Not A Prime Time

on
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
Finding the right product for your own skin is all about trial and error, right? Sometimes when it doesn't work, I'll just be like "Oh, too bad but it's okay." However, when it breaks out my skin, it will drive me crazy!

First time I purchased a primer was a year ago when I visited my sister in the States. I thought I needed a primer because I'd do a lot of outdoor activities from morning till night every single day. Not to mention it was Summer, surely I had to give an extra care to my oily T-zone.

Back then, I didn't read much of beauty blogs, so I asked my friends who is a makeup artist, and she told me Sephora collection has a decent primer at affordable prices. So yeah, a week after my arrival in NYC, I went to Sephora and purchased these two primers as I wasn't sure which one would work on me.

Sephora Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer and Anti-Shine Foundation Primer.

My impression about Sephora Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primerit did soften my skin, it did a good job at covering my pores, I loved the silky feeling of this primer. However, it kept flaking as I was following my makeup with BB cream, and it made my T-zone oilier than ever. Besides, I noticed how my forehead broke out with this primer and the packaging was not meant for this primer, the primer dried out at the nozzle, and it would form a blob. Meaning you've got to spare extra time cleaning it.

Moving on to the Anti-Shine Foundation Primer, I don't think if I can point out a good thing of this primer except that it's formulated without parabens just like the previously mentioned. This primer seriously didn't live up to the 8 hour oil control promise! I couldn't see how it made my skin less shiny. They especially formulated this without synthetic fragrance, but I dislike anything with bad smells sitting on my face unless it's beneficial to my skin. This primer has an overly chemical smell in it. What even worse, the pump was broken and nothing literally comes out due to the broken pump.

Well, you can actually just open the bottle packaging and scoop the primer with a cotton swab if you experience troubles with the pump like me, but both of the products left such unpleasant results so I didn't even bother to try them anymore. Now that I think about it again, why didn't I return these to Sephora since I wasn't pleased at all.

Price: USD 15

Remember that just because these products don’t work on me, it doesn't mean that they will not be effective on you. Everybody’s skin responds to different products in their own way. Additionally, if you're interested to read more reviews about primers that I've been using up to now, check out my review about Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and Etude House Face Conditioning.

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Let me share my most favorite K-dramas at the moment! I am totally hooked on Marriage Not Dating and It's Okay, It's Love! Been stalking their threads on Soompi's forums for the updates and speculations of the storyline LOL. So I would recommend these dramas to everyoneeee! ^^

 photo MarriageNotDating25.jpg
Marriage Not Dating and It's Okay, It's Love.

Marriage Not Dating is like a breath of fresh air, you know. Certainly a thing you need after following makjang dramas, such as You're All Surrounded, Hotel King, and the current one; Temptation. I like how all of the casts have this chemistry (even in the BTS). The drama is full of comedic scenes in each episode makes me laugh my arse off. Although I hated Yeon WooJin's character in Arang and The Magistrate and I felt bad for him in When A Man Loves, I announce that he is my new eye candy because of this drama. Isn't he charming as a plastic surgeon?

Whereas It's Okay, It's Love is the kind of rom-com that you feel like it's just an average one at first. However, as I watched the 4th episode, it has completely changed my mind! There's a dark side in it where many characters (including both of the leads) have their own psychological disorders. One more reason why this drama catches my attention is because /SPOILER ALERTS/ Jo InSung, the male lead, suffers from Schizophrenia, a mental illness that I had particularly focused on ever since I wrote a short movie with a character that suffers from Schizophrenia too and I really enjoy watching a drama that triggers my curiosity. Jo InSung must get a Daesang for his role! Check out their OST and BGM too, they are so darn good. There's actually one upcoming OST that I and fellow users on Soompi have been curious about. Not so sure who the singers are, but it's such a lovely duet ballad song. Hopefully they will release it today.

UPDATED AT 5:50 PM: Finally!!! It's worth the long wait!
Crush feat. Punch - Sleepless Night.
I'm raping the replay button! The instrumental version is as lovely!

On another note, I wanted to share this exciting news... I have been selected to be the part of Beautifan review team!! Uuuuyeaaah~! I was like nonstop screaming "OMGOMG" when I read the email last month. I have picked some beauty products that I can hardly wait to review.

I would love to invite you, my dear bumblebees to join Beautifan's first giveaway! The giveaway is open worldwide, there would be 35 prizes for 35 winners!! The products that they will be giving away are 5 Mamonde Real Skin Founder, 10 Clio Virgin Kiss Lipnicure and 20 Etude House Dear Darling Tint. This giveaway will run for the whole month of August and winners will be chosen randomly via Rafflecopter.

Oops.. Sorry too much talking. Don't hesitate to share your current favorite K-dramas and if you're keeping up with those two dramas as well, let me know how do you like the show!
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57 comments on "Not A Prime Time"
  1. OMG, thanks to your review on this Sephora primer, I think I won't buy it...
    Lovely post indeed :)

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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  2. I generally have not had good experiences with Sephora's own products either :/

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    Replies
    1. Aww that's too bad Rina :( I haven't tried any other Sephora's own products besides these primers. This experience actually makes me a bit reluctant to try their collection again.

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  3. You should've returned them. I have primer but I tend to skip it alot cause I forget or I'm just lazy. I do find that my products do apply better and last longer when I do remember to use it. I'm watching It's Okay, It's Love too but I'm not sure how I feel about it. I do like that it's different from the usual K-dramas. We're also watching Fated to Love You. I never saw the Taiwanese version and I'm finding the Korean remake quite enjoyable.

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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    1. I'm a little lazy too when it comes to makeup. Anyway, it's not good to wear 'cones everyday :D Oh, I've watched FTLY first episode, but I didn't like the fashion dunno why it kinda affected my perception of the drama. LOL. I think I should give it a try once again. Thanks for the recommendation, Rowena :)

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  4. you know what.. i tried that primer too and it didn't work for me. i think i started breaking out with it. :(

    Animated Confessions

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  5. I owned a foundation powder from Sephora. The coverage and the finish were good, but the oil control is also so-so. I think Sephora needs help to fix their formula for oily skin!

    I like the design of those bottles though.

    Congratulations for being selected as a reviewer! Looking forward to your reviews! The site looks interesting, are they still open to accept new reviewers?

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    Replies
    1. And I think Sephora needs to improve their packaging too T.T It's only good esthetically. Thank you, dear! I'm not sure if they still offer the recruitment, Marxie will usually update it on her blog. I will inform you via email if they're searching for new reviewers again ^^

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  6. I really like Smashbox's Photofinish Primer. I've had primers that flake also.

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    1. I have yet to try Smashbox :D Thanks for the recommendation, Kim!

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  7. Hello Michelle!

    Lovely to meet you~ I'm happy to be part of the Beautifan family with other wonderful bloggers.

    I have yet to try anything from Sephora because we actually don't have a store here in Sydney yet. But it is coming soon! Finally!

    I absolutely adore Gong Hyo Jin, she was great in the Master's Sun! I might start watching It's Okay, It's Love later since the reviews are all very positive. ^_^

    CLICK HERE - for Korean beauty and fashion!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Sandy! Thanks for visiting back ^^ I didn't watch her in the Master's Sun because I was so scared of the ghosts LOL. Hope you enjoy the show as much as I do!

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  8. As usual I love reading your reviews Mitch but I'm sorry that I'm going to comment about dramas instead >_< I've been watching It's Okay, It's Love as well and Fated To Love You ~ It's been a while since I've watch dramas and It's Okay, It's Love so far is great. I love how it's different from the typical Korean Dramas and the cast of the drama is great :)

    sarahfourtwo.blogspot.com

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    1. I'm glad you liked the show too! I don't watch Fated To Love You, I did watch the first episode though. Maybe I should give it another try :D Marriage Not Dating is totally recommended too, it's super funny ^^

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  9. I love primers! I use one from Smashbox though :) great post anyway dear! Keep it up :)

    new travel photo diary up my blog!
    ROUGH & TOUGH☯ | I`m on Bloglovin!

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    Replies
    1. I don't regularly use primers, but I love how it covers my pores and helps to smooth my skin. I have yet to try Smashbox, thanks for the recommendation :)

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  10. Yeah, primers are something sooooo personal and subjective, it's hard to tell whether one will work for you based on someone else's review. I'm using Dior's Pore Minimizer now and I absolutely adore it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love Dior cosmetics, so far from my experience the quality is always nice, albeit rather expensive. Thanks for the recommendation, dear.

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  11. I've used the Ultra-Smoothing Primer before and I didn't like it that match either... I liked the silky effect, but it didn't control the oils at all!

    http://cups-and-roses.blogspot.gr/

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  12. I never use any sephora's product, but i feel you :(

    Http://www.twinklelittleheels.com

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  13. Oily t-zones are such an issue! I have dry skin as a general rule, but my t-zone is a nightmare area.. I've never tried Sephora products before and although I may well try their other products (ligploss), I'll be giving their skin products a miss!! Thanks heaps for sharing and have a fabulous week!

    http://findmethoseheels.blogspot.co.uk/
    - I follow back on bloglovin' -

    x

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  14. Oh my God, I'm so sorry to hear this is REALLY no good for you! I feel that a lot of silicone-heavy primers make skin smooth, but offers absolutely no oil control or even extra wear time. This sounds like one of those!

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  15. Sorry these products didn't work for you babe! I have such an oily T zone so if you find one that works let me know!! :) Great review anyway loved reading your honest thoughts on the products!

    Gabby xo

    Blog - What She Buys / Instagram / Twitter


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  16. I'm really sensitive when it comes to primer, I also get break outs from primers. I love benefit's theporefessional though it's not really a primer... it's more of a balm. :)

    www.beautychapter.net

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  17. How about 15 Hrs Primer by Benefits?
    ^^

    missdjoen.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Hmm, I don't know dear, I have yet to try Benefit's primer. The packaging really looks cute tho' :D

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  18. same here
    it's okay if a product doesn't work out
    everytime i try a new product, i pray that its not going to broke me out
    that's the important thing :p
    have you tried benefit porefessional ?
    heard that it has great result

    http://amourpixie.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. I have yet to try Benefit's primer :D I've seen lots of rave reviews about it too ^^

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  19. i never tried any primer before, i think i should try sephora,
    gonna search it in sephora store that has just opened in indonesia ^^
    nice post~!
    Congrats for you achievement in Beautifan :)

    Http://LinaParamita.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lina ^^ Yup, let me know if you find this in Sephora Jakarta, because I'm pretty sure the one in Singapore doesn't have these primers. They have different primer packaging (and formula, perhaps) for Sephora SEA.

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  20. Looks interesting product. I really want to try Sephora Anti-Shine Foundation Primer out.
    Sephora Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer and Anti-Shine Foundation Primer.

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  21. Dear Mitch, have a nice Friday!
    Thanks for this accurate review :)

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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  22. Great post, you have such a lovely blog, I like the way you write is such a nice read :)
    I`m following you now on GFC, maybe you can check out my blog and follow back if you like it, would be great :)
    Hope to hear from you
    Have a great day :)

    http://dreamland1234.blogspot.com/

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  23. Ugh, I myself hate silicone primers! I've been loving this new one Im trying from PIXI Beauty which is their Flawless Beauty Primer - silicone-free, baby! :) And it reminds me a lot of the Guerlain Meteorites primer I've finished up a bottle of already :)

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    1. I have yet to try Pixi Beauty, I've seen many reviewers talking about it, but unfortunately it's not available here in Indonesia *sigh* Thanks for the recommendation!

      Delete
  24. What a shame about those primers, I usually find primers so effective! x

    Beauty Soup || UK Beauty Blog

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  25. Thanks for the honest review on the primer! I'm into K-drama too. Gonna check out them out. TGIF! xoxo
    Luxury Haven

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  26. Lovely helpful review, thanks for sharing Mitch :) x

    The Belle Narrative

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  27. LOL! Love this post and how you've managed to write a review on products and Kdramas! hahahah I'm a Kdrama newbie and slowly getting past the popular ones (just finished Cunning Single Lady/ My Love from another star) and onto the next! I'll check out the rest of your feed for your faves hun!

    Thank you for the blog visit babe, hope to see you back soon!

    xo-Julie
    Peace. Love. LOL!

    Haute Khuuture Blog

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    Replies
    1. Hahaha I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. Kdramas are so addictive :D MLFAS is definitely the best one!

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  28. The best primer I've ever tried is Laura Mercier one, seriously, it's soooo good!

    Mademoiselle-Lala.com

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    1. Thank you for the recommendation, dear! I'd check it out ^^

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  29. Thank you for this post, very helpful to me. I am planning to buy my first primer and I am reading TONS of reviews to know what would be best and what to avoid.

    Shireen

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  30. Hello, just came across to ur blog. It’s lovely. Recently I have started blogging wld be glad if u chk out my blog and follow me at GFC.i am following u now. Hope to hear from u.xoxo.

    http://proxyprixi.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-body-shop-eau-de-toilette-satsuma.html

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  31. Oh may thanks for your honest review
    xx

    www.sakuranko.com

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  32. salam kenal dear

    aku nominasikan kamu di liebster awards nih
    cek
    http://imlexa.blogspot.com/2014/08/my-first-award-is-liebster-awards.html#more

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  33. i heard marriage not dating is a really good drama! great review xx

    Letters To Juliet

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  34. looks nice. Jux watch fininish Angel Eyes... They are nice too.
    Do free to drop n comment my post n follow me
    Tokkii-autumn.blogspot.kr

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  35. Oh Dear... I haven't tried any primer before, I got super sensitive skin T_T
    Btw I love Jo InSung!! He's so cute hehe <3 <3

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  36. I have yet to try Sephora products but I'm definitely going to skip out on this one. By the way, you can still return the products if you bought them on your debit /credit card because they keep a digital receipt. The only catch is that they will give a store credit instead of cash :)

    xoxo
    - Sierra Calah ♥ http://www.berrystylishofficial.com/

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  37. i used bb cream too, but it destroy my skin :(

    http://www.twinklelittleheels.com

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  38. I've never tried primers in my life, i dont think i will want one. aren't most primers made from silica? lots of people said that they broke out from it so i'm just nope. reading your reviews i don't see a single positive one of this product lol. if oil control isn't helping then i don't see the point of a primer tbh.

    I'm currently watching those two dramas as well! it's ok it's love was like a little boring regular drama at first for me but until i realized who kwangsoo is in that drama (well not that i'm a fan of exo but his character as jo insungs imagination, i thought that was really...something) LOVE THE SONG <3 i only know it's ok it's love by davichi and i've been raping the replay button on that, but now i have two to rape the button on!! i think marriage not dating is funny but (not as funny as my love from another star which literally is the drama that can make me laugh more than i should really).

    i tagged you btw, hopefully this is not considered as spam :<
    http://qorea.blogspot.com/2014/08/liebster-award.html

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    1. OMG HOW CAN I CONSIDER THIS COMMENT AS A SPAM?! T__T
      Thank you so much for the award, Belinda ^^
      There's actually some silicones-free primers, Sephora brand has that kind of primer too if I'm not mistaken. Not sure if it's good or not, though.
      Oh, you're not the only one who thought IOIL was a bit boring at first, I gave this drama a try just because of LKS too and of course JIS hahaha.. I don't know much about EXO too, but D.O's acting skill really amazes me considering this is his debut drama. Can't wait to see this week's episodes! The preview is just too cute :D

      Delete
  39. wow that korean drama !

    fazleenkamarudin.blogspot.com

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  40. I haven't tried these primers but it's such a shame to hear they didn't work for you as I thought they would have been good but then again not everything is going to be perfect! :)

    Layla xx

    www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

    ReplyDelete