I recently switched my foundation…mostly because the one I was using (NARS Sheer Matte) got discontinued; so I took the opportunity to try out another luxury brand foundation. Honestly I was looking into trying a couple of samples here and there till I found something that suited me. However, the search ended before it even began…my fault…I shot straight at the top.
When I read all the rave reviews about the Marc Jacobs gel genius oil free foundation, I could not wait to get it. When I did, I purchased it with the Givenchy Mister Matte primer.
Having been in this makeup game for a minute, I will tell you this. there are three things that will make your foundation look flawless. Good skin, an excellent foundation primer and a very good foundation. The reason I’m saying this is because when I first used my new foundation, it wasn’t working to my satisfaction. It looked really grainy and not flawless at all. I couldn’t for the love of God figure out what I was doing wrong. So I decided to keep it around for a few more tries and if I didn’t see change, that sucker was going back!
At the time of buying the foundation, there was the HourGlass mineral veil primer I had been eyeing but was afraid to buy cos it didn’t emphasize oil control. I took a sample anyway, and then on one insignificant day, I decided to try it out and my my was I blown away! That beautiful glow I had wanted all along was now there. Now I could see what the fuss was all about. This foundation was the bomb…I had just been using the wrong primer!
Now I’m not saying the Mister matte is a bad primer, cos it has some very good reviews too. But everyone has something that works for their skin, and it just didn’t work for me. Anyway after a few more tries of the hourglass primer, I decided to return the Givenchy and get the Hourglass primer…and now my phone is full of selfies which I am constantly admiring and don’t feel like deleting. That’s the story of how I got my new foundation.
I normally have people ask me what make up products I use and what they should buy. When I tell them about primer in addition to foundation, they pass up on the primer. And I just wanted to write about my personal experience on how primer can make or break your flawlessness.
Here’s the top five reasons as to why you need primer
– The main reason is that it helps your make up stay intact, longer.
– It smoothens out your skin by filling in all the fine lines and pores so your make up will have a flawless effect.
– Most primers aren’t made with harsh products that will break out your skin, so they will protect it from make-up products that could be harmful.
– It lessens the appearance of acne and dark spots without you having to “cake” on makeup.
– Make up goes on easily with a primer underneath.
And now for details on the products…
Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Supercharged Oil Free Foundation
Pros: Light weight, buildable coverage, looks and feels luxurious. What I love about this foundation the most besides its classy packaging is that it has this beautiful dewy glow finish that isn’t oily, and makes your face look healthy and happy even though you slept for only 2 hours (hi pharmacy school), and this is coming from the “oily queen”. Also, its gel formula makes it feel very light on the face, you can barely feel your make up there. Lastly I was worried the shade would not quite match, but it was the perfect shade and there’s even a shade darker…you go Mr. Marc Jacobs!!!
Cons: Honestly just like every other foundation on oily skin, the oiliness will eventually sip through so carry some bloating powder around. However, my face takes a really long time to get oily with this foundation compared to other brands. Also, it has this beautiful light scent that disappears a few minutes later. Some people mind it…not me!
Would I buy this again: Most Definitely!!! I will be buying this for months to come.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
Pros: Light weight, super smooth and affordable. What I love the most about this primer is that it dries really fast and doesn’t feel sticky at all. It held up very well with my oily skin, and made my foundation work to its full potential. It also has SPF which protects you from the harsh sun and zinc oxide that is clinically known to prevent skin irritation. It doesn’t give the halo effect, helps control oil and it comes in many different sizes with a price range from $18-$56.
Cons: Probably not the most mattifying primer, but it does a pretty awesome job compared to some primers that have mattifying written all over their packaging.
Would I buy this again: Probably 2-3 times more until the next best thing comes out.
Check out my selfie game with the foundation in play.
