PRODUCT REVIEW - L'OREAL STUDIO SECRETS PRIMER

WHAT IS IT?

It's a brand new primer from the L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional range. Coloured a pale pink, the texture is squishy and soft - rather like make up's version of a blancmange. It has been featured extensively through the weekly fashion and beauty magazines as recommended by the make up artists backstage at the X Factor.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

The primer resurfaces the skin and smooths out imperfections. It can form a base for foundation or, if you are blessed with good skin, can be used alone. Additionally the primer can be used on the lips prior to applying liner and stick.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

£14.29 from Superdrug, £13.29 from Boots. When I purchased the product, it was on offer at Boots - I received 300 Boots Advantage points and a free make up bag with L'Oreal testers in addition to my purchase. I was advised that the twenty five ml tub would last for around three months, if not used over excessively.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The plus points:

• When demonstrated to me at the L'Oreal counter in Boots, I was astounded at it's ability to smooth lines and imperfections on the back of my hand.
• It undoubtedly keeps make up in place for longer, especially under the eyes and in the t-zone area.
• When applied, it keeps the area softer than a moisturiser would.
• I was pleasantly surprised as to how long such a small pot would last (three months).

The minus points:

• I'm in doubt whether it is worth the £14.29 price tag.
• From further research, it seems some reviewers have found that although it smooths lines to an extent, it does not get rid of them completely.
• I suffer from imperfect red skin (extra rosy cheeks!) and although it smooths them, allowing for foundation to applied for consistently, it failed to reduce redness.

THE VERDICT

If you're a primer user, and find that an initial layer of primer benefits you, buy this product. It is undoubtedly one of the best primers on the cosmetic market currently for smoothing lines and holding make up in place. If you're not a regular primer user, spend less on a different brand to test whether primer works for you before shelling out £14.