With promises of blurring skin, minimising the appearance of pores, reducing oil and making makeup last longer, I have tried many primers over the past few years. I have never once been impressed. Yes, silicone based primers will smooth out skin, but they get in the way of makeup application, and I have never once used a primer that has made my makeup stay on longer. Primer is a step that I often skip, and a product that I don't often purchase, and they just don't work for me.
I picked up the Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer as I was purchasing the matching foundation and a few reviews had said that the foundation applies between with the primer. I have now used this primer with that, and other foundations.
The packaging is basic drugstore. It's Rimmel, it's not fancy, but it works. For $15, I'm certainly not expecting gold glitter. The formula inside is a white lotion, with no silicone feel. It looks like sunscreen, and even has a very, very slight stickiness to it. It applies easily over the face and sits just on top of the skin.
Looking at my skin at this point, I see no difference. Zero. After applying my makeup, it looks smooth and fresh, but only slightly more than it does without the primer. I see no visible difference in my pores. However, a few hours later, and again at the end of the day, I notice the difference. My makeup stays fresh and full coverage for the entire day. It is slightly less oily, and it hasn't rubbed away on any part of my face. I can certainly notice a difference in how well my makeup lasts when I do and don't use this primer.
I will repurchase this primer when it runs out, as I love how well my makeup lasts and the product is incredibly affordable. If you are to purchase this primer yourself, please don't expect it to do anything more than make your makeup last, but you may be pleasantly surprised.
I actually really liked this primer. It did make the foundation last longer and I tried it on it's own, it had a very light sheer colour and it made my face visibly glow. I wouldn't say it minimised pores but it did give my face that extra something.