Monday, September 1, 2014

The Balmest of Primers

Within this past year, there's a product I've taken notes on quite carefully when it comes to having a flawless makeup finish. It's also become my favorite/can't-live-without-it product in all eternity. 
This fave product, is called primer. 
If you're anywhere near where I was when I first started indulging in the makeup world, you may not be so sure as to what primer is, and what it does.
Basically, it is a base to be applied before a foundation, concealer, powder, or shadow that holds everything in place and keeps your makeup lasting throughout the day. 
Today, we'll touch base on primers made for the key to a flawless foundation finish. However, as I've taken the journey to find the perfect primer, I've learned something pretty important: my skin type will always be unique to me. You may be oily, dry, or combination, but some of the primers out there that claim to fit your skin type, might not work for you. I know, a bit of a disclaimer. 
That's why I'm here to help you avoid most of the pains, and list some pretty balm primers that fit my combination skin type, to some that may have oily to dry skin.
They all range from drugstore to high end, so I have a feeling there will definitely be a product that you'll find to be perfect just for you!

1. The Pore-fessional by Benefit
I can't rave enough about this product, which is why it sits at #1! It took me a long time before I was finally able to invest in a good primer, but it was totally worth it. It has a creamy texture, lightweight, and is applied before foundation.
I personally feel like it marries well with the Tarte amazonian clay foundation, so testing out your primers and the chemistry of the products is definitely important. I believe this product is good for all skin types.
The only bummer is that it does cost a pretty penny, priced at $31.00. However, the results are worth the splurge!

2. Prime Time by bareMinerals

I used this product for what I feel to be six months, and it seemed like even though it was sample size, it never ran out. I loved it because it grabbed my foundation and locked it in place. Plus side? $24.00. Downside? Only use a pea size amount, or you'll feel like your foundation is literally sliding off your face.👍

3. Baby Skin by Maybelline 
Now, I know what you might be thinking: drugstore product. I know, isn't it great?! Finally a product that you can buy at a decent price and is a total dupe for prime time listed above! Say what? Yes, a dupe.🙌 Can I have a witness? 
I love this product not ony because it's a total dupe to prime time and only $5.99 in comparison, but that it does everything that it claims to do. I highly recommend this for young girls that bend the rules on wearing foundation young, and still get to keep youthful flawless skin. I feel it's good for all skin types, but the more oily your skin is, the less I would apply. Less is always more! 

4. Shine control primer by Neutrogena 
This is my first primer I ever experimented with, per reason why the bottle looks like a hot mess! However, I didn't feel like it was good for combination-dry skin whatsoever. I love the neutrogena brand, but this product definitely goes into the oily skin department. It controls the shine factor, and is great if your looking for a matte finish. It's priced at $13.99, so it's right down the middle when it comes to decent pricing. Overall it's a great product, but not for combination-set skin!


My last tip: 
When it comes to primer hunting, always try the sample portion first. It never hurts to ask or try out a little on the back of your hand, and even layer a smidge of your foundation on top. See if it marries well with your foundation, and if it still looks in tact at the end of the day, I say go for it.

 I hope all of the products listed above have helped you pick out a perfect primer to make you look balm everyday, all day!😉 


Stay Balm!💋

x o x o

Hannah Ruth