In the market for a new makeup primer? The Banila Co Prime Primer Matte is the perfect dupe for the popular Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Mineral Primer, and half the price. Learn how the two products compare below.
The K-beauty world is not just full of less expensive dupes for Western skin care products, but for makeup too.
Our latest discovery is the Banila Co Prime Primer Matte ($24), which is said to be a great alternative to the Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Mineral Primer ($54). If you’re on a budget, have oily or combo skin, AND are looking to make your foundation last longer throughout the day, read on discover why the Banila Co option is definitely for you.
What is primer?
For those of you who are completely new to the world of primer, here’s a quick breakdown.
Primer is more or less a first coat that helps aid the texture and longevity of the products that come after it. It’s applied after moisturizer and before makeup. Basically, it prepares the skin by filling in small creases and pores, allowing your makeup to go on seamlessly and stay that way. A good primer can also mean that you don’t have to use as much foundation.
Usually formulas are able to do this thanks to silicone. Both Banila Co’s Prime Primer and Hourglass Cosmetics’ Veil Mineral Primer contain dimethicone, a type of silicone found in numerous cult favorite primers, including Smashbox Photo Finish and Maybelline Baby Skin. This version of silicone creates a very familiar texture—one that is fluid, silky, and smooth without being too wet or too dry. If you’re worried about putting silicones on your skin, read more about them here.
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How the Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Mineral Primer Compares to the Banila Co Prime Primer Matte
The Banila Co primers are some of the best-selling products in Korea. In fact, Banila Co goes so far as to call themselves the ‘King of Primers’ on their website. The matte version is a lightweight gel that glides smoothly onto the skin to cover any pores and fine lines. It also works to hydrate dry areas and control sebum production without making makeup appear cake-y or dry. A 30ml bottle retails for $24.
Like the Banila Co primer, the Hourglass formula effectively conceals pores, fine lines, and other imperfections, and feels lightweight and velvety on the skin. The main difference is the price; the same 30ml size is priced at $54.
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Another difference is the consistency. Instead of coming out like a translucent gel like the Banila Co primer, the Hourglass version has a watery white formula that becomes mostly translucent upon application. The slight white cast may not be a problem for someone with a fair complexion – it’s easily covered up once foundation is applied – but some reviews from people with darker skin tones say that it made their skin look ashy upon application. Finally, the Hourglass primer is fragrance- and cruelty-free.
Bottom Line
If you’re interested in dipping your toe into the world of primers, have a darker skin tone, or are simply looking for something more affordable, the Banila Co primer would be our choice. Let us know which one you would choose in the comments!
+What are some of your favorite dupes? Give us your recommendations in the comments. Or, looking for an alternative to a product we didn’t mention? Tell us which one below!
