Most of us are busy all day long and don't have time to keep reapplying makeup every few hours. And no matter what the label says, most makeup just doesn't hold up.
I thought I had to live with it until a couple of years ago when I discovered foundation primer. Apparently it had been around for a while but it was a well-kept secret. At least from me.
Let me tell you, it was a revelation. Not only does primer help your foundation stay put, it also smoothes lines and wrinkles and gives you a silky smooth canvas for your base.
How can it do that? Silicone. Silicone in various forms, each with a slightly different character and purpose.
The most common forms are:
Dimethicone – forms a waterproof barrier. This helps keep shine down and moisture in the skin.
Cycolmethicone/cyclopentasiloxane – a spreading agent.
Other silicone-based ingredients, called Dimethicone cross polymers, can also be an ingredient. These are basically Dimethicone combined with something else. The "something else" will determine the properties. For example, one type gives a silky, powder-type finish.
Founation Primers to try:
Smashbox Photo Finish
Bare Escentuals Prime Time
Laura Geller Spackle
Can I tell you a secret?
I use Monistat Anti-Chafe Powder Gel.
Yes, I do. It's about seven bucks at Target or Wal-Mart and contains Dimethicone and Dimethicone cross polymers, just like the big girls. We can thank our fearless editor Britt for that little tip!
But primers are not limited to just foundation. One of my most irritating beauty problems as someone with oily skin was my eye makeup fading away over the course of the day. And then a few months ago I tried a sample of eyeshadow primer and my life has never been the same. My eyeshadow last all day. All. Day. I kid you not. And, as a bonus, the color is more intense.
Eyeshadow primers also contain silicones to create a smooth base, but are a bit different than foundation primers in that instead of creating a silky finish, they create a slightly tacky finish for shadow to adhere to.
Eyeshadow primers to try:
Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion
Bare Escentuals Prime Time Eyelid Primer
Two Faced Shadow Insurance
Although adding a primer to your makeup routine also adds an expense, it is well worth it if you've ever looked in the mirror in the afternoon and wondered where your makeup went. Give it try; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Finn is a natural beauty, but is an avid consumer of beauty products because it stimulates the economy. She writes about everything but makeup on her blog.
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Mary Kay makes an eye shadow primer for $12. It's one of those products that I myself have not used, and thus don't keep many on hand (I'm a consultant). And then, this week, three went out the door!
"Elmer's for the eyes" I like to call it!
Thanks for the article!
Good to know!