August 28, 2008

Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer Review

I promised a review on Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer to you earlier this week! And here it is! Love me much?

Now is a good time to head on over to Sephora and grab some of these primers because the Muse is about to blow you out of the water with all my raving.

Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer is a product you have to try in store. At first glance I wanted to order two or three colors but I quickly realized I’d have to test this in store.

I only got one because I was trying so hard to be good but I really wanted three of the selections available. Damn. But after all tomorrow is another day!

The colors I wanted to try were Pink 7, Mauve 2, and Yellow 6 and as I said I only walked out of the store with one shade which was Yellow 6.

Before I begin my review here are the details what each color is used for:

0 Neutral-Adds natural luminosity to the complexion
1 Green-Minimizes redness

2 Mauve-Counteracts sallow undertones
4 Caramel-(Make Up For Ever needs to learn to count, what happened to three?)-Combats ashiness in medium to dark skin tones
5 Blue-Adds radiance to fair skin and reduces minor imperfections
6 Yellow-Lightens dark complexions
8 Pink-Brightens the complexion and counteracts sallow undertones

My review is reserved to Yellow but since I am going back shortly for the other colors I will most definately be giving those a review of their very own!

For obvious reasons I picked up Yellow because as you may already know I’m terribly obsessed with whitening my skin as much as humanly possible without looking like Michael Jackson of course.

Shudders in fear.

I’m happy to report that Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer does exactly what it promises to do. It lightens up my complextion very naturally while prepping my skin for my foundation. Funny thing is that the primer works so well I actually feel like I don’t need foundation after application of the primer! Fantastic!

The formula is not a silicon base as per the normal range of primers. It happens to be a lovely creamy, moisturizing blend that feels like a tinted moisturizer and offers coverage like a light set foundation. Although some may be slightly scared of the idea of lightening up your skin tone this effectively leaves behind a semi-matte very natural finish that doesn’t necessarily lighten but more along the lines of evens out and brightens your skin. I’m absolutely thrilled with the finished result.

I’m unsure what the results would be if you’re looking to fill in deep lines or pores this felt more along the lines of a treatment for evening out my dull skin while prepping the skin for foundation or as I mentioned you can easily get away using it on it’s own! I tried it out in several ways one of which happened to be by itself with a bit of blush on top and it looked great. It lends my skin a dewy, creamy look that eases shadowing I have on my skin while brightening up dullness.

The formula isn’t greasy nor is it oily it’s actually beautifully moisturizing and absorbs quickly into the skin while keeping the promise of lightening my skin tone. As I mentioned this isn’t going to bring your skin down an entire shade but it will cast a certain light off your skin giving the illusion of a lighter look.

The product comes in a pump style bottle which I’m sure those anal of germs will simply love (like me!). One squirt should do the job but I personally went ahead and used three on the day I was using it as my sole foundation. I like how it creates a nice flawless finish for my other makeup and I absolutely love how it works as a simple prep for just blush or a cheek stain!

I didn’t notice any difference when worn with my foundation as far as wear goes. It seemed my foundation lasted the normal four to five hours before melting away and crying for a touch up however I can honestly say that when used without foundation my face did remain fresh, bright, and dewy for at least 7-8 hours sans touch ups in between.

Overall, I’ll most definately be indulging in other colors from the line and I’m very pleased with the results this produces. It delivers on it’s promises which is sometimes rare in the cosmetic world. I’m Muse Approving this one for purchase and highly recommending you go out and try it for yourself. I’m particularly curious for those that suffer from redness as Green is recommended for banishing redness on the skin. This could very likely offer a great option for covering that particular woe right up!

I like these. Alot. Expect to hear more raves about other colors soon!

These are available now from Sephora for $35 USD each! Grab ’em! The Muse thinks you’ll love ’em!

Tried these?

Love ’em?

Want to try ’em out?

Tell the Muse!

Reader’s Request: Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer Face of the Day

32 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Critty

    I want the green one, but have to finish up the 2 primers I have on the go. Glad to hear you are loving them! Have you tried the HD foundation? LOVE! I am testing it this week under all sorts of circumstances, and it is passing every test. I heart MUFE …

    Big hugs,
    Critty 🙂

  • Toya

    This sounds intriguing. I’ll have to give it a try! I think I’d like to try Caramel.

  • (g)ezebel

    AH-HAAAA!!!! i found you again!!! man, it’s been rough recreating my old blogroll. :0/

    i must try this hi-def primer. i haven’t purchased cosmetics in soooo long!! *jealous pout*

  • jojoba

    oh i am so glad you did this review. the MUFE HD powder didn’t work for me as i have dry skin and I didn’t get into HD foundation as I have my HG Liquid Lift. but i have been thinking about trying this out. great review but not good for my pocket. 😛

  • Stephy

    ooo this sounds very interesting! 🙂 when u have a chance, do u think u can feature a photo of urself with this on by itself (no foundation over it)?

  • Ilianexy

    I am dying to get the whole line. I love everything that makes my skin look great and I think this line is so worth it!

  • Autumn Masquerade

    Hi Muse,

    Your review of the HD primer makes it a must buy! Happily my Sephora order arrived today. They got the HD primer right but one of the other items wrong so they are investigating.

    I also received the order from GMarket. I’ll send along a photo shortly. I think the teenage girls at the benefit will love them! Etude House even included lots of extras, some of which I’ll keep for myself, some I’ll give to the auction. I paid less than I would’ve on Ebay, so I am quite pleased.

    You’re so sweet! The bidding is done live. If you want to read more about the adoption agency, it’s at http://www.chsfs.org/. The benefit is listed under What’s New. It’s always a lot of fun.

    They choose a different program to benefit in Korea each year. Last year it was a home for disabled boys and to support birthmother programs so single moms could take care of their children rather than give them up for adoption.

    This year is is to benefit a children’s hospital in Korea and to support the mother program again.

    Please don’t feel obligated to make a donation, but if you do want to, there is a link on the website. I donate quite a bit a year and try to volunteer. I’m a big advocate of adoption, like most other adoptees.

    Browns do make dark circles more prominent, but it’s a flattering color on almost every eye. I liked the Wicked Lovely eyeshadows. It was more of the blush and lippies I found too brown.

    You so do not have buggy eyes. You have very nice eyes. Have you ever noticed women are far more self critical than how others see them?

    You can live vicariously through me for Chantecaille rather than get sucked in yourself…

    I am so checking You Tube tonight! I knew it was going to be a busy day today at work so I went to bed early yesterday.

    I haven’t tried to pet the wild river otters. I don’t think that would go over so well. But they are fun to watch in close proximity.

    I don’t think the American beauty market is saturated yet. Possibly the market in France is saturated, but not elsewhere.

    Yes, the ds selection in Europe is so much better. Last time I was in Germany I bought like 10 labellos. They thought I was weird until I explained I was a tourist.

    I haven’t tried the Givenchy eye cream either but Susan, the Givenchy mgr for Sephora, says it is the best eye cream she’s ever tried. She is a bit biased but Givenchy does make nice products. Oprah featured it too so it was OOS forever.

    I personally didn’t find Breaking Dawn disappointing but it wasn’t as good as all the hype expected it to be. Not sure if that’s very helpful.

    Ooh! I like the idea of hearing Edward’s side to it. He’s a very complex character. More so than Bella.

    Hm…have to think about the BG GWP. I just made a big Japanese order and am waiting for Neimans beauty event…will still check it out.

    Yes, I do see your point about the Armani packaging. *squee!* You discovered Face Fabric! I got it in April when I was in Phoenix. I think I did a review. Definitely HG material!

    I remember how expensive it is to go out in your city. It’s not so bad here yet but it’s getting there. Easily $100-150 here, not quite $300 yet.

    Yes, winter is good for staying in. Actually I like winter better than summer. It’s a good thing I do since I live where I live.

    Very sorry to hear you broke up with the bf. But I hope you are happy! I will either commiserate with you or celebrate, whichever you prefer.

    Yea! I was worried I was being too OCD about books and germs. I read quickly too, but I like rereading books quite a bit.

    Actually I do know others who separate their accounts into different categories so that’s not too odd.

    Haven’t tried Jonathan Strange yet but will definitely do so!

    No rush on the White Pearls. Like I said, I can’t bear to find them a home with just anyone.

    Those magazines do like to pile up sometimes…

    Have fun on your mini break! It’s always nice to get out and away. For me it’s just getting away from work right now. We’re having some difficult customer relations. I’ll put it that way. I’m trying to repair them.

    I’ll definitely keep my eyes open about Clean. You don’t have to say any more. Thanks for the heads up. =D

    It’s nice to see some competition between HSN and QVC. Competition usually does benefit the consumer.

    Sephora has some makeup storage cases on sale. Not sure if you like those, but it’s worth taking a peeksie.

    Enjoy your mini break and I’ll talk to you after the holiday!

    Hugs! Have a good and safe Labor Day weekend!

  • Sher

    Id love to see you do a FOTD with this (and only this on your face) on! I think green woul dbe SO useful!

  • Audrie

    oooo yet another product that I’m dying to try!! I’m glad that it’s more creamy and not like a sillicone loaded primer because I dislike those. I was wondering if you think that the Mauve one or the Yellow one does a better job at brightening since they both seem to claim to “brighten” complexions. Thanks Musey 🙂

  • rocketqueen

    Oooh I need the green one! Lovely!

    Btw you need to try GOSH shadesticks if you want a good e/s primer! I’ve just got three of them and LOVE them! And look here at their eyeliners!

    Lovely, no?

    HUGS!!

  • jie jie

    thanks for the wonderful review! i'm so lemming this, and cannot for the life of me pick just one! i wanted mauve or neutral.. but now you've mentioned it, i might check out the pink one too. i like how this is oil-free. i can't wait for F&F now! it's only $32 btw.

  • the Muse

    hi critty!

    I adore these! NO! How is it!? I can’t wait to try this but it’s an instore swatch so I can’t order online have to wander over to Sephora and have a lookiee!

    I wants it!

    🙂

    Hugs!

  • the Muse

    hey gez!

    LOL did you lose me 🙂 hehe!

    How are you dear? Oh nos! get to your sephora and go grab some goodies 🙂

  • the Muse

    hello there jojoba!

    I’m glad you liked the review 🙂 I didn’t try the powder. It looked interesting but not enough to make me try! I’ll be trying the new HD foundation soon 😉 It is pricey but I don’t mind when it works! 😉

    Thanks for the comment!
    Looking forward to talking to you again soon!

  • the Muse

    hello there Ilianexy!

    I agree! Anything that makes my skin look awesome is well worth it 🙂 I’m dying for the foundation!

    Do stop back and tell me whatcha think when you try the line out!

    Hugs!

  • the Muse

    hello sher!

    I’ll definately do an FOTD with this and only this 😉 I’ll get to it shortly!

    The green seems like a great option! I have blushing cheeks myself that I want to cover up a bit maybe this would help!

    Cheers!
    Thanks for the comment 🙂

  • the Muse

    hello Audrie!

    This one is a winner 🙂 I hate those too 🙁 They pill terribly on me!

    Sadly I haven’t yet tried the Mauve but will review it when I have it 🙂 I ordered it recently 🙂 I’ll def compare them for you!

    You’re most welcome darling! Keep your eyes peeled for that review soon!

    Happy Weekend!

  • the Muse

    hi linn!

    Oh no I haven’t tried ’em! They sound awesome!

    Extremely lovely! I got some gosh from Zara @ kiss and makeup and can’t wait to try it 🙂

  • the Muse

    hello jie jie !

    You’re most welcome, it’s my pleasure!

    Pink looks awesome and I can’t wait to try it!
    Oh shoot thanks lol thought it was $35! I feel better now hehe 🙂 $32 sounds better than $35!

    😉 I can’t wait for FF too!

    Do drop back and tell us what you think when you do get yours!
    Hugs!

  • KristyQ

    Hello!

    Thanks for the review. I must try Blue #5 and Pink #7.
    *le sigh*
    I was going to put myself on a no-buy, but…can’t! LOL.
    Have a great weekend 🙂

  • the Muse

    hey bets!

    Oh poo! I hate when they mess up on orders. I had to return four items recently because I doubled up when a company sent me the same items. Anyway, returned by mail and it took over a month and a half to get the credit. I was unnerved to say the least. Normally they process this so fast not sure what happened this time!

    I look forward to seeing the basket you’ve created. It sounds wonderful!
    Does Etude House have it’s own gmarket name? if so would you have a link? Curious minds if it works out better than personal sellers!

    I just wandered over to your charity this morning and it looks fantastic. I volunteer at a childrens home in my area every week.

    I think it’s fantastic they extend to Korea! I donated this morning via the online form. Since it’s something you participate in and know of I fully trust my donation will go to a good cause!! I don’t feel obligated at all 🙂 I’m happy to do this actually. I’m very heavy into animal rescue donations 🙂 and I donate my local children’s home. And somehow someway PBS ends up with major mounds of my cash as well lol! I’m still trying to figure out if I’m doing good on that one LOL! It’s the geek in me, must be!

    It is indeed. We jump from one thing to the next don’t we? Brown shade and donations lol!

    The blush is a dusty rose shade I haven’t yet tried it but I do see what you mean 🙂

    I do indeed have buggy eyes 🙂 LOL!

    Lord yes otherwise I see myself dishing out $500 a month or more for Chantecaille lol!

    I’ve been going to bad way too late lately as I have a friend staying with me and we have been out and a about a fair bit but I’m craving some z’s in a major way!

    I bet they are..always been curious how wary they’d be of being pet 😉 Too cute!

    Oh not nearly. the American market is not even anywhere close to being saturated. I agree, France is saturated but of course with high street not lower end.

    LOL! 10? I fear I have quite a few stuffed in my desk draw. Did you see the LE shade recently?

    I think it’s safe to say that Susan is prob very bias. No offense but you know how some are loyal to their brand.

    I’m tempted by the roller ball and don’t mind dishing out $80 for it so long as it works. I’m debating and thinking I’ll grab it during FF so I can get it for $64 and if it doesn’t work I didn’t spend as much on it.

    Hmmmmm I’m glad to hear Breaking Dawn isn’t disappointing. I was worried but as we come to expect towards the end these things tend to get a bit of a bore.

    I agree, Edward is much more complex. His nature is darker as well. Bella is wonderful but a bit too trusting and accepting. Which makes her very very unique and lovely but…hmmm…a bit off as well if that makes sense. As I reread the books I can’t help but think to myself “would I let my kids read these things?” they have a faint underlay of darkness that I’m unsure would be suitable for a teen girl who’s so vulnerable in the “growing up stage”. Kids are somewhat stupid and the underlaying darkness of suicide is hinted at in the books. *shrugs* I love them but I can’t help but feel they are somewhat wrong for the teen crowd.

    Anyway aside from the darkness I do want to hear Edward’s take on things for sure. As you said he’s a complex character and it would be interesting to get into his head and hear his struggle with wanting to love someone and in that same instant kill them. What a battle raging in that head and that heart 🙂

    Sadly, I was informed the BG GWP is overs 🙁 Sorry love. So at least that decides your faith with this 🙂

    Face Fabric tis amazing! Wow. I hate how it feels oily at first but later sinks in and creates a beautiful canvas! Gorgeous!

    Hug for sures!

    Very expensive indeed. I was talking to a business associate and friend of mine that works and lives in Chicago yesterday and she was just saying how it’s not that expensive however the selection of jobs available isn’t very good and travel to and from work can be a hassle (she lives 2-3 hours away from her office GASP!).

    I love the winter and fall myself 🙂

    It’s ok. It’s very very difficult. But I try hard to get through it and keep a smile on my face. I had my life somehow mapped around him and when it happened it seemed..shocking…I think I do a fairly great job of pushing it down deep enough so I don’t have to actually face it. Plus we are friends and still talk which is both difficult and relieving because at least he’s in my life 🙂

    Honestly, I don’t miss the fighting, that’s for sure! *leans my head on your shoulder* hehe thanks 🙂 You can clean my ears and stroke my hair to comfort me lol!

    Nope. I’m the same. I wash my hands 150 times a day. people just ew..you know what I mean!? If you watch people enough you’ll seriously become OCD lol!

    I, too, love rereading.

    Another side of my OCD behavior. Different accounts for different things. Strange am I 🙂

    Oh please do as Jonathan Strange has a little something you might just love. It’s unique that’s for sure but rather long!

    Totally can relate to the White Pearls going to just anyone. I got your email but didn’t see the new set just the pressed powders and new foundation! Got a link?

    I wish I read Japanese as I could just read the mags online :p But I like to collect plus the damn pretty pictures lol!

    Thanks! I think I’ll have a blast 🙂 I’m looking forward to it!

    It’s fab hearing from you too Betsy! I owe you so many emails and this just gives me my daily Bets fix hehe!

    Well you relax and grab some rest in this long weekend and forget work for a while!

    You’re most welcome 😉 Get the Summer version now because if you’re a collector you’ll want it…to include with the new item hint hint nudge nudge!

    I agree. However, for some reason, I still prefer QVC.

    Oh Thanks for the heads up will look 😉

    Have a WONDERFUL weekend!
    Love ya much!

  • the Muse

    hello KristyQ!

    You’re most welcome 🙂

    LOL no buys are always hard 😉

    If you need moral support best not come here heheheheehe!

    Hugs and happy long weekend!

  • Renata

    Hi, Muse! Can you tell something about the other colors? have you tried them all?

    • the Muse

      hey renata!

      Not all hun but the yellow and the pink 😀

      sure here’s details:

      0 Neutral (adds natural luminosity to the complexion)
      1 Green (minimizes redness – ideal for skin with rosacea)
      2 Mauve (counteracts sallow undertones)
      4 Caramel (combats ashiness in medium to dark skin tones/warms golden tones)
      5 Blue (adds radiance to fair skin/ reduces minor imperfections)
      6 Yellow (lightens dark complexions)
      7 Pink (brightens the complexion/ counteracts sallow undertones)

      I hope this helps hun!

  • LorraineER

    I know a lot of people have commented on this and I’m way late, but I gotta say this primer practically changed my life, lol. I used to hate putting on foundation because my skin is so weird, if I had to categorize it I would say it’s combination and my cheeks and nose are very red. Right after I shower my skin is super dry even with a good moisturizer but 5 hours later it’s an oil slick. Putting foundation on even 30-40 min after a shower my skin would still look flaky, makeup looked cakey and just..ick. Like I did nothing in the way of skincare and slapped on some cheap foundation without trying at all to blend which was so not the case. But- this primer makes my skin look and feel super nice, and makes putting foundation on a breeze. I can use less product with better coverage and I don’t have any flakyness. My skin looks radiant with the neutral color, next I will try green. I LOVE THIS STUFF!!!
    Hope you are well, and thanks for reading & replying to all my belated comments lately!! hehe 😀

  • Chloe

    Hi muse, i did exactly the same like you did, worn it by itself. on a clean face, first put sunblock + mufe hd primer + cheek stain and some concealer under my eyes. No foundation or powder to set it up. i thought i was silly by doing that, but i really did love the end result. It was semi dewy but not in a greasy way because i just could not stand having sticky face, and also my complexion was brighter as well, btw i had #2 mauve. It was just like having no makeup makeup on my face, which was great, simple and not to heavy on the face for running day to day errands.

  • Sinem akdogan

    Hi there, thanks for the great review! It’s my obsession to make my skin as white as possible too! But I wonder if this product will work for me since my skin is already not that dark (light beige).

  • Ambra

    Hi Renata! wonderful review! Unfortunately for me the green primer didnt work that well 🙁 I was really dissapointed, seemed like a great product