I’ve heard a mixed bag of reviews on the new L’Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base, so I knew I’d have to try it first hand. I didn’t hear anything bad per say, but more like a few minor grievances here and there. So here we go!
L’Oreal offers this to us a primer/skin texture solution to either wear alone or under makeup to minimize pores, blur out small imperfections, and smooth lines. Think of it as foundation primer that’s been eating it’s Wheaties! Magic Perfecting Base is housed in a small glass jar with .5 oz of product. It has a super dense consistency, it’s almost putty-like which I actually like. When applied on the skin either in small circular motions with my fingertips or with a foundation brush, I find that it not only holds my foundation in place like a ship’s anchor–but I notice it provides a little bit of a brightening effect too. I also think it gives off an optical illusion that my pores are a little smaller than they actually are, which instantly earns it a gold star! As if that weren’t enough, it very softly smooths out some of the lines near my eyes so I’m even more impressed. This product actually reminds me somewhat of Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch without the $32 price tag. While not an exact dupe, both products perform similarly.
You have to check out the photo of the top of my hand with Magic Perfecting Base and without Magic Perfecting Base. I think we’ll agree that it really softens and smooths!
You can also see the density of the formula:
If I could change one thing about Magic Perfecting Base, it would come in a tube instead of a jar! This is more of a user-error kind of issue, but you have to make sure that you completely let it dry down before you apply any foundation over it, or it will kind of bead up. Also, try not to rub it on–the same thing will happen! Soft circular motions or the use of a foundation brush are the name of the game with this for me. All in all, I love it and I do recommend it to anyone who needs a little help in the primer department and also struggles with enlarged pores.
Have you tried this out yet? What’s your fave foundation primer/makeup base?
An editorial sample was provided by the company and evaluated to determine my opinion of the product in this post. Please see the Disclosures page for further information regarding my policies for using editorial samples.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, this stuff looks amazing! It really blurred out the skin on your hand so it looks soo smooth and poreless! I’ve been meaning to try one of the expensive primers from Sephora, but I think will pick this up instead. I also wish the packaging could be changed to a tube! It’s much more sanitary that way, but hey, for the price I don’t think I should complain too much lol.
PS: I received your Clean and Clear giveaway package in the mail today!! THANK YOU SO MUCH, AMBER! I can’t wait to try everything! =)
Hi Kitty!
I’m glad you received your winnings safe & sound, enjoy
If you end up getting the Magic Perfecting Base–make sure to come back and share your thoughts so we can compare notes!
xo
Amber
I’m with you on this one. I really like the product, but not so thrilled about the jar. I prefer more of a pump for liquid-y face products for a lot of reasons. I think it goes on quite well, and I was thrilled with the wear of it. I might try it with a foundation brush and see if that makes me like it even more.
This product is great! I have sensitive acne prone skin. I also have large pores due to my oily T-zone. This product not only makes the pores to away but seems to decrease the oil production and decrease breakouts! My husband has noticed that my skin has gotten better! I actually wore just this without foundation, and my skin looked great! My husband thought I was wearing foundation! If I get a ‘blemish’ it would end up as a hardened plug that would easily come out with no damage to the skin. Usually I would get this terrible growing whitehead and suffer for weeks till it healed. I take out what I need with a Q-tip. I never use my fingertips or a brush etc to take things directly out of containers, in fear of contaminating the entire product. Luv this stuff!
[I have actually used other expensive primers, and broke out terribly, and had to wait weeks for my skin to calm down!]
Hi Bright Pearl,
I’m so glad you’re getting the results you desire with this primer! I haven’t heard anyone say that it actually improved the overall condition of their skin before, so thanks for sharing!
xo
Amber
Avon sells the same magic (but better) it even comes in a tube for $10.00. The jar says it contains 1.5oz and Avons contains 1 oz but I would assume you would use less because it is in a tube instead of a jar.
Thank you for your thorough review! It really helped me a lot. After falling out of love with MUFE HD primer, I figured trying this will be worth a shot. I don’t wear makeup but I do have oily skin so I’m always looking for a good primer/base that can keep my skin matte & smooth.
Hi Shadow! If you like the MUFE HD Primer, you may wish to try NYX Cosmetics HD Studio Primer. It’s $14, and it works great! http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/products/face/primer/hd-studio-photogenic-primer