At times when I stand in front of the mirror, I feel like one of the characters from the movie “Mean Girls,” inspecting my face and cursing my pores for being too huge (deny it all you want, I know you all have watched it and know exactly what I’m talking about!). And the criticism doesn’t end there. Every little wrinkle or laugh line that has deepened in the last few years feels my wrath as I desperately try to camouflage it in some way. Well, I haven’t found a miracle product yet to zap away all my flaws, but thankfully I’ve come across one that gives me the somewhat airbrushed feeling that I’m going for – makeup (or foundation) primer.
Many ladies have bypassed this product because they feel they don’t need it, but I assure you, primers have many advantages and you are missing out if you choose to go without one! A primer is a silicon gel or water based lotion that is applied to the face before foundation, blush or highlighters. For those ladies who don’t use foundation or powder, you can still use this product – it’s great on both bare faces as well as under makeup. Primers work to fill in pores and also even out any fine lines and wrinkles. So, even if you wish to go bare faced – you will instantly have smoother looking skin. Trust me you will notice the difference!
Primers create a barrier between your face and the skin, which is important for several reasons:
- Your makeup adheres to the primer, not your face. Have you noticed that after a few hours of applying your makeup it looks like it’s been rubbed off? This is because your skin tends to absorb most of your makeup due to your natural oils and the fact that your skin is like a sponge. Having the primer in place causes your makeup to last and look fresh for hours longer.
- For oily-skinned girls – a good primer will mattify your face by absorbing any excess oil.
- For dry-skinned girls – your face will appear less flaky and will feel more hydrated with the silicon in the product. Just like your heat styling products for hair contain silicon to protect and trap in moisture, the makeup primer does the same.
- Your makeup will go on more smoothly, and it will help prevent the color of your foundation from turning throughout the day.
- For the ladies living in hot climates – the primer will help your makeup stay on longer. I used a silicon-based primer for my cousin’s Lahore summer wedding with great results.
- Having a barrier between your face and makeup helps your skin from absorbing all the chemicals in your cosmetics.
How to apply:
- After washing your face, apply your favorite lotion. Any kind of makeup always works best if your face is well moisturized. Wait for your face to dry.
- You don’t need very much of this product. Squirt out about a dime sized amount on the back of your hand. You can always add more if you need it.
- Using a foundation brush (you can use your fingers too but make sure your hands are washed!) smooth the primer on your face like you would lotion. Avoid the eye area.
- Wait a few minutes for the primer to dry and then apply foundation. If you don’t use foundation, just apply your blush/bronzer and you’re ready to go!
One note: As much as I adore makeup primers, just like with foundation, I feel as though they should not be used everyday. While cosmetics companies insist that they are all right for daily use, you should allow your skin to breathe once in a while and try not to clog your pores. For this reason, I use my primer on the weekends when I go out and for special occasions.
Recommended Primers:
There are many different types of primers out there, the two main types being silicon-based and water-based. They come in both colorless and sheer. If you have trouble matching yourself with foundations, I would recommend getting the colorless one.
The most popular silicon primer is the Smashbox Photo Finish. It comes in multiple formulations, light for acne prone, SPF, color correcting. In terms of variety, this is probably the way to go. However, the price tag is slightly steep at $36 for 1 oz. But, it’s one of the best high-end primers available.
If you don’t like the feeling of silicon on your face, you can try out the water-based Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. You will not be left with the same silky smooth feeling you get with a silicon-based primer, but the Laura Mercier claims to contain “vitamins A, C, & E [that] act as antioxidants & protect the skin from harmful, aging effects of the environment.” It runs at $30 for 1.7 oz.
There are several drugstore primers that have been making headway in the market, however they leave a lot to be desired. I have found the Revlon primer is semi-decent, but leaves the skin feeling a bit tacky and does not last as long as other primers. The version by Rimmel is slightly colored and is not silicon based, so is more like a tinted moisturizer than anything.
If you ladies love the Smashbox version, but don’t want to spend the $$$, there is another option. The makeup community has come upon a secret product that mimics the Smashbox perfectly, but can be found at less than half the price – Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel. Now I know what you’re thinking, Monistat? On my face?! Yes, ladies. This gel is not the same as the feminine products from the Monistat line. It was created by the brand as a protectant that forms a barrier on the skin to prevent rubbing and chafing. It contains the same ingredients as Smashbox Photo Finish (Cyclomethicone and Dimethicone). Ladies all over the country have been using this as a replacement and swear by it, myself included! I will never spend $40 on a primer again. At $8 for 1.5 oz, I am completely content and my makeup looks fabulous! You can find it at your local drugstore or on www.drugstore.com
So, ladies let us know what has worked for you and if you’ve tried out the Monistat gel. If you have any other recommendations we’d love to hear them!
[...] Continued here: Makeup Primer: The Forgotten Wonder [...]
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what foundation brush do you use in the pic?
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Hi, I think it’s not available in Malaysia or S’pore…. Any alternative?
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does anyone know where u can get smashbox in england..
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try selfridge’s, harvey nicks or space nk…?
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I agree with lipstick that the foundation primer is definitely not for everyday use….it adds an extra “oomph” factor for the weekends. I’ve also found that Mac strobe liquid (not to be confused with the cream) is a light and somewhat refreshing alternative in the summer months.
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I use the Bare Essentuals primer and I use it 5 days of the week…maybe its too much now that I read your article, but I feel that my skin gets v. oily w/out it. I use a oil free mositurizer as well as mineral foundation (Bare Essentuals). Even after all that, by the end of the day, I can wipe the oil off my face! What gives…any advice?
Thanks LM.
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Interesting about the Monistat! Will have to invest!
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How about just going au naturale?
Personally there is nothing hotter than a Desi Chic in a sari…
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Monistat?? great (inexpensive) idea!!
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I use Mac’s primer and looove it. Cannot live without it!
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Thank you so much for all your advice..it was very helpful during the wedding I attended in Isloo + Karachi. Plus, I think you have a huge group of fans among the wedding attendees ..good job!
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I think Mac’s primer will be available everywhere… thanks to everyone……
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Which one of the MAC primers would you recommend?
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Are you referring to the Prime Time primer? If so, I’ve heard from a LOT of ladies (even those without oily skin) that Prime Time made them look like an oilslick within a few hours. You should definitely switch out the one you’re using – a primer is supposed to combat the oilies not make them worse. One of the readers below, Aleea is also a user of Bare Escentuals Mineral foundation. She uses MAC’s primer with success. I’m not sure what skintype she has but I can find out. I’ll also look into some other primers that might be better for your skin type
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I’m using the 190 by MAC, but I’m not really a big fan of it as I feel the brush is too big and flat to get a good job done. I prefer something that’s shorter and fatter, similar to this philosophy brush http://tinyurl.com/dew9bk , Nars used to make something similar but I can’t seem to find it online. I’ll have to email them and ask if they’ve discontinued it.
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Thanks so much, Petulia – that really means a lot!
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I think almost all brands make some kind of primer, but I’ve heard great things about the Giorgio Armani and if you get the line there even the Proactiv mattifying gel. I haven’t personally tried the MAC but its probably the most readily available there. It’s a little far, but if you travel through the U.A.E., they have a Sephora store that makes a version similar to the Smashbox. I hope you find something great, let us know what you pick out
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Aleea, which version do you use?
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There are two main versions for the face Prep + Prime Skin, which is the most popular, and then Prep + Prime Face Protect with SPF 50. I believe I’ve read some sensitive-skinned ladies have had problems with breakouts after using the SPF version. I haven’t tried either so cannot personally vouch for the MAC primer. But, after reading up on it I would say if you have tough skin you can try out the SPF version, but if you are breakout prone I’d definitely go for the first one.
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Thanks! Yes, I am using Prime Time. Now I know why I am oil central…oh well…shoulda asked you before I bought! I am going to try the Monistat since I use it often so see if it works before I go on another makeup spree. Thanks again…keep the good advice comin’.
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I use the Prep+Prime Skin without the SPF. I have very sensitive skin and this has really helped in preventing breakouts and leaves my skin looking smooth.
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Thanks a ton for all the great advice! I will be sure to check it out. Keep the good advice coming. I loove this site!!
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[...] women to come together and exchange beauty tips and product secrets.” I particularly like this [...]
I tried the Prep + Prime Skin Primer from MAC this weekend both nights that I went out, and I absolutely loved it!! Thank you so very much for the wonderful advice!
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Prep and prime is a brilliant product! I used the one with the SPF and I have major acne prone skin – and no breakouts! I heart primer, don’t know how I was surviving without it all this while!
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LADIES, IN WHAT ORDER SHOULD I APPLY MY NUTROGENA SPF, MAC PREP & PRIME SKIN BASE, MAC STROBE, AND MAC FOUNDATION?
WARMLY,
SREGAN7
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WHAT A GREAT SITE. I THINK I CAN LEARN A LOT HERE.
WARMEST AND KINDEST REGARDS,
SREGAN7
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Hi there
We thought it would be best if you got your answer straight from the source, so we went ahead and contacted MAC Cosmetics for you.
Here is their response: “I recommend applying your Sunscreen first, over your clean bare skin, for sun protection. Next, add your MAC STROBE CREAM for hydration and luminescence. Next, add your MAC PREP + PRIME SKIN over your entire face to smooth the skin, creating the perfect base to your foundation application. Finish with your foundation over the top. This step by step application technique will ensure the most protected, hydrated skin with a flawless makeup application.”
As for our personal opinion, we feel the less you put on your skin the better. Many ladies use their sunscreen (usually one with a silky finish) as a primer (lotion->sunscreen->foundation) because they don’t like applying too many layers and want to let their skin breathe.
Either way you choose, we hope that this information helped you. Please let us know if there is anything else you’d like to know about!
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Hi Sherry,
Thank you so much for your kind comments, we are glad to have you on the site!
Looking forward to hearing more from you,
Hugs,
LM
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Question for you, i haven’t been able to locate the Monistat Soothing Care primer at either Walgreens or Rite Aid. Do you know where specifically I can purchase it from? i do have oily skin, would this be the best remedy for that as a makeup primer?
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