Our favorite Primers

By Melissa and Shy

Have I ever mentioned how much I hate primer? The idea that I have to coat my face with one layer of moisturizer and another of primer before I even get to the foundation makes me feel like my face is overburdened with goop. For my skin, too many products equal grease and pimples, so when I tried Josie Maran’s Argan Primer Mist ($36), I fell in love. I’ve been using this for a few weeks now, and there is nothing I can say that is bad about it. Nada.

Here is the lowdown on Josie Maran’s primer: Argan oil hydrates the skin without weighing it down. My skin was left with a slight glow (sheen, NOT shine). Josie Maran takes the ingredients of her products quite seriously, so this means NO parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrences, dyes, phthalates, gmos (yeah, I don’t know what those are either), or triclosan are used in this product. Translation: Not an itch, scratch, or red patch in sight.

Wait just a minute after spraying to let you skin absorb the primer. The goal is to get skin damp (not dripping or dry) before applying foundation. Um, actually, since using JM’s primer, I haven’t even bothered with foundation. – Melissa

So, I’ve always been on the other side of the spectrum regarding primers — they rock my world. Sure, it’s an extra layer, but I swear nothing keeps your makeup as fresh, keeps your skin looking as smooth as a good one. It may be a foreign concept to some, but basically you use a primer before you put on your makeup (or even just by itself) to smooth the surface of your skin (you can bid adieu to pores and fine lines). It creates a more perfect canvas and lets your makeup glide on evenly. I can’t say it’s a daily habit, but for a night out, I make sure to start with primer and the one I’ve been using recently is Tarte’s Clean Slate ($30).

I love that it’s a pretty lightweight primer, so great for warmer days and I can use it around my eyes or anywhere else I use concealer. Plus, I love that (like Josie Maran’s), this one is formulated without any parabens/sulfates/synthetics/phthalates — just plant and fruit-derived extract, which is very much in line with Tarte’s ethos. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants (read: anti-aging) ingredients like hibiscus flower extract. – Shy

PS. If $30+ is a little too heavy on your wallet, try L’Oreal Studio Secrets Face Primer ($11 at Target).

It’s an excellent substitute that makes your skin feel like velvet. It’s a lot more heavy/thicker than Tarte’s Clean Slate but a great pick for the Fall and colder months when you a little more moisture. It keeps makeup really fresh and gives that ‘airbrush’ finish.It’s also 100% oil- and fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. If your skin is really dry, I would still use a very thin layer of moisturizer before using this primer.

Do you ever use a primer? Which one is your favorite?