The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 ($52) is worth fighting for. The sleek lines of the frosted glass bottle make this primer hard to resist, but the addition of the naturally derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide instead of chemical sun-blocking agents make this Holy Grail material in my beauty book. Sunscreen in face makeup products tends to smell funky, but the Veil is oil-free and truly fragrance-free. I adore how this unique mineral-based, water-resistant formula manages to even out my open pores without irritating my sensitive skin, and it also calms the redness on my cheeks and around my nose, though I do recommend topping with a concealer for more coverage.Â
The Veil Mineral Primer is one of the few that actually helps my foundation last an extra hour at the end of the day since it effectively absorbs excess oil. This does not mean the Veil is like an antiperspirant deodorant for the face. It always prevented my T-Zone from looking like a greasy mess back when I had combination skin, but it left my skin feeling pampered and balanced. Though my skin is normal to slightly dry now, it still works beautifully with all my liquid foundations. When I experience seasonal dry patches, I add a little extra moisturizer before applying this primer. The Veil is not ideal for very dry skin, but if you are prepared to prep your face properly (with a hydrating serum and a rich moisturizer) and love a matte base as much as I do, this Veil primer could work for you.Â
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An importantly note is that the primer will leave a white cast upon initial application, but it absorbs into the skin quickly and leaves a brightened, satiny smooth finish. Blend quickly with fingertips for best results. I never use more than one full pump for my entire face, so my first first bottle lasted nearly a year with an average of 4 applications per week.Â
The product may be a splurge at $52, but it is worth the investment for a velvety soft base to help put your best face forward!
I had a sample of this primer and I used it for doing my make up when attending a wedding and I was taken aback by how great it worked. It is expensive but there is always the mini size version that’s more affordable and I think it’d still last a long time.
I was JUST going to mention the mini-size! I own that size actually and if you’re like me and only use primer for special occasions (bc that’s now the only time I wear foundation) then it’s perfect. Good for travel too.
Also, this primer changed my mind about silicone primers. It’s surprisingly light in texture for a silicone primer. For a while, it seemed everything with cyclopentasiloxane in it would irritate my skin. This primer is harmless on me with the occasional use–though I haven’t used it frequently or consecutively enough to know for sure.
Yes, I love that Hourglass offers the mini! It’s perfect for traveling as well 🙂
Isn’t this like crazy expensive for a primer? I like the reviews, but would you say that it’s really a lot better than Mac Prep+Prime?
Great review! 🙂 I’ve heard nothing but great things about this primer but the price just makes me stay away! I’ll have to see if I can try out a sample first and see if it’s worth it for me…
x Renee
It sounds very tempting! The price tag makes me hesitate though, I think I should try to get a sample and test it for a few days before making this expensive decision.
too high for me but primer is just tempting..
Big thumbs-up from me. I’ve been using this primer for several months now and I’m crazy about it.
I’m an events photographer who often has to work outdoors in extreme mugginess. The combination of this primer and By Terry Cover Expert foundation lasts throughout the day. I’ve used many different primers and this one is absolutely the best!
I never go a day without this primer!! It is truly amazing, and worth every single penny. The full size bottle lasts me an entire year, and I use it every day I put makeup on. I have yet to find anything comparable, and I honestly don’t even want to! I highly recommend this to all of my girlfriends with normal/combo/oily skin. I’m pretty much combo/mostly oily all year long.
My first bottle lasted an entire day as well, so the price is totally justifiable! Truly the best for combo/oily skin 🙂
This primer is amazing! I had a sample and then as soon as the VIB sale happened I grabbed it for 20% off…worth it!
It’s a steal at 20% off! Glad you’re loving it 🙂
This primer sounds very promising – I shall have to try it!
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