primer: is it even worth it?

[bbrryynnnnee]

I just want opinions on primers in general. With having dry skin, I obviously already use an oil and/or moisturizer.. and I'm beginning to think that works for "priming" in itself. Does anyone think of primers as a kind of gimmick/trend, or does it actually help? I can't seem to find a good hydrating primer that also blurs pores so I just hydrate and have big ol' pores for everyone to see. Thoughts? Suggestions?

[kdawgmcna]

Anyone with dry skin, please try the First Aid Beauty Coconut Smoothie Primer, I never believed in primers until I tried this one! It really does make such a difference. So much better than Two Faced Hangover one, in my opinion. Also I like Smashbox Primer Water or Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist underneath it, when I want an extra boost. 

[k617]

It depends, I think. If your foundation and face products lasts, and looks the way you want to, and you can achieve that without using a primer, then it's probably not necessary!

My skin is slightly oily sometimes so I use a mineral primer to help control the oil. It also has SPF, which I like. If I could go without a primer, I probably would.

[kaile]

I think yes, depending on the primer. If it's a primer specifically designed to pair with a foundation you love (the Fenty one comes to mind) I think it adds something special and makes makeup last longer. Another example, Smashbox and Benefit have such awesome pore smoothing primers that truly make a difference in pore minimizing. Finally, illuminating primers (e.g. I think Becca makes one? Also, Benefit's new pearl one maybe) will make a gorgeous dewey look happen. 

[Tamara76]

@bbrryynnnnee I discovered makeup primer a few years ago and, like you, I was super skeptical at first.  I was really surprised to discover how much of a difference it made for making my makeup last way longer and go on so much smoother!  

I typically have the opposite problem from you as I live in a really humid area and my skin tends to be a little more oily, but during the winter when my skin gets drier, I usually switch to a more moisturizing primer.

When I need a little extra moisture, I usually opt for Too Faced Hangover RX or Marc Jacobs Perfecting Coconut Primer.  

I'm also a huge proponent of eyeshadow primers now and my all time favorite is Urban Decay Primer Potion - I prefer the Original or Anti-Aging formula.  This really helps your eyeshadow color pop and makes it last all day without creasing! 

Good luck! 🙂

[jenluvmakeup]

Too Faced Hangover RX is my favorite and I love the MJ Coconut as well.

[GG84]

@bbrryynnnnee I'm in the same boat to be honest. Any primer I've ever used (especially pore blurring ones) breaks me out. The best primer I have ever used was Clarin Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch but if used more then a few days in a row...breakouts. 

[fantaji]

Same story. I just gave up. Better pores than breakouts.