I want to start off by prefacing that I’ve never really been a huge fan of using face primers. I do love using my MAC paint pots & other eye primers on a daily basis to extend the longevity and maximize the pigmentation of my eye shadows. However, any face primers I’ve tried (i.e. Sheer Envy by Hard Candy) just failed to deliver the goods.

While primers boost a multitude of benefits (see below) they are the one cosmetic item that you can either not live without or easily omit from your daily routine.

Here is what most face primers claim to do:

• Minimize the appearance of pores
• Keep makeup lasting longer throughout the day
• Improve skin texture
• Improve skin subtleness
• Disguise fine lines & wrinkles

The Studio Effects Magic Perfecting Base by L’Oreal Paris applies silky, and is a pretty lightweight formula. If you have oily skin, it will provide a matte base to apply the rest of your makeup over top. Used as a base under foundation (not worn alone) it does minimize the appearance of large pores and fine lines. I like how smooth my skin looks & feels when I use this, however as with most of the other primers I’ve tried, it does feel a tad bit greasy if applied in excess, despite its formulation. A little does go a LONG way, so minimal product is actually necessary to achieve the desired result. Keep in mind that this is a silicone-based product that provides full coverage so less is more.

 For a drugstore primer, this product is both affordable and overall impressive. It blends well and looks silky on the surface. It did not make my face makeup last any longer than usual, so for this purpose I still prefer to use a setting spray like MAC Fix+ or Urban Decay’s All Nighter. My makeup did not slide off of my face like I’ve read in other reviews. I would recommend allowing this product to “set” on your skin for 10 minutes or so, as silicone-based products are thicker, and don’t soak into the skin as much as they actually tend to sit on the surface of the skin, creating a perfectly glass-smooth look. After 10 minutes you can apply your foundation or use a setting powder like Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil to absorb any excess moisture and keep skin matified. When I use this primer, which is seldom to be quite honest, I skip my morning moisturizer because I find that both products together are not necessary.

Packaged in a small glass jar with lid – 0.5 fl oz. / 15ml 100% oil and fragrance free Recommended application – Finger tips