You know how you walk into target for one item and then there’s a little voice in your head screaming “that’s not enough! You missed so many things! Look around and buy moooore!” This was one of those purchases. I think they have like some sneaky strategic subliminal messages hidden in their floor plan and signage. Well played Target . . .creepy, but well played.

The reason I picked Maybelline Baby Skin in particular up was because the packaging and the promises it made lead me to believe it was a bargain version of Benefit Porefessional, which I only use occasionally but I had recently run out. I like to use Porefessional just on targeted on areas where I have enlarged pores, so I figured maybe this would do the same job.

Left: Squeezed From Tube Right: Blended In To Skin

As you can see, straight out of the tube it is clear, where Porefessional is a nude, skin color. I was already disappointed, but once I started to apply it, it does an excellent job of smoothing over and reducing the appearance of pores! It is much more fluid and moisturizing than Porefessional, which is not great for it’s staying power, but feels kinda nice on the skin and may be good for the dry winter months.

As for making your foundation last longer, I found that it didn’t really have a positive or negative effect. I thought at first it would make it last less, because it seemed a little on the moisturizing side, but that wasn’t the case. It seemed to be neutral, as in my foundation and CC Cream both lasted the same as they would with no primer at all.

One negative thing, I found that if you apply too much, it tends to bead up when you rub over it with a foundation. But that’s pretty easily avoided, just make sure you don’t over do it, a little goes a long way.

After thinking about it for a while, it feels like if Benefit Porefessional and Smashbox Photo Finish Primer had a bargain baby. Pretty good for $5.99! NOTE: The online prices are high right now because it’s hard to find online, but I suspect that will drop once it becomes more widely available. For the time being I would suggest checking your local Target or Ulta.

The Verdict: Really good for the price! I don’t know if it will replace Porefessional, because I feel like I’m missing out on some of the lasting power. But for the less greasy winter months this does the trick, so I will definitely use it up.