L’Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Secret Magic Perfect Base Review
L’Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Secret Magic Perfect Base hit the US market this past February and I’ve kinda had it hanging around on my desk for a while now. I finally got around to testing it out the past month or so and I must say I do like it.
What is it?
L’Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Secret Magic Perfect Base is pretty much a dupe of Clarins Instant Smooth Perfect Touch. It’s an ultra smooth primer that’s lightweight and smooths skin creating a matte, even finish while filling pores, creating a great canvas for foundation, and allowing your face to remain fresh all day.
The good….
The formula is silicon based but still manages to remain lightweight sans that itchy, uncomfortable feeling I get from such primers. It feels smooth on my face and doesn’t pill off which is a plus as many of the same types of primer results in a pilling action that looks like my skin is peeling off, not pretty. It creates a nice even finish for my makeup, mattifies my oily spots (hello mirror forehead), and manages to keep my foundation from oxidizing extra quickly. I felt like my foundation lasted at least an extra three or more hours thanks to this plus at the end of the day my makeup looked pretty fresh. There was some dispute about it’s price which is $12.99 for 0.5 oz, honestly for me this is a steal considering Clarins Instant Smooth is the same price and marked at $38. You only need a tiny amount so the jar should last quite sometime. The only difference between the two is I felt like L’Oreal’s version had a lighter feel and a more comfortable-wear where as Clarins is a little heavier and you can tell it’s very much a silicon primer you’re using on your face.
The bad….
Clarins includes a spatula to remove product from the jar making it a bacteria free application. L’Oreal sadly does not. You’d think they wouldn’t overlook such an important detail but sadly they do. The lip of the jar is smaller than the Clarins one so it’s a little tricky getting product out if you do use fingers however I do suggest a tiny spatula if you have one laying around from Clarins or another product as it’s not exactly hygienic to stick your fingers in for every use.
Who might like it?
- Anyone who already loves and uses Clarins Instant Smooth.
- Anyone who has larger pores that need covering.
- Anyone who finds their foundation oxidizes quickly.
Who might not like it?
- Anyone who doesn’t love the idea of pot packaging.
Final thoughts….
I’m not one for silicon based primers but I actually liked this alot. I felt like it made my foundation last a little bit longer and kept my makeup a little bit fresher. It’s cheap price makes it a worthy haul in my opinion and it saves you quite a bit of money if you’re already dishing out $38 for Clarins version.
Anyone try it and love it?
Not so much?
Share your mini review!
Disclosure: The following item was purchased by me for review purposes (and because I like flinging my money at makeup products of any kind) on Musings of a Muse. For further information please see my FTC Guidelines or my Disclosure/Disclaimer posts.