Bare Minerals 'Prime Time' Foundation Primer Review & Swatches

In my opinion, Bare Minerals is one of the only brands you can really 'trust'. I appreciate they don't offer as many different products as for instance, MAC or Illamasqua. Bare Minerals base their products and formulas on what will achieve a good look and be as beneficial to the skin as possible, rather than current fads and trends in the cosmetic industry. It is because of this, that I always go back to them when other brands have failed me and I'm looking for something I know will work.

On a recent trip to the counter, I realised that really I only have one primer, the Smashbox Photo Flawless Light, and yes, it does the job perfectly and its one product I couldn't live without. However, it is translucent and it does reek of glue. The Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer is tinted, and therefore doesn't give a white cast and instead adds initial colour to your skin before foundation. I should highlight the fact that a tinted primer is perfect for days when you don't want to wear foundation, and therefore may be lacking in colour. It's only subtle, and blends down to match most skin tones. Get the idea of an orange tinted moisturiser out of your mind now.

Its thicker in consistency compared to the Smashbox offerings, but is more of a cream than a gel. Because its thicker, you can noticeably feel it on your skin. Not usually a problem unless you get quite agitated having layers of makeup on your skin. In terms of doing what its supposed to, Prime Time does a perfectly fine job. It improves the appearance of fine lines, creating a smoothing base to withstand wind, rain and oil, keeping your makeup perfect for a prolonged length of time. On me, it lasted the full day but I did notice my base darkened towards the end of the day, presumably because it had oxidised or the oil finally breaking through had altered the colour, a pitfall of tinted products.

Overall, Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer doesn't rival my Smashbox Photo Flawless Light, but its a great product that lives up to the standards set by a great brand. I definitely recommend to those who favour cream, tinted primers rather than gels. I'm happy to have it as part of my makeup collection and I'll enjoy using it for speciality makeup, just maybe not my everyday routine.

Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer SPF £22