"To use or not to use..Primers!"
This is actually a commonly asked question, and the answer can vary depending on who you speak to! Most makeup artists won't even open their kits without first priming your face, and I am one of those ladies as well! Primers are there to prevent creasing in your makeup, and to keep a look of a flawless application. Some girls use primers as a moisturizer as well, but I believe in applying a good lotion base before you do anything makeup related. Now the question I am asked the most is, what is the difference in primers? Some have a tint of foundation, some are green, pink or white, and some are clear. There are eye shadow primers, lip primers, skin primers, and even for super primer lovers, eyelash primers! Phew! Sounds like a confusing jumble of options, and how do you even know what's right for you??
Lets start with basic face primers. The key here is to find one that works the best for you. Some girls swear that if you don't have a really good primer, then you're wasting your time, but cost of the product doesn't necessarily mean it's the best product. (Something I constantly am saying in my blogs ladies!) I have tried it all. I have had a more expensive primer and a less expensive primer and I have to say, the less expensive primer I liked better! It was softer, smoother, and dried fairly quickly. My favorite primer right now is NYX photo loving primer. It will run you about $12.00 and will last you a few months. www.nyxcosmetics.com
If you are really new to the makeup world, or if you're looking to spend less than $10.00 on a basic primer, then NYC brand Smooth skin primer should be your choice. It's only about $4.00 at Wal-Mart, Target or any large comparable shopping center. This will give you the same basic coverage, but probably won't hold up as long with thicker makeup choices.
Now that we have talked about basic skin primers, lets move on to a primer I think that every girl should have in their makeup bag, eyelid primer. Eyelid primer is a product that every girl can use, from those who just wear a basic nude shadow, to girls who wear a dark, or colorful eye. No matter what kind of eye shadow you wear, matte, sparkle, liquid, or cream, it will crease or wear off if not primed first. Some creasing is normal, and will happen no matter what, especially if you have a large hood, or excess skin lids, but you will be so surprised how much longer and better your eye makeup will look if primed first.
Now this one case that I truly believe you should spend a little more money on your eyelid primer, because the higher quality products will be better for such a sensitive, and thin area of your skin. My favorite eye primer is Urban Decay's Primer potion. It comes in a cool little bottle with a wand attached to the handle. Take the wand and rub some product on the back of your clean hand, applying lightly with your ring finger. (Using the actual wand, and applying too much pressure will stretch the already thin skin. When your lid, and under eye skin is stretched out, there is no way to retighten without surgery) This will run you about $24.00, which is definitely on the higher side, but I swear is worth every penny when you see how long your eye shadow stays in place without creasing! www.sephora.com www.urbandecay.com
For those of you that have kept up with my blogs, (Thanks to all of you!!) you know that I always give a cheaper alternative to my more expensive likes. Even though personally I do believe in spending a little more money on a better quality eye primer, there is nothing wrong with spending a little less on something you don't believe is as important in your own makeup routine. An inexpensive eye primer, that does work, is from Elf. I used this years ago when I was building my makeup kit, more on natural makeup applications because it's a thinner base so doesn't tend to hold the thicker eye shadows, but I never had a single complaint! This also has a wand applicator, but yet again, apply with your ring finger not the wand itself. The mineral primer is a steal at only $3.00 and the eyelid primer is only $1.00! I would say that's worth your money even just to try, for those who are skeptical ! www.eyeslipsface.com
On a small side note, and I can touch on this more at a later time if you like, but I think just as important as a primer is to keep your makeup in place, a setting spray will keep your face from melting or sweating off. It also prevents those mascara smears on your under eyes, and will keep you looking fresh all day. My favorite is All-nighter from Urban Decay. 2-3 spritzes, holding it 6-7 inches away from your face, spray, then don't move your mouth or eyes for a min or so until it dries and voila! Perfect set makeup all day! www.sephora.com ($29.00)
I hope I answered your question and even gave you a few good options to try! I personally think primers are a good investment in your daily makeup routine, and you will notice the difference at the end of the day when your makeup stays put!
Be careful ladies if you have a silicone allergy because a lot of primers tend to have a silicone base. Do your research like I always say, and if something bothers your skin, itches, or causes a rash in anyway, discontinue use immediately!
Thanks for your input everyone! You make blogging fun, and I hope to continue to do so for a long time with all of your help and support! :)
Thanks Krysta! Exactly what I needed to read : )
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