(samples of SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy (left)For me, they are very welcome additions, since SUQQU’s then only primer, simply called Makeup Base, is loaded with alcohol and I simply wouldn’t put it on my face.
According to the SUQQU website and the counter staff, Makeup Base Creamy is designed to be used before SUQQU’s (cream) Foundation and Makeup Base Brightup is used before Powder Foundation Glow. For me, I have been trying out these two primers under my usual Shiseido ZA Two-Way Foundation (which I will review later this month.)
(SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy)Makeup Base Creamy has a light cream texture. It has a nice slip and goes on very easily. Unlike most primers, which impart luminosity and/or carry pigments to even out the skin-tone, this primer seems to disappear into the skin as it goes on more or less transparent and without any visible shimmer.
However, after application, the skin feels very moisturized and well-conditioned and is ready for all the powdering action. My powder foundation goes on more smoothly, and, more importantly, it helps the foundation last a lot longer.
As it has relatively little efficacy in concealing pores and it doesn’t really control shine, I position it as a skin-conditioning primer that helps the foundation stay fresh for longer.
(SUQQU Makeup Base Brightup)Compared with Makeup Base Creamy, Makeup Base Brightup has a creamier consistency. It also has some subtle shimmer to add luminosity and brightness. (I can understand why this is marketed as a primer for a powder foundation, since the powder needs something to stick to.)
Having said that, the two share most traits in terms of their performances. Again, Makeup Base Brightup successfully helps the foundation last longer.
Overall, I prefer Makeup Base Creamy, since the texture is lighter and it has no shimmer. It suits my oily skin better and it is more in tune with the matte finish I want from my foundation.
Note that neither of the two primers has any SPF.
If you have a powder foundation that is spot-on for your skin-tone but your skin is often too dry for a powder formula to wear well, then either of these two primers could be worth considering.
[I haven’t checked the outer packaging of full-size products to see if these two primers contain alcohol. But they don’t smell of alcohol or irritate my skin. Even if they do contain alcohol, the portion should be relatively minimal.]
Related Posts on Primers:
– Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N
– Coffret D’Or Beauty Lasting Veil UV & Lunasol Smoothing Makeup Base
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
dear PJ,
I actually emailed you regarding the AYURA blush! Do you know where I can purchase it? I live in the Uk too!:) thanks heaps
Hi Aretha,
I have just replied to your e-mail.
Thank you for stopping by my blog! :)
Did you ever use Laura Mercier’s primer?
I am considering buying SUQQU’s or LM’s……
If you do, can you compare these two?
I have quite dry skin, and the most feature I want is moisture.
And, can you tell the price of these two primers?
thanks~
Hi Ko-Chin,
The Makeup Base Creamy is 15g for 30 pounds, and the Makeup Base Brightup is 30g for 30 pounds.
I think both should provide you with a good amount of moisture. But between the two, I feel that Makeup Base Creamy is more about adding moisture while Makeup Base Brightup is more about adding luminosity. (But, having said that, you might prefer Makeup Base Brightup’s creamier texture.)
I have not tried Laura Mercier’s primers before so I am afraid I am not able to compare them.
If you like a primer to have a good amount of moisture, one item that you might want to check out is Paul & Joe’s Foundation Primer N. I have reviewed it on my blog, and the post is under the “primer” category in the “Read by Topics” list on the sidebar. I find this primer to be very moisturizing.
Hope it helps!
Thank you very much for your comment again! :)
Hi PJ,
I've been researching alternative base makeup to my NARS powder foundation as it is quite hard to get in the countries I commonly travel to.
I'm currently trying to compare RMK, SUQQU, Paul & Joe and Laura Mercier's base makeup range. Any opinions on these? My skin is pretty much like yours and alcohol content is a no-no for me too.
Thanks!
Kathia.
Hi Kathia,
I see. Out of the foundations from RMK, SUQQU and Paul & Joe that I have tried (I haven't tried foundations from Laura Mercier), I think SUQQU's Powder Foundation Fresh might be a good choice. It is still not the most oil-controlling powder foundation I have tried, but it is (marginally) the best among the ones I have tried from these brands.
Another one you might want to look into is Paul & Joe's Protective Dual Powder Foundation UV. I have not tried this, but it could be potentially suitable for people with oily skin.
Hope it helps, and thank you for stopping by my blog! :)