[Review] Etude House Collagen Moistfull Smoothing Ampule Primer

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Smoothing Ampule Primer is a hydrating moisturizing primer that lifts and tightens complexion to promote a radiant glow prior to foundation makeup application.

The Collagen Moistfull series has been around for quite some time, and this Smoothing Ampule Primer has been my first ever face primer. It comes in a tube, and the full size is 30ml -- which is pretty lasting because you don't need a whole lot each time. Despite being in a tube, it's rather easy to control the amount you want with a light squeeze. I do recommend putting it in a upright position as shown below as it is easier to squeeze the primer out this way without splattering everywhere due to the air pressure (if you lay it flat parralel to the table).

Full size at 30ml!

Pink blob with little shimmers!

As you can see, the primer is pink with little shimmers in it. This helps you to achieve a dewy finish with 'ampule' shine. Basically you apply it before putting on your BB cream or foundation to allow smoother application. It blends really well and settles nicely into any skin shade, with minimal shimmers visible.

Comparison under natural, sunlight

Close-up of shimmer

Comparison under white light

As you can see, the shimmers are only visible under the white light (as compared to being under the sunlight), and since you will be adding either foundation or BB cream on top, you don't have to worry about the shimmers -- they are definitely not over-bearing!

Comparison: with and without primer

As you can see (even though the 'after' picture is a little blur) that the shimmers are minimal, gives a pink-toned glow and also cover some of my wide pores. The coverage is light and cover some of my scars and tiny hairs and it does make foundation application smoother, easier but it does not truly fill in the wide pores. It brightens up complexion as well!

The only thing I have against it is the oil-control. I recommend giving it some time to let it set on the face before applying the foundation for better oil-control. Still, my face (especially nose) starts to shine after 3-4 hours in the humid weather. 

Pros:
[o] Brightens complexion
[o] Dewy finish with no over-bearing shimmers
[o] Formula is not too sticky and glides on the skin easily, allowing it to blend into different skin shades.
[o] Hydrating formula, but recommended for people with dry-combination skin
[o] Creates a smoother canvas for foundation

Cons:
[x] Oil control could be improved. Oils up in 3-4 hours.
[x] Doesn't really even out skin tone, especially in red areas around my nose, or the dark eye circles beneath my eyes.
[x] Coverage is so-so, minimizes pores but doesn't actually fill them or totally cover them

Will I buy it again? Probably not. It's not really suited for my skin type, and there are some other brands I'm looking to try (Banila Co., anyone?) so I'd skip out on this one the next time. :)