January 31, 2008

Primers... a girl's secret best friend


So… PRIMERS... are you using these yet???

Okay, I must admit, there was a time in my life when I simply could not understand what the big deal was with makeup primers... I mean why would I pay for a makeup product without any color... Right??
My ways have changed. I suppose since my skin is evolving (nice way to put it), I find that stuff like this is really quite nice! Mind you, this stuff is great if you're 18 or 80...

I think that my primers are actually some of the best products I own now (I have 2 that I absolutely love!!!). The thing is, they really truly help prep your skin for the entire day, and keep the makeup you applied in the morning stay put... And let's face it, if we are going to take the time to "put on our face" as they say, shouldn't it stick??

Jumping in... the primer I swear by is Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer... Now, I typically don't wear foundation everyday... especially when I am at the studio. But I am getting to that point where I kind of want a little something... you know what I mean??? Recently I picked up some Trish McEvoy liquid foundation, and I must say I love it!!! Very natural. Katie (our makeup gal at the studio) swears by Smashbox foundation, and we both have some of Bobbi Brown's (who I think is fabulous and brilliant!!)

Alas, I digress (I do have a little problem with digressing, as I know you know and thank you for always being so kind about it). As I was saying, I am at that point where I need a little something... Photo Finish kind of airbrushes your face... it fills in small imperfections and truly makes your face like a canvas ready for whatever your heart desires! I also notice that my makeup stays put all day long and I tend to use less, as the primer really helps with application! (A bit of background for my fascination... I was one of those teenagers with horrid skin problems, on acutane, the whole bit... All I wanted to do was just cover it all up!)

I do like that Photo Finish has 15 SPF and Dermaxyl Complex (which has been proven to minimize the appearance of wrinkles). I'm more concerned with the SPF to be honest, but I figure the Dermaxyl can't hurt!!! They also have travel sizes, which allow for you to try the product to see if you like it! The only bummer is that they way the bottle is designed, once you get down there, you will need to use a q-tip, as the pump will not be able to get out the last drops...

For the eyes, I have found that Urban Decay's primer works wonders! You want to use this if you ever experience your eye shadow creasing... it will solve it in a flash! And it also gives you a very nice nude lid... which is a bonus if you want a natural look and don't feel like doing the whole eye shadow thing... 'cause let's face it, we all have those days where we just don't feel like doing the whole get-up!

Are there primers you are using that you absolutely love and cannot live without?? I'd love to know!!!!

12 Comments:

Anonymous Virginia said...

I have to tell y'all about another product I simply cannot live without! It's "Mineral Mist" and you spritz it on your face after makeup. It sets your face; BUT leaves a glow. Now...if you want a matt look this is not for you. But, I have to say, I get tons of compliments on my complexion and I give MM the credit! I get it from a makeup guy in Houston. But...just researched on line. The very bottle is available for $20 from http://www.cosmeticcosmos.com/mineralmist.html. Check it out. You'll love it, especially the southern belles (with the heat!).

February 04, 2008  
Anonymous artist in NC said...

Virginia, Is the mineral mist too much for skin that tends to be oily? I love the idea that it sets your makeup.

February 05, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Artist - hhhmmm. I do have dry skin; but I don't think it would be too much. It's really refreshing too! Try it & give it a shout. (and THEN move to Texas!!).

February 05, 2008  
Anonymous CC said...

Ooh,Ooh, Ooh.....Where in Houston can I get the MM??? I've been looking for a product like this....HONESTLY! :)

February 05, 2008  
Anonymous Virginia said...

I accidentally omitted my name above cc's comment. So, Artist - that "anonymous" comment is from me! CC - I get it from Brian Champagne. Call 713.533.1333. They'll mail it or you can pick up. Enjoy!!!!

February 06, 2008  
Anonymous CC said...

Thanks, Virginia! I'm gonna give Brian a call.

Yes, Artist c'mon over to Texas. It's really quiet nice here....at least come for a visit! :) (Tracy that goes for you and your staff as well!!!)
Hugs!

February 06, 2008  
Anonymous Vicki said...

Just me again (Tracy's graphics girl). Okay, so anyone who knows me understands that I would much rather be "behind the scenes" than in the spotlight... (I want to CROP the photos, not be IN them, you know what I mean??) Well, I have never been much of a makeup girl either... never really felt the pull. Well, (and I blame Katie for this) I am slowly but surely coming around... baby steps!!!! I recently discovered Bare Minerals by Bare Escentuals, and I have to say, I am hooked!!! I love their foundation, it is feather light... you don't even know you have anything on. I actually just purchased a kit of theirs from QVC, and I am SO excited to try on all of the new goodies! (Yes, mom, I am becoming a girly-girl!!) Everything from blush, two gorgeous new eye shadows, lip gloss, the whole bit... I have to admit their primer is awesome!!! I've only been using it a few days, but already I can see and feel the difference in my face... It goes on velvety smooth, and my face feels hydrated as soon as I put it on. BTW, I have also tried their new lip gloss (Buxom Lips, love the name!!) but I'm not entirely sold yet... I'll have to keep wearing it and let you know how that goes... But their foundation and primer? I'd recommend them to anyone in a heartbeat!! Let me know if there are other fans out there!!!!

February 06, 2008  
Anonymous katie said...

Okay, I have to share, (as I was with Vic when she pulled the trigger to purchase the set). So, we both coach our local college forensics team (think speeches, not cadavers) are at a tournament on a Saturday night... thinking about getting a cocktail. Mind you, we have been judging for 8 + hours... a glass of wine woudl be absolutely lovely if it weren't so cold outside...so we both look at eachother and say... we'll how about we skip the cocktail and go for PJ's and QVC instead (god bless her for being in the same mood!!!) I tend to know she needs a little push (we all do at times to make that purchase we really want, but just need to hear the reassurance!!). Had to share! xoxo, katie

February 06, 2008  
Anonymous Vicki said...

Ah, yes... Now you all know "the rest of the story"!!!! Katie is my big rationalizer (and when it comes to pretty clothes and makeup, what's the problem, really???) Oh, and I also forgot the mention the killer train case that came with the set. It's mock croc... in a gorgeous patent crimson finish... yummm. (Katie, since we're putting it all out there... I just heard about your ziploc baggie incident... maybe I should be loaning you mine???) J/K! xoxo

February 06, 2008  
Anonymous CC said...

I too love BE, Vicki! It is light and wonderful. So glad you are enjoying all of the primping....it is fun! Especially, when you have other girls around to share!!!!

February 06, 2008  
Anonymous Jen from Madison said...

Love Smashbox primer! I use the Color Correcting (it looks green, but does not look green when applied). It helps decrease the appearance of redness on my cheeks.

February 10, 2008  
Anonymous Vicki said...

To CC - oh, I am so excited to learn of another fan of Bare Escentuals! I just found out that Hailey (our blog mistress) also uses their foundation! Maybe she'll hop on here and share a few tidbits?? BTW, I was with Katie and the forensics team again over the weekend - I had the new mock croc train case with me (just the perfect size, for me anyway!). I also got to check out Katie's new stash of Smashbox goodies (I'm tres jealous, such a steal!). If you missed it, she commented earlier under The Perfect Red Lip... xoxo, Vicki

February 11, 2008  

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