Hi everyone! How is everyone holding up with this weather? It’s hot and humid in So Cal with no sign of cooler temperatures yet.
Speaking of heat, I have a review on the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying primer and summer has provided the best weather to put this to the test. Let’s get to it.
Described as, “a makeup primer that assists with balancing the skin’s texture and tone for smoother, more even, and longer-lasting makeup wear. Mattifying Primer reduces shine for oily skin.”
Pros
Travel sized version costing $16 for 0.5 oz
Does have a mattifying effect for a couple of hours
Absorbs quickly into the skin
A little bit goes a long way especially if you only spot treat certain areas
Cons
Pricey with full size costing $36 for 1 oz
It’s best to avoid putting this primer on dry patches
Has a cooling effect that tends to feel tingly when foundation is applied on top
Although it absorbs quickly into skin, I can feel a sort of powdery residue
Didn’t work well with certain foundations/BB creams
Overall: I like the primer but I’m not sure I would purchase it again, mainly because I feel it sensitizes my skin a little bit. When I apply foundation over it, sometimes I feel a tingling/burning sensation. It does help keep oil at bay for a good amount of time, about 4-5 hours when inside and 2-3 hours when I was outside. It won’t leave you completely shine free, especially when you are out in the scorching sun, but I didn’t look as shiny as I normally would. Unless you have very oily skin all over, it’s best to apply a small amount to the T-Zone or wherever you’re oily as it can feel and look drying on the skin. For reference, I have combination skin. I also found that wearing this primer underneath BB creams wasn’t the best choice as my skin looked dry and patchy.
What’s your favorite face primer? Comment below!
Stephanie
I love using this on my nose, chin & the space between my brows. On me it works great but I know this isn’t a product for everyone. My travel size is running low so I’m going to have to buy another this weekend. Actually buying 2 of the travel size costs $4 less than the full size but you get the same amount of product. Figure that one out. ?
Save money where you can! 🙂 Yes, I read this worked well for you and I’m glad. My hunt will still continue. 100% Pure has a nice primer but I kind of still want to try other ones.
I totally agree, it looks horrible on dry patches. Currently my skin is being weird it’s oily on some parts and dry as the Sahara on others. I find that when I apply foundation on top of this primer it looks flakey even on the spots that aren’t dry. Weird :/ and I bought the full size ? I also find that on me it does nothing, the oils still seep through. I had high hopes for this primer ?
So sorry to hear this didn’t work out for you either. 🙁 You may still be able to return it and get your money back. Worth a shot as it is pricey. Have you found a primer that works for you?
I bought it during the sephora sale .. it was quite some time ago lol I started using it like a few months ago:/ too late to return. So far I have yet to find a primer that works for me, I might pick up the new becca one since I just read a great review about it. Do you watch Nikki tutorials on YouTube? ? She swears by the Nivea men’s after shave balm. The fact that it contains glycerin makes the makeup stick to the face. I bought it and I used it this weekend & I loooove it. It’s everything I’m looking for and more. I’m working on a review so in case you are interested keep an eye out for it. & I know what your thinking a men’s aftershave balm as a primer! !?? Lol my thoughts exactly but hey it works!!?????
I’ve heard good things about Becca too! No, I don’t watch her. I’m pretty behind on YT bloggers at times so you’ll have to forgive me. lol. Glycerin attracts water to the skin and is a good in moisturizers but I’m not sure how it would help makeup stick to the face. Will watch out for your review though. 🙂 Oh, I’ve tried the 100% Pure primer and although it claims hydration, I actually find it to be mattifying. If you ever give it a try, let me know. 🙂
I’ll definitely look into that primer?
Eyyyy a burning sensation is no bueno!!!! Yeah, probably a no go. I’m trying to find something moisturizing because my face has been behaving like an asshole lately. Any recommendations!!??
Nope, not this kind of burning. 🙁
I haven’t tried any moisturizing primers but I’ve heard very good things about Too Faced Hangover Replenishing primer. From a skincare perspective, you may also want to see if your skincare items are still giving you the hydration you need or if you need to switch to a heavier moisturizer. 🙂
Alas my old people skin still thinks it’s young people skin and breaks out like a mofo when I try heavy moisturizers. It’s a lose lose! I think it’s mostly my diet though so I’m trying to drink more water and we’ll see if that helps. Thanks for the advice!
No problem! Try a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These attract water to the skin but shouldn’t make you break out as they are not heavy. One of my faves to use is Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster underneath my moisturizer. 🙂