The e.l.f. Stay Cool Gel Primer Stick is a twist-up, solid gel primer with a cooling, watery feel that preps skin for makeup while hydrating it. It debuted in April 2024 at $7 as early access on elfcosmetics.com, and costs $8 today with a 4.6 star rating from 3,950 reviews.
How Do You Use a Primer Stick?
Based on e.l.f.'s directions, twist the bottom of the stick to raise the gel, swipe it over freshly cleansed skin, then blend with fingers, a makeup brush or a sponge. e.l.f. calls the application mess-free and good for on-the-go use, which is the main reason to choose a stick over a tube or pot.
What Is in the Formula?
The waters e.l.f. lists are aloe water, spring water, coconut water and marine water, plus hyaluronic acid. e.l.f. says the mix delivers a burst of hydration and a cooling sensation while gripping makeup in place.
Our take: the cooling feel is a sensory feature, not a skincare claim, so it is best judged by whether you like how it feels on your face, not by any long-term skin benefit.
Who Is It For?
Buy it if you like a hydrating, gel-textured base, or you want a primer you can swipe on in a bag or car without a mess.
Skip it if you want a primer that blurs pores or controls oil. e.l.f.'s description focuses on hydration and cooling, not on shine control.
What Is Confirmed, and What Is Not?
Confirmed: the price, rating, ingredients and claims are from e.l.f.'s current Stay Cool Gel Primer Stick page.
Not confirmed: the page we read didn't show the product size or the full ingredient list.
September 21, 2026 update: we re-checked the price and rating. The primer stick costs $1 more than at its early-access launch.
Quick Answers
Can I use it under any makeup? e.l.f. says it preps skin for smooth application of makeup. We haven't tested it with every foundation type.
Is it for a specific skin type? e.l.f. doesn't name one on the page we read.
Do you use a primer stick? Tell us which one in the comments.
