Cosmetic Case of the Mondays: Prime Time

So I’m sure some of you read my posts (hopefully people are out there reading…Bueller? Bueller?) and wonder to yourself if the products I tell you I love are really worth it.  And I get that.  Certainly not everybody is like me and is dying to try out every new product that comes out, regardless if I already have 10 other synonymous products at home.  Well I’m here to say that if there’s one thing I believe is essential to your makeup regimen, it’s primer.   You wouldn’t paint a wall without first applying a coat of primer, would you?  (I don’t think you would at least…it’s not like I’m going to sit here and try to convince you that I just painted a house over the weekend {spoiler alert!} and I’m now a painting pro, but I’m pretty sure the answer is no.)  Well then there’s no reason you should paint your face or nails without applying it either.  Oh, and for the record here are all of the different varieties of primer that I currently have and play with – thank goodness for samples!

To break it down here are the five types of primer that I consider a must:

Face Primer: I can honestly say I see a huge difference in my face makeup when I use a good primer.  It sets makeup and gives an all over even finish.  Applied after moisturizer it basically acts like an amazing canvas to the rest of your face makeup.

My current favorite is Stila’s One Step Correct, it color corrects, brightens, primes, and nourishes all in one.  I feel like it helps my makeup stay so much longer!  Just squeeze one pump into your hand, blend together, and apply!  While it’s $36, it definitely lasts me a long time!

I’m also wanting to try Hourglass’s N28 Primer Serum and the Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15.  I’ve heard great things about both of these, but they’re definitely pricey (both over $50)!  I’ve actually also read a lot about people using Lanacane Anti Chafing Gel as face primer.  This definitely sounds a little nutty, but from what I’ve heard I say it’s worth the $5 test!

Lash Primer: As I mentioned in my smokey eye tutorial last week, I swear by lash primer.  It lengthens and conditions and makes a very dramatic difference!

By far my absolute fav is the Dior Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum, worth every penny in my opinion ($28).  Before discovering the Dior primer, I was using Smashbox’s Layer Lash Primer which is a little less money at $17 but still does the job.  Just make sure you wipe the wand to remove the excess primer.

Eyeshadow Primer: Once again this helps create a smooth surface for your shadows to glide on (preventing clumping, ick) and helps the shadow last.  Don’t forget to apply it all over the eye, including below.

While I really love the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Tube ($20), I usually apply my mascara first, clean up the mess on my lids, and then apply my shadow, I like the BUXOM Stick Around Eye Primer ($20) since it doesn’t require you to rub anything in (which of course could result in you messing up your fabulous lashes).

Lip Primer: I make sure to use my lip primer when using a bold lipstick and liner as it helps the color last and makes the lips very moisturized, preventing any dreaded drying or feathering.

My favorite is the MAC Prep + Prime Lip ($16) which feels amazing on the lips!  Urban Decay also makes a Lip Primer Potion that gets great reviews and is just a couple dollars more ($20).

Nail Polish Base Coat: The primer to your nails.  This helps extend the wear of a mani, prevents staining, and creates a smooth nail surface.  Obvi a must.

Some that I like right now are Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Hardener ($7), CND Nail Stickey Base Coat ($7), and Seche Clear (on Amazon for under $4).  I’m also wanting to try Nail Inc. Kensington Caviar Base Coat ($10 – just fell in love with the top coat btw) as it claims “Clients can get an extra two days wear from their manicure when they use Kensington Caviar base coat.”

Prime away!

Xo

Leah