Urban Decay Complexion Primers : De-Slick, Self-Adjusting & Optical Illusion

Have you heard? Urban Decay came out with three new complexion primers! There are four primers in total but one of them (Urban Defense, a crystal clear sunscreen) isn't currently available in Canada. I've been testing out the 3 other formulas for the past two weeks though, and here's what I think about them!

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If you are new to my blog (Hi!!), you need to know a few things before reading my review on these new primers. My skin is extremely oily, it gets greasy within an hour after washing my face.

I usually look for mattifying and pore minimizing primers. I have acne-prone skin as well, but silicone-based primers have never broken me out.

Self-Adjusting Complexion Primer
Featuring encapsulated pigments that adjust to your skintone, the Self-Adjusting primer is said to have a soft-focus effect, control oil and blur imperfections. 

This primer is a white fluid with brown dots. The more you rub, the darker the color gets. So if it looks a bit white on you, try massaging it a bit longer. It shouldn't be a problem though, unless you want to apply a very sheer foundation on top of it.

I love it, it instantly blurs fine lines and pores! It feels a bit hydrating as well, but it's not too rich for my oily skin. In fact, it mattifies my skin for up to 3 hours and really improves foundation wear!

Optical Illusion Complexion Primer
Enriched with conditioning ingredients (argan and rosehip oils), the Optical Illusion primer is supposed to smooth the skin and minimize pores. It contains optical blurring pigments as well.

This one didn't work for my skin type. The consistency is very thick (like a paste) and while it doesn't look greasy, it's too rich and thick for me. My foundation separated by the 2 hours mark, which is the opposite of what I want in a primer (obviously!).

It did make my skin look smooth but the lack of staying power was a big issue for me. And it doesn't have any mattifying properties either so it's not a good primer for oily skin.

De-Slick Complexion Primer
Specifically formulated to control oil and minimize pores, this oil-free primer is lightly scented and contains aloe vera to condition the skin.

Ohhh this stuff really works, my skin is matte for more than 4 hours! The De-Slick primer has a thick gel-like consistency, but it's easy to blend even if it dries quickly. It reminds me of Becca's Ever-Matte Poreless Perfecting primer, but the packaging is way better for that kind of product and the formula isn't as thick. And it doesn't contain parabens, if that's something you prefer to avoid.

For my oily skin, I can't choose which product I like the most between the Self-Adjusting and the De-Slick primers! It depends on which foundation I want to use ; I prefer the Self-Adjusting formula when I wear a super matte foundation, and I like to use the De-Slick primer with a luminous or hydrating foundation (such as L'Oréal Pro-Glow).

The Urban Decay Complexion Primers retail for $38 CAD for 28ml and are available at Sephora and Ulta.

(I received these products in order to evaluate them and give my opinion, but rest assured that my comments are always honest and impartial. This post contain affiliate links.)