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What’s the deal with primers?

27/07/11Comments 0News / Product reviews / Tips and Tricks / Uncategorized

“What’s the deal with primers? I hear this question a lot. What’s the point? What are they used for? Why do we need them or not need them? Are they just a gimmick? Why do I need one more product to put on my face… and the list of questions goes on and on…

Primers are pretty cool. They put a protective “veil” on the face that does 2 things: (1) if you are dry, it keeps your skin from absorbing the water out of your foundation, helping it to wear better and longer, and (2) it you are oily, it will keep your makeup from melting off or sliding off your face. It will also fill in deeper pores and smooth out the texture of your skin so that it looks more even.

I’m a big fan of primers. The one caveat here is silicone based primers. For instance, Smashbox Primer is a silicone based primer. It gets great reviews but if you are like me and have an allergy to cheaper grades of silicone, it will burn your skin.

Always check products on the inside of your inner arm by the elbow or behind your ear. I prefer the inner arm so I can see if my skin turns red.

The one exception I have found is Youngblood Mineral Primer. It has that silk-to-powder finish within seconds of application, it’s clear and lightweight in texture, feels amazing on the skin and helps foundation to just glide on….both liquid and powder foundations. The best part is that it is richly formulated with vitamins and minerals, protects skin from environmental damage, and is also paraben and cruelty-free.

I also really like Laura Mercier Foundation Primers. They come in original formula, hydrating, oil free, and mineral. The mineral is great for mineral makeup obviously but also for oily skin or larger pores. I personally wear the hydrating formula since I am dry.

I would definitely recommend checking out foundation primers. They really do help your makeup wear better, longer, and if you are an actor or model, this will be very important for how you look on camera.

terrilodge - Terri Lodge of Blush Premier Makeup Artists has over 11 years experience doing impeccable makeup and has become one of the most sought after MUA’s in the Pacific Northwest. Her experience includes film, television, and print as well as editorial, runway, fashion, and special occasion makeup. Terri is the key makeup artist for local and national celebrities and has been a repeated on air guest for Nationally televised Better TV. Her work can be seen in Women’s Wear Daily, Body + Soul, Book Moda, and in the upcoming premier issue of LA luxury lifestyle magazine Ultra. Known for her effortless beauty makeup, Terri’s passion is to emphasize each person’s individual and unique beauty and to create living works of art.