CANMAKE Mermaid Skin Gel 01 Clear 1.41 oz (40 g) Review
Our verdict
CANMAKE's Mermaid Skin Gel is less a treatment and more a smoothing base you sweep on before makeup, and its 4.6 star average across 248 ratings suggests it does that simple job well. If you want a lightweight Japanese formula that preps skin for a smoother makeup finish, this is worth a look.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anyone who wants a lightweight pre-makeup gel that smooths the skin's surface for a more even foundation finish.
Skip if
You are looking for a treatment gel that targets acne, dark spots, or other specific skin concerns, since this formula is built purely for smoothing and makeup prep.
- Priced 40% below the category median ($19.99 across 238 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 248 owner ratings
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Popularity1.7/5
248 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
CANMAKE is a Japanese brand made by IDA Laboratories, and this Mermaid Skin Gel is positioned around a smoothing benefit rather than an active treatment claim. It's labeled for all skin types with a natural finish, and the brand describes it as a smooth base for makeup, meaning its main job is to even out texture right before you apply foundation. The formula is also gluten free.
At 1.41 fluid ounces (40 grams), the container is compact and made to be used in small amounts as a pre-makeup step rather than a leave-on treatment for the day. That sizing fits its role as a quick prep product rather than a core part of a longer skincare routine.
With a 4.6 star average across 248 ratings, this gel has earned solid marks from the people who have tried it. The current monthly purchase count is modest, which points to a smaller, steadier following rather than a fast growing bestseller.
Pros
- 4.6 star average across 248 ratings for a smoothing pre-makeup gel
- Lightweight gel formula suited to all skin types
- Gluten free formula
- Compact 1.41 ounce size made for smoothing skin before makeup
Cons
- Not formulated to target specific concerns like acne or dark spots
- Modest recent purchase volume compared to bigger sellers in this category
- Small size means frequent reorders with daily use
Performance notes
This gel is built around a skin smoothing benefit rather than active treatment ingredients, so it works more like a makeup base than a treatment step. Its natural finish and smooth base for makeup positioning suggest it is meant to fill in texture just before you apply foundation, not to change your skin's appearance over time.
What buyers say
A 4.6 star average across 248 ratings is a strong score, especially for a smaller, niche pre-makeup product. The relatively low current monthly purchase count suggests this is more of a steady, smaller following than a runaway bestseller.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this a moisturizer or a makeup primer?
It's closer to a makeup primer. It's designed to smooth the skin's surface as a base before foundation rather than to hydrate or target specific skin concerns the way a moisturizer would.
Can all skin types use this gel?
The product is labeled for all skin types, so it should suit most people looking for a smoothing step before makeup. If your skin is very reactive, a patch test is still a good idea before adding any new product to your routine.
How much product is in the container?
The gel comes in a 1.41 fluid ounce (40 gram) container, which is a fairly typical size for a pre-makeup smoothing product that is used in small amounts each time.