Face Primer: the step in my makeup routine I didn't know existed this time last year! So I thought I'd talk a bit about why you might want to try a primer as well as about the primers in my collection.
For me, primer is now an essential part of my makeup routine and I apply it after my moisturiser has 'sunk in', before my foundation goes on. There are a few benefits of using primer:
* Your foundation goes on more smoothly
* Pores and fine lines are blurred, so makeup doesn't settle in them
* Base makeup lasts longer
The cons are obvious: it's another step in your routine and it's another product to pay for. However, I think if you get a good primer they're well worth using. Especially if you're like me and have a good amount of facial shine that makes your makeup practically slide off! I have a fair few in my collection so I'll round up what I thought of them.
I like this one well enough. It's a clear gel formula, I wouldn't really say it has a matte quality so how your base looks depends on the finish of your foundation. It does help my makeup last and I think it does a decent job of reducing the appearance of my pores. This is a good, affordable option to start out with. It isn't my favourite but it works well enough.
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, £5.99
I'm not a huge fan of this one; it definitely delivers in terms of giving a matte finish, however that's about it! I guess my makeup lasts a little longer than with no primer at all, however it is completely useless at filling in fine lines and pores. If anything the dry texture makes it worse! It applies sort of like a moisturiser before becoming very dry. If your only issue is face shine then give it a go but otherwise I wouldn't bother.
Sleek Control Shine and Prime*, £7.99
This one isn't quite as matte as the Rimmel, however it's a little better in terms of doing the other functions of a primer. This comes out as a dry tinted gel. It's decent but as with Baby Skin, there are just others I would reach for over this.
It took me a while to decide on this one but I'm giving it a cautious thumbs up! I find it hard to apply as the gel formula is so dry it can be hard to get a grip on it - it literally falls off your finger if you aren't careful! Saying that it's really good in terms of reducing the appearance of any lines or pores. It creates a satin-smooth base for your foundation and I definitely think it lengthens my wear-time.
Benefit's The Porefessional, £24.50
My favourite primer! I finally caved and purchased this and I'm so pleased with it. It makes my large pores next to invisible. It has a slight tint and is a dry gel formula but not as dry as the Body Shop one or as hard to work with. I definitely think it increases the wear time of my base as well as just making my skin smoothed out and ready for makeup.
This is another one I really like. It's definitely a little pricey but you get a lot of product and a little goes a long way. It comes out as a clear gel and I just love how perfect it makes your skin feel after applying. It's probably the best at making your makeup last and it's pretty good at smoothing out imperfections too.
I'm yet to find a budget primer that just does it for me, however if you're new to primers I'd recommend the Maybelline Baby Skin as it works fairly well and is very affordable. If you want to graduate to a high-end product I really recommend the Porefessional.
Do you use a primer? Which one do you recommend?
Porefessional is my go to one at the moment but I have just bought the Body Shop one and will be looking forward to how that one will work for me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and thanks for the information :)
Pams Stuff and Things
You're welcome - I just love the Porefessional! xx
DeleteI love the benefit porefessional and I have used up a couple of them now.
ReplyDeleteSmashbox primer is next on the list of primers that I would like to try. Currently I am using the body shops tea tree pore primer which works quite well :)
Thank you for the round up of the primers you have tried. Have a lovely day ♥
Ying | * Y i n g c b e a u t y *
X x X x X
Really want to try the Tea Tree one! Sounds great :) xx
DeleteGreat summary of what you tried!
ReplyDeletePrimers - The bain of my life. I'm on a quest to find one that works well for me and my combination oily skin. I too tried Rimmel Stay Matte Primer and ended up with a breakout. I recently finished my Too faced Primed & Poreless which was ok at first but by the end of it we just didn't get on (review to come) currently using Younique Moodstruck Glorious Face & Eye Primer which is working out well so far!
The search continues...
Naddy
xoxo
Ooh I've not tried that one! And I know what you mean - finding the perfect primer is like finding the perfect foundation: an ongoing search xx
DeletePorefessional is my ultimate primer! Love it! No7 have a good primer. It is a white creamy one, but it actually is good at moisturising. could be a good one to try out :) Seventeen in Boots do great one's too, if you're on a budget :)
ReplyDeletehaveyouseenhowshespeaks.blogspot.co.uk
I haven't tried either but I'll definitely check out the Seventeen one! xx
DeleteI've tried a few primers over the past 3-4 years and I have yet to find one that does anything for me. I still need to try the porefessional. When I test my primers out I only apply it to half of my face, so I can compare. And so far none of the ones I have tried has done anything, but make me feel greasy faster. So I'm still not on the primer wagon. But hopefully Porefessional will change that for me.
ReplyDeleteLoevens makeup rambles
What a shame - definitely try the Porefessional! xx
DeletePersonally I really dislike the Maybelline Baby Skin, feels too greasy and heavy on my skin. I like the Porfessional bit it didn't impressed me, I've been enjoying recently the Body Shop Tea Tree primer but I'm still looking for the perfect one :)
ReplyDeleteMummy’s Beauty Corner
I might pick up the Body Shop one! How annoying none have really worked for you so far! xx
DeleteI personnally use the smashbox photofinished primer, but not everyday as it tends to break me out (the price to pay for a great finish I guess), I really want to get my hands on the one from The Body Shop. You're blog is so nice I nominated you to do the "One Lovely Blg Award" : http://maddysmoon.blogspot.fr/2015/01/one-lovely-blog-award.html if you're interested ^^.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day
Maddy
www.maddysmoon.blogspot.fr
It's annoying it breaks you out :(
DeleteAnd thank you hun I'll have a look! xx
I also only really got into using primers a few months ago. Like you, I'm a big fan of Benefit's Porefessional and I also like Pixi's :) Really want to give the Smashbox one a go though!
ReplyDeleteStyle Sunrise ☀
:)
x
I've never heard of the Pixi one, will have to look it up! xx
DeleteI've been using Max Factor's Facefinity Primer which is great for keeping makeup in place, but doesn't do any pore blurring. I really want to try the Porefessional! I've heard nothing but good things about it so may have to take the plunge after payday :) xx
ReplyDeleteLittle Miss Katy | UK Lifestyle Blog
I haven't tried that one before - seems like all the brands are now realising how important primers are! xx
DeleteI won't lie, I'm usually really naughty and skip my primer and I know I shouldn't. I've been thinking about picking up both the Baby Skin and Stay Matte primers to try. However I would love to try Smashbox but I cannot justify that price at all.
ReplyDeleteBeka. xo
littleworldofbeka
Tbh if you can get away with not wearing one then do it! lol xx
DeleteLately I've found myself becoming a fan of less silicone like primers. Benefit Porefessional is a staple and I really enjoy the Hourglass Veil primer even though it's super pricey - it blurs imperfections and also has a slight mattifying effect. It Cosmetics No. 50 Primer Serum is good for more mature skin. And I recently tested a sample of Dr. Jart's Pore Medic Primer which was pretty decent as well. :-)
ReplyDeleteBeauty Isles | Asian Face Masks Two Winner Giveaway
I'd love to try the Hourglass- maybe one day...xx
DeleteWow! You've really collected a fair few primers! I've only tried the Baby Skin but have really been wanting to try The Body Shop Instablur...it sounds so good x
ReplyDeleteLizzie // xBeautyMagic // YouTube
Definitely give it a go next time they do a discount code ;) xx
DeleteGreat picks! I absolutely love the porefessional, baby skin and the smash box one too! I've only ever had one tube of baby skin and I wear it near enough everyday, I bought it honestly around 7 months ago now!! Definitely worth every penny, super long lasting I love it! x
ReplyDeleteclarkecouture.blogspot.co.uk
Wow that's great! You really don't have to apply much of it :) xx
DeleteI haven't tried any of these, the smashbox primer sounds great x
ReplyDeleteHeather | Of Beauty & Nothingness
Really good for making the makeup last :) xx
DeleteSometimes I use the Maybelline one, which I really like, but I'd love to try the benefit one!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.notesofglam95.blogspot.it/
I think if you like the Maybelline you'll love the Benefit! xx
DeleteBenefit is my favourite at the moment, but before that I loved the Monu primer. I've heard good things about the Smashbox primers though, they're just so pricey if you don't end up liking it! x
ReplyDeleteThrough New Eyes | Beauty Blog
Yeah to be fair I got the Smashbox for £16 as it was duty free + 20% off on a flight. Keep an eye out if you go on holiday maybe :) xx
DeleteI always go back and fourth with the porefessional! Right now I'm loving Laura Gellar's 'spackle' primer - I use the hydrating one but she has a range of primers which is nice! Clinique also have a primer range that is suited to skin types :) I like your comparisons and I completely agree with you on the Body shop one!
ReplyDeleteZoe xo
http://www.z0elouise.blogspot.com
Ooh never thought to check Clinique - thanks for the tip! xx
DeleteI thought the Stay Matte primer was ok but didn't really extend my makeup wear which is what I want out of a primer. Definitely want to try the Smashbox one hoping because it's such a classic it will help my combination T-Zone which seems to decide it doesn't want my makeup to look nice anymore midday lol!!
ReplyDeleteKatHorrocks.com
Exactly how I felt about Stay Matte! xx
Deleteperfect! love it all, specialy benefict products* What about following each othe ron GFC and G+? *
ReplyDeletehttp://letrendycharm.blogspot.pt/
Thanks - I love Benefit too x
DeleteThe only primer that ever worked well on me was the POREfessional. I haven't tried all of the products you have, but the Smashbox one was such a disappointment to me.
ReplyDeleteAngie x |~ Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog ~
~Enter The 1 Year Blog Giveaway with 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prizes!~
Aww that's a shame :( xx
DeleteThe Porefessional is amazing indeed but I've been really enjoying the one from Nivea. It acts like a moisturiser and primer in one and leaves my skin feeling lovely. Have you tried it? x
ReplyDeleteRenata | Speaking Beauty UK
I didn't know they did one - will have to have a nosey for it :) xx
DeleteI use the baby skin and I really like it! I think it goes on easily and lasts ok for me, I like the Smashbox one too :)
ReplyDeleteVelvet Blush
Yeah Baby Skin definitely does the job on a budget xx
DeleteI used to be hardcore primer fan, not sure why I don't use them as much anymore, ha! I like the sound of the baby skin one :)
ReplyDeletexo
Tbh if you can get away with skipping them then good for you! I only do it out of necessity haha xx
DeleteThe Porefessional and Smashbox Photo Finish are definitely my favorites! Although I'm still on a quest to find something that isn't so expensive. I found they didn't seem to last me very long either? Maybe that's just me? I had no idea what a primer was this time last year either :)
ReplyDeleteRoxie ♥
http://thebeautifulbluebird.blogspot.co.uk/
I tend to use a minimal amount so they're really lasting me - maybe try that as you can get the same effect with less product! xx
DeleteSmashbox and Benefit are my faves too! xx
ReplyDeleteJulie
www.rainingcake.com
Glad we're agreed ;) haha xx
DeleteI do love the Smashbox primers, just wish they were a bit cheaper!
ReplyDeleteAnnabel ♥
Mascara & Maltesers
I know what you mean - not sure I'd repurchase full-price but I would get it again in duty free! xx
DeleteI really like this post and it's super helpful to know which ones to avoid. My favourite in this lot will have to be the Benefit Porefessional as it's really lovely. I was about to try the Rimmel one but now I will think twice (thanks)...xx
ReplyDeleteI love the Porefessional - and tbh the only thing the Rimmel is good for is to put on top of or underneath a proper primer to mattify! xx
Deleteim on the edge about putting down the cash for the porefessional, but ive heard so many good things and my skins been not so happy lately that i just might have to bite the bullet!
ReplyDeleteNatalie / Salt & Sail
I totally agree - I resisted for so long because of the price! If you can get it in a discount event or duty free you'll be converted haha xx
Deletethe smashbox primer looks amazing! xx
ReplyDeletehttp://heyitshannaah.blogspot.co.uk/
It's great! xx
DeleteI bought my first primer, Baby Skin, earlier this week (I originally went into Boots to get a nice simple body lotion but as the Theorem of Pretty Half-Price Cosmetics states, the sum of what you buy is greater than its intended parts). I never had one but had recently felt as if it was an item sorely lacking in my collection, so I went for it and so far so good!
ReplyDeleteYeah it's perfect for a primer newbie! xx
DeleteThey're doing 40% off at the moment - a perfect excuse! xx
ReplyDelete