NARS Makeup Primer. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch.
I’ve wondered for a long time as to weather I really need to use a makeup primer.
I was introduced to makeup primer awhile back, it was described to me as smoothing and preparing the skin for foundation application, allowing it to be applied evenly & last longer.
Primer’s are designed to prepare a “smooth and perfect surface,” onto which the makeup can “grab onto.”
According the Beauty-Advices.com the benefits of using a makeup primer include:
- Smoothing the skins surface, and evening skin tone to create a “perfect surface” for your makeup
- Disguise skin flaws and imperfections (including redness, fine lines and wrinkles)
- Pamper and nourish your skin
- Moisturize your skin and keeps it hydrated
- Stops oil and shine
- Allows your skin to “breath normally,” as the primer doesn’t clog the pores
- Allows makeup to glide on smoothly and blend easily
I decided to give primer a test run to see if it really was the miracle it is described as.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Wearing OPI Samoan Sand
I selected Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, via @temptalia’s recommendation.
Using the Primer
The gel was fun to apply, and made my skin feel amazingly soft. It did smell and feel a little odd, but I couldn’t stop touching my skin after application.
The primer did completely smoothed my skin, and the difference was noticeable! That’s not to say it prevented me from needing to still use a foundation.
You do need to give it time to set, in order to give the foundation something to ‘grab onto,’ but once it’s set foundation goes on easier and smoother. This also meant using less foundation overall, with the resulting effect even and ‘light’ looking.
Foundation also seems to last a little longer, not smearing off as easily, which is a bonus!
The Verdict
Comments:
I’ve been debating about ordering some smashbox primer, as I’ve heard good things about it. I have used primer in the past. I used to use MAC, but at the moment I’m using Paul & Joe. I agree it does make your face really smooth. I may just have to order some of the smashbox one though
I’m so glad I found out about primer, I also don’t think it’s necessary but now that I’ve worked it into my routine I find it hard to break away from it! I do love NARS, but like you said these things tend to be pricey.
Fab review, darling!
I have never used primer before but will try it now!
xoxox,
CC
I’ve never used a primer but sometimes I can look oily in photos so I’ve always wanted one! Thanks for the review
x
i will second that! i never used primer until this year…well last year ;). and it really does make a difference. my skin looked smoother and clearer and my makeup lasted a lot longer.
@Emma: I haven’t tried any Primers other than Smashbox, but I definitely enjoyed using it and do recommend it!
@Katie: If you have the cash, then it’s worth a go - even if you don’t want to bother with it every day.
I honestly use whatever is cheapest and easiet available and I have only had success with them. I’ll definitely look more into these primers
Soooo. I have the worst skin ever (grr, you teenage hormones). Thanks for the post - perhaps I shall give primer a try.
My skin is actually bipolar.
Thanks so much for stopping by! And thanks for the link
quirkyexplosion.blogspot.com
Hmmm, i have never tried a primer. I have a bunch about it tho. I will have to give it a try now. Great post!
oo i will try thanks for the tip :)++
YES!!! i would DIE without primer, it seriously is fantastic. my faves are ones with illuminating particles in them, they make the skin glowy & dewy. (i hate the powdered cakey look) stila and lancome both do a fantastic version.
I have never used a primer before; but your review has completely piqued my interest!!
Never used a primer for my face, but I have used one for the eyes, which didn’t really work. Thanks to your post, I’m really intrigued now! Sounds like a fabulous product…. I’ll try to grab a sample and give it a try myself!
@Lovely: I would be curious as to how cheaper options performed!
Lexy: I wish I had known more about makeup in general in my teenager years…I discovered eyeliner & that was about it…
@sarah hannah: I completely agree, the glowey and dewey look is definitely preferred.
I’ve used a few primers, but the best one by far is the Napoleon Perdis Auto pilot for the face. It made me love my foundation again. MAC prep and prime is a bit stink imho, their eye primer cakes. The NP eye primer is good too, and if you want your eyeshadows to look bright and colourful a good eye primer will do just that. I’ve tried swatching colours on my hands with and without primer and the colours over primer always look and last best.