Make Up For Ever | HD Microperfecting Primer

If you think of your face as your canvas, then giving it the most flawless finish before doing the rest of your makeup should be at the top of the priority list – and that task begins even before the first drop of foundation touches your skin. From the brand that has redefined what High Definition cosmetics should be, MAKE UP FOR EVER introduces their HD Microperfecting Primer (CAN $39.00), available in 7 shades to suit all varieties of skin tones and to help even out the complexion. In my opinion, this little treasure has become my strongest makeup ally.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral

MAKE UP FOR EVER | HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral (ingredients list)

HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral (CAN $39.00) | A white thin fluid that turns clear/transparent upon blending, in an oil-free formula with a slight cooling sensation to the skin when applied and which bears a fresh & light fragrance. One quick and generous pump from the nozzle dispenser is usually enough to cover the entire face; once applied, this product takes approximately 1.5 minutes to dry down, leaving behind a velvety soft feel to the skin. According to the company:

creates a protective film on the skin’s surface and acts as a shield, preventing foundation from penetrating the skin
helps stabilize foundation, making it more long-lasting and evenly applied
helps to create a soft-focus effect to the skin
keeps skin nourished and moisturized

While I never apply eye makeup without priming first (a mandatory step for my oily lids), I confess to usually skipping face primer – unless it’s a special occasion. Now that I’ve been testing and wearing this new HD Microperfecting Primer in #0 Neutral, I can kick myself because this seemingly innocent little fluid has made all the difference in the world between a decent-looking foundation application, and one which appears truly flawless. Once my moisturizer has sunk into my skin, I now reach for this primer pre-foundation, as it is not only incredibly lightweight feeling but totally invisible once applied and yet manages to give my skin a smoothed out surface layer to work on. Using this primer as a sort of skin ‘base coat’, makes any subsequent foundation (regardless of whether it’s crème, liquid or powder) apply easier – almost gliding – across the skin. My pores also appear diminished, as the primer acts as a type of spackle (sounds gross, but it’s the best analogy I could think of), basically filling them in slightly so that foundation does not get as absorbed into the skin. I do not experience any oxidation of my foundation colour when wearing the primer underneath, and surprisingly found my skin staying oil-free much longer than without (yay to not needing to frequently blot). Lastly, it feels like my foundation’s life span is increased as well with the HD Microperfecting Primer, with markedly less fading by the time I’m ready to take it all off at the end of the day.

NOTE: as this is a silicone based primer, formulated with “Silica Micro Beads that are biotechnologically engineered to act as minuscule light refractors” (excerpt from the company’s press release), those with sensitivities should do a patch test first.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral

MAKE UP FOR EVER | HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral (swatched on inner arm)

MAKE UP FOR EVER | HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral (swatched on inner arm, blended out)

When doing makeup, whether my own or a client’s, my main objective is to make the face as flawless looking as possible and thanks to this HD Microperfecting Primer, I’m that much closer to achieving just that. Trying to accurately describe how something that’s basically invisible works, is rather difficult and so I urge you to swing by a MAKE UP FOR EVER counter and try it out for yourself. Apart from #0 Neutral shown here, the range also includes coloured versions that can help correct a variety of skin issues (redness, sallowness, dull skin) and there’s even shades to suit from the fairest to the darkest of complexions. In other words, you’re covered. Literally and figuratively.

Available exclusively through Sephora and MAKE UP FOR EVER boutiques. Find more information via: