STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

member · Hermes

Primer help

Kelly · Hermes

I think a primer would help. I don't usually do a full face of foundation, but I put primer below my eyes before I apply concealer and it makes a world of difference (before I started using primer, I would usually wipe my makeup off halfway through the day because it was looking so crappy and splotchy and had settled into my fine lines so horrifically). I use Maybelline Instant Age Rewind primer and I like it, but to be fair I've barely tried any other brands - just a few random samples.

Is it possible that you put on too much? Sometimes my skin looks worse when I over-use the primer. It doesn't look crappy in the same way, but my skin looks oily and my makeup almost looks like it's sliding off my face.

member · Hermes

Thanks Kelly - so it sounds like you have the same problem with concealor setting under your eyes. That's my main issue. Do you only apply primer under your eyes?

I use a really lightweight foundation - maybelline pure, it's soooo light I can't even tell I have foundation on, but it helps even my face out. Since I know maybelline is ok for my skin, maybe I'll try your rec. Thanks!
Oh and I only used a tiny pea sized amount of primer...I wouldn't think that's too much?

Hermes

are you using a moisturizer at all before you put on your makeup? I found that photo finish gave me too heavy of a look.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

Moisturizer can sometimes be the culprit, especially if it is too emollient. If you're dry around your eyes, some say to apply concealer with a concealer brush and to set your makeup with a very sheer, luminous powder.

I'm not a big fan of face primers. They feel weird and and they leave my skin dry feeling -- even though mind is kind of oily.

I love eye primers though, like Urban Decay's Potion stuff (purple bottle).

Boots · Gucci

I hated the Smashbox primer (I use the HD foundation from Smashbox so I thought I'd try to keep it all one product line.) I found that it not only peeled part way through the day on me, but I'm pretty sure it broke me out too. Apparently the primers that use a silicone base can do this to certain skin types. The Sephora associate had me try MakeUp Forever's primer, which I love. A little goes an awful long way (one bottle lasts me almost a year.) I mainly use it to smooth over my pores so I just blend a small amount on my T-zone and cheeks. You have to let it set for a few minutes before applying foundation.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

I used a Dr. Brandt one that I liked. I think it was tinted though.

member · Hermes

D - yes, I wouldn't be able to get makeup on my face without moisterizer. I use Cetaphil, which is the only one my derm allows me to use.

pollyjean - I do everything you just said - apply concealor around my eyes with a concealor brush and set with powder.

boots - thanks, I'm glad i posted about this. i'll be taking the smashbox back asap - the last thing I need is to breakout. I'll check out MakeUp Forever's primer!

Kelly · Hermes

shopchicago33 wrote:

Thanks Kelly - so it sounds like you have the same problem with concealor setting under your eyes. That's my main issue. Do you only apply primer under your eyes?

Yep, when I am only applying concealer under my eyes (and not doing a full face of makeup), I will only put the primer under my eyes.

I think a pea-sized amount probably wasn't too much. Judging by how much I use under my eyes, a pea-sized blob or two sounds about right for a whole face.

daiz519 · Dooney & Bourke

I love Laura Mercier's primers for special occasions. I won't use a primer on a daily basis because I am prone to break outs. The only thing I'll use daily is mineral makeup. Many mineral makeups have primers, though, so it might be worth it to check some of them out. Jane Iredale is especially known as good for the skin and sold in many dermatologists' offices as well as in other beauty supply stores.

Metric · Gucci

I've been on a primer quest lately. Out of all that I've tried I like MUFE the best, Smashbox is bad but Cover Girl/Olay is horrible. I've decided I really hate the feeling of silicone primers and they make my chin breakout something fierce.
Even though it wasn't my HG, I'm going to re buy MUFE because it was the nearest to the best. I really loved the texture if Stila One Step but for the cost is wasn't good enough.