Merle Norman • Foundation Primer • Primer/ Corrector

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76bonz on 4/4/2013 2:34:00 PM more reviews by 76bonz

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I received this foundation primer as a sample so it was a small tube. I decided to try it as an eyeshadow primer and it is awesome! I don't wear foundation so I don't use it on the rest of my face.

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Suzie209 on 3/3/2013 11:47:00 PM more reviews by Suzie209

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

It's slightly expensive, but a little does go a long way! I use a pea sized drop for each cheek and another pea sized drop for the center of my face (forehead, nose and chin). I use this much because I have very large pores and uneven skin. This primer smoothed everything out. It made such a difference that my mother in law and sister in law (who NEVER complement me) couldn't stop saying how smooth and even my face looked. My mother in law even wanted to buy herself some! This works better then any primer I've used before!

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blairXwitch on 2/8/2013 12:26:00 PM more reviews by blairXwitch

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I am not a MN fan, but I've been reading about this primer for the longest time, and finally decided to try it.
It is very expensive (for a primer), I think I paid almost $50 with taxes.
My skin used to be oily, but I guess it's changed now that I turned 40, and it leans more towards combination.
What I like most about this primer is that it feels like a lotion. I don't have to use any moisturizer underneath, because even if my face feels tight after washing in the morning, applying this primer gets rid of the tight, dry feeling, and my face feels smooth and satiny.
Foundation goes very well over it, and is easy to blend. This primer also helps foundation stay on until I wash it off in the evening.
The only thing I don't really like is that I still get a bit oily throughout the day, so I have to blot once. But I haven't yet found a primer to prevent the oilies completely.
It also doesn't do much for blurring pores and imperfections, which is why this is my primer of choice throughout the week, when I don't need my face to look absolutely flawless. I have another primer (Tarte 12 hr Perfecting) that does just that, so I use that one when I go out.
But back to MN's primer, is the best I could find especially for winter weather. It has a bit of fragrance, but it's not irritating and it doesn't linger too long.
The tube will last me a looong time, because only a pea size dollop is needed to cover my whole face.
It also doesn't break me out.
Thumbs up for this product!

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snjlowe on 4/7/2012 3:32:00 PM more reviews by snjlowe

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Goes on like silk and makes my make-up look better. When I first bought it I thought I probably would never buy again because of the price. (didn't ask the price when buying with other items.) Now, I cannot live without it. Doesn't bother my very sensitive skin either.

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kristin12b on 3/10/2012 8:30:00 PM more reviews by kristin12b

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

This is the best primer I've ever used! Love the way it feels and leaves makeup in place all day.

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bonbon1281 on 8/3/2011 7:28:00 PM more reviews by bonbon1281

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I know I really shouldn't giv3 a review on a sample that I received as a FGWP but I already fell in love with this product. I've never used a foundation primer prier to this but I'm glad I've found it! My new HG! A new MUST in my bag. I have oily/combination skin that leans toward the oily side especially around the forehead, nose, and chin area. (Touch-ups at least once a day around noon or twice if I"m going anywhere after work). The first day with this I noticed this beautiful scent and soft "lotion y" feel that soaks in almost immediately. I apply my luxia lasting foundation over and I'm set for the day. My first day with this primer, I went for my typical mid-day touch-up and I was shocked to see myself in the mirror that my make-up did NOT need touch-up! (just my lipstick) That bought me right there. Once this sample is near low, I know I will definitely be re-purchasing this in full size. A little goes a loooong way too! Also, I've not experienced any breakout or shown any sensitivity towards this product. Just beautiful results.

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sam1022 on 6/6/2011 11:31:00 AM more reviews by sam1022

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

love this product!! keeps my makeup in place all day .. i have oily skin .. this reduces the 'oily look' .. keeps me fresh looking all day .. i combine it with the luxiva foundation and it gives me a radiant finish ...
not sure if i can use it on the undereye area? or do i have to purchase another product?

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*TOP REVIEWER* Hedd on 4/15/2011 1:18:00 AM more reviews by Hedd

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Keeps makeup in place. I didn't experience any breakouts from this product. The major downfall is the strong fragrance smell. I had to return it. The smell was too strong for me.

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friecs on 9/8/2010 7:13:00 PM more reviews by friecs

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I'm a Merle Norman convert - totally, wish I had given the line a try years ago; I considered myself to be a Lancome snob, but one day decided I didn't want to go to the mall so I stopped in at a Merle Norman store. Boy, the best decision I ever made - love the skincare (I've always had sensitive dry skin, couldn't wear ANY foundation as it looked horrible), now I wear everything, my skin is beautiful. The primer is awesome and makes your makeup stay on longer, look better, it's amazing - much cheaper than the ones I had tried until they came out with one!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* appletea on 8/31/2010 3:11:00 PM more reviews by appletea

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

This is my HG primer! For me, it is one of the most expensive beauty products I own (I work for a non-profit so not exactly swimming in dough), but a little goes a very long way and even the sample tube I first had lasted me a very long time. I've had a full-sized one now since April and I have barely made a dent in it. Not only is it excellent at oil control, it keeps make-up in place during my sweatiest of days. I'd recommend it to anyone who was willing to spend the money.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Tina68 on 8/31/2010 10:00:00 AM more reviews by Tina68

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Wow! That’s my word to sum up how I feel about this primer. It has to be Merle Norman’s best kept secret. It’s incredible to me to look in the rearview mirror of my car and see that my makeup is still present and accounted for after 10 hours. My nose does still get somewhat shiny, so I give it a gentle blot once or twice in the day. Oh…my skin is oily and acne-prone. In the years I’ve been using primers none has kept my makeup visible for an entire work day. I love this primer. It doesn’t feel heavy or silicone-y, it spreads easily and has no bad smell to it. It’s the thinnest primer I’ve ever used and it comes in a generous 2-ounce tube. I apply a dab to my forehead, nose, cheeks and chin and then spread it around. It feels slightly wet when I apply it so I let it set for a minute or two before applying my Merle Normal Ultra Foundation Powder.
EDIT: 21 October 2010. I had to stop using this product. My face was in constant breakout. Once I stopped using the primer, my face cleared up and almost pimple-free. It's too bad, too, because this actually kept my make up on my face.

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*TOP REVIEWER* fashionista_ae on 7/3/2010 12:36:00 PM more reviews by fashionista_ae

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This is a great primer, especially for anyone looking for a very light weight primer. This goes on very smoothly, I use about a dime size amount for my whole face. This does absorb quickly, and does not feel like its "sitting" on your face like a lot of primers do, its very comfortable. I feel this works better under a liquid foundation than a powder... for a powder foundation I like a heavier primer, that acts more like a shield between your skin and your makeup, they tend to have more of a grip on the powder foundations than this one does. But I still really like this primer!

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Makeupismyaddiction on 5/28/2010 1:17:00 AM more reviews by Makeupismyaddiction

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I cant believe that barely anyone on MUA using Merle Norman, maybe younger people just generalize that its for "older women" and dont try it. It's sad because they are really missing out! Im 19 and most of my products are Merle Norman, I get compliments all the time. This primer is so great, it helps my makeup last all day and I get a lot for my money. :)

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

marciabrdy on 4/16/2010 4:05:00 PM more reviews by marciabrdy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Oily   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I''ve used so many primers I was ready to just stop using them. I had been using Smashbox anti shine as I have very oily skin. I decided to try this since I use their foundation. I love it. It keeps my skin matte, minimizes pores and keeps makeup in place. Also does not change the color of my base as some of them do. It is in a tube but boy a little goes a long way. This will last quite awhile. Don't think i will switch on this one. I agree with another post that MN needs a makeover. It does have a reputation for older women. While I am one of those old ladies now, I was using MN when I was in my 20's.

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*TOP REVIEWER* shanstuff on 2/7/2010 2:58:00 PM more reviews by shanstuff

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I really like this primer. I'm not a Merle Norman user, but my mom gave this to me as she decided to stop using primer, and I finally decided to give it a try. In the past, I have tried Smashbox, NARS, Hourglass, and MUFE HD primers, and I have to say that with the possible exception of the Hourglass, this one is the best, which really surprised me.

The consistency is that of a lotion/gel. It goes on very smoothly and is easy to apply to the entire face. It sinks in fairly quickly, and minimizes fine lines and pores. Makeup definitely applies much better over it, and pores seem to nearly disappear. Skin appears nearly flawless. Staying power is improved, and unlike with most primers, I don't have the problem that I get even oilier than normal with this. I don't tend to have very oily skin---without a primer, I tend to get more "glowy" by the end of the day, but for some reason with most primers I end up oily later in the day. This holds it all together and doesn't turn me oily, although I do still get the glow.

Although this is a lotion-type formula, I would not call it moisturizing. Rather, it simply primes the skin. Therefore, if you have dry spots you will want to moisturize first. Let it set/dry completely before applying powder or powder foundations.

This is both dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, and I used it under my eyes with no irritation, and I have fairly sensitive eyes. Although my bottle does not have ingredient information on it and I could not find an ingredient list on the web site, I will say it doesn't FEEL as silicone-y as a lot of the primers on the market, but you will have to research yourself if you are sensitive to 'cones.

Overall, I'm very impressed with this. I've only used it a few times, and will update if anything changes, but for now I'm rating a solid 4, with 1 lippie taken off due to the tube packaging (would prefer a pump), the fragrance (mildly chemical) and the lack of ingredient information on the packaging and web.

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iluv2dnc210 on 2/5/2010 4:00:00 PM more reviews by iluv2dnc210

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!! You Get a 2oz bottle for $28 its last forever im on my second bottle!! I use it under my mineral makeup!! It helps smooth out my skin! I noticed it also goes into my pores so my skin looks pore less!! It's amazing!!! if you want smooth looking skin i recommend you try this!!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* lil_kismet on 12/19/2009 4:40:00 PM more reviews by lil_kismet

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is hands down the best foundation primer ever. I am about 3/4 through my second GWP sample of this and just purchased a full-size tube yesterday, because I have been dreading the day I run out! In the past, I have used MAC's Prep + Prime (both P+P & P+P Face Protect SPF 50), BeneFit's Dr. Feelgood & That Gal, Laura Mercier oil-free, NARS makeup primer and none of those even come close to Merle Norman's. This primer is more liquidy in formulation, glides on effortlessly and feels nice and hydrating leaving the skin surface SMOOTH to the touch. Whereas with other primers, it takes a lot more work -- I found Laura Mercier & MAC P+P Face Protect difficult to spread and distribute evenly. My foundation and blush seriously look flawless from morning till night with little to no touchups throughout the day. It is expensive ($43.85CAD for 2 fl. oz. / 59ml), but then again Laura Mercier's is $40CAD for 1.7 fl oz. / 50ml. I love this stuff and plan on repurchasing over and over.

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*TOP REVIEWER* dragonballz on 10/21/2009 12:45:00 AM more reviews by dragonballz

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I like that this spreads easily unlike thick gel primers I have used. I think it makes my makeup look a little fresher and I use less liquid foundation after application. I don't think I'll repurchase though due to the chemical fragrance. It does dissipate somewhat but I have since found a primer that is fragrance free and has a shorter ingredient list.

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kklunder on 10/18/2009 9:23:00 PM more reviews by kklunder

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I received this primer as a sample and tried it with the thoughts that I would hate it. Boy was I wrong. After using up the sample I went out and bought the full size immediately. This helps your foundation to stay on and fresh. It also helps diminish your pores. I have oily skin and this really helps to keep oil at bay. Your makeup looks fresh even at the end of the day. I love it and will be repurchasing. I use the ultra powder foundation and this is a perfect combination for me! I believe the cost was around $30 and the tube is quite large. Great product! It is safe for acne prone skin as well.

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FallSoShort on 10/2/2009 11:10:00 AM more reviews by FallSoShort

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I don't know about the price of this product as it came as a GWP, but I love it! My foundation goes on soooo smoothly when applied over the primer...and my foundation looks freshly applied all day. I've tried other primers before, but this is definitely my favorite.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No