t really like the results of it either.
May not work well for all skin types
Wow. I guess this product is a no go for sensitive skin.
Disappointment with product volume vs. price
ELF is still at the bottom of the price list, though it feels like ELF is trying to pull a fast one anyway.
I was going to try their foundation once, but it was the same price as other drug store foundations but half the amount.
the packaging is designed to look more generous than it actually is, and the excess packaging isn't the most environmentally friendly.
Concerns about environmental impact of packaging
I am really disappointed by the environmental implications of this packaging.
Does not work well for oily T-zone
It didn't work for me, I'm yet to find a primer that does work for my oily t-zone.
Didnt work on T-zone or eyelids.
Hard to blend and may tug at skin
they’re so hard to blend, i feel like i have to tug at my skin or overly moisturize so my face doesn’t look white asf 😭
it literally doesn’t cover my pores, and leaves holes where my pores are.
Can leave a white cast on darker skin tones
Yeah I feel it washes me out too much too.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face PrimerElizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer$15
9.3
DetailsBuy
MAYBELLINE Facestudio Master Prime Primer MakeupMAYBELLINE Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup$10
8.4
DetailsBuy
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Spackle Primer - HydrateLAURA GELLER NEW YORK Spackle Primer - Hydrate$21
7.9
DetailsBuy
e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer, Largee.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer, Large$9
6.9
DetailsBuy
Generic Hydrating Pore-Reducing Makeup Base Primer LotionGeneric Hydrating Pore-Reducing Makeup Base Primer Lotion$10
6.9
DetailsBuy
Generic Hydrating Face Primer – Smoothing Makeup Base & Pore MinimizerGeneric Hydrating Face Primer – Smoothing Makeup Base & Pore Minimizer$9
6.7
DetailsBuy
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer Gel-Based Face Primere.l.f. Power Grip Primer Gel-Based Face Primer$10
6.6
DetailsBuy
e.l.f. Poreless Face Primere.l.f. Poreless Face Primer$7
5.3
DetailsBuy
Rimmel London Stay Matte - 003 - PrimerRimmel London Stay Matte - 003 - Primer$5
5.2
DetailsBuy
Generic I-l Makiage Pore-Blurring Smoothing PrimerGeneric I-l Makiage Pore-Blurring Smoothing Primer$43
3.9
DetailsBuy
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primere.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer$8
3.6
DetailsBuy
Generic Makeup Base Highlighting Primer, Natural Tint, Hydrating Poreless Face Makeup, 32mlGeneric Makeup Base Highlighting Primer, Natural Tint, Hydrating Poreless Face Makeup, 32ml$31
3.1
DetailsBuy
Generic Invisible Pore Primer StickGeneric Invisible Pore Primer Stick$8
3.1
DetailsBuy
Generic One Size by Patrick Starrr - Secure The Blur Makeup Magnet PrimerGeneric One Size by Patrick Starrr - Secure The Blur Makeup Magnet Primer$37
2.8
DetailsBuy
Generic Beccą Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector Makeup Foundation PrimerGeneric Beccą Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector Makeup Foundation Primer$68
2.5
DetailsBuy
Generic Iba Photo Perfect HD Face Primer Transparent 35gGeneric Iba Photo Perfect HD Face Primer Transparent 35g$33
2.4
DetailsBuy
Generic NC Power of Blur PrimerGeneric NC Power of Blur Primer$30
1.2
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Clarifications on product volume and packaging design
It's still an excellent value.
the actual product volume is listed on the disposable packaging.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Tips for maintaining makeup in sweaty conditions
If you're deep in a crowd it gets hot, dancing or headbanging adds to that.
Discussion about alternative primers
it’s been the best product to keep my oils at bay.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Comparison with Maybelline primer
Just need an affordable hydrating primer.
I’m a HUGE fan of the maybelline primer.
Phew! You don't know how many ingredients lists I went through to find that!
Comparison with high-end foundations
elf soft glam is my holy grail
I don’t see the point in spending big dollars.
Favorite primers mentioned
i’ve been wanting to try the elf liquid poreless primer, i bet that would be nice with it!
I use the Danessa myricks blurring powder….love it.
***Thank you for contributing to MUA! If this is your first post, please be sure to check out our ru
Discussion about using primer with various foundations
i see tons of girls saying that elf power grip primer is the key to a good long lasting base.
I ended up foregoing primer at all 😩
Yes I’d stopped trying them too and have been using loose powder beneath foundation.
Discussion about product comparisons and alternatives
not only is the actual product only $6 for something comparable to high end
I've always found ELF products to be awesome.
FWIW, I love the bare minerals prime time.
Tips for application to avoid pilling
Warm it up between your fingers, and then tap/press it into your skin wherever you have pores you want to hide.
I don't think you should be putting so much on that it needs to be blended.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Preference for other brands (e.g., Nyx)
Nyx electrolyte primer is so much better.
Discussion on allergic reactions
There aren't any comedogenic ingredients on the list so it seems like you may have had an allergic reaction.
Discussion about misinformation on primer longevity
The ladies at beauty news break down why the elf primer isnt a scam.
Elf is such an affordable brand, I truly can’t understand why anyone would think a tiny $6-$10 bottle of primer would last* a year.
an easy google search could have cleared all that up.
the volume is on the packaging!

You May Also Like

Explore more Foundation Primers
Foundation Primers
MAYBELLINE Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup
MAYBELLINE Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup
Foundation Primers
Generic Hydrating Face Primer – Smoothing Makeup Base & Pore Minimizer
Generic Hydrating Face Primer – Smoothing Makeup Base & Pore Minimizer
Foundation Primers
Generic Iba Photo Perfect HD Face Primer Transparent 35g
Generic Iba Photo Perfect HD Face Primer Transparent 35g
Explore more Categories
Blush
Top Blushes for a Radiant Cheeky Glow
Top Blushes for a Radiant Cheeky Glow
Conditioners
Best Hair Conditioners for Smooth, Nourished Hair
Best Hair Conditioners for Smooth, Nourished Hair
Concealer
Top Concealers for Flawless Eyes
Top Concealers for Flawless Eyes