Review: Face of Australia Face Base Primer

It feels like eons ago but back in May I received the Face of Australia Face Base Primer from Adeline's 1 Year Anniversary Giveaway. It couldn't have come at a better time but why is it that I always fall for beauty products I can't get a hold of locally?! *face palm*

My foundations and tinted moisturizers weren't holding on at all at the start of summer. It then occurred to be that a primer might help prevent the slipping & sliding. Unlike any of the face primers I have tried, from drugstore to mid-end, Face Base Primer is the best in terms of performance and price (aside from shipping)!


The primer is oil free but boasts Vitamin E and Chamomile as its top ingredients. Face of Australia explains that the Vitamin E strengthens and smooths skin tones while the Chamomile and Yarrow extract protect the skin from free radicals. A sunscreen is always necessary but I appreciate the extra protection the Chamomile and Yarrow provides.

The texture of the Face Base Primer is like a gel-based moisturizer bordering lotion; lightweight and fast absorbing.  It's hydrating enough to create a patch-less canvas to work on but unlike a silicone-based primer, it won't smooth fine lines nor add a slippery feel to the face. It's a great prepping step that works to prolong foundation or tinted moisturizer wear.


Sadly, so sadly, Face of Australia Face Base Primer is only available in Australia or online. It's priced around $10-12 for 50ml but if bought online, the shipping is nearly twice the price of the primer. Cringe with me?
There's also a brother (or sister?) primer to this one but all it includes is SPF 15. It's refreshing to see a brand giving their customers a choice in formulas.

If there's one primer Face Base is similar to, it has to be the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. They're nearly identical in terms of texture but I find my make up lasts an hour or two longer with the former. There's no weird scent like the Laura Mercier primer has and it even absorbs a few seconds faster! And call be crazy but even after the exorbitant shipping fees, I still find myself loving Face Base more. You even get the same amount (50 ml).

Bottom Line:
The first Face of Australia product I have ever tried and it's a great hit! Like a make up junkie, I will continue to look for a "better" primer but if nothing compares to Face Base, I'll go back to it despite the scary shipping rates. Combo/dry skin may really benefit from this.


Ingredients