On paper, primer is one of those things that reads like I really wouldn’t be that in to. An elusive step that requires you to chunk out even more time to apply your makeup in the morning that gives a promise that’s usually five lines long. However in practice, primers are something that I tend to use most days in some shape or form and is a process that I find makes a huge difference in all aspects of my makeup from finish to longevity.
There’s now a primer for everything on the market – under eyes, lip, waters to spray on before your makeup – it’s a bit of a minefield, but which ones do you really need? Personally I can split my wants when it comes to primers into five categories. Now do bear in mind that my skin is pretty normal but eats up makeup fast, though it can look dry if I’m having a ‘meh’ day and also whilst I want my makeup to last well, most days I don’t require it to last much over 12 hours (if I do then I seriously go a bit wild with the stuff).
The most typical way to get your primer fix is to apply it before you makeup; post-moisturiser, pre-foundation. It’s easy enough. Just slap it on, no brush needed and continue on with your usual routine. In the past I went for quite silicone-heavy formulas that felt weirdly smooth on the skin, or drier textures that created a more matte base. Now I’m into ones that hydrate in the hope that satisfies the thirst of my complexion before it can drink up my foundation before lunchtime. Nice. My favourite moisturising one is the Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer that feels like a double layer of moisturiser on the skin and is weirdly cooling. It’s just a nice step to complete. The other I reach for sometimes, especially on those occasions where I’m lacking a lustre in my chops, is the Dior Glow Maximiser Light Boosting Primer. This has a sheen to it and is almost like the Laura Mercier laced with highlighter, minus the glitter ball finish. It’s all very subtle. The Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer is the one I grab when I’m in need of a good all-rounder. There’s no shimmer in there, but it’s a thick cream that absorbs well into the skin and leaves a tacky-free base for makeup behind. It’s one of those failsafe products, you know?
I still remember my first foray into eye primers. It was the Urban Decay Primer Potion, but back when it came with the funky, super hard to get product out of, tube, #BeautyBloggerMemories. It was a bit thick and white for my tastes, but then I found the NARS Pro-Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base and instantly fell in love. I’ve now been through multiple tubes of the stuff and out of all the primers shown here, it’s the one that I use most often. If I’m using eyeshadow, then I’m using this. If you struggle with creasing and inappropriately short wear times on the lid, then this is (without trying to be too dramatic) – live changing.
The final step in which I sometimes choose to deploy a primer is right at the end of my makeup (usually when I’ve realised that I forgot to prime earlier – doh!). This is where the good ol’ setting sprays come in handy. It might not be the most comfortable step – be sure to close your mouth because let me tell you, been there, done that, had the weird taste hanging around for the next few hours – but it sets in a non-mattifying way and without the need for a powder. The L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray is the one I usually use.
So, a little excessive perhaps – but five primers do it for me. What are your to go makeup helper-outers? Can you condense it down any further than mine? *pat on the back for anyone who just has the one in their collection*
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