17
Apr
2015

A clear canvas: Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizers

categories: Beauty/Fashion

skin equalizers title

When it comes to foundation primers, I’m not really picky in what I’m looking for. I figure since it goes under my foundation — as in you don’t see it — then it doesn’t matter what it does or what it feels like, I just like having something there.

Then I tried Make Up For Ever’s new Step 1 Skin Equalizers. Released in March, these primers replace the HD Primers and not only transform skin’s texture, but also equalizes it to create the perfect canvas.

The French beauty brand has a primer for anyone, with 10 different formulas available (five that target texture concerns and five that target tone concerns). Mix and match, or use one to create a base that makes your foundation and makeup look more radiant and last longer.

Step 1 is a range that was developed to refine, smooth and even out makeup. Each primer has their exclusize Equalizer Complex that delivers three key actions: application (makeup goes on seamlessly), result (optimized colour and finish) and wear (longer staying power).

Essentially there’s a primer for everyone. Need to correct redness? Go with the green primer. Want to feel more hydrated? Go with the blue one. Just like their predecessors, the HD Primers, these guys are available in a variety of different colours that enhance your natural skin tone.

bottle tops

Unlike the HD Primers, these come in a 30ml squeeze tube, but a little goes a long way. I received two of them, the Hydrating Primer and Radiant Primer (AKA the blue one, which I also have in the HD line).

The Hydrating Primer is for dehydrated skin that tugs, looks wan and no longer holds makeup. It works by the H20 complex that intensely hydrates the skin thanks to hyaloronic acid and glycerin, but also witch hazel with its soothing virtues. It’s also enriched with rice powder that forms a protective film on the skin. As a result, the skin is replumpled, looks more transparent and glows naturally radiant. According to Make Up For Ever, 88 per cent of people that tried it felt their skin stays hydrated all day.

The Radiant Primer is for excess yellow or brown pigmentation, this guy neutralizes through colour complementarity. It contains a blend of Spectraflex pigments that corrects pigment-related disorders, permanent spots and brown shadows. The soft-focus complex unifies the complexion and reflects light. Since Im quite fair, it also neutralizes a slight excess of pink as well.

These guys retail for C$42 each, which is quite pricey for a primer (although I do find primers to be rather expensive in general). They are meant to be mixed and matched to create a perfect base custom to your skin tone. You can of course, just choose to use one (heck, two of them will run you $84). I have mixed both together and worn just the one, and I didn’t really notice a difference, but I have rather good skin to begin with.

before ansd after

I have seen these all over YouTube and other blogs and people have been raving about them. Like I said earlier, I’m not really a primer snob, but I have to say that these are great primers. Sometimes I feel like my foundation goes on a little oily with a different primer, I also have the tendency to have issues with my makeup lasting throughout the day. When I wear these underneath my foundation I feel like it adheres better to my skin, I don’t have an issue with shininess or oiliness, and best of all, my foundation lasts. It’s also quite comfortable; I don’t feel the foundation on my skin.

Overall, if you are in the market to try out a new primer, I would seriously consider these.  I just use a tiny drop of the stuff and apply it to my T-zone before applying my foundation; a little goes a long way.

Will you try out the new Step 1 primers and equalizers?

Please note, this post contains product that were sent by PR. All opinions are my own.

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