I’ve been meaning to review this for awhile, but, like my favourite perfumes, I tend to be at a loss for words when it comes to reviewing things I love. What should be an objective description and assessment comes off as gushing. Well, I guess that’s ok, and gird your loins for some gushing.
I love the “idea” of a make up primer- mattifying, smoothing and a reduction of shine. Sounds good, right? Sadly 99% of primers out there are loaded with silicone. If your primer rolls between your fingers with a lot of “slip” chances are that is the silicone. It’s ubiquitous and I am always amazed at the broad range of beauty products that contain silicone. So back to the Exuberance Beauty Helichrysum Silicone-Free Primer. The soft silky base in this is likely aloe but the real rockstar ingredient in this product is Helichrysm which is a plant in the sunflower family. Helichrysm is known to have unrivaled skin toning and tightening benefits, as well as regenerating qualities. This means it can help with the healing of dark spots, acne, and scars. I am all for healing skincare.
I would go so far to say that not only is this a primer that works well, but it actually improves my skin over time. Exuberance Beauty uses the best botanical ingredients money can buy and it shows. This product is full of luxury- it feels amazing and smells even better. A very soft orange blossom/neroli scent soothes and calms as you apply the product. The emphasis is on soft as the fragrance is very gentle and dissipates after a few minutes. A little goes a long way and it sinks right into the skin. Results are visible immediately and as a user of very light bases for my make up, I often wear just this with some concealer where I need it (under eyes, sides of nose and random spots-sigh) and some powder and I’m good to go! It feels healing and soothing to my oily, acne prone yet sensitive skin as well as creating a smooth, shine free canvas for make up. My pores appear smaller and it keeps my oil in check. What more could you ask for in a primer? For $36 a 30ml bottle will go a long way, and considering what I’ve spent in the past, this is a small price to pay for the wonderful effects of this primer.