All About Primers

Before I get to my post, REMEMBER I'M HAVING A CONTEST! DETAILS HERE!

I get asked many times "What are primers?", "What do they do?", "How do I use them?", "Which primer is best?". So, I decided to compile a list of the primers I've tried, and which ones I feel are best. A primer works just like wall primers for painting. It lays down an even base by smoothing the skin, minimizing pores, and some even help fill in wrinkles. Primers also help your foundation to last longer throughout the day so you dont need as many touchups. Some are made specifically for people with oily skin to keep the shine at bay.

(Image source www.drugstore.com)

Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer:

$12.99 from www.drugstore.com . This primer's consistency is like a very thick, clear gel. I use about 2 pea size amounts for my entire face. This primer is one of the lighter ones in term of feel. When I start to spread it on my face, it feels very light. This primer gives my skin a very soft feel. I wouldn't say this is the BEST primer, but it works fairly well and is a good alternative to more expensive varieties. What I dont like about this primer is the smell. It has a very strong perfume scent that is a bit over powering. Although it fades, those with sensitive noses may want to reconsider this product.

(Image source www.sephora.com)

Smashbox Photo Finish Light: This primer is my favorite compared to the original (review below). This primer is made specifically for people with acne/oily prone skin, as well as those with sensitive skin. This primer is not your typical gel/silicone feel. It is much lighter and looks and feels more like a lotion. I use 2 pumps for my whole face which I feel is a bit much to have to use especially for the price. $36 for 1 oz. But, I do love the pump bottle. In terms of how well this one performs, it does but not as well as the original. I think its beacuse its 60% water based, so it doesnt have as much silicone in it as the original. This is the one I use most often, but I try to use it sparingly due to the price.

(Image source www.sephora.com)

Smashbox Photo Finish (original):

Just like the Light version, this is $36 for 1oz. It comes in a nice pump bottle. I needed to use about 2 pumps as well to feel I had an even cover on my face. This primer is definitly more gel like. It has a slippery feel due to the silicone in it. This primer is definitly one of the best I;ve tried in terms of how it performed, but it broke my skin out really bad. That is why I switched to the Light verision.

(Image source www.drugstore.com)

Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel:
$7.99 for 1.5oz. This product is an almost an exact dupe for the original Smashbox Primer at a much cheaper price. The active ingredients are the same. The huge difference is the price. In that case this is the winner. It performed just as well as the more expensive alternative, but again after 2 months of use, I had a major breakout due to this.

If I had to choose my top primer, It would be the Smashbox Photo Finish Light. On days I dont use that one, I use the Revlon one.

When it comes to primers, I think the best advice I can give is to GET SAMPLES! Everyone has different needs: dry skin, oily skin, wrinkles etc. So what works for some, may not work for you!

Til next time!