
In this review, I tested out the popular primer by Fenty, the Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer. 

The debate about whether we actually need primers or not still continues. I personally prefer to use primers but some makeup artists argue that they just aren’t necessary. 

I am 100% positive that the right primer makes makeup look nicer and last longer. 

This isn’t my usual primer, but I wanted to test out something that was quite popular and also suitable to my skin type. I stock a few different primers in my kit and choose them based on the [clients skin concerns and skin type](/mobile-hair-and-makeup-services/). 

My skin is on the dry side, and I struggle with makeup enhancing texture and fine lines. This primer is specifically meant for dryer skin. For combination skin, it can be placed just in the drier areas of the face. 

This product is vegan & cruelty free, which is amazing!  

## First Impressions

The scent isn’t generally the first thing I’d comment on. Honestly, the smell is usually the least important part. But this smelled SO luxurious. And I don’t say that often but I just loved the scent! 

The look of the bottle is beautiful and also seems so luxurious and so pretty. The bottle is a pump bottle and you don’t need to use a lot. 1-2 pumps is plenty. 

The Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer has a slight pink tinge in the bottle, without any visible shimmers. On the face, the primer is completely transparent. 

To test whether this actually works, I applied primer to only one side of my face and didn’t prime the other side. I used just my fingers to apply the product and it felt lovely and light, more like a moisturiser than anything.   

![A small amount used on this side of my face. ](/images/posts/fenty-pro-filter-hydrating-primer/rosie-johnson-half-half-fenty-primer.png)

It wasn’t noticeable enough to show up on camera, but in real life, my pores and texture was visibly smoother on the side with primer. This is a great start, but more importantly, how would it perform with foundation on top and then throughout the day?

I thought it best to stick with the same brand, so I applied the Fenty Longwear Foundation over my whole face. There seemed to be a slight difference between the two sides. The primer side showed a little less texture than the other. Both sides seemed equally hydrated and overall, fairly similar. At this point, the difference was only slightly noticeable.

## After 1 hour

This is where I started to notice quite a difference! And actually I was amazed that I noticed it so quickly. 

The side without primer was starting to settle a little bit into my fine lines and seemed slightly less hydrated. I don’t blame the foundation at all, I think it was really holding up well. It’s just that the side with primer was doing so much better. 

The primed side still looked so smooth, hydrated and freshly applied. Amazing.

![Rosie Johnson Fenty Primer](/images/posts/fenty-pro-filter-hydrating-primer/rosie-johnson-fenty-primer.png) 

In person, the difference was quite noticeable but if you zoom in on this picture, you can see my pores and fine lines are less noticeable on the primed side.

## After 2-3 hours

In the afternoon, I went for a walk with a friend who I see often. Co-incidentally, she was walking on my “primed” side. She looked at my face and said, “Wow your makeup looks flawless!!”. 

If that’s not confirmation, I don’t know what is.  

## After 8 hours

I wore this later into the night and found that the foundation in general seemed to last really well (on both sides). There was still quite good coverage all over the face. Still though, everything just looked a bit better on the side that had the Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer. 

The primer side still looked quite hydrated, and appeared to have less texture. It also just looked a little better around the eye area and expression lines. 

The primer side actually performed so much better than I thought!

## Price

This retails for $46 for a 32ml size bottle at Sephora. For such a beautiful quality product, this is great value. While it’s definitely not on the cheaper side of primers, I think it absolutely is worth it!  

## Overall Experience

From the first time I tried this primer, I actually was so impressed. I would definitely add this to my kit AND repurchase again. 

I think my perspective on the debate about whether primers actually do anything is pretty clear. I absolutely think that primers make a difference! 

That said, I can understand why some people say that primer isn’t absolutely essential. You definitely can apply foundation straight over your moisturised skin. It will still look really good, and it should last well if you set it. 

So if you are on a budget and you can’t afford it, don’t feel pressured to buy it. Or if you’re just starting out with makeup, it’s not at the absolute top of the list of “must haves”. 

But if you wear makeup everyday and want the most optimal performance from your foundation, then I highly recommend investing in something that works for your skin. For my dry skin, the Fenty Pro Filt’r Primer was an absolute dream come true.

![The popular Fenty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer can be bought from Sephora ](/images/posts/fenty-pro-filter-hydrating-primer/fenty-beauty-pro-filtr-hydrating-primer.png) 


[Fenty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer](https://www.sephora.com.au/products/fenty-beauty-pro-filtr-hydrating-primer/v/15ml?q=Fenty%20Pro%20Filt%E2%80%99r%20Hydrating%20Primer) 

The popular can be bought from Sephora

Overall rating: **9.5/10**


Fenty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer


**As a hair and makeup artist on the Gold Coast, I’ve helped hundreds of girls get ready for [school formal hair and makeup](/formal-hair-and-makeup-gold-coast/) over the years. I’ve found that the two biggest special occasions in life where people like to have their hair and makeup done professionally are wedding days and their formal.**

School leavers often have lots of questions (you’re always very welcome to ask them!). Occasionally there’s a little stress involved (like trying to book your hair & makeup booking the week before eeeeek). But there are a few little things to remember to help you enjoy your special day and feel amazing.

![example makeup image](/images/posts/ten-essential-tips-to-prepare-for-your-formal-hair/Untitled-design-26.png)

## 1. Book your hair & makeup service immediately.

There is no such thing as booking hair and makeup too soon. When you know a date, it should be the very first thing you do and [book your hair and makeup service](/online-bookings/).

Think of it this way. There are probably 50-200 girls in your year just at your school, and there will probably be a few other school formals on the same day. That means hundreds, or even thousands of girls are all trying to book hair and makeup on the same day.

Experienced hair and makeup artists will book out months in advance. If you leave it too long, you’ll end up stressed and with regrets.

## 2. Trust the professionals.

We are here to help and give suggestions. If you don’t normally wear makeup but want an ultra dark smokey eye, we may suggest something a tad less intense. Or if you’re wanting a certain lip colour and we don’t think it will work, we’ll tell you. On the other hand, if you have no idea what style of hair & makeup you’d like, we’ll make suggestions!

## 3. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
 
Yes, we can make suggestions, but if there’s something you specifically want, then ask for it. Whether you like your eyebrows done a certain way, or you’d like to have lots of bronzer, then tell us or we won’t know. We love pictures, so if you’ve got some ready to show us, then it’s super helpful.

![example makeup image](/images/posts/ten-essential-tips-to-prepare-for-your-formal-hair/Untitled-design-24.png)

## 4. Prepare your hair.

Depending on your preferred hairstyle, and also your hairstylist, the advice may be a little different. I personally prefer your hair to be dry and washed the day before.

If the hair is freshly washed, sometimes it doesn’t hold quite as well. Alternatively, if the hair is a little too dirty, then it looks…well, um, dirty. Have your hair clean and free from products such as hairspray or gels after you’ve washed it.

If you’re having your hair specifically blow dried then the above advice won’t be relevant.

## 5. Prep your skin.
 
In the days and weeks leading up to the event, keep your skin happy, healthy and well moisturised. To avoid having a break out or skin reaction, steer clear of using any products that you wouldn’t normally use. Do lightly exfoliate your skin the night before your event.

Also keep your skin hydrated. Moisturise your skin morning and night, and also stay hydrated from the inside by drinking plenty of water and eating well.

## 6. Contact lenses.

If you wear contact lenses, it’s best to put them in prior to attending your makeup appointment. No matter how experienced you are at putting in contacts, it’s just better if they are already in.

You’ll definitely have to touch your face/eyelids to put them in which may affect your eye makeup. In addition, you may be contending with false lashes which could make it a little more difficult than usual to get your lenses in.

## 7. Make a list of any known allergies and irritants.

As a makeup artist, one of the most terrifying things is when a client says, “I’m allergic to some cosmetic products, but I’m not sure which ones”. The last thing you want is for an allergic reaction to occur in the middle of the event. We can do patch tests for a reaction but it’s not quite the same as wearing the makeup for a whole evening.

Eyelash extensions. If you do opt for lash extensions, make sure they are freshly done and tidy (they should be between 24hours – 1 week old). They can start to look a little gappy after about a week or so. In some cases, false lashes can fill out gappy lashes but it’s not ideal.

![example makeup image](/images/posts/ten-essential-tips-to-prepare-for-your-formal-hair/Untitled-design-25.png)

## 8. Lash lifts vs False lashes.

Lash lifts are great, don’t get me wrong. They are also great for a day to day type of thing. If you’re planning on having false lashes applied, a lash lift makes the application fiddly. This results in your lashes possibly not looking their best.

If you know you don’t want false eyelashes applied, also keep this in mind. I’ve come across so many dodgy lash lifts over the years. Lash lifts are a “perm” for your lashes and so they will permanently stay like that until they grow out.

If you don’t like the way it’s turned out, you can “perm” them back to normal again (not so good for your poor lashes). Alternatively, you’ll have to wait 5-6 weeks for your lashes to naturally fall out and grow back normally.

For top-quality lash extensions on the Gold Coast, check out [The Lash Spa](https://www.thelashspa.com.au).


## 10. Wear a top to your appointment that’s easy to take off without ruining your hair and makeup.
 
This could be either a strapless top or singlet that’s easy to slip off over your head. Singlets and strapless tops are also great to wear because your makeup will be able to colour match you quickly and easily. Alternatively, wear a button up shirt that can be easily taken off when it’s time to get dressed.

So once you know the date for your school formal, it’s time to book your professional hair and makeup service. You can also view our [hair and makeup pricing](/pricing/) in advance. Follow these tips to have your special event run without a hitch.

Makeup Palace offers Gold Coast hair and makeup artistry for all types of events such as photo shoots, weddings, formals and corporate events. As a mobile hair and makeup service, Makeup Palace has helped thousands of people get ready across the Gold Coast and surrounds.


10 Essential Tips to Prepare for your Formal Hair & Makeup


I finally got to test out and review the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation. I’ve been on a foundation testing spree over the last few months and I just knew I had to include this one. It also has been [requested by my clients](/makeup-artist-gold-coast/) so how could I say “no”?

This review is in no way sponsored nor do I receive any compensation. It is my personal experience and opinion.

![Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation 1M 50ml Bottle.](/images/posts/dior-backstage-face-body-foundation-review/dior-backstage-face-and-body-foundation-50ml-bottle.png)

![Doir Backstage Face and Body Foundation](/images/posts/dior-backstage-face-body-foundation-review/doir-backstage-face-and-Body-foundation-review-rosie-johnson.png)

## Shade Range

It showed that there were 38 different shades on the Dior site, and 40 shades on the Sephora site. Possibly two shades were recently discontinued. Either way, 38-40 isn’t the biggest shade range I’ve ever seen but it is definitely decent.

Something that I really appreciate as both a makeup wearer and a makeup artist, is that the shades & undertones are clearly labelled. When brands do this, it makes it so much easier to select the correct shade. The foundation has 16 intensities and 6 undertones.

For myself, I picked out 1N (intensity of 1 with a neutral undertone), which was the perfect winter shade for me.

![Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation](/images/posts/dior-backstage-face-body-foundation-review/default_Dior_20Face_20And_20Body_20Foundation_20Arm_20Swatches_2040_20Shades_2f8bdbc551e6b50df1e9fffbb136af8cb9f8baef_1530501697666-300x300.jpg)
## Coverage

Dior describes this foundation as ultra-buildable. Straight away, I could tell how versatile this coverage is. A small amount just gives a bit of sheer, natural coverage. It’s also possible to build this up into layers up to a fuller foundation.

Rather than keeping a tinted moisturiser, CC cream and medium coverage and full coverage foundation all in your makeup bag, you just have the one product that replaces all of them.

## Application

The foundation was very liquid so to make it more manageable, I only used a small amount at a time. I was actually surprised about how much coverage was possible since it was quite runny.

This foundation can be applied with fingers, a makeup brush or sponge. I used a makeup brush and used a moderate amount to build up to a medium coverage. Using a sponge or brush, you can also build another layer for a very full coverage. Using fingers, it gives a sheer, light coverage which looks really natural.

![amount used](/images/posts/dior-backstage-face-body-foundation-review/Amount-of-Dior-Foundation-required-for-moderate-coverage.-300x300.png)

I instantly loved the way that this melted into the skin and just looked really natural. Straight away I could see why people love this so much.

## Wear

The Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation claims to be waterproof, sweat proof, and to be able to resist extreme conditions. This includes workout sessions, water, extreme temperatures and humid environments.

The description says that the foundation is perfect for bright lights backstage and on the catwalk. I can imagine that this would be a beautiful foundation for photoshoots. I also think this would be a wonderful option for brides on their wedding day.

But does it live up to the “waterproof & sweatproof” description? On my first try, I wore it for about 12 hours and did some exercise in that time.

I lost a small amount of coverage on my chin and cheeks, which I think is forgivable given the testing that I put it through. I also had a small amount of creasing around my eye area but it was very minor. Other than that it looked lovely, not cakey in any way and it didn’t settle in fine lines during the course of the day. As a bonus tip, a little powder and some setting spray, seem to extend the wear to its full potential.

I also really liked that during the day, it feels more like a moisturiser rather than a foundation.

## Finish & Texture

The Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation gave an instant glowy, dewy and healthy looking finish. It didn’t settle into fine lines and pores and it also handled my dry skin really well. While it didn’t accentuate my pores, it also didn’t really blur them either. This could easily be remedied with a different primer & powder.

For those wanting a more matte finish, you could layer a matifying powder over the top.

All products applied on top of the foundation also sat really nicely and it all worked seamlessly together.

## Price
This foundation retails for $70 for 50ml. While this is on the higher end of the price range for foundation, I think this is very reasonable. While there are many foundations that are less expensive, most come in a 30ml bottle. So you’re almost getting twice as much, and getting this beautiful, luxury, well performing foundation.

## Accessibility
The Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is available in a few different places in store and online in Australia. I found the most convenient location to be Sephora. Something I can recommend is to colour match this in person if possible.

![how to use dior foundation](/images/posts/dior-backstage-face-body-foundation-review/10-cent-drop-of-Dior-Backstage-Face-and-Body-Foundation-1M-300x300.png)

## Other

The foundation comes in a plastic dropper bottle, which I thought was a bit strange since it’s a luxury product. I’m just used to different packaging when it comes to higher end foundations. At the same time though, I get it. The plastic dropper means it’s travel friendly, lightweight and won’t break or leak in my makeup kit.

When I googled the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation, some websites stated that this foundation is vegan & cruelty free. Dior also says that they are cruelty free in all countries except where required by law. In addition, they say that they are deeply committed to eliminating animal testing.

While this product may not contain any animal by-products and Dior themselves are against animal testing, it’s unclear if there is zero animal testing. There are also no official cruelty free certifications.

The more I used this, the more I can really appreciate that this is such a reliable, multipurpose foundation. I can definitely understand why it is a staple for so many makeup artists!

As you can see below, I really couldn’t come up with any more negative points for this foundation. The only thing I can think that is important to note is that it’s worth using a quality setting powder and spray to extend wear as much as possible.

## Pro’s
1. Foundation melts into skin
2. Can be applied in various ways
3. Ultra-buildable & versatile
4. Travel friendly
5. Lightweight container
6. Easy to understand shade range & undertones
7. Long wearing, water proof & sweat proof
8. Doesn’t accentuate pores, fine lines or texture
9. Natural, glowy & healthy looking finish
10. Great value given bottle size and product quality

## Con’s
1. Possibly cruelty free but not certified cruelty free
2. Very minor creasing during the day around the eye area

Overall Rating: 9/10


Blog

Fenty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer

Fenty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer

10 Essential Tips to Prepare for your Formal Hair & Makeup

10 Essential Tips to Prepare for your Formal Hair & Makeup

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation Review

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation Review

Get Pampered Without The Worry