Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Protection SPF50

RRP: £24

--What does the promo say?--
"A lightweight, fast-absorbing face primer that enhances the quality of your foundation while delivering invisible broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Helps prevent sun damage and premature signs of aging with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Applies evenly and invisibly—perfect for layering under makeup. Helps balance skin’s natural moisture level with Sodium Hyaluronate. Paraben-free; sulfate-free; phthalate-free; mineral oil-free; vegan.

--Packaging--
The sleek and unisex monochrome packaging is typical of Bobbi Brown and is sophisticated and modern. The lid twists off easily when needed and clicks closed securely.

--Application--
The website advises that you smooth it onto skin after cleansing and moisturising, taking care to avoid the eye area, prior to applying foundation. So straightforward stuff.

--Appearance--
The lotion is white, but blends invisibly into skin.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and blendable; feels more like a moisturiser than a sunscreen.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible; just a clean, neutral scent, despite the aromatic oils used.

--Effects on the skin--
Protects skin from the sun effectively, even fair skin that normally burns easily. Makeup also stays put. Some reviewers on the Bobbi Brown website complain that it leaves their skin looking greasy or shiny even after makeup has been applied, but I have never found this.

--Value for money--
I was sent mine for free by Bobbi Brown's PR (thanks guys!) but would spend my own money on this product: it's reliable, effective, and of high quality.

perfect partners
Skin Foundation Stick, £31
Foundation Brush, £33

Benefit How To Look The Best At Everything Flawless Complexion Makeup Kit

RRP: £25.50
available shades: 3

--What does the promo say?--
"We wrote the book on complexion perfection! Our custom perfectors give you a luminous complexion by blending away imperfections & minimising the appearance of pores. Mix & match our complexion perfectors to customize your coverage. You’ll be the first to finish flawless."

--Packaging--
As always with Benefit products, the packaging is beautiful: the vintage-style book design is lovely (and the removable tray - meaning that you can keep this when you've finished the makeup - is a terrific bonus) and the inside is generally very practical, with virtually all products removable from the tray (very few pans) with the exception of the Hello Flawless face powder (in Ivory). The PoreFessional Pro Balm is a conveniently-sized screwtop tube and the Hello Flawless foundation is a tiny pump-action canister. You also get two shades of Boi-ing concealer in a removable plastic pan - so virtually all of these products can be easily removed and put into your handbag or purse if you just want one or two of them at a given moment. The enclosed 'tips and tricks' pamphlet is equally useful (unfold it for a handy mirror!).

--Application--
Rub the PoreFessional primer all over a clean, dry face before doing the same with 1-2 pumps of the foundation. Dab the concealer over any blemishes or dark spots before finishing with the powder. You could then go on to use another Benefit travel kit for the rest of your face, such as the sadly now defunct Celebutante, or the currently available Life of the Party. (Failing that, there's always the classic Benetint or one of its newer variants.)

--Appearance--
The combination of these products gives a matte appearance with flawless coverage. The fact that this kit is available in 3 shades is a major plus - the products are bound to suit you.

--Scent--
None particularly in any case.

--Texture and consistency--
Just as you would want from any of these products: the primer blends beautifully across the face even if it is a little bit waxy, the foundation is fluid without being runny, the concealer provides maximum coverage without drying the skin, and the powder is light, meaning your skin is fully prepped without being clogged. Perfetto!

--Value for money--
Despite what seems like a steep initial outlay, the products last a long time and the beautiful box makes an excellent keepsake once you have removed the tray. Furthermore, it's so rare to find a box set that will do your whole face like this, too. Brilliant for travel!

perfect partners
They're Real! Lengthening Mascara, £19.50
They're Real! Push-Up Eyeliner, £18.50
BB Cream Eyelid Primer, £21.50
Lemon Aid, £16.50
Benetint, £24.50
Life of the Party, now £19.66 (was £29.50)

Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer

RRP: £29

--What does the promo say?--
"Prep your skin for a flawless makeup application and keep oil at bay by using this multi-talented primer. Specially created for oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin types, this lightweight formula primes skin perfectly to help you spread makeup on evenly and effortlessly."

--Packaging--
The sleek, shiny, skin-coloured tube is sophisticated and the screw-top lid is practical too.

--Application--
Apply to clean, moisturised skin prior to other face makeup (concealer, powder, foundation). 

--Appearance--
Looks like a moisturiser thanks to its white, lotion-like look which fades invisibly into skin.

--Scent--
Clean and slightly soap-like without being industrial or overbearing.

--Texture and consistency--
The moisturiser comparison continues into this category thanks to its smoothness. It's non-sticky and absorbs quickly without being claggy or bitty.

--Effects on the skin--
As well as mattifying the skin (meaning your face won't feel like an oil slick this summer...WIN) and helping makeup to stay put, it also seems to moderate blemishes a bit and minimise dry bits too. One of the best primers I've used.

--Value for money--
Even though this is a high-quality, effective product, one tube runs out a little too quickly for my liking. I'd recommend buying this in America or online, just to make sure you get the best possible deal.

perfect partners
Oil Free Supreme Foundation, £34
High Coverage Concealer, £23
Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder Shine Control, £26
Flawless Skin Regimen, £85
Foundation Primer Oil-Free Travel Size, £19

Bare Escentuals Prime Time Oil Control Foundation Primer

RRP: £19

--What does the promo say?--
"Put an end to midday shininess. Designed for oily, sensitive, and problem-prone skin, bareMinerals Prime Time Oil Control Foundation Primer is clinically proven to control excess shine. Apply this silicone- and oil-free primer prior to your bareMinerals SPF15 Foundation for evenly textured, shine-free coverage all day."

--Packaging--
An unassuming white pump action bottle with grey lettering. Not exactly attention-grabbing; definitely functional first and foremost.

--Application--
Rub onto clean dry face. Getting the right amount is a slight problem as this dries very quickly, meaning you need to remember exactly where you've applied it and waste time getting more out of the bottle to apply to places you haven't done yet; OR you pump out too much and end up applying it to your neck as well.

--Appearance--
A perfectly clear gel. On the face, this is invisible.

--Scent--
Scent-free.

--Texture and consistency--
Feels smooth on the fingers and when rubbing into the face, but has a slightly tacky and gritty finish; it also makes the skin feel slightly tight, like you have layered something onto your face rather than applying something that absorbs seamlessly.

--Effects on the skin--
In fairness, this does do exactly what it says it does: it controls oiliness brilliantly, and I think I even noticed a small improvement in my skin while using this product.

--Value for money--
Even if this product does do just what it promises, they have to sort that texture out to make this a more pleasant experience, especially for a £19 price tag (OK, so it's often on offer, meaning you frequently don't have to pay £19, but still). I'll be looking elsewhere next time.

perfect partners
READY SPF15 Touch Up Veil, £22
Advanced Protection SPF20 Moisturiser Sheer Tint, £27
Redness Remedy, £27
SPF20 Correcting Concealer, £21
SPF15 Matte Foundation, £25 

Witch Anti-Blemish Skin-Clearing Primer

RRP: £6.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Witch's skin clearing primer with natural antibacterial actives prepares the skin for foundation, allowing for smooth and even application whilst creating an invisible shield to help protect your skin from make up which can cause or aggravate spots. It helps calm and soothe the skin, hydrates and draws away excess oils."

--Packaging--

Combining silver and blue, Witch's colour scheme provides something different in the makeup market, and its dinky 30ml size makes it convenient for travel. The lid closes securely, but opens easily when you want it to, and the pump action mechanism means it dispenses the product in realistic quantities. 

--Application--

Just apply a small amount evenly over a clean dry face. Once it's sunk in, you'll be able to go on with the rest of your makeup routine. You don't have to wait long for this to happen, which is nice, and a pea-sized blob is fine, meaning one bottle lasts well.

--Appearance--

A translucent white gel which dries invisibly on the face. This means you could even lend it to oily-skinned boyfriends who are desperate for a bit of respite from the oil slick: even though this is a primer for makeup, it has nothing of the makeup look about it by itself. Skin appears slightly mattified, but perhaps not as much as I would like.

--Scent--

Has a slightly medicated smell, probably from the witch hazel. Disappointingly, even though this product also contains licorice and grapefruit extracts, the smells of these are not even slightly detectable.

--Texture and consistency--

Blends into skin quickly and easily, and is definitely on the velvety side, rather than being greasy or watery, which all makes it very pleasant to use.

--Effects on the skin--

Keeps makeup on the skin well and definitely helps to hydrate while stopping you from looking shiny. However, I did not notice any obvious improvement in my skin condition from using this product :(

--Value for money--
This price point seems a bit expensive; given the status of the brand and the product's overall effect on the skin, I would be more inclined to put it at £5 or below, which would keep it in line with brands like 17 - although saying this, £6.99 is still a good price, especially when combined with 3-for-2 deals in places like Boots, and also when compared to the price of other high street primers on the market these days (primers from a brand like L'Oreal are more like £9.99). Overall I was disappointed by the fact that this didn't improve my skin more, but will still be on the lookout for other medicated primers in future, as one would hope that it's better off to be using one than not.

perfect partners

Anti-Blemish Tinted Moisturiser, £5.99

Anti-Blemish Redness Relief Moisturiser, £6.99

Anti-Blemish Pressed Powder, £4.99

Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic

RRP: £28.50

--What does the promo say?--

"Embrace your inner concealaholic! Why deny it when you can hide it, conceal it, camouflage & cover it? This concealing & brightening kit has EVERYTHING you need to satisfy all your concealing cravings!

Kit contains: “that gal” brightening face primer, boi-ing industrial strength concealer in 2 shades (01, 02) for custom concealing, erase paste (02 medium) brightening camouflage for eyes and face, lemon aid colour correcting eyelid primer, eye bright instant eye brightener, concealer brushes and a step-by-step lesson."

--Packaging--

Very cutesy, in Benefit's usual vintage style. Everything inside the kit is nicely laid out, and brushes, while perhaps not strictly necessary for this particular kit (I just get in there with my fingers), are provided. The mirror is ample and the amounts of Lemon Aid, Eye Bright, Erase Paste and Boi-ing are generous (That Gal is a bit more piddly). Some magnetic closures or attachments would be nice: a number of times the That Gal tube has tried to make a quick getaway while I've been on the move and scraped the Boi-ing pans on its way through.

--Application--

Full instructions are included inside the compact, but essentially it goes as follows: apply Lemon Aid to your eyelids and Erase Paste underneath your eyes. That Gal goes all over your face. Mix the shades of Boi-ing to create your own custom shade of concealer (or just use one, as I do), and finally use the Eye Bright around the edges of your eyes to make them look more awake. There's nothing tricky about anything here and the enclosed instructions are detailed yet concise to ensure you can't go wrong.

--Scents--

Slightly chalky in places, but nothing offensive overall. The only one I didn't like much was That Gal, which seems to have a touch of that artificial strawberry type scent about it.

--Appearance--

I was already familiar with Lemon Aid and Boi-ing and continue to be happy with these for the way in which they even out skin tone and blend easily to create a long-lasting base. Eye Bright I was already familiar with but don't use much, as I find it doesn't do much for me. I found the same with That Gal and Erase Paste - I don't have that many dark circles to speak of, and it seems a faff to use one product under the eyes and another on the eye lids when Lemon Aid smooths out both just as well. That Gal just seemed to make my skin look pinker unfortunately (not brightened) - which is not really the effect you're after when you're already sporting the English rose look to begin with, and suffering with acne on top. Overall, the effect provided is that of a good base: you'd look a bit plain without something else to pimp your look (e.g. lip gloss) - so ultimately you do need other products in addition.

--Textures and consistency--

No problems here: Boi-ing, Lemon Aid and Eye Bright are heavy-duty but still blend well and don't weigh your skin down or clog pores. That Gal could be a little creamier perhaps but is ultimately not too runny and still goes on easily. Erase Paste is perhaps a little greasy on the fingertip but again gives a good result in the end without causing any discomfort when worn.

--Longevity--

Erase Paste is very impressive in that it doesn't settle into creases at all, so top marks there. Lemon Aid lasts quite well but begins to waver in this respect. Did not notice much degradation with any of the products, truth be told; this is something that Benefit does well.

--Value for money--

While the price may initially make a potential buyer wince, it's still the best way of trying out several Benefit products in one go without breaking the bank. It really helps to confirm which products suit you and which ones don't - and personally, I'll know to stick to the products from this kit that I already know and love (Boi-ing and Lemon Aid), with the rest just not being that suitable for my purposes. The Benefit kits are always handy, good value, and great fun to have and would make an excellent gift for others (or indeed for yourself...!).

perfect partners

Posie Tint, £24.50

Bad Gal Lash Mascara, £16.50

Smashbox SPF Photo Finish Foundation Primer

RRP: £23.24 for 30ml
available from www.qvcuk.com and www.justbeautydirect.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--
"Coming in a new airless pump, this innovative product from Smashbox lets you create a flawless base for your make up - it's SMASHBOX Primer, protector and corrector ‘all-in-one’ with the newest, hottest primer. With the same complexion perfecting formula as the best selling SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER, but with an added SPF 15, and, an advanced skin treatment called DERMAXYL™ COMPLEX that moisturizes the skin and works to reduce the appearance of those irritating little lines and wrinkles. So you’re not only going to get smoother, longer-lasting makeup, but over time you’ll also see the positive anti-aging effects of DERMAXYL™ COMPLEX on your skin. Although the active ingredients give this a pink tinge - this product goes on the skin completely clear and is suitable for all skintones."

--Packaging--
Having only tried this on a sample basis, I can't claim any expertise on this product's ease of use and so on. However, I've got to admit that it does sound pretty good: pump-action bottles are generally sound for travel purposes and if, as the promotional material says, it also uses airless technology, this should prevent the product itself from becoming contaminated by the entry of harmful bacteria in the air.

--Application--
As with all primers, really - just smear a small pea-sized amount over a clean dry face before applying makeup.

--Scent--
Nothing detectable. Always good :)

--Texture/consistency--
Velvety, smooth and not at all sticky, yet still made me feel that this is what smearing Vaseline on my face would be like, particularly given the next section below regarding visual results. Glides over the face, allowing any future makeup to be applied smoothly and quickly (no need to wait after application).

--Appearance--
As promised, the gel is a slightly off-pink tinge, but goes onto the face clear. And this is, in fact, the worst part: you need to already have perfect skin to see the refinishing effects promised by the product. It provides no coverage whatsoever and while it may promise some sort of anti-ageing effect over time, I can't say I'm convinced.

--Longevity--
There are, at least, no problems here, with the product keeping your makeup on all day.

--Value for money--
To me this just has 'con' written all over it - although, to be fair, this is my reaction to pretty much every clear gel primer on the market. While it's great that this contains an SPF (not sure that I can think of any other primers that do), I'm not sure that you need to pay £23 for the privilege; just buying a decent sunscreen for face would also cover the anti-ageing base as well. Even Smashbox's Anti-Shine Compact or Gel would be a better buy. With this primer offering no coverage or any real correction, you're better off plumping for a primer from No7 or L'Oreal that has more purpose and a lower price tag.

perfect partners
Smashbox High Definition Concealer, £18.98
Smashbox Soft Lights Fusion Bronzer, £16.15
Smashbox Artificial Lights Luminising Lotion, £19.29
Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturiser, £17.12

L'Oréal Studio Secrets Anti-Redness Primer

RRP: £9.99

--What does the promo say?--
"L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Anti-Redness Primer gives a uniform skin tone. All women can harness the power of these primers to create the illusion of a flawless complexion. It’s just a matter of obeying the laws of complementary colours. To neutralise a shade, simply apply its complementary shade. The green tinted primer reduces the appearance of red, giving the skin a more even tone."

--Packaging--
A very slim, travel-friendly pump-action bottle. L'Oréal have kept the packaging simple, both in terms of packaging and in terms of ease of use. The lid is secure and prevents leakage effectively; the bottle is also transparent, allowing you to always know how much primer remains. Professional-looking and lightweight.

--Application--
One is advised to apply L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Anti-Redness Primer in little dabs on red patches, and then tap with your fingertips to work it into the skin. No problems with this.

--Scent--
None.

--Texture/consistency--
Quite runny, but not to such an extent that wastage is a problem. Blends into skin more easily than its No7 rival.

--Appearance--
The lotion is a slightly-alarming-if-you're-not-used-to-it pale green, which leaves no residue or tide marks on the face while still calming skin tone and providing a smoother-looking base for makeup. Redness is toned, though not completely faded (but hey - let's not ask the impossible).

--Longevity--
Doesn't slide off, keeps makeup in place, and keeps redness toned down for most of the day. A generally solid performance.

--Value for money--
With the same RRP as No7's equivalent, and putting in as good a performance, it's difficult to tell which will fly off the shelves faster, although the Studio Secrets range has had far more publicity. The consistency is also a winner here, as is the extremely travel-friendly packaging, and its performance augurs well for the rest of the range.

Other available products
L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Anti Dull-Skin Primer, £9.99 (available in pink for light skin and purple for dark skin)
L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Anti-Shine Mattifying Primer, £9.99
L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer, £11.99

Avon MagiX Face Perfector

RRP: £10 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Introducing Avon's secret weapon. This colourless perfector is a magical way to get super-natural, flawless skin. The colourless formula suits everyone, and evens skin tone with SPF20. Reduce the look of pores and banish shine for up to 10 hours. The velvety soft formula visibly smooths fine lines. Illuminate with exclusive Optix light-diffusing technology. Wear alone or under foundation. Available to order from the 9th September 2008."

--Packaging--
Fits in well with the Avon brand, and particularly with their tinted moisturiser. Black shiny plastic lid, matte skin-coloured squeezy tube, with their usual classic minimalist logo and general design, jazzed up only by a calligraphed-style rainbow metallic 'MagiX' embellishment.

--Application--
Squeeze out a 10p-sized amount and rub all over face, being careful around the eye area.

--Appearance--
The gel itself is white, and somewhat pearlescent. After application the skin seems softer and more matte, with the complexion appearing less raw, more even, and with the appearance of pores minimised. However, it in no way comes close to achieving the perfection that Avon promises, especially if you have acneic skin. Spots etc are obviously still visible.

--Scent--
Actually sort of chocolatey, but not in an overbearing way. Delicious.

--Texture/consistency--
Thick and luxurious, but you somehow don't get the feeling that it'll clog your pores. It also feels really smooth on the skin.

--Longevity--
While it certainly seems to keep shine at bay for the day, the pore-minimising effect is extremely short-lived. When used as a primer, it isn't any better or worse than my usual No7 primer in terms of making sure makeup stays put.

--Value for money--
Seeing as my No7 primer is cheaper (marginally) and doesn't make outlandish claims about attaining perfection and flawlessness, I think I'll stick with my usual brand. If you've got pretty perfect skin already, however, I should think this would be a valuable addition to your makeup bag.

No7 Colour Calming Makeup Base

RRP: £9.75

--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Colour Calming Make-Up Base calms and neutralises rosy skin tones. Calm overly-rosy complexions with this clever colour corrector. Cool, sea-green tones neutralise unwanted blushes all day long, leaving your skin looking beautifully even. With caring, conditioning ingredients to help build skin's natural defences against the elements without blocking pores. Hypo-allergenic."

--Packaging--
Virtually identical to its anti-shine cousin: slim tube with the No7 logo and product name gracing the front in metallic writing. The tube itself is a suitably zen-like pale green colour, and it has a plastic screw-top lid that clicks closed.

--Application--
After moisturising, rub a small amount all over the face, avoiding the eye area.

--Appearance--
The lotion is exactly the same colour as the bottle, but luckily the skin absorbs it perfectly and no green residue is left on the face. Skin appears more matte, softer, and redness is visibly reduced.

--Texture/consistency--
It's quite runny, which I was a little disappointed about when I first bought it (having used No7's anti-shine equivalent, which is stiffer, I was expecting it to be more like that), and it took me a long time to get used to it. However, it's still relatively controllable and easy to use. Skin feels softer after use.

--How does it feel on the skin?--
That lotion feels like it's full of good stuff (though you'll have to wait until I can get home and look at mine before I can tell you exactly what - the Boots website is useless), with the skin feeling soothed and calmed all day as a result of use.

--Value for money--
It is a tad expensive, but it's still affordable, it works, and one tube lasts ages. Top.

Fyrinnae Rice Powder Face Primer

RRP: $7/£3.50 for 7g, plus postage

--What does the promo say?--
"Our primer powder gives your skin a silky-soft feel and is perfect under foundation or alone for a line and pore minimizing look. This primer is designed to gently absorb any excess oil without drying skin (we've tested this on dry skin as well as oily and combination, with no adverse effects), as well as prime your skin for a more even, lasting application of mineral foundation. Also works under traditional foundation. Contains a large percentage of silica to soften the appearance of fine lines and pores."

--About the brand--
"Fyrinnae is NOT a "mineral makeup" company. We do create and carry mineral foundation, bronzer, and finishing powder, but our other cosmetics were never intended to be pure "mineral" (then again, most other companies' products aren't either--always check ingredients if it's a concern!). Our colour depth and complexity of shades is what sets us apart. Fyrinnae is proudly a gay-owned company located in the US, though we do not operate out of a physical store, and our studio is not open to walk-in traffic. Everything is produced and packed in a clean, smoke-free environment. We never have, and never will, discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disability, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or anything else!
We never test on animals (that would be silly), and there are no animal parts, such as carmine, silk, pearl, and tallow in our products.
About our product names: we like having creative or unusual names for products (let's face it: "Rose Pink" just sounds boring!). Our cosmetics line has many Celtic/Nordic/East Asian/Fantasy names. Some names are just totally random, some come from east Asian music for example, and some are personal references.
Our popular eye shadows: unlike many companies, we do not take pre-made mica colourants and add our own label, or shake two or three colours together and deem it a new product. Our rich colours are formulated by us, some of them taking hours to get just right. With so many shades, we need to re-make large batches (not each colour per order, but each shade is re-made at least once a month, more often for the biggest sellers) of at least four colours every day, not to mention the other cosmetics, and then each "batch" is tested by at least two people. Rest assured that we work every single day so that orders are out the door as soon as possible. We never take vacations! At least one of the guys is always in the studio or office every day of the year, even when the site is listed as closed for orders. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us.

--Packaging--
The primer is packaged in a very non-descript sifter jar: clear jar, black lid, white opaque sifter tray. All plastic. No logos anywhere. All product info is on a sticker on the bottom of the jar with the ingredients clearly labelled. It does the job, but it's all very boring. From such a clearly unique company you'd perhaps expect something a bit more special.

--Application--
The website instructs: "To apply, simply brush on a very small amount over moisturizer (if you use it) using a powder/kabuki brush or flocked sponge. You can also spot "conceal" fine lines with fingertip application." This is an accurate description and I followed it with no problems.

--Appearance--
The powder is pure white, with very fine particles. On the face, however, the powder and colour diffuses wonderfully, with no patches of powder or visible whiteness.

--Texture/consistency--
Like talcum powder, but without the chalkiness, and it doesn't fly everywhere in clouds either. On the skin it feels smooth, light and natural.

--Does it do what it says it will?--
It definitely fulfils their claims that skin will feel smoother and less greasy and provide a level base for makeup. However, it most certainly doesn't do anything to balance out the effects of my wrinkles and (admittedly very large) pores. Shame.

--Longevity--
It does make the skin feel smooth and dry all day, so credit where credit's due. Makeup doesn't slide off either, which is the main thing - concealment of lines and pores is a bonus if anything.

--Value for money--
Excellent value, but it would be even better value if it actually did deflect attention away from pores and wrinkles! I'm wavering over whether or not I would buy it again - I'm really impressed by the natural ingredients and how it seems to let the skin breathe, how it absorbs excess oil, stops makeup from budging and makes the skin feel so smooth. However, I'm slightly disappointed that it doesn't fulfil some of its claims, particularly since I'm so self-conscious about my large pores, and given that I live in the UK, they will ship here but it takes ages, so plenty of patience is required.

perfect partners
Mica-Free Mineral Foundation, $8/£4
Daemon's Tail loose eyeshadow, $5.25/£2.62 for 3g

Tarte Cosmetics Clean Slate Primer

RRP: $27 for 34ml

--What does the promo say?--
"tarte is here to help you on your road to re-invention: just a pea-sized amount of our new clean slate foundation primer smoothed onto clean skin is enough to provide the fresh start you deserve. The silicon-based formula is packed with avocado oil to moisturize and echinacea, rosemary & hibiscus oils to soothe - so even if you’re not totally hangover-free yet, no one will know but you!"

--Packaging--
All very convenient. Tapered nozzle, chunky lid that clicks shut and is easy to grip for opening and closing, and a transparent plastic bottle that has the product information and brand name on it in clear easy-to-read purple font.

--Application--
Just squeeze some out and apply with your fingers to clean dry skin, either as a base for makeup or on its own.

--Smell--
A nutty smell which I thought initially to be almonds. In fact it's safflower seed oil, and there's echinacea, hibiscus and avocado oils in there too, along with rosemary. Nice.

--Texture/consistency--
A thick, stiff gel which takes the shape it has when it's squeezed out of the bottle. On the skin it feels a little too greasy for my liking, but it absorbs well and the greasiness doesn't last all day.

--Appearance--
The gel is white and translucent. On the face it is invisible.

--Does it do what it says it will?--
It might if you have clear skin, but if you don't then it's virtually ineffective for use on its own. For me, with my flawed skin, it definitely doesn't serve as a 'clean slate'. As a makeup primer, I prefer non oil based formulas (while the oils used in this are natural, they are still oils) that are creams rather than gels, so this was never going to sit well with me anyway. It seems to do the job, but I think there are other primers that are better and have added qualities such as shine-free/anti-redness formulas and SPFs.

--Value for money--
Not in my lifetime.

perfect partner
Tarte Smooth Operator SPF20 Foundation, $35