Primers are a newish makeup category for me as I only started using them consistently in the past 2 years. That said, I managed to accumulate quite a few in my stash and now I wonder if I’ll ever manage to finish at least one before they go bad.
I do find it tough to review and recommend makeup primers as they strongly depend on your makeup preferences and what your skin needs. Personally, I have dry-normal and mature skin so I usually look for something that is skin-smoothing, hydrating and has a radiant finish.
Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer definitely ticks all the boxes and it also has SPF30 (Titanium Dioxide (4%), Zinc Oxide (14%)). I don’t suggest relying solely on this as your sun protection though, always use a separate sunscreen SPF50 and above.
So what makes Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer special? First off, it has skincare benefits which should come as no surprise seeing Dermalogica makes some of the best skincare in the market. It contains Arginine (amino acid), Green Tea extract (antioxidant), Peptides (improves skin’s elasticity and firmness), Sodium Hyaluronate (humectant) and Soy Protein (antioxidant, brightening).
Ingredient list:
Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (4%), Zinc Oxide (14%). Other ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Diisopropyl Adipate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Silica, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Water/Aqua/Eau, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminohydroxybutyrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Silanetriol, Hydrolyzed Pearl, Lavendula Spica (Lavender) Flower Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium PCA, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tin Oxide, Iron Oxides (CI77491), (CI77492), (CI77499).
It does contain silicone and silica which gives lightweight, slippy texture and blurs out the skin beautifully. I know many frowns on silicones, however, it doesn’t bother my skin and I actually appreciate it in some of my products. Pearl Powder gives the added radiance and I truly mean radiance, not shimmer, not glitter…literally makes my skin looks like it’s glowing from within. 
The creamy texture smoothes over the skin easily (again, thanks to silicone) and the tint magically blends into the skin leaving an almost photoshopped, radiant finish. All my foundations and tinted moisturizers wear well over it without any pilling. Unfortunately as a primer, I didn’t notice it prolong my makeup wear time but that said, if I have a long day ahead then I usually rely on a setting spray. 
I must admit that despite Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer is labelled as a primer, I actually prefer to wear it on its own. The tint evens out my skin tone perfectly, surprisingly has decent coverage and all I need it a light touch of concealer under my eyes and around my nose, blusher, highlighter and a touch of powder and my base is done. It’s invisible on the skin making it the perfect ‘no-makeup’ makeup base. Is everything fine and dandy with this primer? Well, I do have a bone to pick….the price. It retails for C$74.00 for a measly 22mL, I mean seriously, Dermalogica couldn’t make it a solid 30mL for that price? Yes, a little goes a very long way and this little tube would last me months with regular use but I still think 22mL is too little. Like why 22? What’s the secret behind that number? It’s like an episode of X-Files… Verdict: Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer is a beautifully formulated skincare+makeup primer that works well both as a primer and on its own. It does have a faint lavender scent which I love but if you don’t then it’s best to get a sample first. I highly recommend giving it a try if this is within your price range. *Gifted but my thoughts and opinions are 100% unbiased, honest and my own. There is no place for any sort of BS here.