A makeup primer can make a tremendous difference on how your makeup looks and stays on your face.  Dior has a new primer they sent to me called Diorskin Crystal Nude which I’ve been testing. The difference with this primer is that it can be used before or after applying makeup and I really like the versatility of this primer.  I’ve use this for many different applications, which I will explain.
It looks almost white in the compact, but goes on clear to the skin.  Most primers are liquid, but this is a solid that smoothes on with the sponge.  What’s also different is that the sponge on one side is a bit more textured and the other side more like velvet. The textured side is used for applying the primer before applying your makeup.  I use this as would be expected, before applying makeup, but also on those days when you want your face to look a little more polished without putting on a whole face of makeup (like running to the grocery store on a Saturday) this works perfectly in smoothing out any imperfection and makes your skin look smooth and flawless without foundation.   It gives it a soft matte, not dry matte finish and fills in pores and fine lines. Perfect with or without foundation.
The other side of the sponge is smooth as velvet. Use this side after you’ve applied your makeup. If you want to finish your makeup without using powder, use the primer with the velvet side of the sponge.  It glides over your makeup without smearing or removing it.
Put away the powder compact during the day. If you get a little shine or oily T-zone during the day that you want to remove without applying another layer of powder, this also works great for those touch-ups.  A dab here or there and the shine is gone.
Diorskin Crystal Nude Primer sells for $40 and the versatility of this makes it worth every penny.
Â
I might have to get this. Do you like it better than a liquid primer?
I really like the versatility of this that a liquid primer doesn’t offer. I can throw this in my handbag and do touch ups throughout the day.
Oh wow! I want this!!!
Only $40.. not bad!
Thank you for reviewing this. What is the finish like of this primer–matte, dewy? Also, does it go into or bring out fine lines? $40.00 is a very reasonable price.
That looks amazing. I’m loving all things Dior lately. I’ll have to add this to my list.
It is more matte – but not a dry matte. It leaves a nice cushion between the skin and makeup. It definitely does not bring out the fine lines, but instead fills them in.
Thanks for the reply. I will definitely look into this after the holidays.
Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!
Thanks – Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones as well!
Loving the sound of this Kari!
Do you know if it contains silicone? Some people really dislike silicone in their primer. I’m not sure I have ever used one with out it.
Hope you had a fabulous Holiday!
Yes, it does contain silicone.
Have to get this after reading your review as well as Gouldylox’s raves.
How would you compare this to smashbox or nars primers, if you have tried those. can this be used under the eye area before or after concealer?
Well in comparing it to Smashbox, they both have silicone, but the Dior one is solid, more like the Nars one. I’m not sure which Nars primer you are referring to as they have 4, but the two in the tubes leave my face oily and the eye one I can’t use because I need a primer that has some coverage and this one doesn’t have any. The other Nars one, Soothing Face Prep can be used before primer, but really, if your primer isn’t doing what Soothing Face Prep does, then it just seems like an extra wasted step. Dior can be used before and after makeup and I’ve used it after concealer and it works without removing the makeup.
I used this for two days, i apply it with the yellowish side of the sponge, i found i could hardly dig anything out of the compact onto my face! Its just very hard to apply, and i dont feel i have apply enough of the products onto my face