Maybelline by FaceStudio Master Prime Hydrate + Smooth Primer ($9.99) is a new hydrating facial primer that launched with the Maybelline Spring 2018 Collection earlier this month. Mayelline already has a few primers in the Face Studio Collection but as an early Spring launch they are going to hydrating route which makes sense as Winter is coming and we can all use a little hydration. There’s some irony in the fact that this is from a Spring Collection yet makes a good pick for Winter. Shrug!
Here’s my thoughts.

At a glance I thought this would be a gel formula which like we’ve seen from J. Cat H20 Fresh Dewy Hydrating Face Primer and NYX Hydra Touch Primer but it’s actually entirely different.
This is actually a lightweight lotion which a thicker, creamy consistency that absorbs easily into skin. So, no not a gel as I suspected. It actually uses the same technique that Charlotte Tilbury relies on with her Magic Cream, that being creating a smooth base to foundation to adhere to. The idea is to create a surface for your foundation to lay on versus laying on the actual skin of your face. This means your foundation has a cushion and isn’t touching your skin which means it won’t fade as quickly, won’t oxidize, and won’t wear away as fast as it would without primer. This thicker consistency is the way to go if you’re looking to extend the wear of your foundation but also, it preps well for foundation so it applies smoother ...