As a make-up artist, I’ll tell you this straight: your foundation is only ever as good as the skin it sits on. You can have the fanciest base on the planet, but if your canvas isn’t prepped, balanced, and primed with intention? It’s game over before you even lift your brush.
And right now, a new generation of innovative primers is rewriting the rulebook. We’re talking formulas that do way more than “smooth” and “extend wear.” These are skin treatments disguised as primers. Nourishing oils, glow-serums, pore-blurring balms, hydration boosters, and barrier builders. Which brings me to the one product currently stealing the show in my kit.
This balm-to-powder formula glides on weightlessly, then—give it 2 to 5 minutes—activates into a velvety, matte, camera-ready finish. It’s like watching your pores hit the “blur” button in real time. And yes, it works all day.
The secret weapon: Upsalite. This genius ingredient balances and absorbs excess sebum and sweat without stealing your hydration. Translation: matte where you want it, comfort everywhere else. Hyaluronic Acid boosts hydrating levels and helps to prime and plump skin. Vegan squalane is a lightweight shield against dryness and dehydration especially essential for those who think matte = moisture-sucking. (Spoiler: it doesn’t have to.)
What Makes It a Pro Essential This compact isn’t just a primer—it’s a multi-tasker with a beauty-editor attitude.
✔ Contour, bronzer, enhancer? Layer it strategically under or over makeup for extra blur and dimension.
✔ Universal blurring magic It smooths instantly, then evolves. First: soft-focus skin. Two minutes later: flawless velvet.
✔ Touch-up hero Shiny T-zone at 4 p.m.? Tap it on as an SOS matte moment. Press with fingers for a sheer, natural blur.
Final thoughts
This is skin tech disguised as simplicity. A primer that smoothes, softens, controls, enhances, and empowers your make-up to perform at its highest level. No drama, no heaviness, just magic in a compact.
If you want make-up that lasts, reflects, and refuses to budge, this is your new first step. Trust your MUA on this one. (€ 51)
DANESSA MYRICKS is available HERE