Drugstore Find: L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base

By Tara

I am a big fan of using a primer on my face before foundation, because I have that annoying kind of skin where, if you don't moisturize in the morning, you look about ten years older than you actually are because your face is a tight, dry mess, but if you do moisturize in the morning, all of the make-up you spent A WHOLE TEN MINUTES applying will slide right off of your skin about an hour later, and you become that person applying a faceful of make-up in the office bathroom before most people have finished their first cup of coffee for the day.

(Wait, this is a common skin condition, right? It's not just me? Please tell me it's not just me...)

Anyway...

Let's just say primer helps my make-up stay in place and leave it at that, shall we?

I, like most of the primer-wearing population, adore the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer.

However, I do not adore spending almost $40 for a product that I never seem to finish before it starts to take on a cloudy look in the tube that makes me think I'd rather not put it on my face anymore.

So, one magazine sample and coupon later, I decided to give the L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base a try.

And, after a week of use...I'm still undecided. At $13, it's definitely more in my price range than the Smashbox product, but it also has more of a powdery, creamy, gel-like consistency that I am not entirely in love with. I think I might be using it more quickly because of that consistency, too, since it seems to take more product to cover my whole face than it took with the Photo Finish Primer. However, it's done the job of keeping my make-up on my face, and it's done that job well, despite the crazy, storm-driven humidity we've had around Atlanta the last few days.

And, really, who can complain about that?

(Basically, what I'm saying is I'd buy the product again, for what it's worth...)

(Photo credits: smashbox.com, amazon.com)

Comments

[Mary]

I still swear by the Monistat Anti Chafing gel as a primer. I've tried many real primers, both drug store and high end, and always go back to the Monistat. It's been my go to for about 5 years now and works way better for me than anything else.

[HollyLynne]

Another vote for monistat!

[kayemgi]

I, personally, hate the L'Oreal Studio Secrets primer. Just does not work for my skin and I hate the texture of it.

I've discovered Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. It feels like silk going on and it helps my foundation go on smoother and last longer. It's not a dugstore find (it's at Sephora) but I think it's worth it! And one bottle has thus far lasted me three full months and there's still a bit left!

[Kitty Murray]

Another vote for monistat!

[kim l]

I have the L'Oreal Studio Secrets primer, and absolutely hate it, its very heavy on the face and has a velvety texture that i do not like at all. And looks terrible when applied. anything is better then that.