Review: LORAC AquaPrime Oil Free Makeup Primer

Saturday, November 27, 2010

When I started school last September, I noticed that my foundation wasn't holding up that great. Throughout the day, I would get really disgustingly oily around my t-zone (a room can get hot so quickly when there is 20 blow dryers going at the same time!). I decided to switch my primer because although I loved L'oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base for its ability to really even out my skin and fill in my pores, it is silicone heavy and really doesn't help an overly slick face.

Luckily for me, HauteLook had a sale on LORAC and I snagged AquaPRIME for $8 (not including shipping). It's 1.35oz, and comes in a tube with a pump at the bottom. I like that the packaging is sanitary, but it wasn't super easy to use- every time I pushed the pump, the product would spurt out everywhere, good thing it is clear!

It's quite watery feeling!

The primer itself is a gel, and it felt exactly like aloe vera gel to me, very water like and odorless. Really, I couldn't tell them apart once squirted on the hand. It kind of left the same slightly sticky texture on my skin too. Though AquaPRIME prepped my skin for foundation and did a good job locking in moisture (with my combination skin, my jaw and cheeks need all the moisture they can get!), it did not do anything for my rather large pores. In fact, it made them starkly obvious once I put on foundation because it really didn't fill them in at all.

Though this primer didn't really have any oil controlling properties, it didn't add to my slick skin problems either. It did help my foundation stay on longer than the siliconey L'oreal primer- my makeup lasted maybe 7 hours or so before it started to fade.

So who would like this primer? People who don't have large pores, with normal oil production, those with silicone sensitivity and are just looking for a primer that helps with the application and longevity of their foundation.

LORAC AquaPRIME is usually $38 at Sephora, Ulta or LORACCosmetics.com

Well, since I guess this primer didn't really do what I was hoping it would- I'll be trying another one soon!

Product mentioned was purchased by me, for my own use.