I have large pores, and by the afternoon, my T-zone gets incredibly oily, so I was self-conscious about my base makeup always breaking down messily.
No matter how expensive the foundation I switched to, I couldn't solve the issues of clogged pores or darkening, so I entered the world of primers.
I have tried everything from famous department store brands to road shop products, but the one I finally settled on is the classic of classics, Banila Co. Prime Primer Classic.
I used to use this a lot back in my 20s, but then I forgot about it for a while. Recently, I saw that the packaging had been renewed, so I was happy to see it again and bought it with my own money.
To start with the conclusion, the user experience makes me understand a hundred times over why this is still called the "national primer" and has survived without being discontinued.
After applying a solid base, squeeze out just half a pea-sized amount and spread it very thinly in a circular motion, focusing on the nose and butterfly zone where pores are prominent.
As soon as you apply it, the skin surface becomes soft and matte, as if blurred, and feels smooth like velvet to the touch, which feels really good.
Since the primer tightly fills in the pores, when I apply foundation on top, I find that blemishes are perfectly covered with a smaller amount than usual.
The most surprising thing is the staying power. Usually, the area around my nose would get shiny and my makeup would wear off by lunchtime, but it stays perfectly intact until evening.
Even when I put on and take off a mask, there is much less transfer, and it controls oil tightly, so I hardly need to touch up my makeup anymore.
I was worried about getting breakouts due to clogged pores, but as long as I double cleanse thoroughly, I use it every day without any problems at all.
If you are worried about your makeup staying power due to large pores or oily skin, you absolutely must add Banila Co Primer to your vanity!