So the Victoria’s Secret Angels probably have a billion makeup artists and hair stylists at their every beck and call. We know for a fact that havoc wrecks for hours backstage before a show starts. Now, we know that it’s near impossible to obtain the Victoria’s Secret Makeup and Beauty products where we are.
But luckily, we have a few tricks of the trade (and some products you can grab from the nearest shopping mall) ourselves too. And it starts from going back to basics, by covering all bases before you’re good to go.
(Tsk. You didn’t need a makeup artist to tell you that, that’s for sure!)
Before we had foundation primers, we had streaking lines, noticeable pores and nasty splotches of red but now that they’re everywhere, there’s no excuse to have foundation on without primer. Not only does it keeps oil at bay, it also smoothes out your wrinkles, lines and pores to create a smooth canvas for your foundation. Just like your foundation, there are different primers for different purposes.
First, identify your skin tone and skin type. Color correcting primers like green, pink and light purple combat redness, brightens complexions and sallow undertones respectively. Oily or combination skin require oil free primers and if you’re allergic to silicone, try avoiding formulas with silicone content. Primer is to be applied after moisturizer and sunscreen.
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, here are some notable primers that you can try out depending on your skin needs and budget.
MAC Prep and Prime Face Protect SPF 50
With over 72% out of 416 reviewers on Makeupalley saying that they would repurchase this product, it sounds like a sure winner. This primer is great in the oil control department as it keeps face matte for hours and hours. Another plus point is the high SPF which will guarantee your skin some protection from the sun. The only downside is the pricey tag attached to it.
Etude House Dr. Oil Solution Shine-Free Dual Primer (Moisture & Pore Cover)
As preached by this well known Korean brand, well moisturized skin and good pore coverage ensures a smooth base for long lasting foundation. The product is creamy at first touch but quickly turns into a silk-like powdery texture upon application which makes blending a breeze. This primer is oil free and paraben free. If you have combination skin, lookout for oil free primers like this one!
Revlon Smoothing Beyond Natural Primer
This Revlon foundation primer is great drugstore substitute for the Smashbox Photo Finish primer as it’s transparent and blends in with any skin tone. Because of the silicone content, it may not be suitable for those with oily skin otherwise it’s a great primer for those with dry or normal skin.
Benefit That Gal Brightening Primer
Firstly, we really do think that the packaging of this product was very well thought of as it comes with a twist applicator motion and a protective inner lid to prevent any accidental spills or smudges. This primer comes in a soft pinkish hue with slight shimmer giving your skin an inner radiance. Feather light with a hint of vanilla, does that sound yummy or what?
Too Faced Primed and Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer
Famous for its eye primer, the face version proves to be just at popular among the ladies as its made to wear with or without makeup. It gives a silky smooth finish and is wearable with just a little blusher. The best part is that users claim that their skins looks hydrated, firmer and smoother after makeup removal!
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex
Smashbox Primers have been touted “the best primers in the market” and with good reason. Take a look at their website and you’ll find over 12 different primers for different skin types and needs. There are also the color correcting formulas for those with redness or sallow pale skin. The Dermaxyl Complex helps counter anti aging while protecting and smoothing out your skin at the same time. Look out for the oil free primers if you’ve got combination or oily skin. You can find these at Sephora.
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Oil-Free
Famous for their tinted moisturizers, we took a look to see if their foundation primers stepped up to the game as well and boy were we glad we did. This product comes in a tube similar to their moisturizers which makes it easy to control how much product to be used. It helps foundation glide across facial lines instead of settling in them.
Now that you’ve got a heads up on some of the best primers in town, get your hands on one and work it like an “Angel”! You’re welcome.
