I've tried countless primers throughout the years and have not found one that lengthens the wear of my foundation, substantially. At best, they allow makeup to apply smoother, while the silicone-based ones (review) fill in pores really well. The ones that are intended to mattify and to control oil do exactly what they're supposed to do, but they also can emphasize dry spots and over dry the skin, especially when they are over applied or applied to non-oily areas. It's important to find the one that's most suitable for you and to apply the product by using a targeted approach. (For example, I use silicone-based primers only on areas that have enlarged pores. I don't cover my entire face with the primer as it's not needed.)
I decided to try out the Marc Jacobs Undercover Coconut primer and the Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Radiance primer along with their Perfect Matte foundation. I've tested them rigorously, using a combination of various techniques, including the use of (1) light-weight and heavy moisturizers, (2) with and without a primer, (3) light, medium and heavy foundations, (4) mattifying and luminous setting powders, and (5) fingers, various brushes and sponge. I've also waited a few minutes for each product to absorb into the skin before applying the next product. Continue reading to find out about my results!
($44 for 30ml/1oz)
Packaging: It comes in a frosted, glass bottle with a handy pump.
Scent: Although it's infused with 5 types of vitamin-rich coconut, the scent is not overbearing. I can barely detect any scent, even though fragrance is included in the ingredients list.
Color: It's transparent once blended into to the skin and can't be detected.
Formula: It has a runny consistency that blends into the skin easily. It feels light-weight and is similar to a moisturizer as it nourishes and hydrates the skin. I like that it absorbs into my skin quickly and leaves my skin feeling very soft.
I find that it helps my foundation apply smoothly, but it causes my Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Matte foundation to flake during application and to separate within a few minutes. When I tried the primer with my Burberry Cashmere (review) and Marc Jacobs Remarcable foundation, I found that it emphasized laugh lines around my mouth and caused the foundation to separate within a few hours of application. These findings were not noticeable in indoor, artificial lighting. However, they were apparent under natural lighting. Because the primer is too hydrating for my oily, combination skin, it makes my face more oily throughout the day and tends to break down my foundation a lot quicker. Therefore, it's most suitable for those with dry skin.
Inactive Ingredients: Water, C14-22 Alkane, Dicaprylyl Ether, Butylene Glycol, Coconut Alkanes, Polysilicone-11, Polyglyceryl-10 Mono/Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Cyclopentosilaxone, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dimethicone, Squalane, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Lecithin, Laureth-12, Gellan Gum, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrated Silica, Disodium Phosphate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Linalool.
($65 for 30ml/1oz)
Packaging: It comes in a frosted, glass bottle with a sanitary pump. The expiration date is also written on the bottom of the bottle, which is so convenient for beauty hoarders enthusiasts like myself.
Scent: It's fragrance-free. When I open the bottle to take a whiff, it has a faint smell of something, kind of reminds me of an indoor pool. It's not pungent at all, not citrus-y, perfume-y or floral, but it's difficult to describe. It's barely noticeable during application and quickly dissipates within seconds.
Scent: It's fragrance-free. When I open the bottle to take a whiff, it has a faint smell of something, kind of reminds me of an indoor pool. It's not pungent at all, not citrus-y, perfume-y or floral, but it's difficult to describe. It's barely noticeable during application and quickly dissipates within seconds.
Color: It's more opaque than the Marc Jacobs primer and can leave a white cast if you over apply it. However, when applied lightly and blended into the skin, it's transparent.
Formula with SPF 30: It's has a thicker consistency compared to the Marc Jacobs one, but still (1) blends easily into the skin, (2) sinks in quickly and (3) feels light-weight. It doesn't change the color of your foundation.or make your face look more oily throughout the day. It leaves a faint radiance to the skin and is very sheer just like the name says without looking glittery or greasy. I find that it pairs especially well with flat, matte foundations.
It also contains Gold Flavo-Silk Tricomplex, which is suppose to "reduce fine lines and wrinkles." I'm in my late 20s and don't have any wrinkles, yet. So, I can't confirm whether the claims are true or not.
Active Ingredients: Ensulizole 1%, Octinoxate 7.49% and Zinc Oxide 3.92%. Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Butylenes Glycol, Isododecane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Peg-32, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Extract, Mica, Xanthan Gum, Peg-15/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Aminomethyl Propanol, Dextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate, Disodium Edta, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide.
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| applied heavily in order to show that the Dolce & Gabbana primer is more opaque compared to the Marc Jacobs one |
($68 for 30ml/1oz)
Packaging: It comes in the same packaging as the Sheer Radiance primer, but has a gold cap instead of a white one. The expiration date is also included on the bottle.
Scent: It's fragrance-free and has a scent that's similar to the Sheer Radiance primer.
Color: It comes in 18 shades. Dolce & Gabbana's main website carries the entire range from Light Ivory 20 to Soft Sable 180, while other retailers carry a selected range of shades. Natural Glow 100 has a yellow undertone and works well for my current NC30/35 skin tone, while Natural Beige 120 will work well in the summer when I have a tan. Caramel 110 has a pink undertone and is more suitable for those with a cool complexion.
Oil-Free Formula with SPF 20: It has a creamy consistency that's not too thick or runny and blends easily into the skin. It provides buildable, medium to full coverage and leaves a soft, matte finish when set with powder without looking flat. It slightly oxidizes throughout the day and the change in color isn't noticeable under artificial lighting, but is apparent under natural lighting. I find that it doesn't oxidize if you use a primer underneath.
Longevity: It's not as oil-controlling as my other foundations, including Dior Forever (review), Burberry Cashmere and Guerlain Timeproof (review), especially on areas where I'm most oily, such as around my nose. I have to blot my nose more often, but it stays put and lasts at least 12 hours without a primer and when set with a powder on the other areas of my face.
Active Ingredients: Ensulizole 3% Inactive Ingredients: Water, Cyclomethicone, Propylene Glycol, Talc, Dimethicone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sodium Chloride, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, PVP, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer, Arachidyl Behenate, Trihydroxystearin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Methicone, Sodium Benzoate, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Wax, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Ethylene Brassylate, Polyethylene, Iron Oxides, and Titanium Dioxide.
Bottom Line: The Marc Jacobs primer is ideal for those with dry skin and who want an ultra-hydrating moisturizer that doesn't feel heavy on the skin. The Dolce & Gabbana primer is ideal for those who want to bring life back to mattifying foundations without looking too dewy or comprising the oil-control benefits of the foundation. Lastly, the D&G foundation is ideal for those who want excellent coverage and a soft, matte finish without over drying the skin. Those who have extremely oily skin will need to pair with a mattifying primer underneath.
Note: The Marc Jacobs Undercover Coconut primer is available at Sephora. The Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Radiance primer and Perfect Matte foundation are available at Sephora and Nordstrom.
*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.
