Today we are checking out a silicone-free, water-based product, NYX First Base Primer Spray!
What to expect?
NYX promises to give us a skin-smoothing, makeup-locking, nourishing miracle (they didn’t really call it a miracle) in the form of this primer spray. It’s supposed to make your foundation go on smoothly and give you that nice, refreshing feeling. It contains cornflower extract and B5.
They don’t really say that much about it. I suppose they don’t need to, it kind of sells itself, at least based on the many, MANY positive reviews.
Let’s see
- It was not hard to find recent good quality reviews about this product. Most of them were extremely positive by the way.
- Did I mention how positive they were?
- The product is inexpensive, yet it works as well as some of the more expensive brands’ primers
- As this primer is sprayed on, people found it very easy to apply. A couple of sprays are plenty, and the product comes out as a fine mist, which many people found refreshing (just as promised).
- It has a nice, tacky feel to it once it dries, and this helps foundation stay put.
- Most of the users did see a difference in the longevity of their makeup, but there were some that didn’t. Many of these disappointed users found an alternative use for the product either as a setting spray or as something to spray on their beauty blenders/sponges when applying foundation.
- Regardless of whether it helped makeup to stay put or not, people found that the foundation went on more smoothly, didn’t separate, and the finish was dewy.
- The primer works well with different skin types from oily to dry, although it’s not targeted specifically for any one type.
- People with sensitive skin have had mixed results, perhaps because of a sensitivity to one of the ingredients? Most of the sensitive reviewers had no problems using the product but there were a few that broke out or even got a rash from it. The ingredients list for this primer is short so it shouldn’t be too difficult to spot the ones that are causing problems. I’m being hopeful because I have a sensitive skin and want to get this primer now ☹
- The majority of the reviewers had used a cream primer previously and compared the experiences. A few things that were mentioned several times were that
- 1) when using a spray primer their foundation didn’t seem to slide around or rub off as easily
- 2) the spray primer felt lighter on the skin
- 3) it makes makeup application simpler and faster, when you don’t have to spend time on rubbing and patting and waiting
- 4) you avoid touching the skin with your fingers
- 5) you’ll get your foundation and eyeshadow primer in one spray (or two), and
- 6) it sets on dry skin without making it flake
- For those with special needs, such as people with oily skin or large pores, it might be beneficial to use the spray primer with a regular cream primer for extra help.
Ideal for: People who appreciate simplicity and want a primer that is refreshing, inexpensive, and does a decent job at keeping your face in place.
Get updated prices and more reviews here
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Super easy to apply
- Feels lightweight compared to cream primers
- Dries quickly (but doesn’t dry out your skin)
- Helps prolong the wear of your foundation (for most of the users)
- A bottle lasts for a long time even with everyday use
- Gives you some extra moisture as is, but can also be used over moisturizer and sun screen
- Can also be used as a setting spray, or on a beauty blender to improve makeup application
- Feels refreshing when sprayed on, especially when kept in the fridge
- Has a pleasant (but subtle) smell
Cons:
- Doesn’t act as a pore filler
- Doesn’t have a mattifying effect
- Some of the reviewers didn’t feel it helped their makeup stay on longer
- Doesn’t have sun protection
- Not a great taste, keep your mouth closed
- Some people with a very sensitive skin experienced irritation when using the product
Ingredients
Check out my list of more water-based primers!
What’s your experience with the NYX First Base Primer Spray?