Not perfectly clear on what this is doing.

I received a sample packet of Philosophy the Present Clear Makeup Primer. It was large for a sample so it lasted a little over a week. I have been trying several different foundation primers with my semi-matte foundation trying to find something that would make my foundation last longer in the humidity and not look shiny by the end of the day. Another hope was that the primer would make my skin look smoother and even out any fine lines.

Philosophy describes their Clear Makeup to give you “perfect, airbrushed skin”, “…seals in moisture for chronically dry skin” and contains “active ingredients from treatment products while keeping out harmful environmental elements by acting like an invisible band-aid.” It also contains a natural antimicrobial agent to keep skin radiantly clear.

My Experience
I used the same face wash, toner, foundation, etc. during the week of testing Philosophy Clear Makeup to give it a fair judging. I have been trying other foundation primers so I know what to look for and expect in a primer. The sample packet is large and inside was a white lotion, which was not watery but not super thick either. It feels light and has no distinct smell. When you put in on your skin, it feels like putting on moisturizer or sunscreen. It feels like it is moisturizing but not leaving a greasy feel. You have to use more than a normal lotion. I had to put a dollop on my fingertip three times in a row to completely cover my face. Like most foundation primers, you must let it sit on your skin about 5 minutes before applying foundation. It did feel like it soaked in after 5 minutes so I applied my foundation. The foundation didn’t glide on like it does after other primers. It felt like my foundation sponge would get stuck a little as I went over my skin. After going through the day, I didn’t notice much of a difference with this product. The makeup lasted the same length as it always does and I still got shiny at the end of the day.

If you need a nice moisturizer for you dry to combination skin this is a nice one. If you are looking for a true primer, which will make your skin smooth, foundation last longer, and not get shiny at the end of the day, you might want to try something else. I will not by buying the $25 full size version of this product.