HOURGLASS

 Illusion Priming Moisturizer

Most Helpful Positive Review

Very Pretty and Effective Primer

**purchased with my own money** I purchased this product with my own money from Ulta. I am a licensed Esti as well as freelance makeup artist, so I have used a good amount of products in my 20+ year career. For reference, I have drier skin with pores in my t-zone that are more visible than anywher...e else. My t-zone also gets a bit oily throughtout the day, but nothing to the extent that I must powder or look super greasy. I will, however, have to powder in the summer. It just is what it is, no matter what I use. This product feels really pretty and extremely comfortable on the skin once it dries down. I've tested it for about two+ weeks now and it plays well with all of my other products used, even my mineral spf. However, I do not use this as a primary moisturizer, as I do not think it's hydrating enough for my dry skin on its own. I'm ok with that because this works beautifully to prime and, as previously stated, it sits well on top of all of my other skincare. I apply this last over my normal AM routine and then I apply my makeup. I have found this has meshed well with both my water and silicone based foundations, tinted moisturizers and concealers. I also believe that it makes a substantial difference in the way my makeup looks and extends the wear-time. My skin/makeup still looks really pretty at the end of the day. I could actually see all skin types enjoying this because it doesn't feel like a moisturizing cream or lotion, it feels more like a primer. It's hard to explain, but it's a hybrid that's leaning more on the primer side . I would say that it feels more like a putty-like lotion-primer than moisturizer, so if you lean dry like me and think you can skip a step, you may be disappointed. When I say putty-like, it's not stiff. It is NOT a bad thing. I just don't want anyone thinking it's going to feel like a cream and spread like a cream. It does not spread like a traditional lotion or moisturizer, again, it's stiffer (but not in a bad way). I wish I could explain the texture a bit better, but it's difficult to describe. Overall, I do find myself reaching for this more frequently. I think with summer coming, I may have to use my stick primer on my nose to control the oils, but I'll have to determine that when it's warmer. It is typical for me though with any primer in the summer so thats why I mention it. That's not a deal breaker for me when considering repurchase this product (which I will do). I did knock a star off because I feel the cost is a bit excessive for what it is. I also don't go by the bottle design. While it may look pretty on a vanity or in IG pictures, just like people, it's what's inside that counts. I hope this review is helpful to those on the fence. I saw there were many incentivized reviews so I thought I'd write one up as someone who purchased it.