In Our Prime(rs) - Volume 2

Back in May 2012, I posted a blog about various primers I had tried.  Since then, I've found another fabulous one and may (*gasp*) stick with it for a while vs. trying something new.

Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer has been called the very first foundation primer - some argue that Laura Mercier invented primer altogether.  I can't speak to the truth of that, but I can say this stuff is awesome.  It does the job of making my makeup last, first and foremost.  But the great thing about this stuff is that is has so many other benefits.  It gives the skin boosts of vitamins A, C, and E, and minimizes pores over time. It absorbs very quickly and doesn't make the face feel cakey at all.

I saw that InStyle magazine awarded this Best Primer of 2013 and I definitely have to agree with them - this is a product that's worth the purchase. Thanks, Laura Mercier!

In Our Prime(rs)

If I've learned one really valuable lesson about cosmetics, it's to never skip primer.  At one point a couple of years back, I felt like I couldn't find the right foundation for me.  Even with expensive foundations, nothing seemed to apply right or last through the day, so I was always wearing too much or re-applying to compensate for it wearing off.  I asked a makeup artist about the issue, and her reply was simply: "What primer are you using?".  She was shocked when I revealed..."Well, I'm not."  

Apparently, it's a basic rule of the cosmetics world that you never put any makeup on your face without applying primer first.  And now that I've used several different primers, I agree wholeheartedly with the rule!

Since using primer, I use LESS makeup.  This allows me to purchase BETTER, more expensive cosmetics (which are better for my skin!), and to not worry about re-applying throughout the day.  Primers are made to address various skin issues, and here are two of my favorites.

1. Color Me Right: PUR Minerals Color-Correcting Primer

This primer is made to - you guessed it - correct discolorations.  It comes in neutral (to even color/tone), green (reduce redness), and peach (reduce dark spots).  It's a mid-price primer at around $30 per bottle, and does a pretty good job making your skin look more evenly-colored.  This was my go-to primer for quite a while, and I still keep it on hand.

2. Keep It On: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

 A bit on the higher end, this primer does it all - evens skin tone, reduces pore size, creates a smoother canvas for makeup application - but most of all, this one is great for keeping makeup on.  I have literally used this (with foundation) before a sweaty workout - and my makeup didn't come off.  Impressive.  It runs more expensive, at around $50 per bottle, but does last a long time.  With the savings it provides on foundation, it's still worth it.  It also contains SPF 15, giving you a little extra protection.

Unfortunately, my third favorite primer (Tarte ReCreate) was terrific for smoothing the skin out and creating the perfect base for foundation, but it was discontinued - bummer.  My search for a replacement continues.

All in all, the money spent on a good primer comes back to me tenfold when I can use less makeup AND feel more confident in my overall appearance day to day.  Definitely a product I recommend for all women. Does anyone else have primers you love?