~ Primers ~
Before I knew a lot about make-up I used to apply my foundation straight onto my skin after letting a moisturiser sink into my skin. Until I had my first photo-shoot I didn't really know about primers and what they were used for. Ever since then I have always used one under make up. There are lots of different primers available to buy and some are much better than others. These all vary in price and can be purchased at various different stores such as Boots, Superdrug, House of Fraser and Debenhams. Of course you can also purchase them from various online stores as well. Primers are made to create the perfect canvas ready for your make-up. You can wear a primer alone with no make-up which I personally have never done. Primers are mainly for smoothing the skin and covering imperfections ready for you to apply the foundation base. I also find when using a primer that my make-up looks flawless and it stays on for longer as well.

~ The product ~
This product is made by Maybelline and is one of 2 primers in the Maybelline range. I can't actually find this product on their website but I believe this product is new. The product is made from a gel formula with elastomers which instantly smoothes the skin ready for make-up. The product also claims to blur away imperfections, refine skin texture, creates a perfect canvas for make-up and can be worn alone or under make-up. I decided to go for this Primer after reading various different reviews on the Boots website. I didn't want to spend lots of money on a Primer; how-ever I wanted something that was going to work. My current Primer I can only purchase on the internet and it costs me at least £15.00 for a small pump bottle of it.

~ Price/Availability ~
You can purchase this from Boots and Superdrug for £8.99 which I don't think is too badly priced.

~ Packaging ~
The Primer comes in a small glass pot with a beige coloured lid. It actually took me a while to find the primer as it looks like the dream mousse foundation. The glass pot only holds 7ml of the Primer. You can see the actual Primer through the small glass pot which is clear in colour. As the pot is made from glass this does make it a little heavy, how-ever it is small enough to fit into a make-up bag on even in your handbag.

~ Using the product ~
I cleansed my skin and also applied a moisturiser before using this product. I always give the moisturiser at least 5-10mins to soak into my face so that the primer doesn't glide about when applying it to my face. I unscrewed the primer and had a look at the actual product. The primer had what looked like a slight pink tinge to it. I dipped a finger into the primer so a small amount went onto my finger. The primer was really soft and felt slightly gel like. I applied the primer according to the instructions. The primer felt really smooth and silky as I applied it to my face. I didn't apply too much of the primer as I noticed that a little of it goes a long way. After applying the primer I stood back to look at the results. My skin looked and felt smooth wearing just the primer; how-ever I was going to apply some liquid foundation shortly. I always wait for at least 5 minutes before apply the liquid foundation in order for the primer to settle onto the skin on my face. Using a foundation brush I then applied the liquid foundation in the way I normally would. I finished the look by dusting some loose powder over my face to set the make-up. I looked into the mirror and had a look at the final results.

~ Results ~
The primer had noticebly smoothed my skin and it appeared smoother and felt softer. I had one or two pimples showing and the primer helped to hide and cover them up before applying the actual make up. The primer had smoothed the area around it and also toned down the redness slightly. The finished results were fantastic, my make-up looked smooth and flawless and my skin looked in fantastic condition. I went out with my boyfriend ready for a few drinks on the town and I was hoping that my make-up would stay looking this good during the whole time we were out. I did pop into the ladies a few times throughout the night and checked my face to see if my make-up still looked great. Sure enough it still looked flawless and smooth and the primer had done a brilliant job of keeping the make up looking great all night. Even after being out for at least 5-6hrs and arriving home my make-up still looked flawless and smooth. My make-up certainly lasted a lot longer than it normally would without using the primer or my previous primer; I was very impressed with the results. I have used the primer 2-3 times already and it always gives fantastic results each time. I suffer from sensitive skin and the primer doesn't irritate my skin or bring me out in any spots which is good. The product is easily removed at the end of the day/night using facial wipes.

~ Overall Opinion ~
When I first purchased the product I was really hoping that this would be a primer that I could buy again and that it would provide fantastic results. I was very impressed with the results this product gave. The primer is suitable for wearing along or with make up over the top and provides a smooth and flawless finish suitable for day and night. When using other primers in the past make up hasn't seemed to last longer, how-ever when using this primer my make-up lasted all night and kept my skin looking smooth and flawless. I was very impressed at how long lasting the primer actually was. In terms of value, it is a little pricey; how-ever I only really use a primer when I am going for a night out on the town or at weekends. I don't use a primer during the week to work so the product will last me at least 2 months if not more. If you do use a primer every-day then this product will probably be a little pricey as you will need to purchase it on a regular basis. This is by far the best primer I have ever purchased and tried. I am now even going to make this my main primer and stop using my previous one as I much prefer the results with this one. This product deserves a 5 out of 5 stars and I highly recommend it to others.


(review also on ciao)