The Prince of Primer

Which one of these primers is not like the other?  Let me rephrase, which of these primers actually does what it claims to do?

Is it the cult favorite Porefessional?  The ultra-affordable Baby Skin?

It's Boot's No7 Beautifully Matte Make Up Base (available at Target; $10)!  Not exactly what you were expecting?  Welp, I've tried every single one of these primers and it's the only one that controls my shine ALL DAY.  Make no mistake, this does not keep me oil-free; I'm still an oily mess.  It simply keeps me shine-free and helps my makeup last longer.

Do you have a foundation you love that doesn't stand up to your oily skin?  Give this guy a try.  I love Revlon's new Age Defying Foundation (it makes my skin look awesome without being too heavy), but my oily skin tears it apart!  So, I just put a little bit of this over a light moisturizer, and it lasts all day!  I kid you not, this can take your wimpiest foundation and make it last.

I've read a few reviews online, and the main complaint others have is that it leaves a white residue.  I've never had that problem, as I only apply very little product.  I place a pea-sized portion in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together slightly, and pat, not rub, the product onto my face.  Since this product dries very quickly, if you rub the product onto your face, it will ball up (you know, like when you rub glue between your fingers?).  Sounds pretty gross, but it's so worth it.

Pros:
 - keeps face shine-free all day
 - makes makeup last longer
 - works with any foundation
 - contains salicylic acid to control blemishes

Cons:
 - slightly more expensive than other drugstore brands
 - only available at select stores (at least in the US)
 - tricky application

With the annoying application aside, this has become my holy grail primer.  As you can see, I've tried many a primer (even more than the picture shows), and nothing has held it's claims more than Beautifully Matte.  Looks like my days of excessive blotting are over.