Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Radiant Primer in Peach | Review

Gone are the days when face makeup does not last as long as it should because of a wonderful little innovation called primer - or so they say. The task for me however has been to find one that really does what it claims. I will admit I have never been much of a primer fan because of how hard of a time I've had finding one that I truly enjoy and with which I notice a significant difference when added to my routine. Well, when I learned that Make Up For Ever recently released a set of ten new primers in their Step 1 Skin Equalizer range, I had high hopes and was eager to put one to the test to see how it would hold up. Around this time last year, I got to try their HD Microperfecting Primer in Green (reviewed here), so I was really looking forward to see how the Step 1 Skin Equalizer in Peach* would compare.

What is really interesting is that the line is split into two categories: it has five primers to improve texture and five to improve tone, the latter which are tinted with different shades to work with various skin colours. These primers can be used on their own, or you can pair a texture-specific primer with one that helps boost radiance according to the tone of your skin for a more targeted result. I was sent the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer in #8 Peach which is a radiance primer destined for those with medium to tan skin. Since I am at my fairest right now, this one has been a bit trickier for me to use at the moment, so I will be sharing my current impressions. When applying, it does leave a noticeable peach cast on my face, which at first had me worried I will admit. I assume this peachy tint would not be as visible and easily fade into darker skin. The good news is that the peach cast disappeared on my face when I applied my foundation on top which was definitely a relief. Since the skin on my hand is more medium toned, the Peach shade blends quite nicely as you will see in the swatch below. The texture feels somewhere between a liquid and a cream, and I really don't need much as the product glides on nice and smooth in a thin layer. It has a slight scent to it and compared to the HD Microperfecting Primer in Green, is much improved in my opinion.

Blended

The entire line is formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and vederine to even out the skin, and these primers also promise to smooth the skin and make your makeup last longer. Result-wise, I cannot say I noticed that much of a difference in my skin's overall radiance or in my makeup's wear time, but again I think the radiance issue has to do with the fact that Peach is the before last darkest shade in the range and is meant for deeper skin tones, and therefore does not currently work with my pale, post-winter skin. It will be interesting to see how this will work for me in the summertime though, but for now I will have to patiently wait and see if it delivers to its full potential. I quite adore the matte finish packaging and how convenient it is for travelling and I plan on getting much more use our of it this summer. I will keep you posted!

All in all, I cannot say I am smitten by this product but I am looking forward to see how it will perform in the coming months. If you have light skin like me and would like to give one of these a try, I would suggest trying the Pink or Blue tubes as they are made to work with lighter skin, or maybe give one of the Step 1 Skin Equalizers that target texture-related skin problems like oiliness, large pores, fine lines, dryness or redness a try.

The Make Up For Ever Skin Equalizer primers retails for C$43 and can be purchased at Sephora in stores and online and at Make Up For Ever boutiques.

Have you tried any of the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer or have your eyes on one? I'd be curious to read your thoughts!

*Disclaimer: Product was provided and reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.