Magic Finish primer can be worn with or without makeup. (Amazon)(Amazon)
Finding a primer that works for your skin can be a challenge, but fans say M. Asam Magic Finish Perfect Me primer might be as close as it gets to a universally flattering solution. This German-made primer is transparent, so it works for a range of skin tones without the need for tricky color matching. It also has a growing fanbase in the U.S., where it’s sold on HSN, and has amassed more than 10,000 glowing Amazon reviews. Users say it smooths imperfections, diminishes the look of pores and leaves an even canvas for makeup at any age.
The transparent option (shown) is suitable for all skin tones, but there are also specific shades for light, light to medium, medium to deep and deep skin tones.
If you’re not familiar with primers, they’re a relatively new makeup phenomenon (introduced in the early 2000s) that can be a beauty godsend. Primers are designed to create a barrier between your pores and your makeup so that makeup stays put longer. They also provide a smoother base for products like foundation and concealer so they glide on evenly. There are multiple kinds of primers, including matte options and those that add a glow to dull skin, but whatever you choose, they’re most beneficial for users with enlarged pores, oily complexions, mature skin with fine lines or any kind of uneven skin texture.
M. Asam is a family-owned company whose products have been popular on German shopping channels for decades. Its M. Asam Magic Finish Perfect Me, among the brand’s bestsellers, is made with skin-nourishing ingredients that include hyaluronic acid — a humectant that helps skin retain moisture, according to Harvard Health. The primer also contains shea butter to help soften fine lines.
You can wear Magic Finish under or over makeup wherever you need it — on your entire face or just in certain areas that need a little extra love. The mousse-like cream is designed to become fully transparent upon application, making it a good option for a wide range of skin tones. (There are also tinted shades, but this transparent pick is the most universal.) It was also created to work for all ages and skin types too, including oily. It helps make skin less shiny, eliminating the need to use powder, which can collect in creases and make them look more pronounced.
Application is easy: First, thoroughly cleanse your face. Then, apply any skin care products, such as a day cream, as usual. Last, blend the primer into your skin. You can apply makeup afterward or skip it and face the world fresh-faced.
More than 10,000 Amazon reviewers have given Magic Finish a flawless five stars. “This is the best smoothing and blurring product I have ever used,” raves one of its fans. “Feels so luscious and soft. I’ve tried hundreds and none compare to this. My coworkers and friends have given me the most compliments saying my face looks so youthful, fresh and beautiful. I’m 58 and wish I knew about this years ago.”
“As I’ve aged, I find my skin is more sensitive to chemicals and sometimes I develop a rash or reaction to new products,” said one initially skeptical reviewer. “I’ve been using this for a few months, and I haven’t had any negative issues.”
“As an African American woman, I can say this product is awesome,” marveled another fan. “It really ‘magically’ blends into my skin and covers beautifully.”
“Works great on my 65-year-old face,” a similarly enthusiastic user added. “I don’t have tons of wrinkles since I’ve always worn sunscreen, but most makeup seems to accentuate the wrinkles I do have ... so I bought M. Asam Magic Finish Perfect Me Primer which has no color, just offers a blur effect, add some blush and then I use the Elf Halo glow on top of it. Looks nice and natural.”
“A little goes a long way for buildable coverage,” noted a final reviewer. “Be sure to use a sponge or makeup brush to apply and only dab it ... you can always add more but it’s pretty difficult to take off excess. Very pretty and realistic skin shades.”
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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