Prime-Time Beauty

Coming off an extended holiday is always the difficult part. Actually, I am just getting back into the swing of things and it feels as if January has just begun today for me, although we’re rapidly entering the middle of the month this week. No worries, something stylish is on the way, in addition to new crafty concoctions in the works to share with you. It’s just a matter of getting everything sorted.

In the past six months or so I have tried to find another makeup primer that I love. It’s been a tough gliding slope of highs and lows, however, I finally narrowed it down to a faithful few. My personal primers that I’ve been using recently are Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer Water, Make Up For Ever’s (MUFE) Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer in Smoothing, and Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch.

These have been somewhat my saving grace on-the-go, and the first two come in travel-friendly sizes, which are perfect. Smashbox’s primer water also is alcohol-free, oil-free, and silicone-free. The Clarins Instant Smooth (makeup base) is a thick and cream-like formula and one that I love. It works well even with the Smashbox primer water. It’s a bit pricey for the quantity than some, but does work and comes with a scooping spatula.

My makeup routine is pretty easy-going during the week. At the very least, as long as there’s hydration, mascara, and a fabulous lip colour involved, I’m generally okay. I am not too fussy when it comes to my daily beauty look, and due to having a slight incline of impatience, I usually can’t be bothered to take an extremely long time to get ready in the wee hours of the morning. Hence, having the Smashbox spray bottle is a prompt addition and spritz of genius at dawn.

I haven’t found a miracle product, but the pairing of Smashbox with MUFE’s “smoothing” primer did wonders when I needed my makeup to last longer. And, since I don’t wear full makeup everyday, I knew these would last me a while. The consistency is a satiny, non-oily, smooth texture that gives a blurring effect. It comes out as a flesh colour, but blends well. I’ve only used a couple of MUFE‘s new range of primers, but have found that the “smoothing” primer worked best for me.

I have combination skin, and I did not experience any drying after use nor did the product ball up as some primers do. But, it depends on the foundation/powder you are also using with primers. I’ve used Boots No7 Photo Fix primer in the past, but feel that these three used in the rotation were more effective. I liked Dr Brandt’s primer awhile until I used it with a different foundation, then it would come off or ball up, so I ended up only using it paired with a different product.

Everyone is different! I’ve found that some of the primers that even work for my friends with similar skin don’t work for me, despite glorious appraisals. I would suggest to simply try them out for yourself,. It really does depend on what you’re seeking: a matte finish, smoother texture, colour correcting, longer (makeup) wear, pore-perfecting, etc.

Do you use face or eye-shadow primer? What’s your favourite makeup primer currently? 

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Lastly, I was so pleased with the amount of feedback that you gave me from my New Year’s goals and lifestyle inspirational post. Consequently, that post was chosen in IFB’s Links a la Mode last week. Thank you!

SPONSOR: Amazon’s Shopbop Acne Studios, Stuart Weitzman Boots, Jonathan Adler Home & Gifts, LIVE THE PROCESS, Sara Barner, Marie Marot, Faux Fur Coats, Lace Up Tops, Micro Bags, Men’s To Boot New York