Spotlight vs Candlelight

Hello Everyone,

In today's blog, I will be reviewing these two products. I bought them at the same time and have been using them quite a bit, to the point that they are both completely finished and I am now at the point where I am considering which one I will restock for my kit. Let's review and decide which one of the two I prefer.

Let's begin with Catrice Cosmetics, I bought the Light Correcting Serum Primer.

I first saw this was while I was shopping around December last year, Christmas shopping technically but of course I didn't get very far, because I ended up in the cosmetics aisle all to quickly.

It was also around this time that I was watching a lot of local beauty Youtubers, and these girls were raving about the Catrice brand as a whole and so it had me convinced to purchase something. My favourite products are Primers, Foundations and Highlighters (normally) so of course I had to try out one of their primers.

This is the Light Correcting Serum Primer from Catrice Cosmetics...oh and it is in the shade Candlelight.

So, let's see what they have to say for it online:

"Liquid Gold. Underneath foundation, the fine golden shimmer offers a subtle glow effect, which is even more intense when applied solo. The handy pipette applicator allows a simple and accurate dosage. Thanks to its neutral shade, the primer is suitable for all skin tones.

Beauty Tip - The Light Correcting Serum Primer can be applied solo for a gorgeous glow or underneath foundation to make it last longer. Mixed into body lotion, the formula offers an all-over glow, or it can be used to set targeted accents. Highlights on the collarbone, neckline or legs emphasize your best features."

Sounds really "wow" right? I have been wearing this for a while now and I must say I am still very, very unsure about it. Here are my reasons though:

I like the packaging, I get a strong vintage vibe for some reason - I feel like this is the primer Rose was using on the Titanic before she found true love and then ultimately killed him...but I digress ( that's an argument for another day okuuuuuuuuurt.)

The packaging is pretty and it has a dropper for the perfect amount of primer...not so much.

I say not so much because I feel like I don't get anything out of the bottle and have to go back in for another squeeze. The liquid feels very thin and dry (I know a liquid can't feel dry, but hell that is the only way I can describe how thin this liquid is) the product feels like it dries up and gets absorbed before you even have the chance to apply it to the skin. I have tried applying this with my finger tips, brush and sponge and it is a struggle overall.

The texture is really weird. The smell is also unique but at the same time familiar. You know the scent of that really cheap, old perfume that your Gran probably wears, that really old one with the faded label that they use to make in nineteen-voetsek? Yup! That's what it smells like. I personally don't mind the scent - because it reminds me of my Ouma but some people maybe turned off by that? Lastly in terms of "gorgeous glow", not there at all, there isn't any glow whatsoever. Not even an inkling.

I can't apply it with anything, not my hands, brush or sponge because the liquid is so paper thin. However, once it is on the skin, it is amazing. It grabs on and holds my foundation and other products on, for the entire day and even after. I hardly have to touch up when I wear this primer - and that's where I am sold. In all other aspects it is honestly not worth is but heck does it make my makeup last on my face. It is impressive.

The final thoughts around this product, if I had to rate it - I would say a 5 out of 10, only because it makes my makeup last and literally makes it bulletproof.

There are two shades for this product and the price point is manageable I suppose but I wouldn't mark it up to it, the product is R99.00, I purchased mine from Dischem.

Sunlight is the other shade.

The second primer up for review is from the brand Physicians Formula. I am familiar with Physicians because I have used the Butter Bronzer religiously, however I did want to explore the brand a little more but I was torn between their blushers and this primer. Needless to say, something made up my mind for me.

I first saw this on their page on Instagram and it was a demo on how to use it I think or just someone doing the model's skin using this product and I was so in love with the way her skin looked that I wanted the primer for myself. (See I told you something made up my mind for me?)

The Dischem near me however, just never had stock of it so when I was visiting my parents, I went to the Dischem near them and they had plenty! Of course, I bought it.

The product is called the Spotlight Illuminating Primer by Physician's Formula.

So, let’s see what they have to say for it online yeah:

“ The Physicians Formula Spotlight Illuminating Primer is enriched with antioxidants that protects skin and visibly reduce redness. Infused with 5 Filtering Luminescent Pearls to blur imperfections and deliver a spotlight glow. It has age-defying actives that blurs, corrects, and protects!”

The words that obviously caught my attention were illuminating, reduce redness, luminescent pearls, blurs and of course glow!

These are my thoughts about the primer. I do really like the packaging of the bottle, feels good to hold because it feels solid. What I actually like most about the packaging is the silver decor and the fact that the bottle has a blurred effect. It's textured but looks blurry (gosh if that makes any sense at all, so like soft touch packaging?)

The packaging is pretty! The dispenser is in the form of a pump and what I LOVE is that it pumps out small quantities at a time so you can control how much you use. I find a pump and a half is more than enough for me. I have attempted two pumps and then it is actually far too glowy for my liking and then I just look super oily.

The product or consistency feels like balled up satin....don't ask how I know that but it is the best way to describe it, it is super soft and cushiony but not a mousse or gel like texture. It doesn't feel like a liquid at all.

The scent is also unique because a lot of their products are created using Argon Oil, which is super hydrating and nourishing for the skin, however it is not particularly a scent that I love, it doesn't smell bad or anything it just is not a scent that I am comfortable with. Last but not least, the glowy aspect of the product is amazing! It gives a very glowy finish to the skin but in an almost muted or subdued way too. It looks like you are glowing from within. You can easily intensify this product or pull it back so with that I think it is extremely versatile. My makeup does last super long when I wear this primer. I haven't had my foundation slip or slide yet which of course means that it is a good primer, given the fact that the main purpose of this primer is to give the skin a glow.

You can apply this primer with any tool, even your hands, personally I do prefer my hands. It doesn't break up or pill on the skin if you use a damp sponge or brush. I have experimented with all three methods and have even mixed it into my foundations - the outcomes are all the same - glowy, ethereal skin all day.

The final thoughts around this product, if I had to rate it – I would say a 9 out of 10, only because I personally don't like the scent of the product.

The price point is manageable if you are looking for a reasonable primer, it is R279.00. It only comes in a universal shade as far as I am aware.

Ok, so I think it is pretty obvious which primer I will be purchasing again right?! The Physicians Formula literally just gives me everything I need without any hassle. If you are looking for something that will give you a soft glow on a budget then I would definitely recommend this primer, especially if you have dry or dehydrated skin.

Thank you for taking the time to read this review and I hope it helped you out in your decision of which primer to purchase.

Don't forget to check out our other blogs! Until then...

Have a great day:)