NARS Skin Smoothing Face Prep

I've been testing primers lately. During the last week, I told you about two, L'Oreal's Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base for the face and Guerlain's Ombre Éclat Eye Primer. Today, we move on to the latest face primer from NARS, Skin Smoothing Face Prep ($30).

The NARS Skin Smoothing Face Prep is a targeted primer for "problem areas" of the face, designed to minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores with just one application. NARS says that Skin Smoothing Face Prep prepares the skin for a flawless makeup application, but additionally is ideal for trouble spots (fine lines, large pores, rough spots, and other imperfections). The formula creates a smoother and more even canvas on which to "paint" your makeup. It creates a matte finish that leaves skin feeling comfortable, not dry or caked.

Here's the company's research. After a two-week test:

• 85% felt that it minimized the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles;
• 88% felt that product smoothed out the surface of their skin; and
  
• 75% felt that after using the product, their makeup finish was improved.

I can agree with all of those findings and marketing claims. Many of the newest primers do lightly coat the skin in a way that minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. They provide a surface your foundation can "rest on," allowing an even application and preventing the foundation from sinking into any wrinkles you may have. I can also tell you that this primer does create a matte finish, but not so matte that it takes any illuminating effects out of my foundation. In that sense, it's better for me (with my dry, dull skin) than the top-notch L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base.

Skin Smoothing Face Prep contains a "film former" (microcrystalline waxes) and anti-caking agents (coated titanium dioxide and dimethicone powders) that together create a temporary barrier for a smoother skin surface. There's also vitamin E, an antioxidant that's good for your skin, and silica, a mineral that absorbs oil.

As I mentioned when I told you about the L'Oreal primer, there are far too many women whose foundation slides off mid-morning or who break through with shine in their T-zone within a hour of two of leaving the house. If you are one of these women, have combination or oily skin, want to minimize some imperfections with a primer, or just like a matte skin finish, you should check out the NARS Skin Smoothing Face Prep. It's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

I purchased mine from Sephora.