If you’re a female and reading this blog, you’d probably want to know the secret to flawless looking makeup, right? Well as simple as it sounds – it’s primer.
Now, I’m not exactly a makeup guru considering my standard routine is pretty, well, standard. But I am always on the lookout for that unbelievable, ‘must-have’ product whether it’s a recommendation from a friend or fashion magazine. And I’ve officially found it.
A few months ago, my foundation routine looked like this:
- Concealer (for dark circles under the eye and to cover any blemishes)
- Tinted moisturizer
- Light Bronzer (I like Physician’s Formula)
A bit Plain Jane, I know, but I try to avoid that cake-y look at all costs and prefer a natural finish. Though, I always felt like something was missing. It would really only look good if I waited a while for the makeup to set, which is not ideal.
This all changed one afternoon when I strolled into an ULTA store while shopping for new nail polish, and noticed a section that was devoted to primers (my advertising degree gives this a thumbs up for strategic marketing). I definitely knew what primer was but I just assumed it was an extra step that was unnecessary and a waste of money.
But oh, was I wrong.
I was curious and again, always looking for that ‘must-have’ product, so I asked the salon assistant on whether or not she recommended using a primer. Her eyes lit up and she said, “Oh, it makes a WORLD of a difference and feels amazing!”
Well, all right then.
I went back and grabbed a tester of the Too Faced Face Primer and tried a little on my hand. My hand felt like smooth silk and I was officially sold.
I grabbed a bottle of the Oil-Free Too Faced Primer because my skin is prone to random breakouts if I use anything oil-based on my face. I headed to the checkout counter and although I still felt it was a bit pricey ($30 a tube), I figured I’d give it a go. Plus, ULTA has a pretty awesome return policy so I could return it if I wasn’t 100% satisfied.
On my way home, I couldn’t wait to try out my new beauty item but still hesitant. Luckily, I had made plans with friends that evening so it was the perfect time to test it out.
That night, after washing my face, I applied my new face primer and OH was it smooth.
Okay now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
I added my tinted moisturizer, dabbed a little concealer and finished with bronzer. I could already see a difference. My makeup was set before I even got to my mascara and I was shocked.
As the night went on, I would check my makeup every time I went to the ladies room and my girlfriends even noticed a difference.
What I’m trying to say here, ladies, is that face primer is a must. No matter what brand you choose, it is absolutely worth the money and a beauty secret I wish I would’ve found out about a long time ago. Not to mention, that tube goes a long way.
Have you found a primer that you’re obsessed with?
Maya Szydlowski is the founder of The Chic Bean, where she blogs about all things fashion, beauty, coffee and everything in between. Tweet her @maya_szydlowski or connect on Google+.
I love what primer does to my makeup application. I’m a Bare Minerals gal so I use the primer that they offer and it makes a huge difference.
I have quite a few that I like but when I finish them up, Im going to go back to the e.l.f. $6 mineral primer. I suggest you try it! It works just as good as the high end ones 🙂
I will definitely check it out — thanks!
I have reduced using the cream, but i think now i had to start it again. Very important topic and you just did an amazing job presenting it in a simple and clear manner.
Even though I think it’s really intended for airbrush makeup, I’m in love with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics gel primer. You only need a small drop for the entire face and it makes the skin so smooth, and my skin actually seems to benefit from it as a skincare product. Recommended!
Everyone is a plain Jane without makeup, even models and celebrities.
I think one of the top beauty secrets is merely knowing what works with your facial features, and what doesn’t. Oleda Baker has said this before. Women who know what works for them make the most of their beauty.
This means choosing the right hairstyle and cut for your face, the right application of makeup technique, and emphasising things in the right way. For example, if a certain eyebrow shape doesn’t look right, it can ruin your entire look. Even something as simple as makeup being too dark for one’s skin, or too light, can also do this.
Women who are “beautiful” understand the secret…not everyone gets it either. It’s up to every woman to find out what works for her and what doesn’t.
I have a couple of primers…but maybe I should pay more attention to them. I’m like you, it seemed like an extra step…but perhaps I should really check through out the day more often. I’ll see how it goes!
I agree completely with everything you’ve said. I’d like to add that all primers do not play well with all foundations. So if you experience any issues, try another primer. I use estee lauder double wear and have found a couple of my primers don’t work well with this foundation but smashbox does. I’ve had this experience with the Tarte amazonian clay foundation and a couple of others also. Now, I try to use the primer and foundation from the same brand whenever I can because they were already designed to work well together.
I love my primer. I have this rule about not wearing make up on the parts of my face that don’t need it. I hardly ever put it on my forehead. Yet, I’m still seeing some breakouts there. Have any advice for me?