Do You Use Makeup Primers?

July 2, 2008

Makeup primers are a relatively recent invention, but they've become indispensable for some women. They create an even base for foundation, creating the illusion of smoother skin. Then again, they're one more step in an already lengthy routine. If I know I'll be having my picture taken, I use Smashbox Photo Finish to help my foundation look a little better. On an average day, though? I'm too lazy. Do you use primer?

Bella Poll Primer

57 Comments

Allytta 4 years 10 weeks

toner, moisturiser, sunscreen, foundation - that's the steps i take in just 5min (that's all i've got), so a primer would be too much. 4 products mixed together - i bet that's really not good for your skin.

Distar 4 years 45 weeks

Has anyone tried Monistat Chafing gel as a primer? The Beauty Brains site finds little difference in the make up of PhotoFinish vs Monistat. http://thebeautybrains.com/?s=primer&x=40&y=11

Distar 4 years 45 weeks

Has anyone tried Monistat Chafing gel as a primer? The Beauty Brains site finds little difference in the make up of PhotoFinish vs Monistat. http://thebeautybrains.com/?s=primer&x=40&y=11

ChristinaMUFE 4 years 45 weeks

Primer absolutely makes all the difference! I wear it every day. It's like painting. Things always go on a lot smoother and stay a lot longer when you prep the surface with primer! I love the Photo Finish Primer from Smashbox! There's a reason it's so popular. Even with the best skin care regimen, it makes a huge difference! I know that if I spend any amount of time applying makeup, I want it to stay on all day! I also really love the color payoff you get when you prep your skin with a primer. It's incredible. Someone mention the Urban Decay Primer Potion. I love love love that product. It's under $20 and gives you incredible results from your shadows. So many women want th e color they purchased the way it looks in the pan but can only get a sheer version of it. This gives you the color you see in the pan. I LOVE PRIMER!!!!!!! Smashbox is even better for diffusing all imperfections in a photo. I love it!!! I used to work for Sephora and the one thing I would notice is a lot of people are unsure as to how much to use. Just like a pea size amount will cover your entire face. Also, if your moisturizer has dimethicone in it and you apply more than two layers of dimethicone-the main ingredient in a primer usually-it balls up. When I first got into it I was using a moisturizer that contained dimethicone and after the first application of primer I'd be wowed and think if it was that great already, it would be even better with more. Wrong. It rolled up on me. Now that I now how to apply it, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

JaimeLeah526 4 years 45 weeks

I have it and I use it on special occasions. I haven't tried it yet this summer to see if it makes my face feel like it's not sliding off. Could be worth the effort.

jennjennnbubba 4 years 46 weeks

not everyday, only when I am getting glammed up

divinedebris 4 years 46 weeks

Nope, don't use primers. I can't stand to have anything except moisturizer and sun screen on my face, I feel weighed down and clogged. Even some sun screens make my face feel yucky.

sldc 4 years 46 weeks

I bought Smashbox's primer about six months ago and I really cannot tell that it helps anything. I have always had fairly normal/dry skin and I never use anything heavier than tinted moisturizer. I like the way it feels on my face (hello, silicon!), but I am more concerned with the look, not the feel. I think it may even make me look slightly greasy, which says something for someone without oily skin issues. I hear that Olay Regenerist's Filling + Sealing makes for a good primer and is tinted. I may try it out soon, but honestly I think primer may just be a waste of time, unless you have very visible pores.

sldc 4 years 46 weeks

I bought Smashbox's primer about six months ago and I really cannot tell that it helps anything. I have always had fairly normal/dry skin and I never use anything heavier than tinted moisturizer. I like the way it feels on my face (hello, silicon!), but I am more concerned with the look, not the feel. I think it may even make me look slightly greasy, which says something for someone without oily skin issues.I hear that Olay Regenerist's Filling + Sealing makes for a good primer and is tinted. I may try it out soon, but honestly I think primer may just be a waste of time, unless you have very visible pores.

lizlee89 4 years 46 weeks

I really don't know what primer is (although I have heard the word I really wondered what it was), so obviously I've never used it - my skin is sometimes clear, sometimes awful, and I don't think it would make any difference either way...

coco 1 4 years 46 weeks

The primer I prefer is Laura Mercier. It is different in texture from Smashbox and is noticeably better.

MissMarisol 4 years 46 weeks

I use a primer for my face, eyes and lashes. it makes a difference for me.

dragonbaby 4 years 46 weeks

Yep. Everytime too. I love the B.E. mineral makeup primer. Definitely makes a difference in the final finish.

cleegiants 4 years 46 weeks

i have the smashbox primer that i use every now and then. i feel like it helps my foundation stay on longer, but i don't need it everyday. if i have something to go to in the evening and know i won't have time during the day to do my makeup, i'll apply it in the morning, but most of the time i don't bother with the extra step.

LArgent 4 years 46 weeks

While I am not wild about the idea of primer, less is more etc, I have recently acquired a Glo Minerals one, and it does make my foundation look better. So reluctantly, I am convinced.

Xandara 4 years 46 weeks

I used to hate wearing foundation, because OMFG gross much? When I went to Sephora and asked one of the ladies for help picking out a foundation, she used tinted moisturizer instead. It was awesome, but around my eyes it just caked up in the creases. I pointed that out, and she grabbed some primer and tried it again... MAGIC!!! Now, if I'm going to wear makeup, primer is the first thing I go for. Sooooo wonderful! Smashbox is the kind I'm using now, but I'm almost out and will need to re-up... I just wish it wasn't so expensive. But all GOOD makeup really is pricey!

lovealways 4 years 46 weeks

I cannot live without primer, seriously. But I think it definitely depends on the brand - I love Smashbox and Laura Mercier, but tried a few others (can't remember specifically) that didn't work so great. I also have rough skin, which is hard to deal with sometimes, so primer definitely makes a difference for me.

anoz 4 years 46 weeks

Definitely a special occasion only step for me. I dunno, when I was all over primer, I just reaaaaally hated how many layers of makeup would end up on my face, after my sunscreen, primer, foundation, blush/powder. Now I've gone to La Mer tinted sunscreen, and honestly, it's 1 step and looks the same as my previous regimen! Love the minimalism.

gigiopolis 4 years 46 weeks

Why is there no "sometimes" option? I use primer for special occasions, (recently, prom and senior photos). I actually used primer yesterday when I knew I was going to be outside in the sun for a very long time. My makeup stayed in place for much longer. I use UDPP on my eyelids before concealer, because my eyelids get oily and even my concealer creases! Ew.

gigiopolis 4 years 46 weeks

Why is there no "sometimes" option?I use primer for special occasions, (recently, prom and senior photos). I actually used primer yesterday when I knew I was going to be outside in the sun for a very long time. My makeup stayed in place for much longer.I use UDPP on my eyelids before concealer, because my eyelids get oily and even my concealer creases! Ew.

WiCkeD_LaDy 4 years 46 weeks

only for especial occasion, like a wedding or something like that

WiCkeD_LaDy 4 years 46 weeks

only for especial occasion, like awedding or something like that

Schlem33 4 years 46 weeks

I don't really notice my complexion looking any smoother with primer BUT it really does help foundation stay on longer...same goes for Urban Decay's eye primer potion, ANY eyeshadow I used would crease before but now with the primer potion my eye shadow won't budge a bit for hours, it's especially great for creamy/liquid eye shadows

emalove 4 years 46 weeks

I don't use primer on my face very often, I don't think it's necessary, but I ALWAYS use Urban Decay Primer Potion on my eyelids. That stuff is amazing.

amybdk 4 years 46 weeks

I wonder why primer works so well for some while not so well for others. It seems that even people with similar skin to mine (dry, fair, sensitive) have completely different takes than me. Obviously this is the case with all make-up.... but because primer is a newish concept, it makes me wonder.

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