Hourglass • No. 28 Primer Serum • Primer/ Corrector

rated 4.5(20 reviews)

Average Rating.4.5
Would buy this product again.85%
Package Quality4.6
Price4.5
Ingredients

rated 5 of 5 buffydoggy on 6/9/2013 2:07:00 PM more reviews by buffydoggy

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This stuff is amazing! I just wish it wasn`t so expensive! For reference, I have what I consider normal skin; it can get dry in the winter and oily in the summer or that time of the month. I am also in my 30s now and wanted a product that would be good for plumping up my skin a bit.

This product works really well for me. I use half a pump on my face and let it sit for a few minutes before putting on my concealer and foundation (I use either NARS tinted moisturizer or Sheer Matte) and I find my skin products stay so much longer on my face. I agree with some of the other reviewers that it`s a little scary when you first put it on and my face feels a little like an oil slick but it truly dry and sinks in and doesn`t give me the dreaded shiny forehead at all!

I will definitely repurchase this product but I have a feeling that it will last me a long time as, like I said, I usually one half a pump every morning and it covers my entire face.I`ve used it pretty much every day since I bought it two months ago and I have used maybe 2 mm of the stuff so far.

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* amyfarrahfowler on 4/24/2013 1:11:00 PM more reviews by amyfarrahfowler

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

For reference I have normal-to-dryish skin and absolutely love love love love this primer!!!! My skin just drinks this in and my foundation goes on beautifully. When my skin is dry, I like this a whole lot more than a typical silicone-based primer. A single pump is all I use, I wait just a few minutes for it to "settle" and I don't end up greasy or oily at all - just dewey, fresh and ready. It provides a great canvas and my foundation simply glides effortlessly over my face not settling or pooling or dragging or catching. Foundation is like silk over this! I bought the small 1/3oz size, used it every day on a 6 week vacation and barely went thru 20% of the bottle! I think that's fantastic and shows that while it may be rather expensive, it's a very good *value*. I definitely recommend this to anyone who has dry skin and I will repurchase.

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

rated 5 of 5 Christac3698 on 4/17/2013 10:01:00 PM more reviews by Christac3698

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I am in my early thirties and have combination skin, with an oily t-zone. While on a Sephora haul, I asked the associate what line she could recommend to help with the first signs of lines and wrinkles. She led me to the Hourglass counter. When we sat down, she said that she loves the No. 28 primer and applied it to my face before applying the foundation. I was beyond horrified when she first applied and I looked like a hot oily mess! I was so happy with the smell but I really thought it was some sort of joke when she said that she was applying the "primer". But after a moment or two it sunk beautifully into my skin making it feel refreshed and ready for the foundation application. I have been using it ever since! I feel as though that not only am I applying a primer to help my foundation but I am also nourishing my skin at the same time. The best way to describe the initial application is that it is like applying a facial oil. After I went through the sample I received at Sephora, I ordered this in the twin pack along with the mineral primer (which I also like). Although I was not impressed with the foundation (especially for the crazy price which I would have gladly paid if I fell in love with it), I am completely obsessed with this primer. Some nights I apply it after my moisture routine because I just love the feel of it on my skin! Great purchase!

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

rated 2 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* LibertyRose on 4/5/2013 1:42:00 AM more reviews by LibertyRose

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Sorry to rain on the parade, but for a dry-skinned girl who hasn't seen a moisturizing serum she wouldn't try, this one has failed to impress. Though it did start out promisingly enough--when sampled on the hand it immediately boosted the moisture level and sealed it in with a thick coat of shine. But it was a bad decision to sample a product as expensive as this on the hand only, because it did not work half as well on the face. The thick texture that I marveled at became a huge liability for anyone pressed for time because it took very long to absorb. It also left the face feeling sticky, so much so that frankly I don't understand how it can work as a primer. When I tried, I ended up with the blotchiest application, because the primer was absorbed at varying rates. At best, it can work as a serum, and must be topped by a lotion so it does not affect makeup application. There goes Hourglass' multi-purpose claim. Other than that, it is not a bad moisturizer, though I've seen better that feels much less burdensome on the skin (Dermalogica's hydrating booster). Wouldn't recommend paying £65 for this--Yes, Hourglass simply swapped the currency signs here, making it 1.5 times more expensive than the States.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 4 of 5 kyl101 on 4/5/2013 1:34:00 AM more reviews by kyl101

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I got a deluxe sample from Sephora. This is perfect for dry skin. I have dry and sensitive skin and my skin loves it! I might buy it after I finish the sample. But I don't recommend this product to people who have oily or acne prone skin.

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

rated 5 of 5 violetpython4 on 4/4/2013 1:50:00 AM more reviews by violetpython4

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This primer can double as a treatment as well . I'm really into face oils so this was amazing for me when I tried it!! It's a bit interesting because you think it's going to be an oily mess but it sinks in and leaves an amazing canvas for foundation application. This will be my primer for next winter for sure. I suggest anybody who is skeptical about this product to try a sample of it wear it is sold! It has 14 essential oils 10 lipid rich plant oils and vitamins A,B5, C&E. I'm just going to mention a few oils it contains that I was impressed with! Jojoba , rose hips seed,evening primrose , almond ,green tea,olive , hazelnut ,Julio but and cherry pit oils!!!! Amazing!!!!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* Branny43 on 3/20/2013 11:47:00 PM more reviews by Branny43

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

The best skin preparation product/primer I have ever used. Period.

My skin is dust-dry and finely lined; a half-pump of this beautiful product leaves my face glowing and hydrated, and slightly plumps those dreaded lines.

The product does take a few minutes to settle and dry, but they're minutes well-spent for the result. I find the scent to be slightly medicinal, with almost a menthol or eucalyptus sort of undertone. The scent isn't my favorite, and I was a bit concerned about potential burning with a menthol ingredient. I needn't have worried, though, there's no cooling OR burning effect at all, and the scent fades very quickly.

Unlike most other primers I've tried, this one truly does extend the wear-time of my foundation, as well as vastly improving the appearance and texture of the skin on which it is applied.

I bought a full-size bottle. At $65 it may seem excessive, but it will last well over a year, making the monthly "cost" about $5.50. I've purchased other primers for more than didn't deliver even half the results of this one. Highly recommend for the appropriate skin-type.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 coffeedrinker on 2/9/2013 12:49:00 PM more reviews by coffeedrinker

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This is an absolute MUST for anyone with dry skin. It is also versatile, as it can be used for hair serum, nail cuticles, etc. A little goes a loooong way. It can also be used to replace any other skin care because of the ingredients. In the summer, I use it as my moisturizer AND primer.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 Stationary on 1/23/2013 5:38:00 AM more reviews by Stationary

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

I'll start by saying I did not purchase this as a primer, I purchased this as a serum.

I have used it for both purposes and I have to say, it does it's job quite well. I have combination skin with a fairly oily T-zone, and I know this is a primer aimed at dryer skin types but it worked alright for me.

I do love it as a night serum though, a little goes a long way and even for the steep price of $65, I have had it for over half a year and only used about 1/3 of the bottle using daily. I only use half a pump, dot it on my face and pat it in. I always top it off with a moisturizer, but my skin just feels more radiant and supple using this than it does just using a moisturizer.

Overall, great product.

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

rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* ivanabacowboy on 1/1/2013 7:47:00 AM more reviews by ivanabacowboy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is far and away hands down THE BEST primer for dry skin! You need only a tiny bit for each applicaton-so notwithstanding that $65 for the full size may be a bit spendy, it will last you a long time. (Trial sizes are also available.) The product applies oily-allow a few minutes for it to dry-down and set and you will be absolutely amazed! Smooth, gorgeous skin and a perfect base to apply foundation products will be the result! The product does dry-it does not remain oily.


The best way to apply this product is with your fingers. Although you can follow with a quick buff with a brush to make sure application is even.


If you read the inserts for this primer, it can also be used alone as a serum treatment, or even as a hair treatment.


This primer is obviously oil-based, so as mentioned in a previous review, this may not play well with some of the more watery foundations, so be sure to test with the particular foundaton you intend to use it with (the old adage: oil and water do not mix). This is a perfect mixer for Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer for folks who use that product (SSE is also oil based).


I cannot heap enough raves about this primer! As an alternate, I also like Guerlain Meteorites Perles Light Diffusing Perfecting Primer on my dry skin when I want a more "glowy" look. If your skin type tends to more oily, suggest the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer instead of the No. 28 Serum Primer.


The glass bottle with pump is nice. The pump dispenses the product evenly.


All around love and highly recommend!

9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* Ms_Ma on 11/6/2012 5:49:00 PM more reviews by Ms_Ma

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Got a deluxe sample from the Barney's beauty bag sale and I love this! I have combo skin but with the weather turning cooler this has been perfect. Smells awesome and sinks in quickly. It helps protect my skin from the dryness, wind and cold. Am acne prone and it has not caused problems. Don't know if I'll use in summer though. Will purchase a full size

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rated 5 of 5 katexiee on 10/13/2012 2:11:00 AM more reviews by katexiee

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I think this is _the_ primer for dry skin. Granted, it takes a bit longer for it to sink in compared to most primers I've tried but I do not mind a tiny bit as my dry and sensitive skin just laps this up in gratitude. Hydrates and holds makeup wonderfully. It is on the pricey side but I think it gives great mileage as one small pump is already sufficient for each use. Love!

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

rated 3 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* SophieH on 9/26/2012 9:39:00 PM more reviews by SophieH

Age: Unknown   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

This product smells like the entire Aveda store in one bottle. To most people, me included, that's a really good thing. The texture is thin, silky, and lovely, and it glides onto the skin beautifully.

My *huge* caveat with this product, and the reason I'm giving it only three lippies, is that you absolutely can't use it with a water-based foundation (=a foundation where the first ingredient is water). It'll make applying the foundation extremely difficult and give you an ugly, patchy finish...and several hours later your foundation will look absolutely awful, with deep cracks where the fine lines are, and a mottled, sandpapery appearance everywhere else.


It seems from the other reviews that this works well with the right foundations...just make absolutely sure that yours is one of those before buying this. If not, buy a water-based primer instead.


P.S. - I'm saying "yes" to repurchase because I don't want to mess up the ratings for this product just because it doesn't work with my foundations, which are all water-based. I would not actually repurchase this.

9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* rp1017 on 9/21/2012 8:43:00 PM more reviews by rp1017

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Previously my favorite primer was Hourglass' Mineral Veil Primer, however, No. 28 Primer Serum is even better ....... I use it underneath Kat Von D's Lock-It as well as I rub a little on my forehead and underneath my eyes and it plumps my skin like no other ...... I consider this not only a primer but as a skin treatment as well ..... it goes on like a dream, is not oily and did I mention that it really plumps your skin (blurring out fine lines.) This is a HG for me and worth the money.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 3 of 5 saarahkb4 on 9/1/2012 2:56:00 PM more reviews by saarahkb4

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I used the primer serum as a primer and also as a night treatment. I have sensitive, acne prone skin I am always battling with so I thought this multi-purpose primer might do me some good! I found this serum made my skin feel amazing, but it did nothing to help control my skins shine, enlarged pores, or control oil production. I woke up in the morning with new breakouts and a very oily face. While I love the feel of this product I don't think it's worth the money. I wouldn't recommend buying it right away, get a sample at Sephora first and see if it works for you.

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rated 5 of 5 kittenheelpump on 8/14/2012 10:10:00 PM more reviews by kittenheelpump

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I Love this primer serum. feels oily when you first put it on, but absorbs very well. Makes my skin feel amazing!

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rated 5 of 5 natsmummy on 8/7/2012 9:38:00 AM more reviews by natsmummy

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

I love this SO much. I bought it to go with the Illusion Tinted Moisturiser and it makes my makeup look flawless. It has also completely gotten rid of all the dry patches on my cheeks. It's very expensive - $92 here in Australia - but you only need a very small amount so it should last me a long time, and I would definitely buy it again.

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rated 4 of 5 Pobs on 7/8/2012 6:38:00 AM more reviews by Pobs

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Wavy   Eyes: Green    

I too got a sample from SpaceNK ( British version of Sephora, but more high end ) and I totally fell in love with it.
It smells amazing and feels amazing too. I didn't have to re apply my make up or blot my face for oil!
Big thumbs up from me!

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

rated 5 of 5 Beach on 6/4/2012 9:32:00 AM more reviews by Beach

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Got a sample of this primer and was amazed with the result! This is a fabulous product...although very expensive! It smoothed my lines and wrinkles so that the foundation went on beautifully! Will purchase when my sample runs out...although you need soooo little that it will probably be a while till I have to buy it. Get a sample from Sephora...you won't be disappointed!

5 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* amnahp12 on 4/2/2012 11:33:00 PM more reviews by amnahp12

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Here is what the Sephora website has to say:

№ 28 Primer Serum
What it is:
A richly concentrated, intensely hydrating, and dual-purpose oil blend serum that treats your skin as it prepares it for makeup.

What it does:
This silky, luxurious oil blend glides on to strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, even out pores, and shield against environmental aggressors. The formula's hydrating action helps to create a refined and retexturized surface for makeup. Skin appears dewier, younger, and more luminous.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
This serum nurtures skin with a blend of rejuvenating ingredients including 14 essentials oils (lavender, geranium, rose geranium, vanilla, clove, orange peel, amyris, lemon peel, petitgrain, eucalyptus, rosemary leaf, bois de rose, cedar leaf, and ylang ylang), 10 lipid-rich plant oils (jojoba, rose hips seed, evening primrose, hazelnut, borage seed, kukui nut, sweet almond, green tea, olive, and cherry pit), and four vitamins (A, B5, C, and E).


Here's what I have to say:
HOLY @^#%# look at that price tag. $65US? So [guessing] a hundredish smackeroos CAD? Okay maybe a bit less, but price differences are ridiculous, and THIS price is ridiculous. Okay now that the rant is out of the way!

I got this as a deluxe sample in a Sephora order [first ever! Yay] and at first I was torn between intrigue and being put off by it - I LOVE natural oils for my face, although they don't always work out. I HATE primers on my face, because they tend to make my makeup fall OFF [at least, Smashbox does]. And if I've used any kind of oil based moisturizer at any point in time before foundation, well ...fuggedaboutid. Still, I was overly excited to put on makeup and get dressed up with nowhere to go but work [sigh], so I decided to try it. How much harm could it do to my currently flaring-up, acne prone, sensitive face? Hehe.


First off, you need VERRRYY little, I got a small amount but even that was too much. The applicator is VERY strange, like a rubber paddle with holes in it. Because of all the oils [even though it is heavily loaded with silicones], it goes on very ... oily. It feels like a perfect cross between applying oil and applying silicone to your face [which it should ...since that's exactly what it is.] It smooths on very easily and it is easy to feel like it is TOO oily and will never absorb. That's why you only need a teeny, tiny amount!


THAT being said, I then put on my foundation - MUFE HD - and was very surprised at the result. My makeup DID seem to go on smoother and better. Although it's important to note that it initially glided RIGHT over my blemishes and didn't cover them at all, which using foundation without primer usually doesn't do. That was easily corrected with some concealer on top and buffing. I can't say it helped my makeup stick around MUCH longer ... after 5-6 hours, it still wore away a touch, maybe a little less than it does sans primer, and WAAAAYYY less than with Smashbox primer or oily moisturizer. I did smooth a little bit that was leftover on my fingers over my eyelids and did not use a separate primer or base, and those had only faded the slightest bit, and did not crease at all. It is important to note, however, that I have dry/dehydrated skin and the weather is currently still chilly. I also did not use a setting spray.

I'm not a makeup junkie so I don't really know how much more helpful I can be review wise ... oh the pressure of reviewing first! So, in conclusion: if you have the moolah to spare, try it. It is nice, and it feels nourishing [despite the fact that it, of course, has lots of 'other' things and silicones in it, and the oils are at the bottom of the list]. But that MUFE primer is starting to look pretty cheap in comparison to me lol ....

19 out of 19 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No