I received a sample sachet of Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer from Dermalogica and I expected this to be a clear silicone-based primer, like all the other primers I've used in the past.
I was surprised when I opened the sachet to see that the primer looked and felt like a tinted moisturiser with a slightly matte finish. It's a flesh coloured cream that melts and disappears onto skin, leaving a smooth finish for foundation to go over. One thing I immediately didn't like was the smell, it has and almost peppery scent.
As usual, with primer, little goes a long way, so start off with less than you think you need. You can always add more in areas where it's needed, rather than wasting product. I use a matte foundation, I did find it a little more difficult to spread my foundation across my face when using this silicone-based primer, compared to some clear gel silicone-based primers.
To be honest, I'm not utterly blown away by this product. Yes, it's good and it delivers on its promises. It kept my oily skin shine-free for a longer and it made my foundation look smooth and flawless, but is it really worth the hefty price tag? At the time of writing this review, the cost for a 22ml tube is $95. That's $4.32 per ml! (If you need a comparison, NYX Shine Killer primer works out to $1.32 per ml). Unfortunately, I really can't see myself paying that much for a primer, no matter how good it is.
This product lives up to its description. It goes on so smooth and silky and has enough coverage that if you just want to wear it on its own or with tinted moisturiser, then you can. Under makeup it definitely gives you a smoother finish, and I find my makeup stays on longer through the day. I'm not entirely sold on skin firmness, but given my makeup looks better with it than without I'm sure firmness has something to do with it! It's a must have in my makeup bag.
Tips: Use sparingly - a little goes a really long way Pair it with tinted moisturiser for a lighter makeup day Use the tube squeeze they provide to get all the product out of the packaging