To prime, or not to prime- THAT is the question!
While William Shakespeare is generally known to be the best writer of all time, I think I'll bet my cards on my blogging skills instead =) Just kidding, I ain't got nothin' on The Bard (for all those who are not aware, that is Shakespeare's nickname.. Bards were traveling poets in the medieval times.)
OK- that's enough with the English lesson. Let's get down to business--er makeup! One of the most popular questions I receive from clients is whether or not I use primer, and if so, what primers are best for what skin types? And what in the name is with all the colors of rainbow!?
Let's start by explaining what primer is and why there are different kinds and colors. Primer is a cream or liquid makeup that preps your skin for makeup application. It creates a smooth canvas so that makeup glides on, and at the same time fills in pores and fine lines. Primer, whether for your face or eyeshadow, is a key step in preparing for makeup application and also helps your makeup stay on longer and looking fresh! Finally, the different shades of primers will color correct different skin issues- we will read about that more below.
What's your skin type?
The best way to determine which primers are best for you, you must first evaluate your skin type. Do you have oily skin, dry skin, or combination? Almost all primers contain some amount of silicone in them- even if in small amounts- but if your skin falls more towards the oily side, you want to stay away from heavy silicone primers. With your face already being oily, the silicone will just add to the slip and slide effect. The drier your skin is, the more it can handle products with silicone, but at the same time begs for hydration.
Oily skin: Hold em' back baby. If you have oily skin, you know that its difficult to keep makeup staying on long. That's because the oily under your skin seeps and breaks through your makeup, causing your foundation to run and creating streaks and creases. Firstly, pick up a primer that is oil-free and instead water-based. Needless to say, you don't need to add on more of what your trying to avoid. Secondly, opt for primers that are labeled as "mattifying." You don't want to pick up a product that says "glowing" skin, because ultimately you are trying to avoid or at least defuse the shine created naturally by your skin. Oily skin tends to come hand in hand with acne, so make sure to pick up a product that is non-comedogenic- meaning it won't clog your pores. Primers such as Hourglass and Becca are two of my favorites. Tip: "Warm up" these primers by rubbing it into the back of your hand before applying it to your face to avoid a white cast.
Dry Skin:
If you have skin that tends to be on the drier side, like me, your makeup can end up looking dull and flaky (especially around my nose!), so you need something that hydrates your skin at the base and smooths out your skin at the same time. Two of my favorites are Smashbox Photofinish and Laura Mercier. The Smashbox primer has a velvety smooth finish while the Laura Mercier sinks well into the skin and gives you a "glow from within" look. Nothing says "hello gorgeous" like a subtle, dewy, healthy, glow!
So what's with all the colors of the rainbow?
It may look like a marketing gimic or just too complicated, but it's true- different colors of primers and correctors help to neutralize problem skin tones. For example,
Blue: adds radiance to light skin
Yellow: adds golden tones to medium skin tones
Lilac: brighten sallow and dull
Caramel: adds warm glow to dark skin tones
Green: minimizes redness
Peach: conceals dark circles, veins, sunspots
Isn't it all so fun! I would love to hear if you have tried different primers that have worked best with your skin! I am always looking for new prodcuts to test out!
*Remember that each persons skin is different and what works for others may not work well for you, even if you think you have the same skin type. Be sure to test spot a product before applying it to your whole face.
Let's start by explaining what primer is and why there are different kinds and colors. Primer is a cream or liquid makeup that preps your skin for makeup application. It creates a smooth canvas so that makeup glides on, and at the same time fills in pores and fine lines. Primer, whether for your face or eyeshadow, is a key step in preparing for makeup application and also helps your makeup stay on longer and looking fresh! Finally, the different shades of primers will color correct different skin issues- we will read about that more below.
What's your skin type?
The best way to determine which primers are best for you, you must first evaluate your skin type. Do you have oily skin, dry skin, or combination? Almost all primers contain some amount of silicone in them- even if in small amounts- but if your skin falls more towards the oily side, you want to stay away from heavy silicone primers. With your face already being oily, the silicone will just add to the slip and slide effect. The drier your skin is, the more it can handle products with silicone, but at the same time begs for hydration.
Oily skin: Hold em' back baby. If you have oily skin, you know that its difficult to keep makeup staying on long. That's because the oily under your skin seeps and breaks through your makeup, causing your foundation to run and creating streaks and creases. Firstly, pick up a primer that is oil-free and instead water-based. Needless to say, you don't need to add on more of what your trying to avoid. Secondly, opt for primers that are labeled as "mattifying." You don't want to pick up a product that says "glowing" skin, because ultimately you are trying to avoid or at least defuse the shine created naturally by your skin. Oily skin tends to come hand in hand with acne, so make sure to pick up a product that is non-comedogenic- meaning it won't clog your pores. Primers such as Hourglass and Becca are two of my favorites. Tip: "Warm up" these primers by rubbing it into the back of your hand before applying it to your face to avoid a white cast.
Dry Skin:
If you have skin that tends to be on the drier side, like me, your makeup can end up looking dull and flaky (especially around my nose!), so you need something that hydrates your skin at the base and smooths out your skin at the same time. Two of my favorites are Smashbox Photofinish and Laura Mercier. The Smashbox primer has a velvety smooth finish while the Laura Mercier sinks well into the skin and gives you a "glow from within" look. Nothing says "hello gorgeous" like a subtle, dewy, healthy, glow!
So what's with all the colors of the rainbow?
It may look like a marketing gimic or just too complicated, but it's true- different colors of primers and correctors help to neutralize problem skin tones. For example,
Blue: adds radiance to light skin
Yellow: adds golden tones to medium skin tones
Lilac: brighten sallow and dull
Caramel: adds warm glow to dark skin tones
Green: minimizes redness
Peach: conceals dark circles, veins, sunspots
Isn't it all so fun! I would love to hear if you have tried different primers that have worked best with your skin! I am always looking for new prodcuts to test out!
*Remember that each persons skin is different and what works for others may not work well for you, even if you think you have the same skin type. Be sure to test spot a product before applying it to your whole face.
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