the Hannah Hardy

I’ve been testing several new and new to me primers this year. I didn’t want to do a separate post on each one, so I’m making one very long post.

When I try a new primer, I like to use other base products that I know I like. I used each of these primers with both a matte and radiant foundation and my favorite setting powder.

Foundations
—Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define in F0.5
—Maybelline Dream Radiant Liquid in 00Alabaster

Powder
—Fenty Pro Filt’R in Butter

Primers Tested
–elf Luminous Putty
–Ofra Northern Lights
–Benefit the POREfessional Hydrate
–Urban Decay All Nighter
–Juno & Co Moonshine Miracle Cream

elf Luminous Putty Primer

Claims–Soft, radiant base for makeup application :: glides over the skin :: smoothes imperfections for a poreless effect and the ultimate grip on makeup :: perfect for those who want a radiant, glowing complexion

Price–$8 at for 0.74 oz at Ulta, Target, Wal Mart, elfcosmetics.com

Product Range–3 matte, luminous, original

Pros–Affordable :: vegan :: cruelty free :: easily accessible :: various formulation for various concerns and skin types :: ingredients–hyaluronic acid, collagen :: soft texture and feel :: provides a nice glow/radiant sheen to the skin

Cons–Didn’t fill/blur/minimize pores :: caused my makeup to look dry & cakey :: foundation separated

Final Thoughts–I applied with the Blendiful so I could really work to press it in my skin. I also used it another time with my fingers. I tested the original formula and didn’t like it. It also caused my makeup to cake and look dry. I tested with 2 different foundation and 2 different powders and got the same result. At the end of the day, my makeup looked spackled on and had broken up. I tried this in targeted areas and all over. I tried so many things to make it work, but it’s just a no for me.

Ofra Northern Lights Illuminating

Claims–Satin finish :: light-catching :: glow without the oiliness :: diffuses pores :: creates a smooth base for makeup :: brings natural luminosity without over-dewing it :: good for all skin types

Price–$20 for 1.0 oz at Ulta, ofracosmetics.com

Pros–Cruelty free :: packaging–pump! slim & chic :: refreshing scent :: vegan :: hydrating :: fair price :: skin feels soft & smooth :: would work for all skin types :: easy to blend

Cons–Accessibility, online only

Final Thoughts–I was sent this free to review from Bzz Agent. Prior to this product, the only Ofra products I have tried are the liquid lipsticks and a highlighter. Now I want to try more! My skin felt SO smooth and hydrated. The formula is really easy to blend and really preps the skin for foundation. There is a slight scent, but it’s refreshing and doesn’t linger. $20 isn’t a drugstore price, but I think it’s a fair price for this product. The tall, sleek packaging makes it easy to store and I love that it has a pump. This adds a little glow, but doesn’t over do it so I think it would work for all skin types. Sadly, it’s only available online, but lots of influencers have discount codes so Google one and I’m sure you can find some savings.

Benefit The POREfessional Hydrate

Claims–Helps diminish the look of pores and hydrate the skin in one step :: moisturizes, helps makeup stay put, and minimizes the look of pres and fine lines :: oil free :: lightweight feel :: provides up to 12 hours of hydration

Price–$32 full size (0.75 oz), $13 mini (0.5 oz) Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, benefitcosmetics.com

Product Range–3 (original, radiant, hydrate)

Pros–Provides an all over smooth base for makeup application :: contains dimethicone, but doesn’t feel slippery or silicone-y :: mini size for travel or testing :: lightweight :: easy to apply and blend out

Cons–Fragranced :: expensive :: not cruelty free :: availability (specialty stores or online only) :: not overly hydrating

Final Thoughts–I used this in target areas and all over to get a good feel for it. I like the original formula, but it’s a little too mattifying for my dry skin so I was really excited about this release. There is a slight scent to this product, but it doesn’t bother me. It did minimize my pores, but not as good as the Revlon Pore Reducing primer does. It worked fine with both foundations. I wouldn’t buy the full size and I don’t love it, especially for the price.

Urban Decay All Nighter

Claims–Smoothing and hydrating :: grips foundation into place so it lasts longer :: preps and smooths the look of skin :: lightweight :: reduce the look of fine lines

Price–$36 for 1.0 oz at Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, urbandecay.com

Pros–Packaging, it’s sleek and has a pump! :: cruelty free :: blends out easily :: smoothes the skin :: vegan

Cons–Expensive :: accessibility (online or specialty stores)

Final Thoughts–This release was the long awaited partner to the beloved All Nighter Setting Spray. It has a soft, smooth texture, but not silicone-y. It has a thicker consistency than what I’m used to, but it was still easy to blend out. I hope they will release a mini size for travel and/or testing. It’s slightly tacky, but not too sticky, and gives the foundation something to cling to. I really don’t agree with the hydrating claim. My skin is dry and I need a little something more. I used a hydrating primer spray before which helped. Going forward, I will mix in some of my CYO + Pretty Fresh primer. I don’t need a power primer/makeup extender on the daily, but this is a great product and I’m glad to have it my collection.

Juno & Co Moonshine Miracle Primer Cream

Claims–Luxurious, super hydrating, creamy primer :: nourishes skin :: diminishes imperfections :: even surface so foundation glides on and stays put :: airbrush effect filled with healthy, skin loving ingredients

Price–$35 for 1.35 oz on Amazon, beautylish.com, thejuno.co

Pros–More than standard 1.0 oz :: ingredients to help maintain moisture, smooth, and plump the skin :: smooths and hydrates :: gives the perfect, smooth base for foundation application :: lives up to all claims

Cons–Online only :: bulky packaging

Final Thoughts–There is a slight, barely detectable scent. It’s refreshing and doesn’t bother me and it doesn’t linger. It doesn’t fill in the pores, but it doesn’t claim to. If you that’s what you need/want, you’ll need an additional product. The only thing I don’t like about this is the bulky packaging . I think dry skin folks will LOVE and I think it would work for oily skin people as well. It’s hydrating, but not overly where it would produce excess oil throughout the day. This supposedly a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream. I haven’t tried that so I can’t say whether I agree or not, just wanted to share.

Lots of influencers have discount codes for Juno & Co. If you’re interest in trying it, you can Google one or use PAIGEXO for 10% off. I watch Paige’s videos on YouTube and I love them!

There was some duds in the bunch, but some major winners too.