Talk to me about foundation primers

maggie78

I recently started wearing a tinted moisturiser and a primer was recommended to go with it (I do not normally wear make up). Is this necessary? If so is there a brand you prefer or a DIY version? The costs seem to be on par with the actual foundation

jamlsull

Not really DIY, but because it's cheaper, I use Monistat Chafing Relief Gel.  It has the same ingredients as Smashbox primer & I really like it as much (or better) than any other brand of primer I've tried.  It's a cheap way to try a primer to see if it helps you.

EastCoastBride

jamlsull:

Not really DIY, but because it's cheaper, I use Monistat Chafing Relief Gel.  It has the same ingredients as Smashbox primer & I really like it as much (or better) than any other brand of primer I've tried.  It's a cheap way to try a primer to see if it helps you.

I use it too!   I tried 2 other primers before this one.  One was pricey (Mary Kay, I think) and one was cheap (Revlon).  Revlon SUCKED.  I liked Mary Kay and the Monistat feels the same to me and does as good a job.  And a LOT cheaper for a lot more product.

smilejenn

I use Prime Time by Bare Escentuals and I can notice a big difference when I use it. I've tried the Monistat product, but honestly for me it offered no benefits and I couldn't tell a difference when I used it versus when I went without it.

smallysmallz04

I agree with the PP the Monistat did nothing for me just like the Smashbox did nothing. You might need to shell out a little money if you want good results. I use MAC Prep and Prime and love it. Try the tinted moisturizer without a primer, if it lasts all day and goes on smoothly enough for you, then skip the primer.

amandasw

smallysmallz04:

Try the tinted moisturizer without a primer, if it lasts all day and goes on smoothly enough for you, then skip the primer.

ditto.  when I bought the tinted moisturizer (Laura Mercier) she suggested showing me on half my face with the primer and on the other half without (I wasn't going out that night or anything and it's not SUPER noticeable like only having make-up on one half vs. nothing).  I thought that was really helpful because I could see how it would wear throughout the day.  to be honest, I noticed a big difference with my skin so I bought it and use it every day.

FireChiefsBride

FTR, Smashbox and Monistat have similar, but not the same ingredients.