Makeup savvy nesties - what the heck is primer?

mssaint · June 2011

So I have a sample of smashbox photo finish foundation primer and wanted to try it out, but kind of psyched myself out.

What is the purpose of this stuff? How do I apply it (before or after moisturizer, instead of?)? Is this something I need?

Keep in mind I am makeup-challenged, lol.

cheekywife · June 2011

i love me some primer, it definitely keeps my skin looking better all day. i use mine under my tinted moisturizer (which is also smashbox). i don't wear foundation at all but if i did, i'd put it on before that. it basically preps/smooths your face so your moisturizer or foundation look better. is it a must? probably not. but since i notice a difference at the end of the day, i use it a lot.

justbeachy20 · June 2011

It's supposed to make foundation application more smooth, and also make make-up last longer. I would apply your moisturizer, then primer, then wait a few minutes and apply your foundation.

I personally didn't like smashbox photo finish (or rather it looked nice on me, but then made my skin look awful the day after), but I know a lot of women seem to love it. I'm still trying to find one I really like.

tomandcourt · June 2011

I love that primer! Did you get the green one? Basically, primer helps prep your skin for foundation and helps foundation last longer. The green one helps even out redness (can't remember what the other ones do).

I usually wash my face, apply moisturizer, then primer, then foundation/powder. I don't always use it, but it is a nice addition to the routine.

cheekywife · June 2011

tomandcourt:
The green one helps even out redness (can't remember what the other ones do).

i am getting the green one next, i had the one with SPF and liked that a lot. my bff said that smashbox and laura mercier made her break out but that the tarte primer worked perfectly.

MrsPhilDunphy · June 2011

It's good stuff for when you wear foundation, but I only use it like once or twice a year. I use a primer under my eye make up every single day, though.

jenn248 · June 2011

MrsPhilDunphy:
It's good stuff for when you wear foundation, but I only use it like once or twice a year. I use a primer under my eye make up every single day, though.

This. I don't wear foundation, but I use Smashbox before I put on my undereye concealer, and Urban Decay under my eyeshadow. Smashbox definitely helps my concealer go on more smoothly, but I didn't feel it kept my eyeshadow from creasing or wearing off (hence the UD).

bh2720 · June 2011

yep, primer is awesome.

I use smashbox's primer (can't remember the exact name, but it looks like a clear gel) over my moisturizer and under my foundation.

I use a separate primer for eye shadow. Urban Decay's primer (it's called secret potion or something like that) is better than anything else I've ever used.

Makeup savvy nesties - what the heck is primer?

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