The workings and benefits of Juice Beauty’s Phyto Pigments illuminating primer are a bit of mystery to me. Nothing about the product is bad – it’s natural and organic, contains great plant-based ingredients, and it shimmers alright. Illuminating? Check.
When applying a little bit all over the face, most the shimmer is not blatant. In fact it is barely noticeable at all.
I have to admit that the utility of a primer is and has always been kind of lost on me. You put some on your face after moisturizing and before applying foundation and the rest of your makeup. Allegedly, it helps to smooth out rough areas and make wrinkles less noticeable. While knowing full well how it’s supposed to be used, I never understood the point and purpose for lack of seeing a real impact of this extra step.
So initially I dismissed this lovely, natural primer by Juice Beauty as useless. Just as any others tried in the past. (Which, by the way, were not at all natural.) But then, in the process of writing this not-so-positive review, doubts crept in.
Reading the rave reviews and tips on how to use it motivates me to give it another try. It has to be noted that the ladies who’ve posted pictures do look positively radiant. Clearly, I’m not in on the secret powers of this (or any) primer.
Happy to learn, though, and be pleasantly surprised!
These are the takeaway points:
1. The Phyto Pigments Illuminating Primer gives a delicate glow.
The effect of a primer may not be as striking as the magic of a great concealer, or as eye-catching as lipstick. It adds radiance to the skin. Not of the kind that turns heads on the street, but it adds a certain je-ne-sais-quoi.
On a more muted, discrete level it seems to do something good for those who use it right. It probably won’t become part of my makeup essentials. However, to say it does nothing at all wouldn’t be accurate.
2. Juice Beauty makes one of the best natural primers you’ll find.
Most classic primers are loaded with synthetic and petroleum-derived ingredients to have that smoothing effect on the skin. So of all the primers you could try, might as well pick a well-made one with natural and organic ingredients of botanical origin. One that doesn’t lay on top of the skin like Saran wrap but simultaneously does something good for the skin. This is that one.
3. Clean ingredients & no animal testing.
Juice Beauty skincare is a cruelty-free brand. Products are free from parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, and artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances.
Full Ingredients:
*certified organic ingredient / ingrediént certifié bio
† plant derived / origine végétale
Aloe barbadensis juice*, coconut alkanes, silica, glycerin*, potassium cetyl phosphate, bismuth chloride oxide, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, hydrogenated palm glycerides†, vitis vinifera (grape seed oil)*, helianthus annuus (sunflower seed oil) †, syringa vulgaris (lilac extract) †, beta-glucan, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel extract) †, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate†, ascorbyl palmitate (Vitamin C),tocopherol (Vitamin E), malus domestica (apple fruit cell culture extract) †, vitis vinifera (grape fruit cell extract†, coco-caprylate/caprate†, lysolecithin†, sclerotium gum†, xanthan gum†, pullulan†, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose†, caprylhydroxamic acid†, caprylyl glycol†, cetyl alcohol, maltodextrin†, hyaluronic acid†, isomalt, sodium chloride, citric acid, biosaccharide gum-1.
* = Certified organic ingredient
† = plant derived / origine végétale
4. It feels wonderful.
Even without knowing for sure what it does, I can’t help but observe that the texture, scent, and feel of this primer are wonderful. It goes on very smoothly, feels silky, and blends perfectly with the skin. Looks aside, my face feels nice when I put this on. It contains Aloe vera, oils of grape seed sunflower seed, glycerin, as well as Juice Beauty’s signature fruit-based stem cell cultures.
Conclusion – Juice Beauty Phyto Pigments Illuminating Primer
It’s undeniable that if using a primer is your thing, Juice Beauty’s Phyto Pigments Illuminating Primer would be a great choice. I’m a novice when it comes to using a primer (at all) – let alone using it properly. This one has managed to entice me. After initially not really seeing the purpose of the product, I’ll definitely continue to experiment with it.
A great tip from one of the raving reviewers: instead of putting primer on after moisturizing and before foundation, you can just add a little to your foundation. I’m not big on the use of super thick, cakey foundation anyway, so using a drop of this primer to make foundation (and skin) more luminous seems like a lovely way to go. Also, a perfect way to use a product that may otherwise be sitting on the shelf in between special occasions and integrate it into your everyday looks.
Where to find it?
Juice Beauty Phyto Pigments illuminating primer ($36) at Credo Beauty. (Receive 3 free samples with all orders & free shipping on orders $50+)
Juice Beauty Phyto Pigments illuminating primer ($36) on Amazon. (Free shipping for Prime subscribers only.)