A Primer for Every Occasion

Before starting Magic's in the Make Up, I had never used a primer, in fact I probably wouldn't of been able to tell you what a primer was.  Fast forward four years and using a primer has become a necessary step in my makeup routine.  Using a primer helps prep the skin for foundation, ensuring the  skins surface is clean, the texture is smooth and moisturised.  For me, I have fairly oily skin and using a primer dramatically increases the wear of my foundation throughout the day.  However, there is a primer out there for all different skin types!

When your skin feels a little dull. Clarins 'Beauty Flash Balm' is perfect for days when your skin feels a little 'blah' (it's definitely not a product to be used everyday).  The Clarins 'Beauty Flash Balm' moisturises, brightens and tightens the skin, and if used properly can be seen to lift and sculpt the contours of the face.  The balm shouldn't be massaged into the skin; instead a thin layer should be smoothed gently onto the face, creating a smooth base for foundation and skin that feels youthful and radiant.  I think Clarins 'Beauty Flash Balm' is the perfect primer for someone with a drier skin type.

When faced with a long day.  While having an oily skin type has some advantages (delayed signs of ageing being the biggie!) one of the major drawbacks is the lack of make up longevity.  Benefit's 'Stay Flawless 15-hour Primer' is designed to help make up last longer, increase the appearance of foundation and refine the skins complexion.  While I don't think 'Stay Flawless' helps foundation last for 15 hours, it does help with my foundations longevity.  You can read my full review here. 

When you need to tighten the purse strings. I've read a lot of different opinions on Maybelline's 'Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser'.  I personally love it, however it took a couple of attempts to become familiar with the products texture and finish.  The primer is a silicone based gel and feels extremely slippery when applied to the face.  I've found it's best to apply the primer and wait at least five minutes before applying foundation.  This will prevent your foundation and concealer slipping but won't affect performance.  Rather than completely filling in pores, 'Baby Skin' blurs their appearance and provides a smooth surface for foundation.  

When you need a little something special.  My most extravagant primer purchase is Kevyn Aucoin's 'The Sensual Skin Primer'.  At £34 for 10ml of product, 'The Sensual Skin Primer' is not for everyday use.  Instead, I like to use it for special occasions - it's the perfect night out primer!  'The Sensual Skin Primer' creates a smooth, matte base, minimises the size of pores and feels quite lightweight on the skin.  Most importantly, it really helps my foundation last all night, no matter how hot the dance floor gets!

Two of my other favourite primers include Laura Mercier's foundation primer which you can read about here and Smashbox Photo Finish Light which you can read more about here.

I would love to hear some of your primer recommendations!

Love Nic

xx