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!