Years ago before the makeup companies started making primer, makeup artists would use moisturizers to prep the face. Particularly popular in my days as a model was Embryolisse a thick moisturizing cream from France. It is still a cult item today. With the advent of High Definition television, and the fashion of a more natural looking complexion, makeup needed to be more invisible to the naked eye and thus the need for a primer to make the skin a perfect canvas before even applying foundation.
Today you can prime practically everything , even your hair! Here are a few of my go to primers that I use to perfect my clients.
- Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Primer potion: This one is particularly good at filling in pores and fine lines creating a smooth and matte canvas for makeup. I have also found that used alone it does a great job at just subtly blurring the skin and making it look more even. I often use Cargo blu_ray High Definition Mattifier especially on men , it really makes the skin poreless and matte, perfect for high-definition video. ( and makes them think they aren’t really wearing makeup)
- Makeup For ever HD Primer: This is a silky, moisturizing formula that works very well with my favorite foundation ( Makeup for Ever HD foundation) It is the perfect base for makeup application. It also comes in different shades depending on the concerns you may have. For example green to neutralize redness or rosacea or caramel to counteract ashiness in darker skin tones.
- La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer: This one is great for everyday use. Especially if you live in a sunny climate and need to wear SPF. It’s so sticky to put on makeup over many sunscreens and then the makeup doesn’t last as long sliding off with the humidity. This primer is quite mattifying but if you are going to the tropics or perspiring it helps to keep makeup in place. I use this on models if we will shoot a day on the beach or on brides who have chosen a beach destination for their wedding. Bonus it’s SPF 50!
- Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion: Have you ever put on your eyeshadow in the morning only to discover it has completely disappeared by lunch? Then Eyeshadow primer is for you. It smooths the lids and helps the pigments to attach to the skin achieving a longer lasting , crease resisting eyeshadow. It is particularly good on aging skin as it helps to create a smoother lid. I use it most of the time on photo shoots to give the shadow staying power.
- MAC Prep + Prime Lash: Thin lashes be gone! Lash primers add thickness and length to your lashes before mascara. If your lashes are thin or short , this product is your answer. Coating lashes with this primer will add length and even protects your lashes with conditioners. It goes on white, but don’t panic , it dries clear and it’s best to wait until the primer is dry before applying mascara.
Are you a natural girl? I particularly like Korres Antiaging Primer with Quercetin and Oak. It is silicone free unlike many other primers but still manages to smooth the skin.
I am hoping that hair primers will do the same for my limp locks. Have you tried it yet?
I can’t live without UD Primer Potion! It’s the only way to keep my eye shadow on all day (I have super oily lids). I haven’t heard of hair primers before, I will have to check that out!