Im sure you have seen various reviews across the blogosphere about the well known Benefit Porefessional because I have too, many of them.  All these reviews meant that when I seen the free sample in Glamour Mag earlier this year I bought the magazine purely to try this product that had been so raved about. 

 

Benefit Porefessional £23.50- Buy your own Here

 

First of all iv never been overly sure this is a 'primer'  as on the packaging it is described as a

 'Pro Balm to Minimise the Appearance of Pores' 

 It does not mention primer anywhere on the packaging but I have used this as a primer so to me it is a primer, just thought Id clear that up .

 

The packaging is lovely on this bottle, very girly. I love that they have played on the word porefessional and the illustrated lady pretrays a professional looking figure, although that would not convince me to buy the product as I prefer simple packaging on make up. This slim matte tube is very practical. Being a squeezy tube also means you can get every single last drop which is a winner when the full size product is over twenty pounds.  I like the matte feel to the packaging as it doesnt really get messy with foundation fingerprints.

 

The consistancy of this primer is a dream, the oil free, lightweight cream is like silk in a bottle.  I applied with my fingers as I found with this primer it was the best way to apply as when using a brush it seems to dissapear into the bristles.. It smells very slightly citrusy with a sweet hint, it is the nicest smelling primer I have came across. The product is flesh coloured but once on the skin it has a transparent finish..

After applying my moisturiser I applied the Porefessional immediately after I then apply my make up as normal.  There is no drying time needed with this product as it feels like it just melts into the skin.  This can also be applied to make up throughout the day as a touch up, although I have never done this. This product does significantly minimise the appearance of my pores when using underneith my foundation and provides an amazing base to apply the rest of my make up.

This product does what is says on the tube-minimises the appearance of pores but I wanted something that also kept my make up in place for as long as possible, to some degree this product does act as a primer but does not provide me with the staying power I crave.

So even when I finished the sample I got in Glamour Magazine and was still not convinced this was the product I was looking for, I hadnt used it for long enough to come to a decison so I gave in a bought the full size.  I still have some left in my full size and have now decided that I will not be repurchasing this as I have found other products that work better for my skin.

What are your opinions on Porefessional and have you used it after applying your foundation?

Lots of Love

Gem


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 Elf Mineral Infused Primer £6 - Buy yours here

 

The packaging is very simple, and im not too sure I like the white and plastic silver as I think it makes the product look cheap, but that is just my opinion.  I think I just love the clean cut look of black packaging, which elf normally provide.  This bottle comes with a pump which is great for usage as you can't pump too much as only a small ammount comes out with each pump.  The only thing with a pump is I always feel there is loads of product left when the pump is no longer able to reach it, and with this bottle the way the pump is fitting you cant just take the lid of and tap it out.

This primer reminds me of the gel that is applied when you have a pregnancy scan it looks very similar just on a smaller scale. I applied with my fingers as I found with this primer it was the best way to apply as using a brush just made it break up between the bristles., I think this is because it is silicone based.  This product has no scent at all which to me is slightly dissapointing as I love highly scented things. The clear gel like mixture is something I have not seen before in a primer, but like the feeling it leaves on your skin.

 

Purely because of the results and staying power if this product I have enjoyed using it but as it didnt last very long because of the amount of product you need to use during each application and the design of the pump I dont think I would purchase again. No matter the price of a product I like to finish the bottle and with this you cannot get to the bottom.

 

 

Have you used this primer and do you have a trick for removing the internal pump mechanism?

Lots of Love

Gem

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Using a primer is something I have only started doing this year, and there is not doubt that with my oily skin they provide a perfect base for applying my make-up and keep it in place all day long.

Since I have been using them I have tryed out a number of different primers from different brands  with different price ranges.  From trying these I have now found my favourite primer ever.

 

This will be a series of four reviews and a final comparison post.

 

The first primer I ever tryed was MUA's Primer, I bought it when I first came across the brand early this year.  I had read on twitter that few girls had tryed it and it worked well so thought I would give it a go. 

 

MUA Professional Primer £4 - Buy yours Here

 

 

The packaging is nice, I prefer simple packaging on make up and this glossy squeezable tube is great.  Being a squeezy tube also means you can get every single last drop out.  One thing about the packaging that caused a wee bit of a mess was, the top with the little hole where they product comes out popped out the first time I used it, so I ended up with product all over me and the floor.  I didnt let this deter me and just learned that I had to squeeze gently when I used it.

 

The primer itself is runny in comparison to other ones I have used which meant you only need a small amount each time. I applied with my fingers as I found with this primer it was the best way to apply.  It smells fresh with a slight scent of cucumber which is refreshing to apply.  The liquid is white but once on the skin is transparent so does not compromise your finished look.

 

I applied the primer after allowing my moisturiser to settle and once applied it took a few moments to dry.  I then apply my make up as normal.  This tended to keep my oily skin at bay for around 2 hours before I needed to touch up with a powder to minimise shine on my t-zone.

 

All in all this primer does what it should and keeps your make up in place, just not for as long as I would like.  I think this primer would work better with dry skin types as with my oily skin it just doesnt give me the flawless matte finish for long enough.

 

This was a great primer to try as my first one as it set the bar of what I expected from a primer and helped me realise what Id like from the next one , which helped a lot when I was looking for a new one as unfortunately I didnt repurchase this one.

 

Did Mua's Primer work well with your skin, Id love to know.

 

Lots of Love

 

Gem

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