Are you using anything under your foundation? Foundation primers seemed to hit the beauty ground running and haven’t looked back! To be perfectly frank, when I first heard about foundation primers, my initial response was not joy and happiness. Seriously? Another product to buy? ANOTHER step to add to a busy morning routine? I vowed to refrain from grabbing the primer brass ring. Ok, I admit it, my resolve crumbled as quickly as the proverbial cookie and yes, I had to try it. I have as much will power at the beauty counter as I do in the craft store – not much! Primer has become a must-have (and easy!) step in my everyday beauty routine and if you haven’t tried one, I think you’ll be happily surprised by the benefits. It helps my face “go the daily distance”.
So what is it exactly that primers do? Very simply, the product “primes” the skin so that foundation applies more evenly and smoothly. You probably have seen the word “flawless” used a lot and personally, I’m pretty sure the last time MY skin was close to being flawless might have been when I was 5 or 6! No, my foundation primer does not make my skin flawless – but it definitely makes my makeup look better, smoother and more natural, while creating a more even skin texture. I also found that my face doesn’t necessarily look like it’s falling apart in the afternoon – you know what I mean! I truly feel like primer keeps my foundation looking better, longer – and that’s a benefit I can definitely live with!
As with any cosmetic product, there are lots of different primers to choose from! Here are three that I use, like and recommend. You cannot go wrong with Smashbox Photo Finish Primer! Smashbox Primer comes in a variety of formulas, including hydrating, color correcting and light, perfect for summer. There is a newer version that contains a broad spectrum SPF, always a huge plus, that also corrects dark spots. I definitely want to try that one and will provide an update once I do!
Remember the Laura Geller Balance-n-Brighten Foundation we talked about recently? Laura Geller also has a great primer and don’t let the name Spackle scare you! The primer is lightweight and silky. This primer also is available in different formulas and tints – I like the champagne. It has a little bit of shimmer, which yes, looks sparkly when you put it on, but once foundation is applied, this formula just adds a nice glow to the skin.
I’ve seen some less flattering comments about my third – and admittedly, least expensive – primer, L’Oreal Magic Perfecting Base. I have to tell you, I really like this product. Yes, it’s in a very small jar, though I’ve never had a problem getting the product out of the jar. You can always use one of those little cosmetic “spatulas” if needed. Magic Perfecting Base is much thicker and a more dense formula out of the jar, compared to the other primers. Initially, I thought, hmm…do I want to put this thick goop on my face? Somehow, it transformed on my skin and felt smooth and light. I have very, very oily skin and this primer did not increase my oiliness at all.
How to use primer? The important thing with any primer is to use a very small amount. On clean, dry skin, first apply moisturizer, if you use it during the day, and your eye cream. Give those products a few moments to be absorbed into your skin. Next, take a very small amount of primer, about the size of a pea, and with your fingertips, gently smooth it over your entire face and neck. Do not use regular primer on your eyelids – there are primers formulated specifically for use on the lids. I don’t like to use sponges to apply product, because I find the sponge gets more product than my skin, although you certainly can use a sponge. Give the primer a few minutes to dry and apply foundation.
If you use primer, I’d love to hear what you think and which one you use! If you’d like to try one, ask for a sample of a primer at your beauty counter to give one a test drive! I think you’ll find a primer that you’ll want to add to your cosmetic stash – and that’s what’s in my beauty bag today.
Have a perfectly lovely Wednesday and thank you for talking beauty with me today!
OK don’t laugh!!!! (really!!)
I read somewhere online, a few years ago, that Ministat anti-chafing gel had the same ingredients as Smashbox Make Up Primer. So I’ve been using the monistat anti-chafing gel since. (really.. stop laughing LOL). I love it… it’s silky smooth! And I use the thick cream foundation with a sponge foam pad and the monistat makes it go on so much more smoothly and I don’t have to use as much!
I’m really happy with it and I’ve been using it for at least 2 years now! ?
Happy Wednesday!!! ?
Zannie….seriously? That is WAY cool!! I love hearing these kinds of ideas. I always say, whatever works and it definitely sounds like it is working for you! The priming does make a big difference though, doesn’t it? So glad you shared this and happy Wednesday back at you, my friend! ?
Lauren says
I tried the Smashbox Color Correcting green primer for my facial redness but it didn’t really do anything! I was so bummed but luckily Ulta has a great return policy!
Lauren
Exploring My Style
Lauren, this is really good to know and I’m so happy that you shared your experience with us!!! Thank you so much – so should just stick with the regular primer and forego the color correctors! So happy that you visited! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Cindy, I love this post!! I love how you are educating everyone about primers. And, I agree with you…I was pretty hesitant about buying one after first hearing about them. But it is such a must…especially the older I get with these lovely “fine” lines. It honestly helps blend and smooth out the lines with out making the foundation gravitate into the lines…right?!
My most favorite…and actually the only one that I’ve tried and currently use is the Smashbox Photofinish. Love…I even put the extra that was squeezed out onto the tops of my hands. And of course the neck! I think a lot of peeps forget to get the neck and jawline too with their foundation. (The newscasters make up artist need to remember that one!!)
Sorry so long… (=
Have a great weekend, my friend!!
Gloria, I love having you as my beauty back-up! You are so right about using both primer AND foundation on the neck and jawline!! So important and I am so glad you brought it up!! ? I do love Smashbox, but if you’re every up to trying another, give Laura Geller’s Spackle a try, I think you’ll like it, too! You are never too long, you can have all the space and time you need. You have a great weekend too! Hugs!
I don’t use a primer for foundation. Actually, I don’t wear foundation! I used to but I have really oily skin so it just didn’t work for me. And I don’t really like having make-up on my face. But I do use an under eye concealer! And I use Benefit Cosmetics Lemon-Aid eye primer for eyeshadow and brow pencil/powder!
Hey Julie – I am just loving that people are sharing their beauty tips! I know what you mean – I have ridiculously oily skin, and somehow, the Laura Geller primer/foundation works well for me. Super light and I wish I was brave enough to NOT wear foundation…! The Benefit Lemon-Aid primer is awesome, I use that, too! Thanks so much for sharing and have a fantastic Sunday!
I’m hooked on DHC products Cindy, and I love their primer, although I don use it all the time. I rarely use foundation anymore. I find less is more, especially as I’ve gotten older. I use concealer, a tiny bit of powder and blush. On the rare occasions I use foundation, I make sure to only use a small amount and blend, blend, blend. In another life, I was a cosmetic trainer, and I would have to say not blending adequately was the number one issue women had.
See, Doreen, this is why I LOVE beauty chats and sharing what we all use and love! You are totally, totally right about the importance of blending! I’ve never heard of or used DHC products but now I’ll have to check them out!! Thank you SO much for visiting and giving us some great info, because this is exactly what I want beauty chats to be all about. ? Have a wonderful Sunday!