Here’s Why Huda Kattan Sent Me Vagisil
Primer is a must. Whether you sport a new, pressed silk option or an affordable drugstore staple, prepping your complexion locks in your look, prevents smears and smudges, and gives you a more professional finish. In a pinch, some enthusiasts have turned to uncommon products to get their priming fix — just ask makeup artist and CEO of Huda Beauty, Huda Kattan. Her priming hack is, by far, one of the most bizarre ones we’ve seen, but it just might work.
It all began with the above YouTube video in 2016. Kattan, a beauty influencer with over 24 million Instagram followers, started testing weird primers. Lubricant, Milk of Magnesia, aftershave balm, olive oil, and Vagisil were all part of her experiment. In the end, she was inspired by the oil-controlling and calming abilities the feminine hygiene salve offered and even included it in press mailers sent to beauty editors (including me). I was confused at first, but after hearing Kattan sing its praises on the YouTube video, it all clicked. “This actually feels really good going on,” she explained about the application of the cream. “It feels really creamy, really soothing.”
Fast forward to October 2017, when Huda Beauty The Complexion Perfection Pre-Makeup Base Primer ($35) launched. Kattan’s primer was actually inspired by her YouTube trial findings and contains dimethicone, the key ingredient in Vagisil. Dimethicone is a smoothing silicone oil that helps fill out depleted areas, like where acne scars, uneven texture, and fine lines exist, while also leaving behind a veil of moisture.
The primer works wonderfully for all skin types, but it really comes through for combination skin. The formula leaves dry areas feeling plumped up and soft-to-the-touch, while slicker spots’ sebum is kept in check all day long. Despite its questionable origins, this skin-prepper creates a level, hydrated, velvety canvas for any and all products to sit on top of.
Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty inspo and info.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.