Friday, June 1, 2012

Primer: worth it, or ripoff?

After nearly melting in the hot afternoon sun at my son’s high school graduation yesterday, this article on A Bullseye View caught my eye.  The first of their “6 Tips to Stay Fresh-Faced in Summer” was to use a face primer before putting on makeup.  They advise to dab on primer after moisturizing (but before makeup) and promise that “this added step helps hold your makeup in place—from the 9-to-5 grind to well after happy hour.”  Of course, the article also takes the opportunity to hype of Target’s own primer products from brands like Pixi and Sonia Kashuk (shown here).

But I’m not sold on the idea.  The last time I tried a primer was several years ago; I think it was Smashbox Photo Finish, and I recall not being impressed.  How about you, readers?  Have you tried a primer before, and if so, do you think it’s worth it (and do you have a favorite go-to brand)?

6 comments:

Lauren S. said...

Smashbox photo finish not only didn't hold up but make me break out like crazy! I have used Laura Geller's tinted primer and swear by it. It's like glue. I also heard bare mineral's primer was good as well.

Elizabeth said...

My daughter, who is a whiz with makeup, swears by it. I wish I had her mad skills, but her makeup always looks fantastic.

I may try it out, because she keeps telling me how beneficial it is. She finally talked me into getting concealer. I'm super lame with makeup, so it is fun having someone who can do great things with it, if I need to go to a party or something.

R. said...
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Critifur said...

I have friends that love primer...

Um, Monistat? as in? interesting.

R. said...

Not Monistat the medication... it's just an anti-chafing gel, like you could put on your legs to keep them from rubbing I guess. Google it, there are thousands of results from women who use it as primer. It has the same ingredients.

http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=98437/Monistat---Chafing-Relief-Powder-Gel-/Unlisted-Brand/Primer/-Corrector

Target Addict said...

Thanks for all the great tips, readers! On a separate - yet related - note, this past weekend I got a sample of Estee Lauder's new Invisible Fluid Makeup. If you visit Estee's makeup counter (I went to one at Macy's) they'll color-code your skin and give you a free sample to try before you buy. I really liked it! You have you use it very sparingly, though, so that it looks natural. So if you're in the market for a new foundation, you might want to get your own sample from the Estee counter and give it a test-run.