Sep 9, 2015

Revlon Photoready Prime + Antishine Balm


Revlon Photoready Prime + Antishine Balm


This is a new-ish primer from Revlon that is supposed to do more than just one thing. It can be worn by itself for a smooth poreless finish, under makeup or even over makeup to prolong the makeup wear and minimize shine. 
I knew what it was from the beginning - solidified silicone balm, which is not exactly a revolutionary thing. Silicones have played a major role in the cosmetic industries for many years now. They smooth, prime and mattify whether they are added in something (foundation, powder, blush or almost everything including skincare) or on its own. I am saying that Revlon Photoready Prime + Antishine Balm does the job.
The problem for me was that I couldn't fit this in any place of my makeup routine, neither under nor over.




Revlon Photoready Prime + Antishine Balm


I must credit the very original of all, Benefit Dr. Feelgood. When it first came out, we were all wowed by it's silkiness ("what kind of sorcery is this?!"), although it is basically the same thing - solidified silicone balm with talc (we didn't know that back then, did we?). At least Dr. Feelgood comes in an adorable retro tin (I love tins. Have I told you that?). The Revlon comes in an ugly. It is long-ish and awkward looking and contains a rather useless sponge. Oh, and the compact catches lint like there is no tomorrow.



Revlon Photoready Prime + Antishine Balm


I've tried it over a sunscreen, and it worked fine and does not seem to mess with the sunscreen layer. My skin feels smoother and pores look smaller. It isn't a significant difference that I would choose this over a tinted moisturizer or foundation, though.
And because I have been wearing lots of sunscreen lately plus my sunscreen and foundation already contain some silicones, I don't feel this additional step of priming is necessary. I don't particularly suffer oily skin is another thing.
When worn over makeup, I was actually surprised to see that Revlon Photoready Prime + Antishine Balm did a good job smoothing out and mattifying the complexion. Unfortunately the sponge applicator isn't useful and I have to use my fingers. Mind you that I have a pretty powder compact that does the same job and this doesn't require me to use fingers.
It isn't a complete loss because I enjoy quite a bit wearing the balm under my eyes after applying sunscreen. This will help the under eye areas look smooth throughout the day.


Like I said, it does what it's supposed to do. I just don't see this is a must to be included in my daily routine in any way. For the same reason, I doubt that the more luxurious version, YSL Blur Perfector would be worth splurging. I mean, I would rather buy the HD Translucent Powder if I want the pretty YSL packaging.


Thanks for reading!
Have you tried a balm type silicone primer? What's your experience?






Join the conversation!

  1. I haven't tried this, but LOL at ugly. Hahaha! I have a tube of Dior poreless primer, and I hardly use it. I think that one tube is enough to last me, like, forever, if it doesn't go bad first. And once it's gone bad, I will not purchase anything like it anymore...it works great, but I just don't use it much :-)

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    1. I don't know what is wrong with Revlon and its compacts because their foundation bottles are pretty neat and functional.
      I would prefer liquid or lotion type in a tube as well, and actually it makes a decent hydrating eyeshadow primer. But as you said, it will last forever. LOL

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  2. LOL there's no other way around to describe the packaging huh? You tell it like it is girlfriend! ;D

    Yup, tried the YSL version. Loved the finish and packaging but the effect doesn't last more than an hour on me. Super disappointed. :( At least I think it works better than the Benefit Dr. Feelgood, though!

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    1. I think Revlon is capable of making better compacts but they don't wanna bother or something? LOL. I don't know...;p
      And thanks for confirming my speculations. Dr. Feelgood is ancient and it is surprising there are many people still love it. Back then it was all the craze. Good times. ;)

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  3. Ahh I was very curious to try this but judging from your review, I don't think I need to give it a try even though the price is not going to hurt that much.. But I am just not a fan of silicone-y primers no matter how mattifying or smoothing they are.
    The YSL version is certainly more attractive thank to the packaging, but I agree with you, I don't think it'w worth the splurge.
    Thanks for the review, Lena! you save me some money xD

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    1. My pleasure! ;D I think liquid type works better for primer and as well as powder for touch-up, you know? I actually love HD type of silicone loose powder and pressed powder. They are less drying than talc based ones and work really well, which is why I'd rather get the YSL HD pressed powder than their Blur Perfector. :)

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  4. I'm with you in that most good foundations this day smooth over pores so we don't need primers like this. I can't stand primers like this anyways-feels like my skin is suffocating!

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    1. Yeah, it feels like my skin is coated with something and it never feels natural on. I'd invest in good foundation instead. :)

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  5. It's good that you found a way to make this product work for you Lena. This packaging really is ugly - there's no way around that. I'm not a big fan of cones and I find I have to use a really light hand with most primers so I don't bother most of the time.

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    1. LOL, right? I really hope Revlon starts making better looking products because I do love some of their products not to mention they are priced a bit higher than other drugstore brands.
      I don't mind silicones and even enjoy the smooth effect but they have be used in the right way! :)

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  6. Interesting! I've seen several products like this (although this particular one isn't sold here) but haven't given any a go. I'm just too in love with using my pressed powders to fix any shine or oiliness that breaks through during the day. I think that the sponge and the space in the packaging is a complete waste, I hate it when the design means extra bulk for a compartment for some sad brush or unnecessary sponge. That's too bad it didn't do that much for you!

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    1. I am not a big fan of using my fingers for makeup application anyway and actually prefer brushes over puffs for pressed powder as well. This was a filler purchase (on sale with a combination purchase) and a great reminder that curiosity is overrated. LOL

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  7. SO TRUE about Dr. Feel Good. I remember making a friend touch it and be amazed, lol.

    I was all over products like this back in the day when I would do anything for smooth and shine-free skin. Now it's one of those things I've cut out forever and feel much better without.

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    1. I still have a very fond memories about the time when these gimmicky Benefit products all came out. Ah, we were so crazy about them, weren't we? I think I was most passionate about makeup back then as well. ;D
      Speaking of Benefit, I've never really liked any of their offerings except for the Maybe Baby perfume (I still have a full bottle in my cabinet!) ;p

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    2. Yes! I remember when they had a much smaller selection so I tried almost all of them. Was close to buying Maybe Baby a couple of times but never did. I'm glad you still have it. ;)

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    3. And remember? There was a shimmer body balm in the same scent (Bethina body so fine?) that came with a chalkboard eraser looking applicator. It eventually became yucky with shimmer and silicone gunk, but back then I didn't think it's weird that my friend showed up with shimmery arms not to mention she carried it in her purse. LOL LOL

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  8. I'm not a fan of Revlon's long compacts either. And though I love YSL, I didn't bother with the Bluf Perfector for the same reason as you - have tried similar products in the past. I use to use the Covergirl version all the time because it was helpful in smoothing out the indentations I get on my upper cheeks from sun glasses sitting on that area against makeup when I sweat. A constant problem in the tropics. The silicone works better than powder to correct the foundation displacement that can happen. But I'd always forget to use it, lol. :-)

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    1. Yeah..sometimes I feel bad for people who are allergic to cones. They are so deeply and cleverly implemented in cosmetics in general that it is difficult to avoid them altogether. I rather enjoy the smoothing out effect although I try to steer away from skincare products that contain too much of them.
      And Revlon definitely should up their games on the packaging department! :)

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  9. I've never tried a balm type primer... I used to be very into liquid/cream primers, but lately have been getting lazy and I'm not sure most of them do anything extra (except my Hourglass primer, that one does do something and I will stick by that!). Well, I feel like I've also missed something huge as I have never heard of this Dr. Feelgood thing...I'm going to look for it and see what I've been missing...

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    1. Haha, I don't think you're missing out on anything really.. If you never wasted money on the dear Dr. Feelgood, good for you! ;D
      I tried the sample of the Hourglass primer and loved how it felt on me and about the way it made my foundation stick so much better, but unfortunately I broke out from using it. ;-/

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  10. I was considering trying out the Blur Perfector. To be honest I don't really use a primer but I feel like I should? I just haven't made up my mind. I think it would be a good product to use on the go but this packaging is just not cute.

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    1. I honestly think there is no room for a primer like this if you diligently apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen daily. It's just too much! This is the main reason why I can't love this product on top of the obvious deal breaker - the ugly case. ;-/

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  11. i have never tried this but it doesn't appeal to me. :p Seems too practical when there are other products out there that multitask and help get rid of shine. i'd much rather use my oil absorbing sheets haha

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