I’ve never been one for primers – it’s just something else to add on my face. If you’ve read any other of my blogs, you’ll know I try to limit the number as much as possible. I’ve always thought they were a bit of a gimmick, but after reading the reviews I decided to put this to the test and see whether or not it makes my makeup last even longer than normal.
I’ve been super impressed with both the Il Makiage foundation and concealer recently, so I thought I’d give this primer a go!
Our silky, weightless bestselling primer blurs pores, fine lines & wrinkles, instantly smooths skin & maximizes foundation wear time.
The lightweight texture & silky formula creates a soft, long-lasting photoshopped effect. You’re welcome, overflowing social calendar.
Description from Il Makiage
Why should you use primer?
Primer is great for smoothing out your skin as a preparation step before putting on makeup. If you have fine lines, or blackheads (like me) primer will fill them. Foundation then looks so much better because it’s got a smooth surface to go on.
Primer also helps your makeup last longer.
I have oily skin and thought primer would worsen it because it’s like a gel. After using for a while, I’m happy to say it doesn’t make me want to tear off my makeup at the end of the day! It helps my foundation feel so light, it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing any.
When do you apply primer?
Ideally apply after your skincare and at least 10 minutes before applying makeup. This allows it to dry. If you don’t wait, your foundation is likely going to look cakey and ‘on top’ of your skin instead of smoothed in.
Does primer help older skin look better?
Yes absolutely. I’m even more invested in using a primer now than I was in my 20s and early 30s. It helps to smooth holes (blackheads) and fine lines so foundation looks better. What’s not to like?
Skin prep is so important when using foundation. If you have skin that’s not been exfoliated in a while, foundation won’t look good and it’ll probably go patchy. I’ve written some tips in my Il Makiage foundation blog, a little way down the page. It includes things like what I use to exfoliate, dermaplaning, cleansing & tretinoin.
What do I want from a primer?
I want a primer to:
- keep my makeup on for longer
- make my makeup look better
- not bring me out in spots
- not make my oily T zone worse
- smooth out/fill in pores
As with all primers, it goes on smooth and feels silky. I’m very particular about what I put on my skin, as it’s sensitive in places but mostly oily.
I didn’t have great light to show you BUT you can see the difference in my pores. The primer fills them and smoothes the skin. Once dry, you can then apply your foundation which looks better and stays on for longer.
I don’t use a primer if I’m not wearing foundation. I tend to wear foundation if I’m going to work, which is a 10hr+ day including several hours in a car. When I get home, the foundation doesn’t have the same coverage as the morning (understandable), but it still gives good coverage.
How does it blend and look throughout the day?
I’ve tested it with concealer (Il Makiage F*k I’m Flawless). Working from home, I just want my bags hidden rather than wearing a full face of make-up. I smoothed in the primer to just one side of my face where I plan to put concealer – around/under my eye bag area.
It blends easily and is like a gel. It doesn’t pull skin and goes on like any moisturiser or cream.
When I work from home, I don’t tend to wear foundation. I only wear concealer, and to make sure it stays on for as long as possible, I use primer to prep my skin! I only use a tiny amount as you can see, but it helps to keep my undereyes looking as fresh as possible for longer.
It’s not a huge difference, but you can see my undereye bag has slightly better coverage at the end of the day when using primer.
How much is the primer and where can I buy it?
If you want to try it, buy it from Il Makiage for £36.
Use code ‘welcome10‘ for 10% off > ilmakiage.com
Primer is expensive, the same as foundations nowadays. My primer lasted over a year.
Other Il Makiage products worth mentioning
So far I’ve tried this primer, F*ck I’m Flawless concealer and Woke Up Like This foundation. I’m very impressed with all 3 products and would recommend them.
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