I always said it would take some doing to sway me away from using Benefit's Porefessional
but that day has come and I now have several tubes of varying size of Porefessional glaring back at me woefully...sorry little chums!
With several glowing reviews of Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer from many a beauty blogger I trust I knew I had to put it to the test.

Unlike other primers this comes presented within a small red glass jar,
it may not be the best option for travel but it does look far more glamorous on your dressing table.
Inside you will find a thick balm like substance that is slightly tinged with a pink tone
but worry not it settles to a completely transparent finish once applied to the skin.
As mentioned it is almost like a balm so you do have to warm it slightly with your fingers,
it also comes with a little scoop if digging at the product isn't quite your thing.

"This award winning primer is the perfect combination of make-up and skin care. 
With an ultra-light, ultra-smooth texture it glides on skin, leaving a imperceptible veil on its surface, filling in and smoothing away the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores. 
Your skin is left ' foundation ready' to give your make-up a more even and flawless finish. 
Can also be used alone or mixed-in with your foundation."

So does it work?
Yes, yes, yes!
As many have reported it really does give the most perfect base to apply make-up on
and fine lines, pores and other imperfections are instantly blurred.
I wouldn't go as far as saying my huge pond like pores disappear completely but nothing has reduced
them quite like this has which is a small miracle in my book.
What I also like is that it mattifies and does a great job of keeping oil at bay which will be a god send
for my oily skin once the winter weather passes.
Sadly like most primers of this type it does contain silicone which I have no problem with
but I know other skin types have reacted to it so I thought a heads up was in order.
Basically if you are a fan of Benefit's The Porefessional but want something a little more intense
then I can not recommend Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer* £25/15ml via Clarins - link