Some people have great luck with makeup primers
These are marketed as “mattifiers”, “brighteners”, “perfecters” and color correctors, in addition to being called primers. Most are clear or milky white (obviously not the corrector products”> and dry quickly to an invisible finish that fills pores. Foundation is supposed to glide easily over this product and look “flawless”.
However, as with anything else in the makeup world, there are variations in primers. That mean that the one your best friend raves about could leave your skin looking terrible. Some products get the thumbs up more often than others — Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Laura Mercier Secret Finish, Laura Geller Spackle and MAC Prep ‘N Prime.
The name that unexpectedly pops up when discussing primers is Monistat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel; an inexpensive product that shares an ingredient list of silicones and polymers with most of the pricier products named above. (For a list of primers at all price points complete with reviews, check out BlogdorfGoodman at blogspot.com – 40 Days & 40 Nights of Primers.”>
Is primer NECESSARY? This really is a matter of personal preference (and I am firmly in the NO camp”>. But the truth is that these products were originally formulated for use under the hot lights of photo shoots and fashion shows. They really are not something for everyday wear.
If you’re looking for products that will give the same smooth finish of a primer, try a moisturizer or treatment product with some of the same polymers, like Estée Lauder Idealist or Olay Regenerist Daily Perfecting Serum. It should be noted that several makeup companies don’t even make primers – Lancôme and Bobbi Brown most notably.
Primers aren’t necessary for your makeup to look out of this world. But they can take you in a bold new direction on special occasions.
