Colorescience Brightening Perfector Face Primer SPF 20

FAQS

Why have the formulas been changed? What has changed about these formulas?

Each of the Primers had a slightly different blend of ingredients that offered various skincare benefits to each Primer in addition to its specific benefit of mattification, brightening, or bronzing. We took the best of them and added them into to the other formulas. Although the formulations have changed, the product benefits and textures remain. The formula for Calming Primer has not changed.

Are there other new benefits along with these formulation changes?

Yes, in addition to the skincare benefits of the new ingredients, the Primers now have a UVA defense rating: PA+++. In addition, all four Primers are non-comedogenic.

What texture are the Primers?

The Primers have a lightweight, whipped texture that melts softly into skin leaving a silky, smoothed and even finish. This is the same texture as the previous formula.

How much do I use? How do I apply?

Dispense half a pump to fingertips. Dot product around the face and blend, ensuring even coverage. Can be worn alone or under your favorite foundation.

Can I wear the Primers by themselves?

Yes, the Primers can also be worn on their own. They contain ingredients that offer skincare benefits as well as leave the skin looking and feeling smoother and more even.

When in my cosmetic routine do I apply the Primers?

Apply your favorite Primer before liquid or powder foundation.

I love the Total Protection™ Face Shield (original, Glow, or Bronze). Can I use these with the Primers?

We love the layered protection approach! Apply Face Shield original, Glow, or Bronze as the first step in your makeup routine and allow it to dry. Once dry, apply your favorite Primer, then follow with your liquid or powder foundation.

Do I need to use moisturizer before applying the Primers?

Each of the primers contain a variety of ingredients that hydrate, nourish, and help skin retain moisture. However, each can be used in a regimen that includes moisturizer. Those who have dry or fragile skin may prefer to add a moisturizer first.

How do I use this with your brush-on sunscreens?

After applying your favorite primer followed by foundation, apply our brush-on sunscreens for an additional layer of protection. Take your brush on-the-go for reapplication throughout the day.

Are the Primers water- or sweat resistant?

Yes, all our Primers are water/sweat- resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Are the Primers recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation?

Yes, all our Primers are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective broad spectrum sunscreen. All Primers carry the seal for Daily Use.

Are the Primers suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin types?

Yes, Primers provides all-mineral protection (free of chemical active ingredients) are, hypoallergenic, non- comedogenic and is suitable for all skin types, including oily and sensitive skin.

Will the Primers work with all skin tones? Since they are mineral formulas, will they leave a white cast or residue on my skin?

The Primers are not meant to offer any color coverage or match skin tones, but rather prime and prepare the skin for application of makeup. They can be used alone and will not offer color coverage. Note that the tint used in Bronzing Primer will offer a subtle tan tint to the skin.

How long will the product last?

Based on average usage of 1/2 pump per day, each should last approximately 90 days. Usage will vary depending on dose size and frequency of use.

Are the Primers hydrating?

Yes, all our Primers were formulated with several ingredients that help to hydrate and nourish skin, including hydrolyzed rice protein, jojoba seed oil and esters, oat kernel protein.

Is this product safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, our Primers offer 100% mineral protection that is free of chemical active ingredients, are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and is suitable for all skin types.

How is the Bronzing Primer SPF 20 different from Total Protection™ Face Shield Bronze?

Bronzing primer is designed to offer a light hint of bronze in an emollient, whipped texture while priming the skin to adhere to and help extend the wear of foundation while providing SPF 20 sun protection. For powerful Total Protection™ from environmental aggressors, including UVA/UVB, pollution, blue light, and Infrared radiation, select our Face Shield SPF 50 in bronze for a deeper, natural bronze tint with subtle luminosity. Face Shield Bronze is also water-/sweat- resistant for up to 40 minutes, which makes it ideal for outdoors and active lifestyles.

How is the Calming Primer different from All Calm® Clinical Redness Corrector?

Although both products provide redness correction, All Calm™ is a treatment product that has subtle green undertones that instantly neutralize and balance redness while other ingredients provide ongoing treatment to address redness long-term. All Calm™ is formulated with the powerful BioSolace™ complex that provides ongoing relief from sensitivity and the appearance of redness. Lastly All Calm™ contains a higher level of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection (SPF 50 vs SPF 20 in the Primer).

Does the Mattifying Primer SPF 20 contain talc?

No, the Mattifying Primer SPF 20 does not contain talc. Its mattification properties come from salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid known.

Are the Primers suitable for oily/acne prone skin?

Yes, the Primers offer 100% mineral protection (free of chemical active ingredients), are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.

How long do I have to wait before I go into the sun?

As with all SPF products, Primers should be applied 15 minutes prior to exposure. Like all SPF products, reapply every 2 hours. For convenient reapplication on-the-go or directly over makeup, use our Brush-on sunscreens (Total Protection SPF 50 or Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen) for all-day, on-the-go reapplication every 2 hours.

What sunscreen actives do these contain? / Do these contain nano or non-nano minerals?

Yes, Colorescience uses only mineral (also known as physical) sunscreen active ingredients, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are the only 2 sunscreen actives the FDA recognizes as safe and effective. The sunscreen active ingredients in the Primers are non-nano zinc oxide and non-nano titanium dioxide. Colorescience has never and will never use any chemical sunscreen actives.

Are the Primers free of chemical sunscreen actives?

Yes, Colorescience uses only mineral (also known as physical) sunscreen active ingredients, zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide in all our sunscreen products. These are the only 2 sunscreen actives the FDA recognizes as safe and effective. Colorescience has never and will never use any chemical sunscreen actives.

Are the Primers reef safe?

Yes, all Colorescience sunscreen products are reef safe AND do not contain any chemical active ingredients. A sunscreen is reef safe if it does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. It is important to note that some reef safe sunscreens contain other chemical ingredients – avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene. Colorescience has never and will never use any chemical sunscreen actives.

Are the Primers non-comedogenic?

Yes, all our Primers are non-comedogenic.

Are the Primers hypoallergenic?

Yes, all our Primers are hypoallergenic. They are dermatologist-tested.

Are the Primers gluten free?

Yes, all our Primers are gluten free. People who have gluten allergies may experience sensitivity when using topical products. Total Protection™ is gluten free, and therefore, safe for those with Celiac disease. In addition, all Colorescience® products are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Are the Primers paraben free?

Yes, all our Primers are formulated without parabens. In addition, all Colorescience® products are also 100% free from phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Are the Primers sulfate free?

Yes, all our Primers are sulfate free. In addition, all Colorescience® products are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Are the Primers phthalate free?

Yes, all our Primers are phthalate free. In addition, all Colorescience® products are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Are the Primers products oil free?

Calming Primer is oil free.

Brightening, Bronzing, and Mattifying Primers contain an essential oil blend of tea tree, tangerine, and lavender oils, which offer a light, and pleasant scent. These primers also contain jojoba seed oil as a skin conditioning ingredient. Colorescience® products are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Are the Primers products fragrance free?

Calming Primer is fragrance free. It includes cucumber extract which offers a light scent.

Brightening, Bronzing, and Mattifying Primers contain fragrance, but are free of synthetic fragrances. They contain an essential oil blend of tea tree, tangerine, and lavender oils, which offer their light, and pleasant scent. Colorescience® products are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Are the Primers vegan?

Yes, all our Primers are vegan. All Colorescience® products are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, talc, dyes, mineral oils, drying alcohols & chemical sunscreen.

Are the Primers free of animal testing/cruelty-free?

Yes. Colorescience does not conduct any animal testing and we are committed to the highest standards when choosing raw materials for our product formulations. We require non-animal testing statements on all raw materials before final formula approval.

I noticed the Primers contain mica. Are these safe and ethically-sourced?

All micas that Colorescience uses are ethically sourced. They are sourced from various parts of the world, including Japan, U.S. Mica is not a derivative of asbestos. Our mica vendors adhere to global regulations pertaining to the quality and safety of cosmetic ingredients. The mica used in Colorescience products is mined and processed to meet consistent standards of high quality, safety and aesthetics. Our mica passes or exceeds the standards for heavy metal and microbial testing.

How long is the product good for? Is there an expiration date?

Once opened, the product is good for 12 months and up to 2 years from the expiration date. The expiration date is printed on the bottom of each bottle and carton.

What does the PA rating mean?

The PA rating system measures the level of protection from UVA rays, which are known to cause pigment darkening in the skin. It measures the amount of time a product would protect your skin from darkening. The following shows how much protection each PA score provides compared to unprotected skin. If your unprotected skin normally darkens/pigments after 5 min of UVA exposure:

PA Rating | Level of Protection | Total # of min before experiencing skin darkening/pigmentation

• PA+ 2-4 times 10-20 minutes
• PA++ 4-8 times 20-40 minutes
• PA+++ 8-16 times 40-80 minutes
• PA++++ >16 times >80 minutes
• All Primers have a PA+++ rating.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB?

UVB exposure causes redness or burning, while UVA exposure causes skin darkening/pigmentation. Protection from both UVA and UVB means this product provides Broad Spectrum protection.

Can you explain how adherence/water- and sweat- resistance is tested?

Colorescience® follows the FDA guidelines for testing water resistance or adherence to the skin after exposure to water. A panel of 10 people apply the product to their skin prior to being immersed in a whirlpool (of moving or circulating water) for 20-minute cycles. After 20 minutes in the whirlpool, panelists exit the whirlpool before immersing themselves again. For 40 minutes water resistance, panelists are immersed in the water for two 20-minute cycles. For 80 minutes water resistance, this is done a total of 4 times. After all cycles are completed, the SPF that is remaining on the skin is measured. If after 80 minutes in the whirlpool, the SPF remaining is at least 50, the result is an SPF 50 with 80 minutes of water resistance.