Now that summer is full steam ahead I thought I would talk about some of the primers I have that are best for this hot season. Out of the four above I started with Zelens Velvet Primer Natural. This is a velvety thick textured primer that gives a matte finish without being drying. It's the thickest of the bunch and the only one that has silicones. It doesn't break me out. It will give you a flawless velvet base and fill in pores. Review here.
The perfect canvas begins with the perfect primer, and Zelens’ Velvet Primer is the ultimate, pre-base treatment for combination, shine-susceptible complexions. Mattifying and refining, the lightweight, breathable formula glides on effortlessly to blur imperfections, unify skin tone and absorb excess sebum without exacerbating congestion; beautiful over moisturiser on great skin days, or layered under foundation for a long-lasting, soft focus finish. This innovative formula stars usnic acid – extracted from the alpine lichen Usnea barbata – a completely plant-derived active that displays multiple skin-beneficial properties; anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and reparative, it’s also proven to help regulate oil production and normalise the epidermis’ optimal pH. A cocktail of plant sugars then work to regulate movement of water throughout skin’s multiple layers; limiting moisture loss and promoting the production of natural hyaluronic acid to improve skin’s ‘volume’ and re-establish an immaculate, flawlessly even complexion.
Next up is Bourjois Happy Light Matte Serum Primer. This one has a more fluid like texture and is silicone free. It will mattify the skin no issue, however it can be a bit drying. Mostly in the cheek area for me. It has a pink peach hue like Zelens. It's cheap. It reminds me of Urban Decay's new De-Slick Complexion Primer. This is more of a mattifying serum than a primer. It won't blur lies or pores for the most part. It's for mattifying. It is like a serum, it won't add weight or a heaviness to the skin.
Happy Light Matt Serum Primer mattifies complexion in any light whilst maintaining skins natural radiance. Its airbrush action hides pores and blemishes for a soft, velvety result. Its lightweight, non-drying serum texture melts onto the skin, for all day comfort. The result: mattified complexion and velvety skin with a non-masking effect.
Next is SUQQU's Refining Primer. This is a very liquid fluid textured primer with a peachy hue. Review here. This one has SPF. It does have alcohol in it so it can be a bit drying. It does mattify well without adding any weight or heaviness to the skin. It does blur pores some.
SUQQU’s highly-anticipated Refining Primer is your cheat way to an instantly radiant complexion. Formulated with Covering Gel+2 - gels that conceal irregular-shaped pores - and Veil Net+3 to help the product spread smoothly and evenly, this innovative product increases the longevity of your foundation for hours on end. Featuring a tangerine tint, it lights up the complexion with a healthy, dewy glow.
Last up is Becca's Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector. I got a deluxe sample of this last summer. Boy this is THE mattifying primer if you need one. This one will completely mattify any skin. It lasts forever. It has a clear gel like texture. This will dry your skin beyond belief. It works so well and mattifying the skin and soaking up oil, it does it too well. I can only use this on my chin and around my nose. I can't tolerate this on my cheeks or forehead. I also only use this during the summer months only. It's too much in other seasons.
A targeted oil-control primer that perfects and minimizes pores for mattified skin that lasts up to 12 hours. Go beyond extending makeup wear to address the root cause of why your makeup moves. This formula specifically targets oil-prone areas and acts as liquid blotting paper to leave your skin fresh and matte all day. Use alone, before, or after foundation to control excess oil, while minimizing the appearance of pores. Feel free to use throughout the day to touch up areas of concern. This product eliminates excess oil for long-lasting matte skin. The formula is sweat- and humidity-resistant and free of silicone, oil, alcohol, and fragrance.
Top to Bottom: Zelens, Bourjois, SUQQQU, Becca:
