Beautyblender's New Opal Essence Makeup Primer Is Like Dewy Skin in a Bottle
Beautyblender's instantly recognizable, often-imitated makeup sponge was on the market for 11 years before the brand launched its own foundation, Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation, in 2018. Luckily, we didn't have to another decade — or even another year — before Beautyblender expanded its makeup range, and it's doing so with what's arguably the next logical type of product: primer. Four of them, in fact.
Today, Beautyblender enthusiastically introduced a quartet of primer formulas, having built up to the launch on Instagram with lots of colorful photos, animations, and even an Ace of Base meme over the last couple of weeks. And the fanfare is understandable — in addition to these being Beautyblender's first primers, the formulas have clearly been given a lot of thought, which customers will surely appreciate.
First, there's Opal Essence Serum Primer. The most hydrating of the bunch, Opal Essence has a bit of iridescence to help give skin a glowing, dewy look. Its primary purpose, however, is create a moisturized canvas for foundation in order to prevent it from clinging to dry spots and falling into fine lines while gripping color all day long. It even includes fermented botanical extracts for a cumulatively calming and brighening effect on skin.
Perhaps the most innovative of the bunch is the Selfie Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 38 Dry Oil Primer — there's a lot to unpack from that name, and it doesn't even fully hint at what the formula offers. In addition to UV protection in an unexpected format, the incredibly light, clear, non-greasy dry oil also defends against the effects of blue light emitting from your electronic devices. It even helps stop flashback in photos, hence the name Selfie Shield.
The last two primers are both called The Leveler Pore Minimizing Primer; they simply come in two different tints — Light-Medium and Tan-Deep — to work with a wide variety of skin tones. The formula contains niacinamide "to help blur the appearance of redness, large pores. and uneven texture," Beautyblender's site explains, adding that it creates a shine-canceling, humidity-proof shield. However, "Unlike other mattifying primers, the lightweight texture never feels suffocating on skin, and all your favorite formulas can be layered on without pilling."
You may be wondering, since these primers are made by Beautyblender, are they meant to be applied with a Beautyblend? In a word, yes. However, your fingers will work plenty well, too.
Opal Essence Serum Primer, Selfie Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 38 Dry Oil Primer, and both shades of The Leveler Pore Minimizing Primer are now available for $32 on both beautyblender.com and sephora.com.
More must-know primer info:
Now watch Chris Pratt and Will Arnett narrate a makeup tutorial:
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