Alicia Keys’s New Serum Is the Glowiest Makeup Primer I’ve Ever Used

While I love a full-glam moment every once in a while, I usually go for a no-makeup makeup look. And more often than not, I’m completely barefaced (with the exception of a tinted lip gloss). So, when looking for new makeup products I tend to gravitate toward skin-care-infused items that I can use on a daily basis — like tinted moisturizers or moisturizing cheek and lip balms. One makeup/skin-care hybrid that recently caught my attention is the Let Me Glow Illuminating Priming Serum ($25, originally $26) from Alicia Keys’s beauty brand Keys Soulcare.

I was initially drawn to the Let Me Glow serum because it was packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients like brightening niacinamide and hydrating squalane. But I also liked that it was designed to work overtime as a glowy primer for face makeup. Plus, along with the original universal Golden Aura shade, Keys Soulcare recently added two new shades to its lineup: a pearlescent, almost-pink, cool-toned shade called Moonstone Aura; and a warm-toned Bronze Aura shade. Curious about the new colors and how a skin-care-forward primer would hold up under makeup, I decided to put it to the test.

Keep reading for my full review of the Keys Soulcare Let Me Glow Illuminating Priming Serum and get a look at the three different serum shades ahead.

About the Keys Soulcare Let Me Glow Serum

What I Like About the Keys Soulcare Let Me Glow Serum

First, I love the glowy finish of the Let Me Glow serum. It has super-hydrating ingredients in the formula that leave my skin looking dewy and fresh — but never greasy. And unlike other primers, the Let Me Glow serum plays nicely with all the other skin-care products that came before it (aka no pilling in sight!). Immediately after application, my skin feels more hydrated and soft, which makes for a smooth canvas when I put on a tinted moisturizer or foundation.

When it comes to wear time — on its own, under a tinted moisturizer, or under a heavier foundation — the Let Me Glow serum holds up really well. My shine lasted all day and nothing seemed to budge (it’s worth noting that I used Glossier’s Wowder powder as a finishing step for the days when I used a tinted moisturizer or foundation). Overall, I was impressed since most skin-care/makeup hybrids tend to slip or slide as the day goes on.

Finally, I liked all three crystal-inspired Let Me Glow shades and was surprised that they all seemed to work on me (even the warm-toned bronze!). The color offerings are designed to be universal and work with all skin tones, and I really believed that that was true when I saw that I could get away with wearing Golden Aura, Moonstone Aura, and Bronze Aura.

How to Use the Keys Soulcare Let Me Glow Serum

The Let Me Glow serum can be used on its own after your skin-care routine or as a priming step before applying your makeup. You can use one to two pumps, but I found that one was more than enough to cover my face and neck. I used my fingertips to blend the serum, but you can also use a brush or damp makeup sponge.

It’s also worth noting that the serum bottle has an affirmation printed on the back of it that reads, “I give myself permission to glow.” You’re welcome to recite it and start your day with some positive affirmations (if you’re into that, that is).

What to Consider Before Trying the Keys Soulcare Let Me Glow Serum

The Let Me Glow serum leaves my skin with a luminous, dewy finish — so if you prefer to have a matte base before applying makeup, this may not be the primer for you.

Where Is the Keys Soulcare Let Me Glow Serum Available?

The Keys Soulcare Let Me Glow Serum is available to purchase directly on the brand’s site and Amazon.

Rating

★★★★★

Alida Araica (she/her) is a newsletter manager at PS, where she oversees and executes editorial and client email strategy and production and occasionally writes product reviews. She has been working in marketing in the digital media space since 2018, working on newsletter, content, and social media programs.