Product Review: Makeup Prepping With Camellia Rose Skin Smoothing Primer

(Picture above represents the 1/2oz. size which is no longer available for purchase!)

CAMELLIA ROSE SKIN SMOOTHING PRIMER V2.0 1oz./$24 USD
http://www.camellia-rose.com/

"This is the second version of our Skin Smoothing Primer. We're calling it Version 2.0!

We took out the squalane and red raspberry which some gals are sensitive to and have added two oils that rarely cause reactions at all, Camellia Oil and Rice Bran Oil! We have kept Watermelon Seed Oil, because it is so great for the skin and also rarely causes a reaction. You could say this is the sensitive version! But this works for any skin type :)

It works perfectly as a base under your mineral makeup. You only need a small amount to cover your entire face.

We suggest using the dab pat smooth method, then letting it dry for about 2-3 minutes before applying your makeup."

INGREDIENTS
Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Camellia Oil, Watermelon Seed Oil, Rice Bran Oil (cold pressed oils!)

Price: 4 of 5
Packaging: 2 of 5
Product Texture: 5 of 5
Smell: 4 of 5
Overall: 5 of 5

PRICE
The original price for the 1oz. container is $24.00 and can sometimes be seen on sale for $18.95 on the website. Be sure to check what the current price is going for.

My initial reaction to anything costing nearly $20 for a single product that's not a name brand, whether it goes a long way or not, kicks my frugal nature into high-gear. But only after testing any product for some time, can I really attest to how much its worth my dollar. And for the Camellia Rose Skin Smoothing Primer, this price is very much justifiable.

For $24 (even better when it's on sale!), you get 1oz. of the Camellia Rose Skin Smoothing Primer in comparison to spending $36 for Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer which does the same thing. And to ease the price factor in nicely, you're paying less for the same amount of product in Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer AND it has better ingredients for your skin such as Camellia Oil, Watermelon Seed Oil, and Rice Bran Oil!

PACKAGING (based on the 1/2 oz. packaging, not the 1 oz. packaging)
Because I purchased the 1/2 oz. size before it got discontinued, it was packaged in a plastic, squeeze-tube container (as shown above). Personally, I'm not fond of this packaging as it is one of those containers that needs manpower once the final product nears the neck of the opening. The squeezing factor is great because it gives me control as to how much I can dispense but like I said, once it nears the neck, it's very hard to recoop the rest of the product without some serious thumb muscle action! Good call for Jen (Owner of Camellia-Rose.com) to only offer the 1 oz. from here on out which comes in a pump container! Plus, you get your monies worth with the 1 oz. anyways.

PRODUCT TEXTURE
When applying the Camellia Rose Skin Smoothing Primer, it leaves the skin feeling silky soft, velvety and ready for makeup application. The main ingredient that attributes to the feel of this product is Dimethicone, a silicone-based polymer, which is found being used in cosmetics and personal care products for a variety of reasons such as skin conditioning, skin protecting, anti-foaming, hair conditioning, etc... As I apply the primer to my face, it gives an initial mattifying look as it smooths and fills in fine lines.

SMELL

When it comes to products that contain natural ingredients, I've always known there to be some "stinky" ingredients which make the product less sensory-appealing. But with this product, it houses a very subtle aroma of watermelon with a hint of Camellia Oil (which I only know the smell of because I moisturize with it at nighttime) which is not overwhelming at all to the senses. I'm not exactly sure what Rice Bran Oil smells like, but even if it is noticeable, the overall smell is rather pleasant.

I do wish there was a bit more fragrance as the aroma is very subtle, but it's not something I'll be losing sleep over.

APPLICATION METHOD
Jen suggests to use the "dab, pat, smooth" method when using her Skin Smoothing Primer. I find that this method works well for me as does using a duo-fibre skunk brush like the MAC 187.

When using the "dab, pat, smooth" method, it is exactly that - dab, pat, and smooth the product around your face. But always remember that when applying any product to your face using your hands and fingers, to apply gentle pressure so as not to stretch your skin which promotes wrinkles.

When applying with a duo-fibre skunk brush, such as the MAC 187, I place a very small amount of product to the palm of my hand, dab the tips of the bristles in the primer, stipple the product around my face then buff in a circular motion to evenly distribute.

WHAT I LIKE

• Little goes a very long way with this product! (Translation: Bang for the buck! YAY!)
• It contains natural ingredients like Camellia Oil (hair and skin conditioning properties), Watermelon Seed Oil (moisturizing, quick absorbing, rick in Omega 6 and 9 EFAs, dissolves sebum buildup), and Rice Bran Oil (collagen formation, antioxidant).
• The way it makes the skin feel smooth and velvety.
• The delicate smell of watermelon.
• Didn't break me out.

WHAT I DISLIKE

• The 1/2 oz. packaging. This won't matter however because this size will no longer be available.

OVERALL

This is definitely a makeup staple in my book. If you're looking for a makeup primer that is very similar to the touch and feel of Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer but with some natural ingredients that have great benefits (not to mention a waaay better price tag!), you should take some time to go to Camellia-Rose.com and check it out. I actually just placed my order for a 1 oz. bottle and should be receiving it just on time for my birthday! A little treat to myself.

Do you have a makeup primer that you enjoy just as much?

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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