This stuff feels alright on the skin however it just doens't have near enough coverage to fit my tastes.

A foundation primer is definitely a make-up must have and applying a primer is a step I don't dare skip during my make-up routine. Not only does it ensure your make-up lasts long but it also provides a barrier between your skin and all that make-up you're applying. My two favourite primers are the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and the DHC Velvet Skin Coat Primer. The Smashbox Primer is about $35, while the DHC Primer is less costly at $25 but I have to purchase it online since there are no stores that sell it in my area. I have been looking for a drug store alternative and after browsing through several blogs and finding good reviews on it, I thought I would give the L'oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base a try.

For a drugstore product, this primer is a little pricey, retailing at $15 so it's best to purchase it when it's on sale. It comes in a glass jar which contains 0.5fl.oz or 15ml of the product. It's a pale pink color and has a thick consistency comparable to whipped cream.

This product claims to:
- smooth lines
- hide pores
- banishes imperfections
and it's silky, lightweight formula will leave the skin feeling velvety smooth, mattified, and looking flawless.

PROS
(1) Because of its thick consistency, a little goes a long way with this product. A dollop the size of a pea is enough for your entire face. While you are only getting 0.5fl.oz, the whole jar will definitely last you a while since you don't need to use a lot of the product.

(2) Application of the product is easy. No brush is needed, you can apply the product with just your fingers. It glides and spreads over the skin easily without unnecessary pulling and tugging on the skin.

(3) It definitely does smooth lines, hide pores and mattifies your skin. After applying, your skin will feel very smooth and soft, creating the perfect canvas for your foundation. Your foundation will glide on a lot more smoothly after applying this as a primer.

(4) Unlike water-based primers that require some time to dry after applying, this product requires no drying time and your can apply your make-up right away.

CONS
(1) For $15 a jar, I was expecting to get more product. In addition, it's packaging is not the most sanitary since you have to dip your finger in the jar. It would have been better if this product came in a tube or with a pump.

(2) While it does smooth out your skin, it does not provide coverage and does not `banish imperfections`. Unless you already have perfect skin to begin with, you`ll need to apply some foundation to cover up any imperfections and even out your skin tone.

(3) While it does allow make-up to go on easier, it does not extend the wear of your make-up a whole lot nor does it do a great job at controlling shine and oil. After just 4 hours of wearing my make-up, I can already notice my T-zone becoming oily.

(4) While it claims to be non-comedogenic, this product made me break out after using it only 3 times which made me resort to using another primer. I went back to using the product multiple times and getting the same result - me breaking out. This might just be particular to me since I do have very sensitive skin.

For the price, I was expecting this product to do a lot more. While it did smooth out my skin to allow my foundation to go on easier, it is far from being an effective primer. I would invest the extra money to purchase the Smashbox primer