Primers

Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Illuminating Face Primer – $12

Overall Rating: (4 / 5)

Performance Rating: (4 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Processed Fragrance: None

The description of this primer on the Burt’s Bees website reads, “A lightweight and breathable makeup primer with natural minerals and moisturizing avocado oil for an illuminating finish while hydrating your skin. Naturally formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, or petrolatum.”

This description makes it seem that the reason to use this primer is for its skincare benefits and for the slight glow that the mica in the product may provide.

I thus wonder if this product also has any other benefits such as filling pores or helping makeup to last longer.

Most of the ingredients in this product consist of synthetic laboratory-created substances, including moisturizers, thickeners and preservatives.

I wonder if the xanthan gum is acting as the main barrier agent since I am not really seeing anything else that might be accomplishing that.

My experience with the product is that while it does provide a mild blurring effect to the skin, it is not very noticeable.

I’ve not really noticed it making much of a difference in terms of helping makeup to last longer.

Although the product contains a long list of synthetic ingredients, EWG flags just three of these as potentially problematic: sodium hydroxide (which is lye), phenoxyethanol (a commonly used preservative), and natural fragrance.

Like many Burt’s Bees products, this primer has an unspecified natural fragrance that smells on the fruity side. While this scent is not appealing to me, I have found that it has dissipated almost immediately after application and that the short exposure when I was putting it on was tolerable.

I don’t feel like my face has been bothered by this primer, and I think it looks okay on my skin.

I’m not convinced that it does anything for me beyond what my skincare products were doing already though.

Size: 1 oz.

Ulta Rating: 4.7 Stars (49 reviews)

Credo Clean: Meets Criteria

Clean at Sephora: Unclear

Drunk Elephant Clean: No

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Natural Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid.)

EWG Product Rating: 5 (yellow)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Natural fragrance (8), Sodium hydroxide (4), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Citric Acid, Citronellol.)

Fragrance Ingredients: Natural fragrance

All Ingredients: Water, decyl cocoate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, avocado oil, propanediol, sorbitan stearate, glycerin, mica, titanium dioxide, xanthan gum, sucrose cocoate, sodium phytate, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, fragrance*, phenoxyethanol, citronellol. *parfum naturel/natural fragrance

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Exa Jump Start Smoothing Primer – $34

♣ Living Clean Superstar

Overall Rating: (5 / 5)

Performance Rating: (5 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Processed Fragrance: None

This primer was developed by Credo (a retailer of cleaner beauty products) as a companion for its house brand of foundation, the Exa High Fidelity Foundation.

The website copy reads, “Exa Jump Start Smoothing Primer is a vegan primer in a universally flattering shade that doubles as skin care. The formula includes soothing cocoa fruit powder, CoQ10 and free radical-fighting fatty acids from raspberry seed to protect skin against blue-light damage. Positively charged quartz crystals magically extend the wear of your makeup and deliver a breakthrough blurring effect-like a photo filter, but IRL! This cruelty-free primer is made with 97% natural, gluten-free ingredients, is safe for sensitive skin and approved by dermatologists.”

The product appears to be an opaque pinky-beige when squirted onto the back of my hand and does seem to give a very slight blurring to my skin when applied to my face.

The feeling is less slick than I have found to be the case with primers containing any silicone at all, but still is smoother than my bare skin.

Although I was not that happy to see both phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol used (apparently as preservatives) in this product, they do not seem to have had an appreciably negative effect on my skin.

I have not found that using this product has made too much of a difference in terms of how well my Exa foundation or other foundation has worn on my skin, but perhaps it would matter more for those with a different skin type than I have.

I think it’s been fairly effective at protecting my skin from problematic makeup ingredients.

Ellen’s Comments: “Decent blurring, slight tint. Not very tacky. Slight smell but not offensive.”

Size: 1.1 oz.

Credo Rating: 4.6 Stars (112 reviews)

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Yes

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol)

Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)

EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4), Benzyl alcohol (6).

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients: Water, caprylic/capric triglyceride, stearyl alcohol, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate citrate, cetearyl alcohol, silica, raspberry seed oil, glyceryl caprylate, cocoa powder, ubiquinone, sodium anisate, sodiym levulinate, galactoarabinan, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol.

Glossier Future Dew – $26

♣ Living Clean Superstar

Overall Rating: (5 / 5)

Performance Rating: (5 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Processed Fragrance: None

Silicone Level: None

The description of this product reads, “A shortcut to the way your skin looks after a full skincare routine—dewy, glowing, cared-for—in one long-wearing product. Nourishing oils (that don’t feel greasy) immediately give you a gleamy, well-moisturized look that lasts up to 12 hours. Powerful plant-based extracts work to make your skin look brighter, instantly and over time. Use it as the last step in your skincare routine after moisturizer, serums, and sunscreen. Doesn’t interfere with makeup—just makes skin dewier.”

This is a thick translucent enhanced oil product with just a very slight amount of sheen from the mica.

While I don’t think that this product likely would help foundation to perform better or serve as protection from problematic foundation ingredients, I do think that it can serve as a nice base for foundation and can help the skin look better if no foundation is being used.

I also can see mixing it with a too-heavy foundation to thin it out a bit and to give a lower-coverage look.

It feels good on my skin and hasn’t caused any irritation.

The ingredient list also looks pretty good to me.

Size: 1 oz.

Contains Silicone: No

Glossier Rating: 4.3 Stars (1680 reviews)

Credo Clean: Meets Criteria

Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Yes

EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Titanium dioxide (3)

Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil, Evodia Rutaecarpa fruit extract, Rosemary leaf oil

All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Isoamyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Butylene Glycol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Propanediol, Isohexadecane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Evening Primrose Oil, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Grape Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Pentaoleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Tin Oxide, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.

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Grown Alchemist Anti-Pollution Primer – $42

Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Processed Fragrance: Grapefruit Oil, Lavender Oil, Rose Absolute Oil

The description of this product reads: “Grown Alchemist Anti-Pollution Primer is a lightweight, detoxifying facial primer that absorbs quickly and works to protect and smooth skin. This silicone-free gel primer hydrates skin and works to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function, while blurring pores to create a flawless look. This primer is formulated with Indian ginseng root extract and powerful peptides to protect skin cells from blue light emissions and environmental stressors. Prebiotic-peptide works to enhance the skin’s microbiota to help improve epidermal barrier function, boost hydration and protect the skin.”

I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.

Size: 1.69 oz.

Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (45 reviews)

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria

Drunk Elephant Clean: No

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Essential Oils, Benzyl Alcohol)

Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Grapefruit Peel Oil (3), Benzyl Alcohol (6). (Also contains Lavender Oil, Rose Absolute Flower Oil.)

Fragrance Ingredients: Withania somnifera root extract, Grapefruit peel oil, Lavender oil, Rose absolute flower oil

All Ingredients: Water, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Fructose, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Mushroom Extract, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Lavender Oil, Rose Absolute Flower Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid.

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Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum – $52

Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Processed Fragrance: None

The description of this product on the Ilia website reads, “Bridging the gap between makeup and skincare, Ilia’s True Skin Radiant Priming Serum does more than create a perfect base for makeup application. Utilizing ingredients like Hibiscus Extract, Aloe and Beta-Glucan, this silicone-free primer helps to firm, moisturize and soothe skin, while protecting it from harmful environmental factors that cause aging. Upon application, the serum has a tightening effect that diminishes the look of pores and fine lines, while improving skin texture on dry down for a silky and soft-to-the-touch feel. Skin is left with a radiant glow and prepped for effortless makeup application that lasts.”

I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.

Size: 1 oz.

Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (974 reviews)

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Yes

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid)

Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Benzyl alcohol (6), Sodium hydroxide (4), Benzoic acid (3), Titanium dioxide (3).

Fragrance Ingredients: Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract

All Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maltose, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Propanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Mastic Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Mica, Calcium Gluconate, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Beta- Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Titanium Dioxide.

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Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum – $38

♥ Lisa’s Choice

♣ Living Clean Superstar

Overall Rating: (5 / 5)

Performance Rating: (5 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)

Processed Fragrance: None

The description of this product reads, “A lightweight, bi-phase serum that instantly hydrates and plumps skin for a healthy glow. Weightless formula absorbs quickly into skin with zero residue, leaving it plumped, hydrated, and prepped for makeup. Designed to complement The Minimalist but can be used with any complexion product to give skin a healthy glow. Four types of hyaluronic acid target multiple layers of skin to lock in hydration for all-day moisture. Niacinamide helps brighten skin and smooth texture. Caffeine-rich cacao seed extract stimulates blood flow for an immediate plumping effect. Japanese goldthread root helps soothe skin. Supports a healthy skin barrier over time. Formulated without acne-triggering ingredients.”

I have yet to finish trying out this product but will write a review with details soon.

Size: 1.69 oz.

Credo Clean: Meets Criteria

Clean at Sephora: Yes

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Yes

EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)

EWG Problem Ingredients: None. (Contains Citric Acid.)

Fragrance Ingredients: None.

All Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isononyl Isononanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Cocoa Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Dextrin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate.

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Rituel de Fille Thorn Oil Priming Facial Elixir – $68

♣ Living Clean Superstar

Overall Rating: (5 / 5)

Performance Rating: (5 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Processed Fragrance: Rose Oil

The description of this product reads, “This extraordinary vegan facial oil appears in the bottle as a blood red, in the dropper as a soft blush, and on the skin as entirely colorless. Thorn Oil is absolutely beautiful on its own, but its interplay with the skin is even more extraordinary. We have formulated this face priming oil from opulent, skin-loving ingredients to impart moisture and glow without leaving shine after absorption. As a makeup priming oil, it creates the perfect base for full-face application of any of our products. On makeup-free days, it draws out a lit-from-within radiance and beautifully healthy finish from your skin unlike anything else; the effect is plumped, luminous—almost like you’re wearing the most perfect subtle highlighter for your complexion after a long, restful night of sleep. Named for the thorns of a rose, Thorn Oil Priming Facial Elixir is blended from two parts of the plant—the blossom and the fruit—along with carefully selected, perfectly balanced, luxuriant organic ingredients.”

This face oil is fairly thick and reddish in color, with a distinct rose scent.

The main ingredients are marula oil, rosa canina fruit oil, jojoba oil, and caprylic/capric triglyceride (typically derived from coconuts).

I feel that (apart from the scent and the added color) this product is fairly similar to the Drunk Elephant marula oil, except that this one quickly dries down to a finish that feels to me slightly waxy rather than slightly oily.

I suppose that this is due to the addition of the acacia gum and maybe some of the other added ingredients.

I do like this product and can see that it could be a good base for oil-based cosmetics, such as Rituel de Fille’s new foundation serum as well as their concealers, blushes and highlighters.

A couple of the ingredients in the formula – including the rose oil and the citric acid – seem to be used as preservatives and may be problematic for some sensitive people.

In response to my query about the citric acid, a representative for the company wrote to me the following: “The citric acid in our Thorn Oil formula is a stabilizer for red radish root and purple sweet potato extracts, accounting for about 4% of those specific ingredients. Our supplier has shared with us that this citric acid is made from the fermentation of corn. However, this citric acid is manufactured neither from nor by GMOs and has a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of GMs.”

Although I do find the rose scent of this product to be unexpectedly strong, my skin seems to do fine with it.

I think that this has worked well for me under foundation (especially oil-based ones) as well as on its own.

Size: 1 oz.

Rituel de Fille Rating: 4.8 Stars (70 reviews)

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria

Drunk Elephant Clean: No

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Yes

EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil (3), Rosa damascena essential oil (3), Acacia senegal gum (3). (Also contains Citric acid.)

Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa Damascena Essential Oil

All Ingredients: Marula Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Rosemary Leaf Extract*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Rosa Damascena Essential Oil*, Radish Root Extract, Purple Sweet Potato Root Extract, Citric Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Maltodextrin. *Certified Organic

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RMS Beauty “Re” Evolve Radiance Locking Primer – $40

♣ Living Clean Superstar

Overall Rating: (5 / 5)

Performance Rating: (5 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild

Processed Fragrance: Bergamot Oil, Orange Oil, Lavender Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Rose Geranium Oil, Common Myrtle Oil, Mugwort Oil, Rose Oil, Galbanum Resin Oil, Limonene, Linalool

The RMS website states, “Formulated with skin-firming Tightenyl, moisture-rich vegetable squalane, hyaluronic acid and eggplant fruit extract, this gel-textured primer visibly smooths the skin’s appearance and leaves skin looking radiant while allowing makeup to apply flawlessly. Innovative, refillable package. It locks in skincare, grips makeup all day, and boosts hydration for up to 24 hours.”

Unlike most of the classic RMS makeup products, this primer (introduced in 2020) uses a variety of synthetic ingredients designed to boost product performance.

The product puts a somewhat sticky and mildly glowy finish on my face, and I do think that makeup in general works better for me when I use this primer.

The product provides a finish that seems to me pretty grippy, but without the lack of breathability of many silicone-based primers.

I have found that it helps foundations of all types to go on better and last longer, without being as difficult to remove as most silicone-based primers.

This product also contains a number of essential oils that (according to RMS founder Rose-Marie Swift) are designed to soften the smell of the synthetic ingredients in the formula.

The included oils are bergamot, orange, lavender, juniper, rose geranium, myrtle, mugwort, rose and galbanum. Limonene and linalool (processed botanical fragrances) also are included.

I feel like the amounts of essential oils in the product must be pretty small since I do not detect much of a scent to it.

In addition, even though the primer contains rose geranium oil (which my skin does not like), I have been able to use it with just a tiny bit of irritation.

That is still more irritation than I would want to experience on a regular basis, and so I have only used some sample bottles of the product.

I suspect that many sensitive people would do okay with this product, though.

Note, by the way, that when I first tried the product in tear-open trial-size packages, the smell seemed unpleasant to me.

I think that this must have been due to rancidity, since the smell of the product in the little plastic bottles has been okay for me.

That is something that I would keep in mind if I wanted to buy a full-size version of the product – that I would want to plan to return the product right away if it smelled bad to me and to use it up quickly if it smelled okay.

Refills for this product are $32.

Size: 1 oz.

Sephora Rating: 4.7 Stars (104 reviews)

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Yes

Drunk Elephant Clean: No

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Essential Oils, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Orange Oil (5), Rose Geranium Flower Oil (4), Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate (4), Rose Flower Oil (3), Limonene (5), Linalool (3), Titanium Dioxide (3). (Also contains Bergamot Fruit Oil, Lavender Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Myrtus Communis Oil, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil, Galbanum Resin Oil.)

Fragrance Ingredients: Bergamot fruit oil, Orange peel oil, Eggplant fruit extract, Lavender oil, Juniperus virginiana oil, Rose geranium oil, Balsam copaiba resin, Myrtus communis oil, Aremisia vulgaris oil, Rose damascena flower oil, Galbanum resin oil, Limonene, Linalool

All Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Tricaprylin, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Polyurethane-15, Betaine, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tromethamine, Polyisobutene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Mica, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Bergamot Fruit Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Squalane (vegetable), Orange Peel Oil, Tin Oxide, Eggplant Fruit Extract, Lavender Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Balsam Copaiba Resin, Sodium Glucuronate, Magnesium Sulfate, Myrtus Communis Oil, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Galbanum Resin Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.

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Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer – $42

Overall Rating: (2 / 5)

Performance Rating: (2 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: Mild

Processed Fragrance: None

The description of this product on the Smashbox website reads, “This hydrating primer creates a breathable, silky barrier that perfects the canvas by smoothing skin and strengthening it against damage from environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light. This vegan and cruelty-free formula delivers a fresh, healthy look with a dewy finish.”

The product is stated as including triple hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, antioxidants, probiotic extract, vitamins and algae.

This is a thin, slightly sticky formula with a very slight floral scent.

I thought that it looked okay on my skin and provided a tacky surface that may be appropriate for many kinds of makeup.

Unfortunately, my skin does not like this product and itches quite a bit when I try to wear it.

I am not sure what the reason for this is, but I suspect that perhaps the algae extract may be contaminated with cyanotoxin or some other kind of problematic ingredient.

The product does contain some unspecified amount of BHT (which is why it has an ingredients rating of 3), but that has not bothered me in any other products.

Ellen’s Comments: “Very nice. Goes on smoothly. Minimizes pores.”

Size: 1 oz.

Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 2022

Sephora Rating: 4.6 Stars (216 reviews)

Credo Clean: No

Clean at Sephora: No (Meets Criteria)

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Algae Extract)

Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)

EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), BHT (3), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Algae Extract,Yeast Extract, Trehalose.)

Fragrance Ingredients: Lycium chinese fruit extract, Rosa hybrid flower extract, Cranberry fruit extract, Blueberry fruit extract

All Ingredients: Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Isopropyl Isostearate, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Sodium Polyaspartate, Algae Extract, Caffeine, Lactobacillus Ferment, Yeast Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract, Cranberry Fruit Extract, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pantethine, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Propanediol, Nylon-12, Silica, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate.

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Victoria Beckham Cell Rejeuvenating Priming Moisturizer – $95

♣ Living Clean Superstar

Overall Rating: (5 / 5)

Performance Rating: (5 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Processed Fragrance: None

The Victoria Beckham website states, “Priming Moisturizer lays the groundwork for a youthful, glowy complexion. This lightweight daily moisturizer brings out the best in skin—deep hydration and radiance, blurred pores and smooth, firm texture. Backed by 30 years of research, Priming Moisturizer is developed with cell rejuvenating TFC8® technology and supercharged clean actives for long-term, skin-perfecting results. Test results confirm, this moisturizer speeds up your skin’s natural cell turnover process, revealing smoother, softer, brighter skin. TFC8 guides key nutrients and powerful natural ingredients to the skin, creating an optimal environment for cellular repair and renewal. Natural Papaya Enzymes gently and naturally brighten and soften, resulting in clear, smooth skin. Natural Black Tea Ferment plumps and smooths the skin while increasing radiance. Micro Algae Extract works to enhance elasticity and collagen production for improved firmness—skin feels tightened and lifted. Instantly, pores are diminished, lines and discolouration are blurred—Priming Moisturizer enhances your own radiance when worn alone on bare skin or under makeup. Nutrient-rich Avocado Oil intensely nourishes the skin. Blurring Powders help minimize the appearance of lines and imperfections, creating a perfect canvas for makeup. Natural, Plant-Derived Polymer acts as a breathable film on the skin, allowing makeup to apply smoothly without clogging pores.”

This primer is made for Victoria Beckham by a luxury skincare company called Augustinus Bader, which is based in the UK and was founded by a medical doctor from Germany.

While at first I thought that this primer was outrageously expensive, after I looked at the prices that Augustinus Bader charges for its skincare products, this primer started to seem almost reasonable in comparison.

After hearing good things about this primer from some “beauty gurus,” I purchased a half-ounce bottle of it for $60 to give it a try.

One of the first things that happened was that the glass bottle rolled off the counter and hit the tile floor, causing the bottle to chip.

I’ve never had any other beauty items end up on the floor like that and feel like this is a bit of a design flaw. Fortunately, the bottle did not entirely shatter and I have been able to use the product.

Other than that incident, I have liked this primer a lot.

It is pleasant to apply and mostly seems to disappear onto my skin, leaving just the slightest bit of a tacky surface to prep the skin for makeup usage.

I think that all the makeup that I have tried has worked well with it.

The product feels fine on my skin without causing any irritation, and I am not noting any smell at all.

This was a pleasant surprise since the product includes several ingredients considered to be problematic by EWG (including sodium hydroxide, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, polysorbate-80 and citric acid) and would not be eligible to be sold by Credo

The moisturizers in the product include avocado oil, sodium hyaluronate, and some coconut-derived ingredients.

While I don’t know that the primer is actually as good for my skin as the description claims, I do like this product and have enjoyed using it.

I doubt I will buy it again anytime soon, just because it is so expensive.

This primer is available in two versions – Original (which I have found to be very mildly shimmery) and Golden (which is supposedly much more shimmery).

Ellen’s Comments: “Excellent coverage. Minimizes pores. Scent neutral. I like this a lot.”

Size: 1 oz.

Victoria Beckham Rating: 4.5 Stars (435 reviews)

Credo Clean: No

Clean at Sephora: No

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Polysorbate-80, Citric Acid)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Sodium Hydroxide (5), Propylene Glycol (3), Sodium Benzoate (3), Polysorbate-80 (3). (Also contains Citric Acid.)

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients: Water, glycerin, triethylhexanoin, ethylhexyl polyhydroxystearate, isostearyl isostearate, saccharomyces/xylinum/black tea ferment, 1,2-hexanediol, octyldodecyl myristate, avocado oil, silica, sodium acrylates copolymer, titanium dioxide, potassium cetyl phosphate, tfc-8, sodium hyaluronate, papain, synthetic fluorphlogopite, chlorella vulgaris extract, lecithin, sodium polyacrylate, panthenol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, citric acid, cetyl palmitate, sorbitan stearate, tocopherol, sodium hydroxide, caprylyl glycol, carbomer, n-hydroxysuccinimide, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, tin oxide, algin, o-cymen-5-ol, polysorbate 80, potassium sorbate, hydrogenated lecithin, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10

W3LL People Bio Brightener Priming Serum – $25

Overall Rating: (4 / 5)

Performance Rating: (3 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Processed Fragrance: Hemp Oil

The W3LL People website states with regard to this product, “Create a smooth canvas for long-lasting makeup with this skin brightening serum. The ultimate skincare and makeup hybrid, the weightless formula conditions and preps your face for a silky application while restoring skin’s healthy radiance. Skin-boosting botanicals like Aloe Vera, Broccoli Seed Oil, and Jojoba Oil work to hydrate, soothe, and even out skin tone, promoting a youthful, glowing complexion. Use to prime skin for long-lasting makeup or alone to give skin a dewy glow.”

This new primer from W3LL People is on the glossy/shiny side, to the point that I would not want to use it unless I were wearing foundation on top.

In addition, even though it appears matte beige when I put a drop on my hand, my face appears more reddish than usual when I have it on. The difference when I have tried it on just one side of my face is quite noticeable.

I do not exactly feel that my face is being irritated by the product, but I’m not sure why else this could be happening.

Although the ingredients list looks pretty clean, maybe I am reacting to (say) glyphosate contamination of the oats or mycotoxin contamination of the hemp since those things are particular problems for me. It’s hard to know.

Although this primer does not contain any silicone, the texture of the product when it is on my face is slick enough that I would have guessed that it had a moderate amount of silicone in it if I didn’t know better.

Personally, trying the product a few times has been enough for me and I don’t think I will be using it again.

Conceivably other people might do better with it if they do not have the same reactivities that I do though.

Ellen’s Comments: “Nice primer, very light, very iridescent.”

Size: 1.75 oz.

W3LL People Rating: 4.9 Stars (7 reviews)

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Yes

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Yes

EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Aloe vera (3). (Also contains Citric Acid.)

Fragrance Ingredients: Cannabis sativa seed oil, Orange peel extract.

All Ingredients: Water, coco-caprylate, coconut alkanes, glycerin, brassica campestris/aleurites fordioil copolymer, cocoa seed butter, candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters, glyceryl stearate, coconut oil, broccoli seed oil, shea butter, synthetic fluorphlogopite, cetearyl alcohol, sodium stearoyl lactylate, titanium dioxide, hydroxyacetophenone, hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglycerides, mica, oat bran extract, xanthan gum, coco-caprylate/caprate, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, 1,2-hexandiol, caprylyl glycol, caffeine, cannabis sativa seed oil, sodium phytate, orange peel extract, citric acid, iron oxide, tin oxide