August 26, 2015

Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer Review & Swatches

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer1

Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer ($18) is a new makeup primer with oil control that’s silicone free.

I’m pretty happy with my Revlon Photoready Primer but I’m always happy to try something new and Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer seems nice enough to curb the minimal shine I get in the Summer so I decided to purchase it and give it a whirl.

Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer is actually one of several new Pacifica Skincare products that launched for Fall 2015.

Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer has a lot of going for it particularly the fact that it is silicone free. I always feel like silicone primers make me feel itchy and like a dozen ants are crawling under my skin. I had the worst experience with Smashbox Photo Finish many, many years ago and to this day I won’t touch the stuff.

Plus I have drier skin without visible pores o I’m not really all about silicone primers but more about hydrating ones. None the less, silicone primers are part of my stash and many I use and love but that doesn’t stop me from migrating most to ones that are silicone free.

Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer

And lucky enough, Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer is silicone free!

This comes housed in a 1 oz pump bottle with a formula that can be used on normal, oily, or acne prone skin. I’m a bit shiny and oily at the moment due to Summer and the warmer weather so I decided I’d give this a dry out.

Out of the bottle it actually feels slightly like a silicone primer as it’s a thicker yet slightly runny gel with a powder-y sort of texture. It has a rather awful rubbery smell but it does disappear quickly enough. I’ve been testing it daily for two weeks and in that time frame I still haven’t learned the right way to use this as each and every time I try it pills like nobody’s business. For those unfamiliar with the term pill it simply means that once applied this kinda rolls off your face in little balls. To me it almost felt like I was giving myself a facial peel or using Cure Natural Aqua Gel. As with each application the primer would kinda flake and roll into little skin-like chunks.

I’ve experimented using different amounts and I have found that using a very, very, very small amount is the best way to go. It does have a very interesting mattifying ability that you can literally feel working. This, however, is not a good thing for drier skin as it literally feels like it is sucking moisture from my skin. I dislike the way foundation wears on top of this because even when using a smaller amount my foundation literally ended up pilling as well. Not pretty!

Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer swatches

It’s an interesting product with an interesting texture but Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer is priced to high for a formula that simply isn’t up to par with cheaper drugstore alternatives that work way better.

I’d love to recommend this but it’s a big skip in my opinion.

Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer is available now at Ulta and Ulta.com.

Tried it?

Do share!

Pacifica Jasmine Iris Oil Control Primer2

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

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

  • Jessica

    I’ve been using it for a couple weeks now and really like it. I think is smells really nice too! Kind of like a fruity floral scent. I put this on first then top with my Cotz SPF 40 Tinted sunscreen and it keeps me matte for hours! I’m pretty oily and usually have to blot a few times a day, but when I use this I only have to blot once. I haven’t found that it pills at all. I do think it is better suited for oily skin though.

    • Isabella Muse

      wow I totally got a fluke! Mine smells kinda rubbery I’m glad it worked for you!!!!!!!!!

      • Jessica

        I can definitely see how this would not work for someone with dry skin, but for an oily girl it’s been a dream! 😉

  • Ashlynn

    It sounds like maybe you got a bad lemon =( I can say though that silica is quite drying to the skin in higher concentration, which this is! I have drier skin too and silica is a big no-no for me unless it is in very small amounts with other more moisturizing ingredients. The only hydrating ingredients here are in smaller concentrations and just veg, glycerin and a little bit with the rose Damascena extract, but not much there and considering the silica is in such a high amount, it likely absorbs the glycerin on your skin making it matte and possibly pell too. I have become quite good learning about ingredients, how they are listed, and what they are and can usually tell if something will be too drying just be reading the list. I know that sounds like a long shot but hasn’t failed me yet! Nevertheless, I sampled this at Ulta and though it didn’t have the bad rubber smell, it was indeed drying, and did pell slightly. Big pass here! The only worthwhile products from Pacifica’s makeup line, In my personal opinion, are the mascaras and the eye pencils along with lip products. Face is a no go for me and fragrances give me a headache.

    • Isabella Muse

      Thanks Ashlynn for your info! I would def say the silica is drying :-/ I’m quite shiny at the moment so a little oi control is welcome unfortunately this was TOO much oil control maybe 😀

      • Ashlynn

        I think it is just too much.. who knew there could be too much lol! Usually it’s never enough! Perhaps it will be good for the oily skin ladies.

  • Nanners

    Thanks for the review! I actually waited to buy this until some sort of review came up, and you helped me save some dough 😉

    • Isabella Muse

      My pleasure Nanners! do read some of the other thoughts in the comments and it looks like some folks succeeded where I failed 😀 so there thoughts might also help your final decision!

  • Bonnie

    Wow, this sounds like just my thing, being a very oily skinned gal, plus its VEGAN! I’m overwhelmed with joy. Now if only I will be able to find it in toronto – the search begins!