1.24.2012

A Primer on Primers

I always follow this routine: cleanse-tone-moisturize-concealer-foundation. Boy was I missing out on a very important step in the makeup process. Recently, I was reading up on makeup and watching tutorials when I realized how vital it is to prime your face after moisturizing. Just let the primer set (for a few minutes or so) and blend in to your skin before applying your foundation and the subsequent makeup.

A primer can perform various functions:
- it serves as a "stage" for your makeup to truly shine and last longer
- it preps your skin
- it smooths out imperfections, fills in gaps and pores
- it will prolong your makeup's staying power and potency

There are also different kinds of primers depending on which problem you wish to address. Some primers take care of dull skin, some even out redness, and others do what they do best. It really depends on what you want to achieve.

Since I've been doing it all wrong, I am now contemplating on which primer to get. I hope you can help me decide. Here are a few options:

Contender #1: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

This one costs about $36 or Php 1634. Lots of makeup artists and experts swear by this product. Here's the product description (from Smashbox): Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A and E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation to increase longevity, our best-selling primer helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish. Oil-free! 


Contender #2: Etude House Aloha Ice Sherbet Primer Limited Edition

This one costs about Php 578. Aside from its prepping power, it also has a cool after-effect upon application. In this Philippine heat, who can say no to a little chill? (Photo is from cosmo.ph)
Contender #3: The Face Shop FACE IT Magic Cover BB Cream SPF 20

I forgot to take note of the price. BB creams (or Blemish Balm creams) have triple the power of a normal primer. They also have whitening properties and built-in sunscreen. (Photo: cosmo.ph)
Contender #4: Colour Collection Gluta Whitening BB Cream

This one will cost you about Php 379. According to cosmo.ph, it's a  whitening cream, moisturizer, toner, sunscreen, and makeup primer in one! Whew!
So, what will it be, thrifty gals? Is Smashbox worth a splurge? Or will the other more affordable alternatives will do (for now)? Just a reminder, primers are not an absolute necessity but using one can go a long way. If you have a long day ahead, this will definitely keep your makeup intact all throughout the day. However, for girls like me who have combination skin and have minor flaws here and there, primers can be our best friends. 

What's your favorite makeup primer?

Love,
SGT <3
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10 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    Hi AJ! :D I'm using Monistat's Anti Chafing Gel. haha It's not a primer but there are a lot of good reviews about it! :D I wrote about it in my blog (http://greenscorpio.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/christmas-is-colorful-with-makeup/) :)

    BTW, I didn't know BB creams can be used as a primer. From what I know, it's already as good as a foundation because its pigmented and it has SPF! :)

    Good luck on your search for the best primer!! :D

    ReplyDelete
  2. AJ SaavedraJanuary 24, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    Wow! Thanks for the tip! I'll make sure to check it out. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. AJ SaavedraJanuary 24, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    BTW, about BB creams, a lot of people apparently use it to prime their skin but yeah I think wearing it won't require you to use foundation na. Maybelline has a good one too kaya lang it comes in a really small package. Not for long-term use. :/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Regine AbbyJanuary 24, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    hey you guys! im using Prime Time by bareMinerals. I'm not really into make-up but it does the job. oh the excruciating process of choosing the right stuff to buy! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2012 at 1:19 PM

      Haha Redj! I know what you mean! :D Good thing there's YouTube and Google!!! <3

      Delete
  5. AJ SaavedraJanuary 25, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    Thanks for all the help, girls! I got a great primer for the limited budget that I have! I'll write about it soon! :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Trish CorpuzJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:14 PM

    Tutorials, please!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AJ SaavedraJanuary 30, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    On what subject? :D

    ReplyDelete
  8. SummerFebruary 1, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    I have Maybelline BB Cream. I don't need to put on foundation anymore because of it. I just don't like how messy it can get haha and also, it gets oily after a while, given that I am almost always in an airconditioned environment.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AJ SaavedraFebruary 1, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    Yeah, that's the thing about BB creams. Maybe it's just me but parang hindi sulit yung sa Maybelline? :/ I mean it comes in a teeny-tiny package and for its price, parang there's very little product you get out of it.

    Try using primers instead. You can definitely last longer sans the oil (even on long walks under the sun and Manila pollution)) with it. The one from Smashbox is really good but I honestly can't afford it right now. :/

    ReplyDelete

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