The need for makeup primer depends purely on preference. Some say its a holy grail, a must-have product that helps makeup apply smoother and stay on longer.

On the other hand, some don’t see a need for it and say it’s a waste of money. I think it really depends on which primer you are using.

There are primers out there that really perform, helping to combat oily skin from melting makeup off the face. However there are also disappointing primers that really are just a waste of money and don’t do anything to help with longevity or application of makeup.

Photo by Sarah Ro

The Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser is a product that has been in drugstores for a while now, it was advertised as a new product early this year in the U.S. As for most girls, when I laid eyes on the primer I felt a need to purchase it. Most drugstore brands had not come out with primers so I was curious to see how this would perform. Also, the packaging- the light turquoise tube and bubbly pink font- who could resist?

When you first squeeze the product out of the tube, it comes out as a clear gel consistency. The texture is definitely thicker and denser than other primers out there.

The first step is to squeeze a small pea-sized amount to the back of the hand. Then dot it where you have large pores (for most girls, it is around the nose area) and slowly start to work it into the skin.

The skin definitely feels smoother after application. However, the primer does not set instantly and you are left with a slightly oily residue on the face. This makes your face feel slick and shiny. It is also time consuming, as you have to wait for the primer to set before you apply any form of foundation or concealer on top.

Upon use, I realized it does not do what it claims to do. Maybelline claims that the product has a blur technology which instantly blurs the pores on your face which makes your face seem almost airbrushed. I did not find that my pores were “blurred,” but rather they looked the same as it had before applying the primer.

Overall, the Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser was a disappointing product. To this day, I continue to use it every so often because it is a waste to dispose of it, but my opinion remains the same. It leaves a oily residue on the skin for a while before it sets and does not blur the pores. In addition, girls with oily skin should stay away from this product, as it does not help to combat the oils in any way but rather, makes the face feel even oilier.

For those that would like to try the product, it can be found at your local Target stores for $5.99.