Okay sooo here’s the deal—I don’t usually splurge on makeup or skincare like this, but I was in one of those moods (you know, retail therapy + “I deserve this” energy), and ended up getting the SK-II Genoptics CC Primer. 😅

It’s fancy. It’s shiny. It’s SK-II. And I’ve heard about their Pitera™ magic for years but never actually bought anything from them before.

Spoiler: I think I kind of love it? But also have thoughts.

✨ First Impressions

▪ Packaging? 10/10. Feels like something a rich aunt would casually pull out of her Goyard.

▪ Texture? A little thick at first, but melts once you warm it up.

▪ Smell? Very SK-II-ish—kind of fermented, but it fades. Not gross, just... skincare-y.

I used just a small pump and applied it with my fingers. It felt super hydrating right away, like I was applying skincare, not a base.

👀 What It Looks Like On

▪ The glow is REAL. Like, no highlighter needed.

▪ My redness? Blurred.

▪ Pores? Also blurred.

▪ Skin? Looked healthy and kinda expensive?

I have combo skin, and this made my cheeks look ✨ luminous ✨ without turning my forehead into an oil slick. (Though I def used some powder on my T-zone after a few hours.)

💸 The Price

▪ Yeah... it’s a lot. I paid around $85.

▪ Do I regret it? Not really, but also not something I’d re-buy without thinking twice.

▪ This is definitely “treat yourself” energy—not a daily staple unless you’re living that soft life full-time.

🔬 Skincare or Makeup?

So here’s where it gets fuzzy: it feels like skincare. But I didn’t notice any big skin changes over the weeks I used it (no fading spots or extra hydration long-term).

That said:

▪ No breakouts

▪ No irritation

▪ Just solid glow-up makeup

If you want visible treatment results, maybe stick with your serums. This is more of a glow-booster than a fixer.

🎨 Shade Situation

▪ Only one color. It worked for me (light-medium with yellow undertones), but it’s definitely a pink-beige tint.

▪ If you’re deeper-toned, this might leave a white cast.

▪ I used a bit of bronzer to warm it up and that worked fine.

SK-II really needs to make more shades. It's 2025, come on y’all.

⏰ Wear Test

I wore it to brunch and it held up for a good 4-5 hours without looking greasy.

▪ Didn’t separate

▪ Didn’t clog anything

▪ Still looked dewy by the time I got home (but not sweaty-dewy, ya know?)

With foundation layered on top, it looked flawless. Like, red carpet-ready flawless.

🔥 Final Vibes

Would I recommend it?

▪ If you love that “glow from within” look → YES

▪ If you hate feeling dewy → NOPE

▪ If you’re a minimalist who wants glow + a little coverage in one step → This is perfect

▪ If you’re on a budget → There are cheaper dupes out there, just not this fancy

TL;DR

This is my first SK-II product and it kinda lived up to the hype. I feel like I finally understand what “luxury base” means. It didn’t change my life, but it sure changed my face (in a good way).

Would I buy it again? Maybe. Would I recommend trying it at least once if you’re curious? 100% yes.