little white truths

This is one of those products that's been well-loved in the beauty community for a while now, and even though I've tried it before, previously I hadn't had as much experience with primers as I do now.

While before I thought it was a nice product but not worth the whopping price-tag, I've since come to realise that it does a lot more than I first thought and it really is a stand-out so I can see why so many people love it.

And despite said whopping price-tag, the good news is it's available in a travel size that you can buy for less than $30 - and since you only need the tiniest bit each time, it starts to look much less expensive on a price-per-use basis. For me, it would take over a year to get through the small bottle, even with frequent use.

Hourglass claims/product details:

• This satin-finish, oil-free mineral primer creates a porcelain-smooth complexion
• Gives your foundation longevity while minimising shine and protecting against sun damage
• This lightweight mineral primer melts into the skin, restoring moisture and imparting a silky-smooth finish
• Helps visibly diminish the appearance of large pores and fine lines
• Preps the skin for even makeup application while extending its durability, meaning less touch-ups
• Water resistant to ensure for a perfect complexion in any climate
• Formulated with SPF 15 from naturally-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to protect skin from UVA/UVB rays
• Suitable for those prone to sensitivity
• RRP $27 AUD for 10ml or $79 AUD for 30ml

Verdict

This product showed up in my 2016 makeup favourites (see here) because I couldn't pick between this primer and the Hourglass No 28 Primer Serum (reviewed here) and I do use them for different things depending on what my skin's doing, so they both warranted a mention.

While the Primer Serum manages my dry patches like no other, this is the most effective primer I've used to date when it comes to smoothing out the skin and providing an even base for makeup. Both primers are so concentrated and spread so well that you only need the smallest amount each time, and the travel-sized bottles of both are all I'll ever buy because I'd never get through the large ones.

This is a silky white primer that feels like a gel/cream hybrid and I suggest starting with half a grain of rice (perhaps even less) and going from there because you mightn't need any more than that, particularly if you're not covering your whole face but only the spots where you have texture.

It feels so wonderful on the skin - velvety, cooling and smoothing - and I do notice a difference in how my skin looks after use because my pores look less obvious and my face looks healthier and more even.

Makeup applies beautifully over this because my skin's surface feels smoother, so my tinted moisturiser or foundation seem to glide on better when I use it. I have noticed a slight difference in longevity so I do think it helps makeup last longer, but because I have dry skin, makeup usually grips to my face pretty well anyway and you may notice longevity more if you have oily or normal skin.

The only time I wouldn't use this is when my skin is super dry: while I don't think this is a drying product, it's also not always hydrating enough for me - and that's why I feel that both this product and the No 28 Serum Primer warrant a place in my collection. I'm more likely to use this one in summer and the other one in winter, when my skin is at its driest.

One last thing to note is that I've heard quite a few youtubers say that NYX has a dupe for this product - the NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer - and I'm keen to try it to see if I agree that they're exactly the same. I haven't yet seen the product at my local Priceline (or online), but I'll definitely be keeping an eye out so I can test it and let you know what I think.

Just a beautiful product and one that's hyped up for good reason.