Revlon launched a couple of new items a while ago that garnered some interest. The first was a mousse style foundation and the second was a primer. I was more interested in the primer than I was in the foundation, primarily because I wasn’t too taken in by the concept of the latter. Still, I will share my thoughts on it later.
I thought I’d tell you first about the primer because a) I like it and b) I realised I’d previewed it about 2 months ago without follow up 😛 The Revlon Photoready Primers come in 2 types – 001 Photoready Perfecting Primer and 002 Photoready Color Correcting Primer. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer in 002 because its simple – its the one I have 😀 This one is a pale lilac pink in the bottle and is meant to act both as a primer, filling up lines and pores to give you a smooth finish for your foundation to go on; and to provide a tint of colour to correct and brighten uneven skintone.
Whilst I think this primer does an ace job at acting as a primer, I am a little less impressed by its colour correcting claims.
The product comes in a lovely smallish glass jar with a pump mechanism, the same size and design as the Photoready liquid foundation. Operation is straight forward and simple, and the pump dispenses a good amount. I do find I need at least 2 pumps to cover my whole face (If I want to) although a thin layer of product is usually more than sufficient to touch up parts of your face like your nose and cheeks where pores are usually more visible.
I do find however that sometimes, if you don’t use it for a while, the remnants in the pump head harden so it gets hard to pump out the product when you need it. When that happens, it sort of explodes and a hard bit of product is expelled. Its the primary drawback to these sort of packaging.
I must say up front that I don’t use primers a lot. I don’t have oily skin and I’m not very crazy about having my face look perfect all day long or to look perfect and poreless. I have tried a few but in the main, primers are found in the domain of higher end department store cosmetics brands with the most famous being Smashbox Photo Finish primer and the Laura Mercier primer.
So, I’m quite impressed with Revlon for coming up with one that actually works very well, and making it relatively affordable for the masses.
The product as you can see in the swatch below is a little thick but also runny and spreads very easily. There is a bit of a hardened bit because of the pump problem as I pointed out earlier.
You can probably see (if you come closer) that the part on the right, where I’d applied a thin layer of the Photoready Primer looks smoother. The lines on my hands are visibly softened and there is a little brightening effect.
I must say that the reason this primer appeals to me more than many primers I’ve tried is because it does not have that dry powdery silicone feel to it. Yes, it contains silicone (which primer doesn’t?) but it does not dry down to that funny texture that I dislike. It feels comfortable on my skin (I don’t even notice it) and my face does not feel like its suffocating.
Foundation, both liquid and powder, that are applied over it stays on longer as is true of most primers and apply more smoothly leaving a smoother more flawless finish. My blush lasts longer too! I don’t have oily skin but I do sometimes get a shiny nose on a hot day, and when I use this, I don’t get that. So as a primer I’d say it ticks all the right boxes and with the relatively affordable price tag, we’re onto a winner!
The colour correcting properties aren’t very obvious to me. On the back of my hand you can see some brightening. On my face, its little to no effect so I’m not terribly taken by the colour correcting part of things. I don’t use this very often, but when I want a primer, I reach for this one because it just works 🙂
In a nutshell
The Revlon Photoready Primers come in 2 variations 001 Perfecting Primer and 002 Color Correcting Primer. The former is more of a straightforward primer while the latter has some color correcting properties to brighten skin especially if you have sallow skin tones. As a primer, I think it ticks all the right boxes. Its light on my skin, it does not feel heavy nor does it clog my pores, it helps my foundations last longer and keeps my skin from oiling up, and it provides a good base for a smooth, flawless finish. The colour correcting properties aren’t very obvious on my skin so I’m not too impressed by it. But as an affordable primer, it is close to perfect.
Pros: Light texture, Easy to apply, Provides a smooth flawless base for makeup, No dry silicone feel, Helps my foundation, powder and blush stay on longer
Cons: I wasn’t too impressed with the colour correcting claims, The pump can sometimes get clogged if you don’t use it for a while
Who will like this: Anyone who wants to try a makeup primer on a budget, Anyone who wants an affordable face primer that does a pretty good job and has some colour correcting properties
Here is the ingredient list. Those who are sensitive to dimethicone or silicone had better stay clear but it is paraben free.
I am not sure if those who have very oily skin will find this helps their makeup stay on longer. Naturally, if you have tried it and have oily skin I’d love to hear from you! Do look out for sales on these because I think its a great pharmacy buy!
Have you tried the Revlon Photoready Primers yet? Do you like them? I don’t use primers a lot, but I like these. I like how my foundation and blush stay on much longer throughout the day when I use it over primer than without but I will end with a note to make sure you clean off your makeup properly at the end of the day so your pores don’t get clogged 🙂
Paris B
Revlon Photoready Primers come in 2 variants – 001 Perfecting Primer 002 Color Correcting Primer Price: RM59 (but look out for sales) Availability: Revlon counters in major pharmacies
Stephy says
July 25, 2012 at 8:39 aminteresting…it is more affordable compared to the high end dept brand like dior..
Not sure if the color will make pale..hehe
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 9:30 amOh it won’t. Its actually transparent once you apply it on. If you aren’t sure about 002, then try 001 which is transparent with no colour correcting properties 🙂
Stacey says
July 25, 2012 at 9:37 amdoes this leave a whitish cast PB? perhaps the 001 perfecting primer without the colour correcting features might be better?
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 9:31 amNo whitish cast, Stacey 🙂 On me in fact, its just transparent which is why I say the colour correcting properties isn’t quite existent or noticeable. So personally I say you could go for either 001 or 002 and it wouldn’t make a difference if you are looking to correct colour but both should work well as a primer 🙂
lingzy says
July 25, 2012 at 10:05 amHmm.. I’m currently using Elite’s primer (available at Watson). It’s not too bad but the oil control part is a bit disappointing. I shall give this a try once I finished with the Elite’s primer. And great review… as always! 🙂
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 9:34 amThank you Lingzy, I hope you’ll find that this one will work better for you. Some of the oily skinned ladies have chipped in with their thoughts on how it performs. I haven’t tried anything from Elite myself. For some reason, it just doesn’t grab me as a brand LOL!
Kel says
July 25, 2012 at 10:06 amSince you tempted us with it more than 2 months ago, i’ve went out to buy a bottle & i’m 3/4 into my bottle – used everyday. Works like a charm- cheapest primer that works! Makes my foundation stays more than 16 hours (tried & tested)
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 9:35 amThat’s awesome to know Kel! I too love the affordable bit because we always have to look to the department stores for a face primer and its great to be able to save money on something that works just as well!
Nikki says
July 25, 2012 at 10:13 amI actually liked these too! Much better than the first primer (in tube) Revlon created! I actually will use this on clients ! I can’t seem to find Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light anymore! They’re always out of stock so I’m always looking for backups!
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 9:38 amYay! Happy you agree with me Nikki! 😀 I didn’t even know there was a previous Revlon primer LOL!
AnT says
July 25, 2012 at 11:23 amBlush can stay much longer? *gawking*
Paraben free!! Wow! Me want to try! 😀
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 9:39 amYup! 😀 The thing about using a primer is that it not only helps foundation stay on longer but blush will too, and it looks a little brighter 😀
Efrain says
July 25, 2012 at 11:53 amI’ll look for it, the only primer I had used is from Avon but it disappointed me with the claim of 8 hours without shine and I only got around 3, so I’ll give this one a try. Also because another brands are really expensive.
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 9:41 amI don’t know how this will perform on oily skin to be honest, Efrain, but if you do try it, do report! 😀
Sze Ling says
July 25, 2012 at 2:01 pmIntrigued indeed! Will wait for a sale at Watsons/Guardian. 😉
And I’d love to hear from others about whether it helps oily skin or not too. My nose tends to get oily throughout the day. And that’s the main reason why I ever wear a foundation primer in the first place. The only thing that works for my nose is the MAC Prep + Prime SPF50. I’ve tried all the cult favs (eg. Smashbox, Laura Mercier), none of them worked for me.
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 9:41 amPsst! I think the sales are on NOW! 😉 I think Jennifer has given a bit of a breakdown on how this primer performs on her. I personally can’t help you, Sze Ling since my skin isn’t very oily but I hope more will report in 😀
dani says
July 25, 2012 at 3:03 pmHmmm! I wonder how good this is at oil control? For some reason, I’ve forgotten about primers at a time when I need it the most. :p
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 9:44 amLOL! I can’t help you there Dani (no oily skin) but some others seem to think that it works very well for them and if it works here in the tropics, I’m sure it’ll do well for you in Canada 😀
Yyen says
July 25, 2012 at 3:08 pmTry the Estee Lauder Matt Primer, very very very good for oily skin, for normal skin, maybe can try the Estee Lauder Luminizing Primer.
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 9:45 amThanks for the recs. I’ve never tried the primers from Estee Lauder myself but I think they’d be much pricier compared to this one 🙂
Jennifer says
July 25, 2012 at 10:26 pmYay, been waiting for this review for a while since we mentioned it a while back. Thanks Paris! You’ve highlighted almost everything about the product including the hardened primer bits at the noozle which I find annoying. I have 001 and I have oily skin and large pores.
My take on the product is 1) Love the glass bottle and pump packaging 2) Texture is just nice and easy to apply onto face 3) Finishing wise, to some extent, it fills up my large pores making them less visible and “blurred”. Colour correction feature is none 4) Oil control is ok for me. After sunblock, I use this primer with Maybelline BB cream or with compact powder alone but blotting after lunch is required. With BB cream, it can last me almost 5 hours before the BB cream slides off my face. With compact powder, it can last me almost 12 hours 5) Serves as eye shadow primer for me and so far, worked wonders for smoother eye shadow application and helps the colour stay 6) Price is affordable compared to other high end primers
For a drug store purchase, this primer is worth repurchasing since it works quite well and easy on the pocket 🙂
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 10:17 amOoh thanks for the in depth report on how this works for you, Jennifer! The hardened bits in the nozzle do bug me too so I sometimes waste a bit of product by pumping that out, tossing it away then pumping out the product for use. I’m loving the fact that its affordable too!
sasha says
August 2, 2012 at 12:12 pmwow thanks jennifer! very good review. I am currently using MAC prep + prime and am considering to change, since I dont think it does a great job. Its alright, but if theres something which works similar, i would love to try it 🙂
Laura says
July 26, 2012 at 7:28 amI bought this not long after it came out (along with the aerosol foundation) and remember liking it at the time, but I haven’t used it in ages. Now I need to get it back out and give it another go!
(I love the title of your blog, by the way.)
Paris B says
July 26, 2012 at 10:19 amHi Laura, glad to know that you like the primer too! I don’t use primers a lot but when I do, I find I reach for this one because it does a great job at a nice small price tag 😀
nani says
July 26, 2012 at 11:59 pmWoohoo… Decent primer that doesn’t break the bank. 🙂 *Big Grin* And based on other’s review, seems to be a drugstore gem too. Gonna look out for this in Watson/Guardian now. 🙂
Paris B says
July 30, 2012 at 3:03 pmIndeed! This is a good product and not pricey. Hopefully it’ll work for you too!
nani says
July 27, 2012 at 12:01 amLOL… Didn’t notice that i typed similar comment (Drugstore gem) with your tittle until after i submitted my post.
milktea says
July 28, 2012 at 12:25 am🙂 Hi PB! I am now officially interested in this product too! 😉 Seriously, I tried a sample of purMinerals ‘Color Correcting Primer’ but I didn’t see it doing any color correction on me! I was very put off by the dry powdery silicone-y feel of it (you described it perfectly!). To make it worse, the primer had an exfoliating effect on me while I was erm, applying it. So that’s a sign for me to use my Kose Seikisho black mask pronto!
Paris B says
July 30, 2012 at 3:37 pmOoh you understood my dry powdery silicone-y feel!! 😀 I quite quite dislike that texture in primer or in anything for that matter. My skin always feels like its suffocating 😛 This one is not bad to be honest. Not too drying nor does it have that weird texture 🙂
Janice says
July 31, 2012 at 11:11 pmOoh! I am so going to get this tomorrow!! Do you know if there’s a difference between the 001 and 002, like you said the color correcting one wasn’t that obvious? I seem to have read somewhere that you have combination skin, am I right? Does this work on the oilier parts of your face, Paris? Does it help foundation stays on longer for the oilier parts? I have combo skin too, I was wondering if I could just apply it ONLY to the oilier parts of my face so makeup stays longer on that spot?
Paris B says
August 4, 2012 at 2:58 pmAs far as I know, the difference in 001 and 002 is in the colour correcting qualities of 002. Otherwise they perform the same function. It does work well on the oilier bits like my nose but I don’t have a very serious oil problem so I really don’t know if I’m the best person to help. Reader Jennifer has some good feedback in the comments though. You could just apply it to the oily parts of course! No rule against that 🙂
Ting says
August 3, 2012 at 10:54 amThey don’t have it in boots Bangkok yet… Boo! However, i got the gel makeup base from Kate. Haven’t tried it out yet.
Paris B says
August 4, 2012 at 11:22 pmAww hope it gets there soon. Kate does good base makeup too. I’m sure it’ll perform well 🙂
Nikki says
August 6, 2012 at 5:03 pmHi, I have been thinking about buying this product because I can’t afford MAC. Do you think it is good for dry skin does it moisturise well? also how long do you have to wait to let it soak in the skin before applying liquid foundation? Thanks 🙂
Paris B says
August 7, 2012 at 12:00 pmIt doesn’t moisturise but it does not dry out my skin either. I usually just apply it on and then follow up with my foundation. No waiting time because it dries quite quickly. But if you want to wait, maybe wait a minute or two.
Kimmy A says
October 3, 2012 at 11:07 pmI’m using this primer for a couple of days now and I have a very oily skin and some break outs… I’ve noticed that my skin is controllable now and wont get greasy like it used to be. I havent feel any itchiness or new break outs. It really does a great job on me 🙂 The only cons for me is the smell…