** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

When I first saw the L’Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base, I laughed. “Secrets?” “Magic?” C’mon! With words like that in the name, this product is setting itself up for failure… Right?

Or so I thought. I saw it on sale for almost 50% off at the drugstore, and I couldn’t resist picking it up. It’s no miracle product by any means, but I am now a believer in this magical secret. It’s a quick and easy step in my makeup routine that makes me feel better about my skin. Come see exactly why.

L’Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base Pictures & Photos

Claims: TRUSTED

√ Smoothes lines
√ Hides pores
√ Banishes imperfections
√ Silky formula glides onto the skin
√ Leaves skin velvety-smooth to the touch

Key Notes

• Name: L’Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base
• Amount: 0.5 fl. oz. or 15ml
• What I Paid: $9.99 CAD
• Price Per Unit: $19.98/fl. oz. or $0.67/ml
• Retail Price: $17.99 CAD
• Where to Buy: L’Oreal, ULTA, drugstores, some supermarkets, big-box stores

L’Oreal Magic Perfecting Base Review

I was previously using the NYX HD Studio Photogenic Primer with unsatisfactory results, so I needed something different. Cue L’Oreal Magic Perfecting Base…

Application

It’s kind of hard to describe the consistency of this L’Oreal base. It’s thicker than a cream, but it also has a much lighter and whipped texture than a paste. The consistency spreads over the skin easily, so there’s no tugging or pulling at all. It really does ‘glide onto the skin!’

All you need to do is smooth it all over your face to get incredible results. Or if you have specific problem areas, you can just target the product there. Trust me: others won’t know you’re not wearing it all over your face.

And unlike a liquidy primer, this base requires no drying time. After I put the Magic Perfecting Base by L’Oreal on, I feel safe enough to immediately put on my face makeup. Definitely an easy step in my morning routine!

Results

Ooooh man. I love how the L’Oreal Perfecting Base makes my skin feel. Instantly after I put this on, I feel like I’ve just covered my face with a thin veil of silk. It’s that smooth! And it’s so lightweight, too, that I never feel it at the end of the day. Well, I know it’s there when I touch my face because the skin still feels soft and silky when I get home.

Not only does it feel smooth, but it looks smooth! As soon as I apply the L’Oreal Magic Perfecting Base, I see the pores on my cheeks just disappear. It fills in and smoothes out my skin, but it doesn’t clog my pores. I haven’t experienced any breakouts because of it.

It alone isn’t enough to even out the skin tone though. It’ll smooth out the texture, but if you have blemishes, you’ll need to wear a foundation and/or concealer on top.

Effectiveness on Makeup

This product never claims to be a primer, not on the official site or on the box. But I do find that it makes my makeup last just a bit longer, which is a bonus for me. However, sometimes certain spots on my skin do oil up the foundation, and the L’Oreal Studio Secrets base doesn’t prevent that. It doesn’t happen every day though.

I did expect it to make my makeup go on easier. And boy, does it ever. With the base, I get better coverage from my foundation with a simple sweep of the brush.

Skin Type & Skin Tone

L’Oreal Magic Perfecting Base will mattify your skin just as it claims, so it’s good if your skin is normal to oily. My skin’s pretty weird. It’s dry to very dry (depending on the day) with some oily spots. But I find that it doesn’t dry out my skin. So it is suitable for dry skin as well.

L’Oreal Studio Secrets Perfecting Base has a soft pinkish hue to it. But don’t worry – it disappears once you apply it, making it a universal product for all skin tones.

Packaging

The one complaint i have about the L’Oreal Perfecting Magic Base is the jar. I don’t particularly like dipping my finger into the product, but the biggest issue is the narrow jar opening. I foresee an issue of scraping the shoulders of the jar in order to get it out once I use up more of the product.

Pros  Makes skin look & feel flawless Dermatologist-tested & non-comedogenic Lightweight & easy to apply Allows makeup to go on easier & last longer Good for all skin types & tones No drying time needed

Cons  Will be hard to get product from the “shoulders” of the jar

Final Verdict: 9.6/10

Overall I really like this base. It makes my skin look flawless and airbrushed! However, if you’re looking for a primer that holds on to your face makeup tight, this might not work for you. It’s a base that does extend the lasting power of your makeup, but it’s not formulated to keep your foundation and concealer on all day.

Do you have a face primer that you’d recommend for dry skin? Do you think you’d want to try the LOreal Magic Perfecting Base out? Share your thoughts!