Nov
Foundation Primers
When I put my makeup on in the morning, I expect it to look fresh all day, not patchy and fading by lunch. What I’ve discovered as a key product to give me the results I want is a foundation primer. This invisible layer goes on after your skin care and before your foundation or concealer, acting as both an extra barrier against the elements (so key during fall and winter) and a canvas for color. Pick the right one for your skin and a primer can add hours of wear to your makeup, and even make it look better by filling in fine lines, adding extra moisture or reducing shine (depending on your skin type). With so many benefits and so many choices, I decided to try a few to see how they are. If you have a favorite, send me your tips.
NP Set Pre-Foundation Primer Makeup
Napoleon Perdis is one of the new designer brands to hit Target stores, under the name NP Set. Previously only available in fine department stores, Napoleon Perdis is offering a wide range of items, from this primer to foundation and color cosmetics for eyes, lips and cheeks. My first introduction to the line is the Pre-Foundation Primer ($29), a creamy, pearly-pink lotion designed to add moisture and create a smooth surface for the rest of your makeup. As someone with light colored skin that has pinkish undertones, I find the light pink tone of this primer to work really well for me, but I wonder how it would look on darker skin, or more yellow or olive skin tones. Because of the moisture component, I would not recommend this primer for skin with any tendency toward oiliness; you will most likely end up with an oil slick. I also take issue with the price point - frankly, I think $29 for any makeup at Target is ridiculous. Knock it down to $12 and I would consider buying it again. I will enjoy my tube but move on.
Arbonne Virtual Illusion Makeup Primer
My friend Linda Cohen turned me on to Arbonne a few years ago, and I have tried several things and have never been disappointed. While placing my most recent order, she recommended this new product, Virtual Illusion Makeup Primer ($32.50). This lightweight, silky-smooth gel would be a perfect fit for any skin tone or type. It creates a smooth surface for makeup, or you can wear it alone after your regular skin care for a more polished bare face. It’s neither matte nor particularly moisturizing, making it an easy fit for any skin type. The one ounce bottle doesn’t seem large, but you need just one pump for your whole face (and it’s not a skimpy amount). This is my favorite primer of the ones I’ve tried.
Exuberance Miracle Bound Pre-Makeup Skin Firming Gel
Here is an example of a primer that crosses the line between makeup and skincare. With skincare ingredients like DMAE (short for dimethylaminoethanol, a naturally occurring substance that may make skin appear firmer) and aloe vera, you could easily use this in the morning as part your anti-aging skincare with or without makeup. Exuberance Skin Firming Gel ($45) is clear and leaves a slightly matte finish on the skin, so if you are dry, be sure to generously apply your regular moisturizer and let it soak in before you apply Miracle Bound. I have found that the matte finish makes my foundation go on more smoothly and allows me to use less product, especially with my current makeup, Lancome Teint Idole.
If you have a favorite at a budget-friendly price point, let me know!
17Nov
Smashbox’s Photo Foundation Primer ($36/1 oz.) is excellent. They have several formulations (including an SPF version for $42, or color corrector ones for $38) but my favorite is the light since I tend to be a bit oily. Not a bit sticky and spreads very smoothly. philosophy also has their version, called “the present” ($25/2 oz.) which is very similar and also very good. I like both of these very much.
17Nov
I agree I have been using the Smashbox one a lot lately, it definitely makes any foundation look better especially now with the colder weather, it helps me not look so flaky.
17Nov
I’ve used Smashbox and also like it, but, more recently, I stumbled on to Colorscience Line Tamer; it’s way too expensive at $45, but it sure is impressive. The stuff is velvety, like lemon mousse, and it goes on like a primer, but it covers redness and lines like a sheer foundation. What’s more, it looks like I’m not wearing make-up at all. At the end of the day, there’s no cakey lines beneath my eyes. Even my husband noticed, and that’s going some. Almost as good and a whole lot cheaper is Avon’s MagiX Face Perfector SPF 20, at $10, which offers soft and light-diffusing coverage, with or without a foundation over it.
17Nov
There are so many, but Smashbox is fabulous. It never does anything it shouldn’t and honestly, even though it is a primer, many, many times I felt I just didn’t need any thing else. I had a male friend try some, he loved it so much, he “borrowed” it. But sharing is fine…………. Try Smashbox it is highly recommended
17Nov
Wow, these are great suggestions! Thanks for the tips. It looks like I have more shopping to do!
17Nov
I recently reviewed Jemma Kidd’s Mannequin Skin Complexion Enhancer here on Cosmeticconnection.com. It’s part of a new line of Jemma Kidd’s cosmetics at Target and it’s just great!
Another one of my favorite primers is Laura Geller’s Spackle. It’s lightweight and makes a smooth canvas for your makeup. I do use moisturizer under it…. You can buy it on QVC or at Sephora…. a 2 oz. pump is $23.