March 29, 2016

E.L.F. Aqua Beauty Primer Mist Review

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

E.L.F. Aqua Beauty Primer Mist

E.L.F. Aqua Beauty Primer Mist ($8) is a new, limited edition makeup primer, makeup setting spray, and refresher all in one that launched with the E.L.F. Aqua Beauty Spring 2016 Collection.
Primer mists seem to be a huge trend at the moment and are quickly taking the place of the regular old setting spray! Personally, my experience with them so far is less than stellar and they are merely setting mists and not “primers”. But I’m still trying any and all I come across in the event that they turn into something other than a one trick pony.

E.L.F.’s version is a silicone and alcohol-free formula which promises to hydrate and prime for makeup as well as set makeup.

Let’s take a look!

So, it does deserve to be mentioned that if you end up loving Aqua Beauty Primer that sucks for you as this is limited edition. Seriously, skincare that’s limited edition should be illegal, just sayin’!

Anyway, I’m doubtful you will love it.

Here’s why.

So, the idea is a great one. It preps, it primes, it refresh your makeup throughout the day, and it even sets your makeup. What more could a girl or guy want?!

As for prepping, it’s not a formula I like. I think it’ll best be suited for combination or oily skin. It’s not a terribly hydrating formula which I dry skin craves. This sets to a drier finish and seems suck moisture from my skin. That’s fine and dandy if I have excess shine or oily but I don’t. I’m dry as hell lately so the more moisture the better. On that note, I will say this’ll do well for those who are drying to curb excess oil and shine prior to foundation application. So it works just fine as a primer in that aspect. However, it is NOT a fine mist and it really soaks you down so you have to wait a few moments for it to dry and set. That could be a pain if you’re rushing in the morning.

This is also in fact why I dislike it as a setting mist. If you wear mineral makeup or set with powder a setting mist is great as it’ll “depowder” and refine the finish of a drier powder foundation or setting powder. However, I just feel like I’m taking a hose here and spraying myself with it. This shoots out in a really wet burst and no matter how far away you hold it from your face it still douses you in a wet mess that mucks up your makeup. This is also one reason you don’t wanna tuck it into your bag and use it to refresh with throughout the day.

I think if it was a finer mist it would likely be a fine primer and setting mist for those with combination or oily skin (drier skin need not apply here, the formula is not for us) but considering it comes out streaming, all guns a blazing it ends up ruining your makeup versus setting it plus the longer wait time for it to dry down when using it as a primer takes precious moments off your, “I’m rushing around and need to get my makeup done ASAP!”

My opinion?

Skip it!

But if you are curious, E.L.F. Aqua Beauty Primer Mist is available now at elfcosmetics.com.

E.L.F. Aqua Beauty Primer Mist 1

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • blee

    I’ll skip it. Thanks, and the 2nd ingredient is to high on the list. YUCK!

  • Lorraine

    The 4th ingredient is a preservative, everything after that is probably just for marketing. It doesn’t seem likely the cucumber, vitamin e and caffeine here do anything. Overpriced water. 🙁

  • Cheryl

    I found a recipe on line to make my own primer spray, so that I could try it without spending $30+ on Smashbox. The verdict…with a liquid or cream foundation, it is awesome! It may be too tacky for mineral or powder foundation (I have not tried it with those).

    To make 4 oz of primer spray, combine:
    1.5 oz witch hazel
    1 oz glycerine
    2 oz distilled water
    Optional – 2-3 drops tea tree oil

    I used witch hazel with alcohol, since I already had some on hand. It is available without alcohol for those with sensitive skin. I also added tea tree oil. Applied over eye serum and water based sunscreen, this stuff is hydrating and really provides a “sticky” base for foundation to adhere to, compliments of the glycerine. It won’t help those looking to fill large pores, but it does provide a smooth, hydrated, very light weight base and made my foundation last and look fresh all day. Since I already had tea tree oil and witch hazel, this was a very inexpensive option and I am enjoying it!

  • Jay

    The actual amount of fluid inside is tiny. It’s the same size as the small Smashbox Primer Water, if I’m not mistaken. And the spray on my is very aggressive. I’m done with ELF…had I bought their collection in store I would’ve returned a few things, but since I bought online it’s money gone for stuff I don’t love *sigh*

  • Carol G

    I just got this last week. It’s my first experience with a primer water so I don’t have anything to compare it to, however, you are correct in saying that the spritzer on the bottle is not fine enough. Fortunately, I was smart enough to spray it into the air first before I spritzed it on my face, otherwise I would have been quite shocked. I’m going to transfer it into another empty spray bottle I have. But you shouldn’t have to do that.

    • Isabella Muse

      I felt like I turned the hose on my face lol! Transferring to another bottle sounds like a good game plan 😀

  • Jen Ruhman

    elf has stepped up their game with primer options. So many to chose from and I love their new setting spray in their beauty shield collection – daily defense makeup mist. OMG it’s a good dupe to Tatcha’s luminous dewy skin mist. What do you think?