let’s talk: face primers

I love face primers. They set your foundation, keep it in place and provide added benefits like smoothness, shine control and minimize pores.

Using a primer is an extra step to your makeup routine, that’s a given, but in my opinion, it’s worth it. Usually applied after moisturizer before foundation, a primer’s main goal is to prep the skin for foundation. BB creams and tinted moisturizers do that if you’re looking for an everyday, no fuss look. For those days and nights that you need your makeup to keep going, a primer is your best bet.

To use: apply a pea size amount to entire face area including decolletage, under eyes and even on eyelids as a shadow primer. Let sit and apply foundation as usual. 

Here are the top primers getting a lot of love:

Make / Benefit / Smashbox / Hourglass / Bare Minerals

MAKE Cosmetics has a white one that I’m loving right now. It goes on smoothly and leaves a slight tacky feel on the skin that foundation can adhere to.

Benefit’s Flawless primer has been getting a lot of good buzz, but I’ve been told it’s a little like rubbing a glue stick on our face. If you want your makeup to stay on, this is the product you need to get as it really does work.

Smashbox’s primers go on like silk. I love the feel of the primer, but you do have to pick the right one for your skin type or it can make oily skin oilier.

A good face primer extends the life of your makeup, helping you go from day to night with minimal touch-ups. Now that’s a beautiful thing.

Do you have a favorite primer?