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Contrary to what people who know me believe—or perhaps what I may lead people to believe—I’m really a minimalist. I like to keep things simple, and I prefer to only use what’s essential. I may have bold color choices when it comes to outfits or makeup, but I never embellish for the sake of. This even extends to our own home, where everything has to be functional; I don’t like decor that doesn’t serve any other purpose but display.

I will admit that this came with age—and motherhood. With less time for myself because I have to care for a child and a family, I had to find ways to still look good in spite of constantly being in a rush or multitasking. My skincare has been simplified to cleanser and sunscreen during the day; double cleansing, Vit. C toner, and serum at night. My daily makeup has been simplified to tinted sunscreen, brow pencil, and lip & cheek tint; concealer and eyeliner optional.

So when Spotlight Cosmetics sent me their Primer Duo—Prism Glow Illuminating Primer and No Pores Blurring Primer—to try, I honestly didn’t know if I could use them. But as I learned more about these primers, I realized why, when, and how I could incorporate them into my makeup routine. I finally got the chance to road-test both on a recent work trip to the beach—and I’ve kept them in my makeup kit since.

These Spotlight primers came at a time when the Philippine heat is still going, but then the weather decided to added a thick layer of humidity in the air, thanks to the threat of rain. From being dry and often sunburned, my skin suddenly became extra greasy but also dull—much like the gray clouds in the horizon.

Get Glowing

That’s where these primers come in. The Prism Glow Illuminating Primer (PHP495) is our solution to dullness and fatigue. It’s meant for those who suffer from uneven skin tone, dullness, and dry skin. It gives skin a healthy glow, making it look fresh and energized, even when it feels otherwise after a long, tiring—and humid—day. Fake it ’til you make it, right?

It does this with Glycerin, which locks in moisture for a smooth, long-lasting makeup application—it actually helps your makeup stay put while helping skin retain moisture and revitalizing skin complexion, as it fills in fine lines. And in case you were wondering, it also comes with UV filter, which protects skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. I like that it feels lightweight but has a nice velvety formula—more like lotion instead of like silicone—that gives skin a dewy radiance. Don’t forget to apply it on clean skin, then wait for it to fully set before you apply your makeup.

During our beach trip, I just applied it on my face over my sunscreen for a natural looking glow when I was too busy to do a full face of makeup. On any regular day, I also like to use it as highlighter.

Matte and poreless

However, dewy skin is not for everyone. I have oily skin, which is prone to overproducing sebum, which already causes too much shine and makeup meltdowns. If you also have oily skin, what we need is a mattifying primer that absorbs oil, creating a barrier that reduces shine and prolongs makeup wear. Primers work as mini shields, filling and smoothing uneven textures for a flawless base. This helps your foundation go on smoothly and stay put longer, ensuring a worry-free makeup finish. It also serves as a base for better makeup adhesion, preventing foundation from separating or fading, especially on oily areas like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

On my face: Spotlight No Pores Blurring Primer as base, Spotlight Prism Glow Illuminating Primer as highlighter, Spotlight Serum Cushion Foundation, Spotlight Rising Star Marble Blush in Red Carpet, Careline Acne Spot Concealer with SPF 13, Careline Wow Brow Liner in Cocoa, Careline Graph-Ink Lash & Line eyeliner and mascara

That’s why my personal favorite is the Spotlight No Pores Blurring Primer (PHP595), which minimizes pores and fine lines and smoothens skin imperfections, giving you a smooth airbrushed effect. Designed for oily skin, it’s definitely mattifying, yet has a nice slippery, silicone texture. If you want to look flawless and photo-ready no matter how intense your day gets—even during a trip to the beach when you feel hulas but still want to look great for Instagram—this can be your ultimate weapon. It holds your makeup in place!

How does it do this? Spotlight’s No Pores Blurring Primer is loaded with hardworking ingredients like Snow Lotus Extract, which is supposedly gentle on sensitive skin, as it calms and soothes as the primer sits comfortably on your skin; Ginseng Root Extract, which improves skin texture, promotes collagen production, and provides antioxidant protection; and Peony Extract, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! Apply it over your moisturizer or sunscreen, then allow it to set completely before applying the rest of your makeup.

So which one is your pick, glowing or matte? Or would you use both, like I sometimes do? Let me know in the comments!

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