E.L.F. Aqua Beauty Primer Mist Review
E.L.F. Aqua Beauty Primer Mist ($8) is a new, limited edition makeup primer, makeup setting spray, and refresher all in one that launched with the E.L.F. Aqua Beauty Spring 2016 Collection.
Primer mists seem to be a huge trend at the moment and are quickly taking the place of the regular old setting spray! Personally, my experience with them so far is less than stellar and they are merely setting mists and not “primers”. But I’m still trying any and all I come across in the event that they turn into something other than a one trick pony.
E.L.F.’s version is a silicone and alcohol-free formula which promises to hydrate and prime for makeup as well as set makeup.
Let’s take a look!
So, it does deserve to be mentioned that if you end up loving Aqua Beauty Primer that sucks for you as this is limited edition. Seriously, skincare that’s limited edition should be illegal, just sayin’!
Anyway, I’m doubtful you will love it.
Here’s why.
So, the idea is a great one. It preps, it primes, it refresh your makeup throughout the day, and it even sets your makeup. What more could a girl or guy want?!
As for prepping, it’s not a formula I like. I think it’ll best be suited for combination or oily skin. It’s not a terribly hydrating formula which I dry skin craves. This sets to a drier finish and seems suck moisture from my skin. That’s fine and dandy if I have excess shine or oily but I don’t. I’m dry as hell lately so the more moisture the better. On that note, I will say this’ll do well for those who are drying to curb excess oil and shine prior to foundation application. So it works just fine as a primer in that aspect. However, it is NOT a fine mist and it really soaks you down so you have to wait a few moments for it to dry and set. That could be a pain if you’re rushing in the morning.
This is also in fact why I dislike it as a setting mist. If you wear mineral makeup or set with powder a setting mist is great as it’ll “depowder” and refine the finish of a drier powder foundation or setting powder. However, I just feel like I’m taking a hose here and spraying myself with it. This shoots out in a really wet burst and no matter how far away you hold it from your face it still douses you in a wet mess that mucks up your makeup. This is also one reason you don’t wanna tuck it into your bag and use it to refresh with throughout the day.
I think if it was a finer mist it would likely be a fine primer and setting mist for those with combination or oily skin (drier skin need not apply here, the formula is not for us) but considering it comes out streaming, all guns a blazing it ends up ruining your makeup versus setting it plus the longer wait time for it to dry down when using it as a primer takes precious moments off your, “I’m rushing around and need to get my makeup done ASAP!”
My opinion?
Skip it!
But if you are curious, E.L.F. Aqua Beauty Primer Mist is available now at elfcosmetics.com.