critiquesofacriticrimmelprimer — Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Makeup Primer in 002

Usually I can’t use any primers with my Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation as it is a VERY fussy and nitpicky foundation- just smears and slides and looks awful!

I’m so so happy with this ?? definitely recommend! Think I got it on Amazon UK for £5+ so it’s VERY affordable. I’ve tried Smashbox primers over the same Estee Lauder foundation and it didn’t work out either ? and this is literally 1/4 the price and works so much better!

It goes on so smoothly and does not leave any chalky residue like the W7 Prime Magic Face Primer did. I got the W7 primer on Amazon UK for £3 and it does leave your face feeling deliciously smooth and covers all your pores really well, as if it has been airbrushed, but any application of liquids makes it flake right off. Which is reaaally not ideal. I use it only if I can’t be ars*d having foundation on, but still want my skin to look smooth.

The W7 primer is very similar to the TONYMOLY Egg Pore silky smooth balm and The Body Shop all-in-one instablur, which I did a review of previously here.

It helps manage my oily skin too, which is a huge plus point. In fact, I had to go over with the Mario Badescu facial spray and skip a setting powder because it started looking a bit dry and I didn’t want it to end up cakey.

selfie with rimmel primer — yes my liquid lipstick smeared go easy on me hahah

PRODUCTS LIST

Primer: Rimmel Fix&Perfect makeup primer 002
Foundation: Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation in 2W0 Warm Vanilla + Maybelline FIT Me! Liquid Foundation in 120 Classic Ivory
Blusher: Albeit Cheek Stick in Nectar
Contour: Sleek Contouring and Blush palette
Mascara: Clio Salon de Cara Mascara (Volume x Curling) + Maybelline the Rocket Volum’Express
Lips: Sugar tinted lip balm in Rose under Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II
Brows: The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit (03)
Eyeshadow: TBS brow powder + Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher Concealer (03)
Spray: Mario Badescu facial spray with aloe, herbs and rosewater
Tools used: Real Techniques sponge + Real Techniques brushes core collection

Long long ago, (five to six years ago), no one used this magical thing called a primer. Now, it has become just another oh=so-very important and crucial and definitely, hands-down, one of the most needed things in your makeup routine. (read this in a slightly sarcastic tone for full effect)

Alright, so last year, The Body Shop has launched the

ALL-IN-ONE™ INSTABLUR™ UNIVERSAL

Sounds really promising. Lighten up on the Trademarks, guys.

Being a huge fan of The Body Shop, I knew I had to try this out right away. I stopped by my nearest shop and the shop assistants gave me a good-sized sample of it and showed me how to use it.

My immediate reaction?

Wow, this feels (and smells a little) exactly like the TONYMOLY Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm!

It smoothed over my pores, reduced the redness (temporarily) of my acne, and my skin felt smooth and silky to the touch.

After touching my face, I realised that the primer began flaking off and started coming off in bits, like eraser dust.

I left with my sample and brought it home for comparison, not quite sold on the idea yet.

After comparing the two products side-by-side and using them under makeup (heavy and light), I realised that the TONYMOLY actually worked as a better primer for your bare face and under light makeup, but faded the vibrance for heavy makeup (I guess so, since it wasn’t marketed as a primer in the first place)

However, out of the two, the TONYMOLY won hands down for lasting power, and it smoothed over my pores much better. It even smells refreshing, with a slight lemon scent that is not overpowering at all.

I have used the TONYMOLY on its own over moisturiser and no makeup for years now, and I love how matte it makes my face look, and I always get compliments on my skin when I use it (if you’ve seen the state of my acne, you’d know how amazing that is.

For people living in Asia, I would definitely recommend the TONYMOLY Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm as a cheaper alternative to The Body Shop’s Instablur™ because it lasts longer, doesn’t flake as easily, and smells better without being overpowering.

For UK consumers, you might find the Instablur™ more affordable, especially during 50%-off sales, but if you do stop by Korea or see a sale on Korean cosmetics (there is an online shop for Korean skincare products, but I can’t remember which one it is), I would definitely recommend the TONYMOLY instead, especially if you have oily/combination skin that would result in the Instablur™ flaking off really quickly.