Elf Poreless Putty Primer in ‘Universal Sheer’
Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow beauty glow primer
Everyone and their mother is raving over Elf's Poreless putty primer, so naturally, I wanted to get in on the action. It boosts of being infused with squalene to help grip makeup for all day wear and to keep your skin moisturised. Initially, I was very impressed. The actual product feels tacky, it appears it may leave a white cast but it melts into the skin and disappears. My skin looked smoother and my makeup has never looked better. It smoothed out the wrinkles on my forehead, and the texture on my chin, and I looked radiant, really, which never happens. I was all set to give this a glowing five-star review.
Then, I broke out. I broke out horribly. I had huge cystic spots on my cheeks and painful lumps on my jawline which I have never had before in my life. Unbeknownst to me, it seems my skin is none too fond of squalene. I discontinued using the primer, and my skin immediately calmed down. I am very sad I can’t continue using this primer, as it was great while it lasted.
The second primer I’ve tried recently is a sample of the Charlotte Tilbury wonder glow. I received the sample as part of my pick n mix order from Feel Unique. This is an insanely expensive primer (no, seriously, the full size is £39) that claims it’s ‘powered by a flourescent core that re-emits light around the face to reduce the appearance of lines & imperfections, this glow primer gives the complexion an all-over soft-focussed, spot-lit effect.’ Okay, Charlotte, calm down. It’s a sparkly liquid.
The product itself has a very strong floral scent. It smells like a wealthy middle age women’s perfume. The primer has quite a runny consistency, and is a sparkly beige. I thought it may turn my face tan but it glides onto the skin, leaving a subtle shimmer behind. As a primer, it’s okay. It didn’t smooth out my complexion like the Elf primer, but it did help my makeup last longer and prevent caking. Thankfully it didn’t break me out.
Would I purchase the full size? Hell no. I’ve used primers for a tenth of the price that have done a better job. If your skin isn’t reactive to squalene I would recommend the Elf primer over old Charlotte any day.