January 17, 2017

Physicians Formula #InstaReady Face Primer Review & Swatches

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

Physicians Formula #InstaReady Face Primer ($11.99) is a new mattifying facial primer with an SPF 18 that blurs the appearance of pores, fine lines and imperfections while protecting skin and prepping skin for makeup. This primer is part of a line of #InstaReady products that Physicians Formula created for Spring 2017 which also includes a new concealer and a makeup setting mist.

You know aside from color correcting primers like Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Correcting Primer and the newer Super CC Color-Correction + Care All-Over Blur Primer Stick, I don’t think I ever seen Physicians Formula do a regular, old standard prep and prime facial primer. And that’s in fact what Physicians Formula #InstaReady Face Primer is, a traditional silicone primer.

Here are my review and thoughts on the formula.

I’m dry so, I typically avoid silicone primers like this. It’s actually quite like the new Urban Decay Urban Defense Complexion Primer but it’s a little thinner in consistency and the SPF is a little lower (UD’s formula has an SPF 30).

This comes housed in a 1 oz pump bottle that resembles Etude House’s Collagen Moistfull Essence-In Base and Collagen Moistfull Essence-In Foundation.

I’d say the formula it most resembles is Smashbox Photo Finish but it has a little bit more of a watery gel-like texture and isn’t as thick as the Smashbox formula. I think the combination of ingredients was a little odd and display themselves in the feel and texture of the product. It contains silica, dimethicone, as well as castor oil. The combination of the three results in a slick, quick to absorb formula that has silicone-like texture as it sets. It’s actually not very pleasant feeling on my skin. It feels like someone mixed powder with oil. It does visibly smooth skin and will likely blur the appearance of pores but it doesn’t quite set to a matte finish and feels very slick for a while before it sets to a satiny finish. Makeup applies well over it thankfully and even though it seems to absorb quickly, for some reason, I can still feel it on my skin. Thankfully it didn’t make me itchy as Smashbox’s formula tends to make me itch. It also didn’t pill on my drier skin.

I didn’t really love it to be honest. It definitely makes my skin look smoother but I wasn’t in love with the texture. If you can find it on sale it might be worth trying out for yourself but personally, I didn’t love it.

Physicians Formula #InstaReady Face Primer is available now at drugstores or score it at Ulta.com on sale as Physicians Formula is buy 1, get 1 50% off.

Affiliate / Purchased
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

  • Dominique

    I’m very oily and even though it says “mattifying”, I’ll pass. Silicone primers like these (and Smashbox) just glide and make me look like a butter face 2 hours after. I’ll stick to your recommendations from two years ago, and will remain happy with my long wear primer from Hard Candy.

  • jeane

    What’s with all the chemicals (sunscreen)?

    I had to look twice to see if this was really from PF

  • genevieve

    Hmmm doesn’t sound like a great one to me. I don’t think I would like the texture of either the silicones or the castor oil.
    I use the Nude by Nature Mineral primer and it is safe to use as an eye shadow primer as well. It’s great stuff.

  • Stacy S

    Been using it for a month. I have combo skin and now it has caused my skin to break out in cystic acne. I’m 46 and not happy to have this new acne. Ugh!