Does Il Makiage’s Primer help my makeup last longer?
I’ve never been one for primers – it’s just something else to add on my face which if you’ve read any other of my blogs, you’ll know I try to limit the number as much as possible. I’ve always thought primers were more of a gimmick, not really needed but after using this one, my makeup stays on longer and after a long work day, it’s appreciated – I’ll continue to use it when I’m in for a longer day or night.
I’ve been super impressed with both the Il Makiage foundation and concealer recently, so I thought I’d give their Primer a try.
Description from Il Makiage:
Our silky, weightless bestselling primer blurs pores, fine lines & wrinkles, instantly smooths skin & maximizes foundation wear time. The lightweight texture & silky formula creates a soft, long-lasting photoshopped effect. You’re welcome, overflowing social calendar.
What’s the point of a primer?
A primer helps to keep your make up lasting longer, and helps to smooth out your skin by filling those little fine lines and pores.
It helps as a barrier so make up doesn’t clog your skin (although you might find primer clogs yours if you use the wrong one for your skin type).
I use it to fill in my nose pores so foundation looks smoother. I also use it to make my makeup last if I’m out for several hours, in particular, if I’m trying to cover up dark undereye circles and melasma on my forehead.
How does it blend and look throughout the day?
I’ve tested it so far with concealer (Il Makiage F*k I’m Flawless). Working from home, I just want my bags hidden rather than wearing a full face. I smoothed in the primer to just one side of my face where I plan to put concealer – around/under my eye bag area.
I’ve taken photos during the day, to see the difference in how it stayed. I finished eye makeup whilst waiting for it to dry/sink in as this takes 10mins.
If you don’t give the primer time to sink in, you’ll likely get weird things happening to your foundation. It took me years to figure this out! It either won’t stay on or patch and look odd.
I’ve added the same amount of concealer to both sides, but instantly the primer side looks brighter and smoother.
During the day you can see both sides look covered but there’s definitely more brightening on the primer side.
It smoothes on so much easier with the primer.
By the end of the day, concealer is still visible on my eye with the primer. The concealer has faded but still covers a fair amount of my undereye dark circle and hasn’t creased or filled my fine lines.
What do I want from a primer?
As with all primers, it goes on smooth and feels silky. I’m very particular about what I put on my skin, as it’s sensitive in places but mostly oily. It goes on smooth and feels instantly silky – it melts into my fine lines. I want a primer to:
- keep my makeup on for longer
- make my makeup look better
- not bring me out in spots
- not make my oily T zone worse
Not asking for the world here!
How much is it?
If you want to try it, buy it from Il Makiage for £36 (plus £4 postage unless you fill your boots and spend over £50).
Use code welcome10 for 10% off > ilmakiage.com
They’re trying to compete with the big brands by putting this price-point within the category of the likes of Fenty £24 / 32ml, Charlotte Tilbury £39 / 40ml, Lancome £30 / 25ml, Clinique £27 / 30ml and Urban Decay £27 / 30ml, rather than the likes of high street shops which are around £10-£15 and include The Body Shop, NYX, elf, Revolution.
The one thing about primer is that it lasts forever. At least it does with me. I go through one a year so at that price-point, I don’t mind paying for it.
It’s worth noting that Il Makiage primer is likely to go best with their foundation. Depending on the makeup I’m using is where I go for a primer.
Other Il Makiage products worth mentioning
So far I’ve tried this primer, F*ck I’m Flawless concealer and Woke Up Like This foundation. I’m very impressed with all 3 products and would recommend them.
Thank you for reading my article. I wrote it in January 2022 and last updated it in December 2024. It's tagged with the category Beauty Products Make up if you'd like to read more.
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