Makeup primers offer a variety of ways for your skin to feel protected, to look poreless and moisturized, either on bare skin or under makeup. Many women have chosen to use a primer, a bit of concealer and a touch of powder as their way of achieving a ‘finished’ makeup look that is not heavy.
Too much makeup on the skin is aging and looks very old fashioned. No woman wants you to think they look old, and nothing does that quicker than piling on too much foundation. When primers were first introduced it seemed like it was only for the professional, and now we all know differently.
Most women have tried at least one primer, and just like discovering the right concealer or foundation, color and texture, the same effort needs to be given in choosing the right primer for your skin type. Once you make your selection you may be hooked into never living without one.
Some primers are gel based, some very moisturizing, and many are silicone based. Silicone feels very silky and is used to help prevent shine and absorb oil, which is why it is very popular. Silicone coats the skin making it occlusive, trapping what’s beneath it.
Women have also experienced reactions to silicone by having breakouts. The website Inspired Diving reports that "prolonged exposure of the skin to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known tumour promoters and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes.”
The choice is yours, and what your skin sensitivities are, as well as your cosmetic ingredient concerns. I’ve created two lists of primer options. The first one contains silicone and the second does not. Silicone is also called dimethicone.
A List of Primers with Silicone:
- “that gal” brightening face primer by Benefit Cosmetics: a pink primer that brightens the skin.
- Per-fekt: sheer color gel that is an alternative to foundation, reduces enlarged pores and fine lines.
- ‘never let them see you shine’ primer by Philosophy: a mattifying primer that is calming
- Smoothing Primer by Sephora: mattifies and evens out skin tone.
- Lancome ‘La Base Pro’ Perfecting Makeup Primer: oil free and refines skin’s texture with a satin finish.
- Spackle by Laura Geller: a lightweight formula that protects and moisturizes.
- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer To Go: a makeup artist favorite, fills in lines with a blend of vitamins
A List of Primers Without Silicone:
- L’Or Radiance Concentrate with Pure Gold Makeup Base by Guerlain: contains pure gold flecks in a gel base that smoothes fine lines and tightens the skin under makeup.
- aquaPRIME Oil Free Makeup Primer by Lorac: moisturizes while being lightweight, oil-free and water-based.
- Alison Raffaele Face Forward Age Response Primer: anti-aging benefits as well as protection for the skin with antioxidants.
- POMMIST by Jane Iredale: no ordinary spritz, this is full of antioxidants and seaweed extracts that help to set mineral makeup.
- Korres Face Primer: the perfect makeup base while minimizing pores and fine lines.
- Sobare Beauty Organics Makeup Primer: contains rosewater, dmae and msm for minimizing pores and toning the skin.
- Inika Pure Primer: 100% certified organic. Smoothes and hydrates the skin prior to applying makeup.
Try to get a sample of the primer you decide upon and see how it feels for you after wearing it. Most women are remarkably impressed with how well their skin looks, feels, and the added bonus of their makeup staying on longer!
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