If you’re not currently in the UK at the moment, you might not know that there is currently a bit of a heatwave. By other country’s standards, it’s typical summer weather, but in the UK it means that conversation circles around whether the temperature will reach 80 or even 90, and not a whole lot else. If you’ve been in Edinburgh this week, you’ll have seen the outside seats on George Street positively groaning under the weight of all those sun seekers, and everyone has really just been making the most of a sunny few days – which is exactly where Hourglass’ Veil Primer comes in.
Admittedly, I’m not the heaviest makeup wearer – the thought of spending a day in a full-coverage foundation makes me itch, but when it comes to summer products, I’m always on the lookout for something which will keep everything in place when the mercury starts to rise.
A few weeks back, Hourglass very kindly invited me to a very swish brunch at Harvey Nichols, where they talked about the brand, as well as hero products and new launches. We were also sent home with some of the most generous goodie bags I’ve ever seen, and nestled inside was this bottle of Veil Primer. On a daily basis, I usually just smooth a little Skin Tint (review here) straight on to skin after moisturising, but with the increase in temperature, I wanted something which would keep everything in place, and honestly, I’ve been absolutely blown away by the primer.
Packaged in a rather chic glass bottle with pump dispenser, at first the Veil Primer looks a bit worrying. It’s white. Very white, and even as I smooth it on, I can still see it on the skin, casting a bit of a white glow. The magic only starts to happen once I layer my Skin Tint on top. Now, anyone who’s even sniffed at Glossier knows that the tint has the consistency and colour payoff of basically water, but when combined with the Hourglass Veil Primer, it transforms into an almost tinted moisturiser consistency, with higher than normal levels of coverage. The primer really seems to work to amplify the makeup you’ve already got on – keep it looking fresh and in place all day (and night) long. It doesn’t dry skin out, or leave me looking cakey, like others I’ve tried, instead it gives skin a glowing, satin finish, and keeps everything perfectly in tact.
It’s an oil-free formula, which has been designed to repel water – so if you’re looking for something to wear round the pool – this is it! With SPF 15 protection, and a vegan-friendly formula, this is the primer of choice which I’ll be wearing all summer long!
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is priced at £49 and is available here (UK) and here (US)