Monday, January 31, 2011

E.L.F. Studio Mineral Infused Facial Primer Review!

E.L.F. Mineral Facial Primer

Product Description: "Transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas with the Mineral Infused Face Primer. Developed to combat against excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines. This clear multipurpose skin primer will prepare your skin so makeup goes on evenly for a long lasting satin finish."

Directions: Apply to clear skin prior to makeup application. Use a small amount and blend evenly all over the face for a smooth and flawless base.



Left: Smoothed Out, Right: Blended


Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Penoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben.

Ingredients in Smashbox Photofinish Primer (to compare): Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Trisiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone/ Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, Water (Aqua, Eau), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract.

What do these ingredients mean?
Cyclomethicone is a clear, odorless silicone with a non-greasy feel that dries quickly and leaves no oily residue. It is widely used in personal care products such as deodorant, skin care, hair products and cosmetics. Its molecules are too large to enter the skin cells. Because it stays on the surface of the skin, it gives the skin a silky texture and creates a film on the skin that locks in moisture (ideal for primers).

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is also a silicone and is used to give the product a thicker and smoother texture.
Dimethicone A silicone oil that is used to create a protective (breathable) barrier for the skin. It is widely used as a skin protectant, emollient, and moisturizer.

Silica is a white powder which is slightly soluble in water, occurs abundantly in nature and is an absorbent material for skin creams.

Penoxyethanol is a parben-free preservative used to protect against bacteria.

(Sources: Thenaturalstore.com, wikipedia.org & cosmedicine.com)

As you can see, the top ingredients are similar to Smashbox Photofinish Primer. But, Smashbox has a larger list of ingredients. ELF Mineral Primer only contains silicones and a few preservatives. Smashbox has different oils, extracts, etc. Since it's a Silicone based primer, if you tend to break out from silicones, you may want to steer clear of this product. I personally haven't had any problems with using this product & I think it's a great alternative to the higher end silicone primers. A lot of people use Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel as a cheaper alternative (which can range from around the same price as ELF Mineral Primer or a couple dollars more - BUT, you receive a .5 oz more product). I really like the primer. It seems to help my makeup apply more evenly and it does slightly mattify or "blur" my pores. I can't say for sure.. but I don't think it actually "helps" my makeup stay on longer. In fact, I don't think any primer really does. Or least I haven't noticed any do so. The regular price of this primer is $6, and I got it for only $3 - I think it's a great bargain for a primer. Also, I love that it comes with a pump.. and the bottle is very sturdy!

Have you tried this primer? What primer is your favorite?

Do you feel that they are a waste of money and a reg moisturizer will work the same?

19 comments:

  1. i am thinking about adding this to my list. I have just got the new 17 photo flawless primer from boots but i want to try the elf one

    x

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  2. I've only used a primer once or twice with sample products. I've never noticed them do anything amazing. (Keep the makeup on longer etc).

    I think they're a bit of a money making ploy to be honest, but maybe I just don't know enough about them!

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  3. I have never been a primer person tbh, but if i had to buy one it would be from Korres because it has no silicone and my skin is very sensitive.

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  4. I love this primer and I reviewed it also, and soo many people were replying to me that the pump stops working really quickly! I thought they were all crazy until mine stopped working too. Basically the product is so sticky and sticks to the walls of the bottle, and the straw inside only picks up what is at the very bottom. Not a big deal though, I just unscrewed it and used the back of a brush to scoop it out, but still kind of sucky!

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  5. great review

    http://bettzybby93.blogspot.com/

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  6. currently using the maybelline age rewind primer i think its a pretty ok primer , i dont think primers help your makeup to last longer either but i do think they help to make your makeup go on easier i find! <3

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  7. I was so disappointed in this product :( it didn't help my makeup stay on longer (even tho i totally agree with you that no primer really does) For a couple of hours my skin looks smooth and pore-less, but at the end of the day you can tell it has worn off. The pump stopped working after the first couple of uses and I had to scrape it out with a Q-tip. I don't think i'll buy this again :/

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  8. I've always wanted to try this out!
    but I think all primers are a bit of a gimmick :O
    x

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  9. Wow this sounds like a good primer! Right now I'm using Monistat and I'm very pleased with it. I tried BE Prime Time too but I didn't like it as it feels to greasy for my skin and Indonesian weather. Thank you for taking the time to research what the ingredients mean. That's really cool :)

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  10. I find a primer can feel heavy and usually quite pointless when wearing a full coverage foundation with a setting powder. I do however like to use one when having a light makeup day with just a dusting of mineral powder for smoothing out my skin and keep it from getting oily. Natty, I cant wait to see your review on which primers you like and dislike. I still haven't found one that I truly love and feel your opinions could really help me out.

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  11. This works so well on my skin. great review

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  12. I love the Benefit primer! Right now I use a primer from the Body Shop (I had a groupon) but really loved the Benefit one when I had it!!

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  13. This is actually my favorite primer! I love that it keeps my face moisturized and it helps my concealer and foundation blend well. Does it help my makeup last all day? It really depends on how I set it. Great review!

    Ariana

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  14. I loveee this primer BUTTTTTTTT my pump stopped working. :(

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  15. MAC's Prep & Prime Skin Base Visage is my favourite! I need to buy another soon, but it doesn't last long at all!

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  16. I think I'm gonna have to try this product out, I've always been interested in it, and after this post I'm Sold !! Thanks Alot

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  17. I’m not a fan of primers but I notice that my makeup lasts longer every time I’m using one.
    xo,
    ~Pauline @Kallony

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  18. I like ELF primers, the hydrating one is my favorite. I also like Smashbox's Primer Water. Thanks for the post!

    Check out my blog at http://autumnleavesandapplepi.blog.com if you like :)

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