This Primer is Nearly Identical to Pat McGrath Sublime

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Primer vs. YC Collection Let Me First Primer

Published on October 28, 2023

By Terry

Pat McGrath Sublime Primer has a nearly identical alternative

While exploring our very own SKINSKOOL INCI ingredient list similarity tracker, we chanced upon a fascinating find. Hidden within the beauty realm is a product by the relatively obscure YC Collection that has a strikingly similar ingredient list to the esteemed Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Primer. It's the top match out of all the 40K plus products in our database.. This uncanny resemblance is noteworthy, especially considering the contrasting profiles of the two brands in the beauty industry. For those unfamiliar with YC Collection, their 'Let Me First' Primer might just be the alternative to Pat McGrath's you've been searching for, both in composition and performance.

What is the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Primer?

The Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Primer is a product from the Pat McGrath Labs makeup line. It's a luxurious primer designed to smooth, hydrate, and prep the skin for foundation application. The primer aims to create a flawless canvas for makeup by blurring imperfections, minimizing the appearance of pores, and providing a soft-focus effect. Infused with hydrating ingredients, it also helps to maintain the skin's moisture balance. This primer is a part of Pat McGrath's Sublime Perfection System, which includes foundation and setting powder as well. Pat McGrath Labs is known for its high-quality, innovative products, and the Sublime Perfection Primer is no exception.

What are the ingredients?

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Primer contains the following ingredients:

Water / Aqua / Eau, Glycerin, C13-15 Alkane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylene/acrylic Acid Copolymer, C12-16 Alcohols, Sodium Polyacrylate, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance / Parfum, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Poloxamer 338, Peg-8, Tocopherol, Cirsium Eriophorum Callus Extract, Mica, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491).

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Primer

Now let's look at what's in YC Collection's Let Me First primer:

Aqua, Glycerin, C13-15 Alkane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate Ethylene/acrylic Acid Copolymer, C12-16 Alcohols, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Disodium Edta, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Poloxamer 338, Peg-8, Tocopherol, Cirsium Eriophorum Callus Extract, Mica, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Iron Oxides Ci 77491.

YC Collection Let Me First Primer

Similarity of Ingredients

Upon inspection, it's clear that a significant majority of the ingredients are shared between the two primers. Out of YC Collection's 35 listed ingredients, 33 of them are shared with Pat McGrath Labs. Conversely, out of Pat McGrath's 34 ingredients, 32 are also in YC Collection's primer and includes rather obscure ingredients like the pore refining Cirsium Eriophorum Callus Extract. This indicates that the core formulation of the two primers is very alike. However, it's essential to note that while ingredient lists can provide insights into the similarities between products, the exact concentrations, processing, and sourcing can affect product performance and feel.

Let's rundown the similarities between the product ingredients, these include:

  1. Hydration Boosters: Both primers contain Aqua (Water) and Glycerin. These act as hydrating agents, ensuring the skin feels plump and well-moisturized, setting the stage for a flawless makeup application.
  2. Texture and Feel: C13-15 Alkane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, and Ethylene/acrylic Acid Copolymer in both lists hint at giving the products a smooth, glide-on application and a soft finish.
  3. Stabilizing Agents: Ingredients such as C12-16 Alcohols, Palmitic Acid, and Hydrogenated Lecithin help in achieving the desired consistency, making sure the primers spread evenly without any patchiness.
  4. Shimmer and Shine: Both products use Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), and Iron Oxides (Ci 77491) which can impart a subtle glow, making the skin look radiant and fresh.
  5. Skin Loving Add-ons: Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that aids in skin hydration, and Tocopherol acts as an antioxidant. These components are beneficial for skin health and radiance.
  6. Preservatives and Adjusting Agents: Elements like Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, and Sodium Hydroxide ensure product longevity and optimal pH balance.

Order of Ingredients

The ingredient list order for both primers is strikingly similar, suggesting that the formulation, in terms of ingredient concentration, is relatively close. While there are minor variations in the order of some ingredients, the overarching structure remains consistent. This implies that the texture, feel, and primary benefits of the two primers might be quite alike, though the exact experience can vary due to formulation specifics and the unique ingredient in the Pat McGrath product.

Product Claims & Function

Both primers, as evident from their ingredient lists, claim to provide hydration, smooth out skin texture, and impart a radiant glow, prepping the skin for subsequent makeup application. They function as a bridge between skincare and makeup, ensuring that your foundation or base adheres better and stays put for longer.

Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Primer (L) and YC Collection Let Me First Primer (R)

Price Comparison

When it comes to pricing, there's a noticeable difference between the two products. The YC Collection 'Let Me First' primer is priced at $21 for a 30mL bottle, making it a more budget-friendly option. On the other hand, the Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Primer, with its premium branding and renowned reputation in the beauty industry, comes with a heftier price tag of $46 for the same 30mL quantity. This means that the Pat McGrath primer costs over double the price of the YC Collection alternative.

For consumers who are price-conscious or are looking for a more affordable alternative without compromising on ingredient quality, the YC Collection primer presents itself as a compelling choice. However, for those who prioritize brand prestige and are willing to invest in a more luxury experience, Pat McGrath might be the preferred option.

Conclusion

The YC Collection's 'Let Me First' primer is not just a hidden gem in the vast beauty landscape, but a beacon of hope for those seeking high-quality alternatives. Its ingredient list is strikingly similar to the esteemed Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Primer, yet it comes at just a fraction of the price. Moreover, there have been murmurs in the beauty community, with the Pat McGrath primer running low on stock on multiple platforms. Is this a hint towards its discontinuation? While we can't say for certain, what we do know is that there's a stellar alternative waiting in the wings. For beauty aficionados and savvy shoppers alike, the message is clear: don't wait for stocks to deplete or products to vanish. With the YC Collection 'Let Me First' primer, you're not just getting an alternative, but a formidable contender in its own right. Walk don’t run to get this latest SKINSKOOL discovery!

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Terry

Co-Founder of SKINSKOOL, the world’s first & only IP-protected, tech-driven beauty marketplace dedicated to empowering consumer discovery, comparison and purchasing based on objective ingredient and pricing information.