I have extremely dry skin, with flaky patches and all ((YUCK!)). I use a moisturizer ((one most people would use at night)), let it set and absorb for about 10 minutes then apply this primer over top. It locks in all of the moisture in my skin, and even better it waterproofs whatever you put over it! Even better than that, you CAN apply it to the eyelid (something I found out from my sephora consultant).

I think that you will be completely satisfied with this product, and will find that as long as you use a good moisturizer under it, it will help to maintain your skins moisture levels!
Good Luck!

This primer made my face look too oily so I would think it would be perfect for dry skin. I do use the foundation and am in love with it, so light and goes such a long way with the foundation brush. I would try it, just not for me.

It would definatley work well...I use a tinted moisturizer and this primer makes it even better

This should be great for you - it's not drying but doesn't over-moisturize as well.

I also have dry skin and use a moisturizer with Veil. The directions say to apply moisturizer first, which is what I do. Veil doesn't dry my skin in any way, and it helps to keep my foundation in place at times when my moisturizer might otherwise work against me.

I really don't think this is for you if you have dry skin at all. I have combination skin, and this stuff instantly dried my skin out, making it tight and flaky. My skin is not normally dry like that, even when I skip my moisturizer. Yuck! ...Hope this helps :)

I actually bought this product because the sales person told me it helped seal in moisture, and they were right! I have combination skin and this made dry spots soft and oily spots "dewy" rather than slicked.

This primer has a lighter feel, so I don't know if it will add much moisture to your skin. You might prefer the Smashbox Photo Finish original.

My skin gets dry and sometimes peels around the nose and mouth in the winter. I bought the small size of this to try it out and it's fantastic. Smoothing, soothing and not drying at all. No breakouts either. Way less ingredients than other primers and I find there is less to irritate sensitive skin. Moisturize and then apply a pea size amount of primer.

This primer is fabulous, and I would definitely suggest using it prior to applying the tinted moisturizer. It is not oily, but seems to smooth the surface of the skin. I noticed the difference when I forgot to apply it prior to applying the tinted moisturizer.

If you wear it on top I think it would give you a smoother finish, I put a moisturizer on underneath. It waterproofs your makeup and it's great if you're going to wear foundation over top... I'm just not sure of the value you're going to get for your money if you're not going to wear a foundation over it. I wouldn't recommend wearing your moisturizer over top because I don't think it will absorb into your skin properly.

I'm not a fan of the Smashbox primers but this primer blows every other primer that I do like right out of the water. IMO, Smashbox can't hold a candle to Hourglass.

This product lasts longer and goes on lighter.

I have used Photo finish primer and this works soo much better. Never really noticed a difference with the photo finish, but everything stayed perfectly in place & looked fresh all day with this

No. I loved the Smashbox primers. This is not even close. It stings my skin.

I like it better. It has the same great staying power, but it doesn't feel as heavy as the Smashbox product. Let's put it this way: Smashbox' Photo Finish Light used to be my favorite primer. Now I can't do without this one!

I tried Smashbox - it did not work for me. I am African American with very oily skin. I gave the product away.

I was a smashbox girl myself, and this blows it away, people will stop you on the street and you won't be able to stop looking at yourself in the mirror just shocked at how smooth and even your skin looks

I personally have used the SmashBox primer and the HG Primer puts all others to shame!! It is wonderful!! It reallt helps us oily skinned girls keep our make-up on and in place!!

i was very disappointed with the smashbox primer. I thought it was too heavy and left a weird residue on my skin. This product to me was a million times better. light weight, and absorbed perfectly into my skin. Kept my foundation on all day and felt like my complexion was picture perfect from morning to evening.

prefer it to Smashbox -- which tended to be a bit greasy and lacks SPF

I tried the Smashbox too since I had heard a lot about that one as well. For me, it was just okay. The feel and smoothness of Hourglass was just so much better. No comparison.

I have sensitive skin And the wrong products will definitely make my skin break out with little pimples. I try to avoid products with dimethicone in it because in the past I feel this ingrediant has caused breakouts. However, this primer is so silky nd has worked better than any other primer so I really wanted to try it with my skin. Ive been using it a couple of weeks now, maybe 4 times per week and so far(knock) no breakouts. I'm not 100 percent sure I'm in the clear, but most likely i would of had pimple by now. It could also be that my new lotion choice has been philosophy hope in a jar for the past 2 months and my skin has never looked better. I think the combination of products really contribute to how your skin reacts.

Yes

I too suffer from acne, but I do use this primer. I use the primer because it helps my makeup to go on smoother and stay longer. I don't know why anyone else uses it. This product absorbs oil for me for about 3 hours without a touch up. Then I see a small amount of shine. That's not a long time, but no other primer worked any longer for me. However, I have started wearing a very thin layer of milk of magnesia on my skin AFTER I moisturize. I put the primer on after the milk of magnesia. Not only did the milk of magnesia absorb the oil just about all day, my acne has decreased significantly. I don't know if it will work for you, but it works for me.

Yes- I have the identical problem as you; it will not interfere with your skin's tendency to breakouts. It is amazing!

I've found that it's helped my acne-prone skin - it's so light that it doesn't irritate my skin. I would really recommend this product, it's helped me so much and really settled my skin down. The added SPF is a huge bonus too in summer. Maybe give the smaller $17 bottle a try? You only need a small amount so even that small bottle lasts a long time, and then you can decide whether or not to invest in the larger bottle.

Yes, it is oil free and will absorb oil. It will make your makup last all day

Try it out longer. I would give it two weeks. My local Sephora doesn't sell the small bottle, the $17 one, but I think you can get it online. I think it's worth it. I too have acne prone skin but I do use other things to help with that. I do think primer is important to making makeup last longer.

it's good for acne skin because is oil control

Yes it is worth a try, I have acne prone skin and it hasn't agitated my skin or caused any flare ups. Also I don't have a problems with my skin being oily after I use this, you know after you've had your makeup on for a few hours and then your t-zone starts to shine, this eliminates that for me as well!

I would get the small travel size one which should last you about a month and see what you think. I'm a HUGE believer in the natural products as I had lots of blemishes and after consistent use of natural skinecare and foundations, my skin looks great.

I am 45 and had horrible acne from age 10 through my 30's. Just really awful and I have always had oily skin. Although my acne is gone, the oiliness remains although I do moisturize because if you don't your skin will notice and start overproducing oil which is......not good. I use this foundation and love it and tried this primer. The Sephora SA told me ahead of time it's not the best primer for oily skin but I foolishly did not listen and bought it anyway. He was right. It has a little shimmer to it and made my skin look and feel oiler than normal. I returned it for the amazing cosmetics primer and noticed the difference right away. So while I think this is probably a great product, I would stay away if you have acne prone, oily skin. Smashbox makes a really nice, light primer and it's less money than this so that is what I would try if I were you.

I'll be 40 this year, and I actually love it for under my eyes. I don't think it is drying or too matte, I think it feels very moisturizing. Even after it dries, my skin feels very soft.

To me, this product is very mattifying. I have combination skin and it really sucks the life out of my face. To me, as you age, a very matte finish is just more aging.

yes i feel the same way, i am 42 and have nice skin (thank goodness) but as much as i like this primer i do feel it is matte and a little drying as the day goes on....having said that i read about guerlain meterorites primer, and i have also just purchased dr jarts beauty balm which is great and i use it on top of this primer and my skin looked great/ my skin looked hydrated and my makeup stayed on all day....hope this helps/

You can never go wrong with a sample! I would honestly say that if your skin isn't the 'greasy' type of shiny then you could skip this product.

If the primer settles into your skin you may not need a primer after all. Try just using an oil free moisturizer 10 minutes before you apply your makeup. That should provide the moisture your skin needs and keep you comfortable throughout the day.

I use Lancome's luminizing foundation with it and it give me that "glow" from within. I'm 58! Hope this helps.

I am dry as well so I moisturize really well before I use it. It does not make me look dull. I do use a hydrating foundation so it does balance itself out a little.

I think it's fine for older skin...as long as you moisturize...because it does mattify the skin, so if your not looking for that property, you might want to try moisturizing first, or a different primer altogether.

Although I am 49, admittedly my skin is still oily. I worried that I would look chalky but that hasn't been the case at all.

This primer is definitely matte, and it does reduce shine, absorbing oil, but the matte finish doesn't look dry, but gives your face a very smooth youthful finish, it fills in tiny age lines but doesn't make you look mask-like. I wear with either bare mineral powder over it or apply over my moisture with a little argan luminizer. Try a sample first, or return it if it doesn't work with your skin type.

I don't think you can be too old for primer, its always nice to have something to even out your skin. But if you find that this makes you too matte maybe you need a more hydrating moisturizer before you use the primer or you can always use a foundation that gives you a more dewy finish. Hydrating foundation is usually best for mature skin.

You dont really have to .. but i always too because of my dry skin. It actually looks better once youre done and gives a more dewy look.

YES!

If you're dry or normal, I'd say yes. If oily or combo, no.

You should always moisturize. A Sephora skin care specialist told me that my oily skin will be oilier if I don't moisturize because skipping a moisturizer makes your skin produce more oil. I emailed Hourglass about their tinted moisturizer and they say to moisturize, prime, then apply that product. I say that to say, yes, you should moisturize first. I have pretty oily skin and have had great results using Clinique's Moisture Surge gel under this primer. On oily days, I use the Boscia green tea blotting linens once a day and that fixes any breakthrough oiliness this primer doesn't fix. i hope this long-winded answer helps!

YES!!! I have extremely oily skin, and I always thought that a daily moisturizer was the enemy to my face, but i have been proven wrong! After a lot of convincing from a skin specialist i decided to break down and start using a moisturizer. Nothing special and expensive, just Sephora's brand, because I didn't want to spend a lot of (what I thought would be) wasted money. I can't say enough about the difference it has made! I have found my skin to actually be LESS oily with moisturizing! Also, I feel it actually smoothes my skin before priming, which I also do daily before make-up application. Make sure you are using a FACE moisturizer, though. Don't use your regular body cream on your face or it will make your skin gross.

I always do. I never consulted anyone about this so I could be wrong. I use a lightweight moisturizer with an spf. I let that settle before applyin the primer. Words out fine for me. Good luck and experiment. That's the true way of finding out.

Yes.

Yes, I use one in the winter when it's dry out. Not sure if I'll need it in the summer when it's humid.

Yes!

Hello, You do not need to use a moisturiser prior to using primer, although it will benefit the skin (as always). Many oilier skins skip a moisturiser when using primer, especially in hotter or more humid weather. I have combination skin that becomes very oily in the T-zone & I use a moisturising serum prior to my primer, but skip the moisturiser most days (exception being very cold/dry winter days).

Yes it does. I use a mineral foundation and it works very well, I even noticed that I use less foundation because my skin looks so smooth and even after applying the primer. Hope this helps =)

yes it does

Absolutely. I use it with Bare Escentuals and I haven't had any powdery/dry problems.

This is not too matte for dry or mature skin - I just need to use a better moisturizer under it. I like this primer because it makes my skin look bright and soft, plus it's waterproof and has SPF in it. There are other primers on the market that have other benefits - if your makeup stays on, and your skin is dry - seek one that suits your specific needs! Also, this will be a HG product for vacation or warmer climates!

For Mineral foundations i've only tried this together with BE, and I think it works very complimentary with it. BE seems to buff better with this primer than with others i've tried. If you use a different mineral foundation, I cannot comment as I have not tried other mineral foundations with this primer yet.

Yes. This primer works with any foundation. Mineral, liquid, creamy, etc. It feels light on and not greasy, I love it! :)

Yes and beautifully!

Absolutely! It is mineral based and the sunscreen elements are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, same as MMU

Yes, it will work with mineral powder foundation. Just be sure to let the primer "set" so that it dries before you apply your powder foundation. Apply the foundation sparingly so that you don't have areas that are over saturated. I suggest that you apply foundation a little at a time and build the coverage so that you have an even finish.

I wear this with my Bare Escentuals mineral make and it works and look great.

I purchased the small bottle. I knew before I used the whole bottle that I loved the product. I gave what was left in the small bottle to my son's fiance and purchased the larger size for myself. She's 24 and she loved it too!

5 hours

The big bottle lasts me 3-4 months with daily use. The little bottle should last about 1 month with daily use seeing as how it is 1/3 the size of the full sized product.

Hope this helps!

It lasts several months for me. Well worth every cent!

It's hard to say how long it will last. Depends on how much you use at a time, but mine lasted over a month.

i have the small size, have been using it daily for at least 2 months and still have around 1/3 to 1/4 of the product left

A little goes a looong way. A half until 1 pump is all you need. I got the large bottle one, and it lasts me about 3 months (and that still has a bit left but you have to open the bottle and flip it upside down to get it out.) So yeah, if you get the to-go size, I would assume it will last about 1 month, at least.

my 1oz bottle lasts about 2 months

The small bottle lasted me about 2 months. You don't need a lot of this product. Next time I am purchasing the large: I like it so well.

I used it practically everyday and got 8 months out of this baby. The thin, liquid-like consistency allows you to use every last drop in the bottle unlike many of the thicker, gel-like primers on the market. And like the previous reviewer said, you need the SMALLEST amount to achieve optimal results.

Awesome, amazing, works like a charm for my excessively oily skin!

I have oily skin. I'm most oily during the summer. I've used this primer with and without a facial sunscreen and I don't feel its heavy at all. If I'm going to be out more I use Kate Somerville's Sunscreen Serum under this primer. Just remember to use very little primer over your facial sunscreen (if you use a separate product) because the product will ball up.

I will attest to it working for oily skin! It is lightweight and hasn't caused one blemish on me. It's one of two products with SPF that doesn't break me out, so it's high on my list of favorite products. It's the winter time, so I can't say how it holds up on oily skin in the humidity, but I will say I can tell it's going to hold up better on my skin than Prime Time did.

I have oily skin and use this primer. I love it! It's lightweight. I hate thick gobs of stiff on my face. I would suggest using a lightweight moisturizer under it such as Luzern Force de Vie Micro Gel. I hated the feel of most primers I tried until this one. Plus it has an excellent mineral sunscreen.

I TOTALLY hear you on this! I always always was searching for a primer that would help with the oilies. Many all claim to do it, but merely disappoint. This one fulfills all it claims: smooths the skin, minimizes look of pores, and definitely helps oily gals with those terrible slicks. I'd put on my makeup, and like twenty minutes later, that dreaded shine! And no, not dewy, but SHINY. It was just gross! Not to mention made me want to give up on makeup altogether because that oily feeling was just dirty, and caked up my makeup. Luckily I decided to try this primer, and WOW. I only had to blot once yesterday, and honestly it was in the dark and after a movie so who knows, I may not have needed it. But compare to the usual five to seven times that I NEEDED to blot before, this is truly a miracle. I was beginning to think that the PERFECT canvas was merely a myth. This really will perform for you. AND it has SPF, AND it did not break me out! and let me tell you, my skin is merciless: if a product won't work for me, it'll certainly show it, and most immediately. Give it a shot, it's truly a quality product.

Try the Hourglass primer. Works great for me.

It isn't a miracle worker but it does help. I'm not going to lie but at some point my nose starts to get shiny but i've seen it be shinnier. I use this and MUFE Velvet and i love it. It really does try to control shine but you will need a powder touch up half way thru your day.

It will work nicely.

Although I'm in my 50s, I still have oily skin. I found this primer works great at creating a matte finish. I use Bare Minerals makeup over this (after it dries thoroughly) and I find they all work together great. I haven't worn liquid foundation in years.

Appreciate your oily skin--you won't wrinkle!

I have combination skin that isn't super oily, but I feel this primer made me oily.

I have acne prone skin( did acutane twice) I use anything that is a gel base like clinque gel mois. Primer goes on fine on top of that

I use Sephora Instant moisturizer, it has a nice scent, gets the job done and its not expensive. try it, you can always return it. :)

I have extremely sensitive skin as well, and because of a hormonal disorder, I am acne-prone as well. My regimen is clinique's acne solutions toner, followed by clinique's redness solutions moisturizer and I find this keeps my skin in top shape. This primer works well on top of the moisturizer! I highly recommend that moisturizer to everyone, I wish I knew about it sooner!

I actually use Clean and Clear's "Dual Action" lotion. It works better than the more expensive products I've used on my acne-prone skin.
I put it on after I shower, wait about 3 minutes, and put on the primer. I then wait about a minute or so and put on foundation (Nars never makes me break out).

I get a little dryer in winter so now I am using Philosophy's Miracle Worker moisturizer (in the jar) with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. A small dab of moisturizer on each cheek, forehead and chin/neck then massage it in. Then I apply mineral primer and wait a few minutes to dry. My skin is super soft and smooth with no breakouts.

I use Josie Maran +40 moisturizer under this primer and I have oily skin. Works very well together.

I do not use any moisturizer during the day (only at night), but the best moisturizer I have used for oily skin is Shiseido Pureness Matifying Moisturizer Oil-Free. I am in love with this moisturizer, and I have a very oily skin, and living in Puerto Rico (high temperatures all the year). I recommend you try this moisturizer, and you will solve your problem!

I would truly suggest using the Bobbi Brown Face Base. I myself have EXTREMELY acne-prone skin, and it has helped control my oil by itself. Paired with this primer, it works amazing!

I use Murad Oil Control Mattifier with this, and they work extremely well together. They both keep my oily t-zone under control, while making my make up sweat proof.

I love Ole Henriksen's Sheer Transformation. My skin is combination and acne prone. This moisturizer is light and almost unscented, I mean the scent is extremely light and unobtrusive. It also keeps my skin feeling hydrates while not feeling heavy or greasy. I feel like it absorbs immediately, so when I use a primer, there is no interferance. Hope this helps.

best one I have tried on my clients is the oil-free from Smashbox

I prefer the Hourglass primer. I have moderate/heavy oily skin and I sweat probably more than average. The hourglass seems to control my oilyness better, sets my foundation better, and it doesn't feel heavy on my skin at all. With MUFE All Mat, I felt greasy again after 1-2hrs. If you tend to JUST be oily, MUFE may work fine for you, but if you are oily/sweaty, I feel the hourglass works better.

Without a doubt, Hourglass Veil Mineral is much better for the severely oily...like myself. I have used both, and am blown away by the results of the Hourglass primer. Yes, much more expensive I know, but believe me, well worth the money vs all the money I've wasted in looking for the perfect primer for my extremely oily skin. Good luck

This one wins for me, hands down. MUFE's primer didn't even stand a chance!

NO COMPARISON here! Hourglass all the way! NOTHING ever worked for me before. I will never stray from this amazing product for my extremely oily skin!

Absolutely Hourglass. I tried MUFE too, and I'm not a big fan. I have combination skin and my T-zone tend to get oily during the day. And when I tried MUFE, it makes my makeup looked cakey during the day. MUFE doesn't work as well as Hourglass because MUFE isn't as fast absorbing as this one. Good luck!

All Mat is better for oil control, but has that 'cone feel to it. Hourglass has no silicone/dimethicone, so it feels nicer. I might suggest trying Urban Decay's Deslick in a Tube for ultimate oil prevention. Under foundation or tapped over top for mid-day touch ups: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P260800&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3806

Definitely this primer is better- I have the MUFE all matt- was also told by sales rep that it is good. Veil is way better and controls oil all day- I have very oily skin

I've never tried the MUFE primer but sometimes I can get oily and the Veil Mineral Primer lasts all day AND through a tough workout. You can buy the Veil primer in a smaller size for around $17, which is what I did to test it out. When it runs out I plan on buying the larger size. Also, if you don't like it, you can always return it. I hope that helped!

If you have greasy skin this is amazing for fixing it. I have greasy skin as well. What's also crazy: I think it cleared up my skin on top of it. I usually have acne-prone skin and I don't think I have had one pimple since I used this product. Get the smaller bottle- it's SUPER small but at least you can try it to see if it works for you.
If it doesn't work for you- try Smashbox Photo Finish. That's also an awesome primer.