Murad Hybrids – Perfection is possible
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Murad’s Skin Perfecting Primer and Eye Lift Perfector review
photo: we heart this
I am a perfectionist. I am proud to say this, despite the bad rap the term “perfectionist” seems to get. Perfect is defined as entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings. Is it just me, or does that sound like a GOOD thing? Nay, a GREAT thing? Fortunately for us, the folks at Murad seem to have the same affinity for perfection that I do. Helping all of us be a little more perfect, Murad offers us its Skin Perfecting Primer and Eye Lift Perfector.
Murad’s Skin Perfecting Primer ($35) is available in both Matte and Dewy finishes. How smart is that? Different skin types have different needs in a primer and leave it to Murad to offer customers a choice in finishes.
As I lean towards the oily side, I received the Matte Finish for review, while a fellow, albeit drier skinned tester received the Dewey finish (read the comments for her review). This matte formulation helps balance oil production and is ideal for any skin type, but will be coveted by those of us with oily skin because it keeps shine at bay. This oil-free, packed-with-antioxidants primer creates not only a poreless canvas for your makeup, but it actually improves your skin! (And I have to say, I had Dr. Murad apply this to the back of my hand and I watched my hand become 5 years younger right before my eyes! ~Stef)
The formula primer contains ‘Pore Factor-5’, which benefits skin in five ways, including normalizing oil production and controlling bacteria, soothing and reducing inflammation, improving skin texture, improving elasticity and firmness, and smoothing the appearance of fine lines. This action packed formula dries to a matte, powdery finish that’s great for smoothing over pores and imperfections.
Along with all those benefits, this primer possesses Adaptive Shade Technology, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s tinted and this tint, “Natural”, is meant to match everyone’s skin tone (online reviews seem indicate this is true) and hide flaws; almost like a sheer all-over concealer. I will say, that as a person with very pale skin, I did have some problems with this Adaptive Shade Technology. When I applied this primer to my face and neck (per the instructions on the packaging), it looked like I was wearing either a light bronzer or a too dark foundation. The tint was just too dark for my very fair self.
I noticed that when applied before applying foundation, this primer actually helped hide some blemishes. In the true spirit of a wht tester, I wore the Skin Perfecting Primer on days I stayed at home and after a few weeks, my skin appeared healthier. I had fewer blemishes, less redness, and the barely there laugh lines I have seemed even more scarce than usual. My skin appeared, dare I say, perfect.
Also in the perfecting arsenal, Murad brings us the Eye Lift Perfector ($35). This 2-in-1 product not only promises to conceal your dark circles with its one-shade-fits-all natural tint, but it hydrates, depuffs, and lifts. According to Murad’s research, this product increases skin firmness by 50% in 15 minutes, for a noticeable lift.
The pen like shaped applicator is great for a quick pre-makeup dab around the eyes. Inside this eye prep formula is stuffed with antioxidants, botanicals, fruit extracts, minerals, vitamins and amino acids to naturally wake up and refresh the eye area. What’s not inside? Parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and other chemicals you want far from this sensitive area.
Sadly because of my “one-shade-fits-all-but-me” skin tone, I had similar tint issues with this product. However, it truly delivers the promised hydration, lift and depuffing. Quite a feat, as most eye products can only truly deliver one, maybe two of these crucial eye area needs. If your skin is darker than Casper the Friendly Ghost’s, you will LOVE this perfecting beauty.
Is anybody else out there proud to be a perfectionist? Do you feel a little more perfect after using Murad products?
And be sure to check back for more reviews of Murad’s Skin Perfecting Primer and Eye Lift Perfector
from the review team!
Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.
These products were really great, as are most products Murad pumps out, but that stupid adaptive shade technology did not adapt to me :( 4 stars!
Oh, how I wish I would have kept these to review for myself! Especially now seeing how they didn’t work for our resident ghost @krista. It’s a tough choice, deciding what the test myself, yet wanting to share the love (and get different opinions) with the team.
But as I none so subtly named dropped above, when Dr. Murad applied the primer to my hand I fell in LOVE.
I think the name “Primer” might be kind of misleading though. I stay away from Primers like the plague. Usually filled with ‘cones and slick as anything, they NEVER work for me. I think of the Hybrid Primer as more of a Tinted Moisturizer Plus.
I can’t review it, but I can tell you, it’s next up on my to buy list. I was very impressed with just a swatch.
This stuff looks awesome, and $35 really isn’t bad for a good primer/tinted moisturizer. I’ll have to find somewhere to try it though, since I am pretty pale as well. I’m really interested in the eye primer too, do you have any idea how it compares to the Smashbox tinted eye primer? Seems like it’s just barely light enough for me, I have to make sure to blend it really well.
@Stef – I think you’ve got it right, the Hybrid Primer really is more like a tinted moisturizer plus.
I was the lucky (and do I mean lucky!) tester of the Dewey finish Perfecting Primer. I have combination skin, meaning that my cheeks are super dry while my forehead is pretty oily. It’s a fine line to walk when it comes to which products to use, but the Dewey finish Perfecting Primer is a hit!
Just as @Krista experienced, the primer gave me virtually poreless skin. It made any blemishes seem much smaller, and it really helped to even out my skin tone. All this from a primer? I’m impressed! Unlike the matte finish, the dewey finish gives you a slightly glowing look, like a model in a fitness magazine. Seeing how it gives so much coverage, I skipped the rest of my foundation routine and just used the primer on casual summer days and nights. Perfect for when you’re in a rush! But beware- that dewey finish can be come a little too dewey on really hot days. I found myself needing to blot a little more than I was expecting, but this is likely due to my already oily tendencies.
Also like @Krista , I’m finding some color match problems as my summer tan fades away. It just looks a little off. However, it’s quickly solved by just mixing in a little lotion. Perfect!
Murad Hybrid Dewey finish Perfecting Primer is certainly going to stay in my makeup rotation. 5 stars from me!
Glad to hear that the primer worked so well on vanishing pores. I’m referring this product to a friend that has been searching for such a product! Thanks for the great post, @krista!
Thanks to your post, @krista, I’m going to splurge on the Eye Lift Perfector. It sounds like just the eye product I need for fall! Great review!
@pinkshaya – I was actually thinking of you when we put this review up. Weren’t you the new tester whose on the constant search for the perfect primer?
The primer sounds really cool! I like that it comes in two finishes, because combo girls like me can’t always use the same skincare products all year round.
I would love to try the Matte Hybrid Primer. It sounds awesome. I am a huge fan of primer and tinted moisturizer. It sounds like it would be just about perfect for me!
I am always on the quest for flawless skin and I am going to add this my list. I love everything from Murad I have tried.
I also think the alpha beta cleanser is about the most perfect cleanser I have ever tried! I am reading Dr. Murad The Water Secret right now and love it.
I got to try the Eye Lift Perfector…I loved it! It does every thing it professes to do – the depuffing and the highlighting. The only thing is that it doesn’t play nice with other products and beads up if I put on an SPF. I need to try it with the primer and then I’m sure it will work just fine.
This is my favorite kind of product – I’ve tried them all – the Smashbox one is my favorite under eye highlighter but this one by Murad really moisturizes and “cures.” 5 stars.