What: Fyrinnae‘s Velvet-Gel Silica Primer
Physical: scent-free and thick, this is a translucent gel (though I would hesitate at this; perhaps calling it a “jelly” due to its thickness.) When applied, as it sinks in, it feels as if liquid is evaporating — and I think it is, as I left a tiny layer on a part of my hand to test it out and found it left a white residue.
The good: I love the price of this ($5.50/.5oz or $1 for a small sample, enough for “3-5 applications”) and the fact that it is paraben-free! Silicone-free (silica is different). Great for keeping your t-zone shine-free during the day — I’m usually a little oily by noon, but I was still fairly matte by two when I tried this!
The bad: Half my face (the dry half) didn’t love it so much: I quickly ended up with patches of very obvious dry skin that I had not noticed in my regular inspection before putting on the primer. (I always take a very good look at myself before using a new primer so I can really see the changes after I put it on… if there are any!) I miss using primers that are gorgeously silky and make your skin feel hydrated — this left not a velvet finish, but a dehydrated one, like crisp old paper.
The verdict? Yes!! but only for t-zones or very oily skin. I’m thinking of buying the full size and using it daily on my t-zone, but I refuse to even think of using this for the rest of my face. It would honestly be so angry with me that it would peel off! Very effective, not to mention, very cost-effective!
PS: I don’t love the unsanitary pot packaging, but it is a small price to pay. I’ll just move some into a smaller jar on a regular basis, or use a spatula to remove product.
