REVIEW: Tarte Clean Slate Timeless Smoothing Primer

The Tarte Clean Slate Timeless Smoothing Primer was recently mentioned in Claire Marshall’s recent video featuring her June & July Favorites. The product is a “smoothing, makeup application primer that supports a youthful appearance,” and is designed to “prep skin for makeup application with [the] new timeless smoothing and filling primer.” It is “formulated to reduce the appearance of large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. The antioxidant-rich formula is infused with vitamins C and E, and green bean extract gently absorbs into the skin, delivering a surge of moisture, peptides, and other naturally-derived elixirs so that skin has a firmer and smoother look.”

With “a lightweight texture, the fresh powder scent provides the perfect blank canvas to enhance the look and wear time of makeup. Wear it under makeup or alone as part of your skincare regimen for a flawless, soft-focus finish.” This primer is great and I can see why it’s already generating rave reviews. A little bit of product goes a long way and don’t be scared by the moussey-clumpy consistency! I dab my finger in the pot and get some product onto my fingertips. I apply to areas of my face where I know pores are an issue — mainly my nose, chin, and inner cheeks. It sets instantly feeling soft and smooth, but not oily and greasy like some primers. This stuff seriously fills in lines and pores and blurs even discolored imperfections really well. I’ve noticed that my foundation applies super smooth afterwards; and, I swear I need less foundation than I did before using this product.

The scent is powderly and light and hardly noticeable. It looks great alone on the skin too if you’re going for a really natural-no-makeup look. However, I really like it for its ability to really plug in pores and blur imperfections instantly. It’s a great way to fake perfect skin! I predict this pot will last me a long time since you need very little product. Again, don’t be frightened by the clumpy appearance — it will smooth itself out wonderfully, trust me. Because of the texture of the product, I don’t see how it could ever come in a tube or a bottle with a pump. So, while it’s not all that great that the product comes in a pot, I’m okay with it. Makeup longevity was decent but nothing spectacular. I just really like this product for its ability to get rid of pores temporarily, and the finish is gives the skin after foundation application.

Made in Italy.
Retails for $39.00 USD.

Benefit Stay Flawless 15-hour Primer

Since it’s summer and it’s so humid in Texas, primers have been coming in handy. But I noticed that most would wear off with the foundation in this heat. I came across the new Benefit Stay Flawless 15-hour Primer and was curious since it looked like a glue stick.

This instant PRO-long primer “acts like a magnet to lock on your foundation for up to 15 fresh and flawless hours. The invisible stick-primer glides directly onto skin for optimal wear and a natural-looking finish.” According to Sephora’s website and the product’s insert, 94% of users said this helped foundation last longer, 97% saw an improvement in the look of skin/complexion, 94% said it increased foundation coverage, and 97% said it enhanced foundation’s performance.

Because of the applicator, it’s super easy to use. You just twist and swipe onto the areas where you have oil problems and large pores. For me, I swipe along my nose and inner cheeks. Since it’s summer time, I’ve also been using this on my chin as well. Much like the glue stick concept, this primer is truly impressive because it adheres to your base makeup. When first applied, it absorbs instantly and disappears into the skin. I blend a little bit with my fingers, but since the product is clear, I don’t really have to do much. After I’ve spread the product onto the targeted areas, I move onto foundation or BB cream.

This product stays put and doesn’t interfere with base makeup application. Also, it really does keep you shine-free and flawless. My makeup lasted longer and looked fresh for longer. As the day wore on, oil did break through inevitably, but it didn’t leave me looking like an oily cakey mess. When worn alone, it appeared to subdue redness and even out my skintone slightly. This is great for humid weather and those with oily/combination skin.

Made in USA.
Retails for $32.00 USD.