May 11, 2010

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy Luminizing Face Primer Review and Swatches

I’d like to say I’m a religious face primer user but that would simply be a complete lie. I do admit that sometimes I just skip on facial primer completely since my pores are virtually non existence, I’m not particularly shiny, and I honestly don’t feel primers do MUCH in the ways of preserving my foundation.

But I’ll buy them anyway simply because if it promises to keep my foundation fresher and longer wearing, I can’t help but hope and wish that this one will be the one.

Jump!

I recently got a chance to try out Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy Luminizing Face Primer and I was on board since I really liked the pump style packaging. Hey, any primer that doesn’t have me dipping around in a pot is all goodness to me.

What is it?

A luminizing face primer to refine and illuminate your skin.

The Good….

It comes in a fabulous pump bottle which distributes just the right amount of product out. The texture is super smooth and feels hydrating. I personally love hydrating primers since my face is dry and can use the extra moisture!

The Bad….

Aside from its hydrating formula and great packaging this one sadly goes down hill way fast.

First off, if you’re purchasing to fill pores this likely won’t work considering the base is very smooth and creamy sans the silicone powdery feel of a good primer. Its formula proves fanatic for those with drier skin but anyone with larger pores and oily skin will notice that it actually makes your face oilier and fails to fill pores.

For the most part it’s a transparent shade of white but it has a TON of shimmer thus creating a bad shimmery effect on your face which isn’t particularly flattering. To tame this down I mixed some of the primer with my facial cream and this created a more subtle glow but it also took away from the fact that it was supposed to be acting as a primer NOT a highlighter/illuminator.

Sadly, I think it goes without saying, that my foundation didn’t have any incredible long wearing time thanks to this.

Who Might Like It?

  • Anyone with dry skin who doesn’t mind some shimmer.
  • Anyone actively seeking a paraben-free primer.

Who Might Not Like It?

  • Anyone not up for shimmer in their primer.
  • Anyone seeking a primer to fill pores.
  • Anyone with oily skin (this will make your skin oilier, hell it made my DRY skin oily).

Final Thoughts….

I think I’d be happier if they dubbed this a highlighter rather than a primer as it does that job just fine.

No likey.

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

  • addicted_j.t.

    oh i have one word that fits this excellently : FAIL .

    • the Muse

      hey addicted…mmm big time. more of a highlighter than a bloody primer right?

      • addicted_j.t.

        why oh why would you want your face to shimmer like a 4 year old went cray with glitter …on your face

  • Karrie

    This was a great review.
    It sounded promising, but I have oily skin, so this wouldn’t be for me.

    • the Muse

      thanks karrie! naa I wouldn’t attempt it as it made me oily and I have dry skin ha!

  • Ally

    I tried this stuff I think about a year ago now and hated it! It feels nice and all but oh my god the shimmer! There’s so much of it in there…not good. And the pump broke too after not very long. So I’m now using my very loved Maybelline Instant Age Rewind primer- I know you can’t use the silicon ones but it really works great for me 🙂

    • the Muse

      ally def a nice feel to it but the shimmer isn’t so fab 🙁 and it makes me oily. I actually have the Instant Age Rewind too, it’s ok but def not a lover of silicone primers damn!

  • Robyn

    i love shimmer im right up there with shimmery blush/ eyeshadow etc but in primer? is not wanting to look like a disco ball no thinks ill pass

    • the Muse

      robyn same here but primer not so into the shimmer in primer 😀

  • Audrey

    I tried this stuff a few years ago. The shimmer really killed it for me; it looked like body glitter! Plus, the pump on mine didn’t work so well and if I wasn’t careful, it’d go splooging across my bathroom wall.

  • Mami of 3

    Would this work mixed with your foundation??? or would it totally change the way your foundation went on? I have really dry skin. I want something to make me look like I have dewey/glowing skin. any recommendations if you don’t suggest this.
    thanks in advance

    • the Muse

      hi mami…it would kinda defeat the purpose to mix with foundation tbh. read back on the review I mentioned it 🙂

      I really like Korres Primer for my dry skin.

  • Mami of 3

    oops sorry ~ i read it really fast but yes i do see where you mention that.
    okay going to have to try Korres Primer
    have you found a good foundation for dry skin that helps with a dewey look?

    love your blog, and you tube videos and your reviews.
    thank you for taking the time to do this.
    i am new at any of this so i appreciate you doing this to help a sister out like me. 🙂

    • the Muse

      mmm mami Bobbi Brown has a new natural finish foundation that is really good to get a nice glow and flawlessly 😀

      Aw thanks! I’m so glad you enjoy them Hugs!!!!!!!!

  • courtney

    sigh. Wish I had read this review before buying that awful glitter paste. Oh well. Here’s one use for it: sweep on collarbones and cleavage for some va va voom!