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Fashion Friday: Makeup Primers

By Courtney 40 Comments

Can you even believe it? I actually have a Fashion Friday post for you today. It’s only been, ohhh I don’t know, forever since my last one. Whoops.

Today’s Fashion Friday Topic: Makeup Primers

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About a month and a half ago, I had the opportunity to participate as a product tester for the 2012 Fitness Magazine Beauty Awards. How cool, right?

The product category I was given to test out was makeup primers, which was great since this is a product that I already use anyways (you can see which one I used to wear in my skin care vlog). Makeup primer can really make a big difference in the look and wear of your makeup because it essentially preps your skin for makeup and creates a nice, smooth base.

So I was sent five different primers to test out and and rank based on texture, scent, ease of use, packaging, and effectiveness, and here’s how they ranked for me – starting with my least favorite and working up to my top pick.

5th place: SimplyVera Vera Wang Skin Brightening Primer

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I was surprised at how much I really did not like this primer. The packaging was fine, the scent was fine, and it was easy enough to use, but the texture of it on my skin was horrible. It was very flaky and did not blend in very easily at all. I actually washed my face and threw it away after the first use. For it being the most expensive primer out of the group, it just goes to show ya…pricy doesn’t always mean better!

4th place: Korres Mattifying Primer

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This primer really didn’t have too much wrong with it except for the scent. I felt like it was the only thing I could smell for at least an hour after applying it to my face. I also didn’t really care for it being tinted – I like my primers to go on clear. It’s also a bit more expensive, coming it at $33.00.

3rd place: Loreal Paris Magic Lumi

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This was a pretty good primer and, from what I’ve seen, can also be purchased for a fairly decent price ($10.99 at Target). I liked the pump rather than the squeeze tube, but it comes out of the pump somewhat messy. The primer was oily and separated, although it does end up blending smoothly with a nice luminosity to it.

2nd place: Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Transparent Mattifier

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Also at an affordable price ($14.99 at Target) this is an excellent choice. It went on to my skin with ease, didn’t have an overpowering scent, and had an easy to use pump for application. I noticed some slight flaking the first time I used it but no other times after that. For those who have oily skin and are looking to reduce shine, this would be an excellent choice.

1st place WINNER: Sephora Foundation Primer

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Out of all the products I tested, the Sephora Foundation Primer ($15.00) was definitely top notch for everything. The packaging was easy, there was no overwhelming scent, and it literally felt like it glided onto my skin like butter. I’ve been using it ever since I received it.

So now, hopefully, if you were in the market for a new makeup primer, you have some ideas on what to look for the next time you’re walking down the cosmetic isle!

Question for the Afternoon:

Do you use a makeup primer? What brand(s) is your favorite?

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Related

July 6, 2012 Filed Under: Fashion, Makeup, Reviews Tagged With: fashion friday, fitness magazine beauty awards, Korres Mattifying Primer, Loreal Paris Magic Lumi, makeup primers, Sephora Foundation Primer, SimplyVera Vera Wang Skin Brightening Primer, Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Transparent Mattifier

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

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Comments

  1. Stacey says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    It will sound weird, but you can use anti-chafing cream as primer - it works just as well and has the same ingredients! (and is a lot cheaper!) http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=109516
    Reply
    • Alexandria @ Brain, Body, Because says

      July 6, 2012 at 1:31 pm

      It's true! While its price is on par with the cheaper options you mentioned, Monistat works really well as a primer. Who would've guessed?
      Reply
  2. Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:24 pm

    I like Victoria's Secret's primers, and the bottle looks identical to the Sephora brand.
    Reply
  3. Lindsey says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    I use Smashbox and love it, but it is pricey. I love many Sephora branded products so might try that one next time to save money. I like something that goes on smooth but not oily.
    Reply
  4. Carolyn says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    Lol Stacey - I use the same thing, only Monistat brand anti-chafing! It works so well, and I refuse to pay over $5 for something that goes under my makeup and can't see. =)
    Reply
  5. Amanda says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:49 pm

    I really only use a primer on my eyelids to prevent eyeshadow from creasing and help the color pop a bit more. I've got pretty good skin to begin with, so I don't like to put too much product on my face. I've used the Sephora brand eye primer (not the same as you used), tarte and Urban Decay. I think I like Urban Decay the best!
    Reply
  6. Yellow Haired Girl says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:51 pm

    Love the reviews! I don't use a primer ... but have been thinking about adding one to my collection. I use Smashbox makeup, and it's a little pricey. Might have to look at some of these cheaper options!
    Reply
  7. Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    I've never used makeup primer before, but I may have to give it a try!
    Reply
  8. Caroline @ After Dinner Dance says

    July 6, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    I used primer a couple times but I never really noticed that it did anything, so I went back to just using my mineral powder. I don't know if I'll ever try it again, I don't like to put too many things on my face!
    Reply
  9. Kate says

    July 6, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    I have never used a primer... but I get such oily skin- yuck! I may have to look in at trying a few as well!
    Reply
  10. Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says

    July 6, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    Foundation primer is one of those things I always *mean* to start using but never get around to buying!
    Reply
  11. Michelle @ Blogitness says

    July 6, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    Smashbox Photo Finish!
    Reply
  12. Jennifer @ Healthy Wifestyles says

    July 6, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    Laura Mercier makes my favorite foundation primer. The scent is mild, it goes on easily, and it doesn't make my face look oily (though most of the time, I stick with Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer or Garnier BB Cream instead of foundation). It's a bit on the pricier side but a little goes a long way! You can also blend a small dab into the last little bits of foundation if you're almost empty, and it extends the life of the product (perfect if you use a more expensive foundation and want to get the most for your money).
    Reply
  13. Annie @ What's Annie Making? says

    July 6, 2012 at 2:24 pm

    I had never used a primer before until about a month ago for my wedding. I did my own makeup so I made sure to do a ton of research and trials to get the look down before my big day. I used Stila 10 in 1 Beauty Balm http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product_detail.asp?PMID=1129&dept=1&cat=2 which was highly recommended to keep my makeup on all day long. I was hesitant to fork out the money for it, but I got it and absolutely loved it. I'm totally a primer believer now. My makeup stayed all day and night at my wedding, and it's light enough for every day use too.
    Reply
  14. Lisa says

    July 6, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    My favourite brand of primer is bare minerals primer, its the only one that doesn't really irritate my skin since I have really pale and sensitive skin.
    Reply
  15. Desiree says

    July 6, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    I use the make up primer from Arbonne. By far it's been my favorite. I also like knowing that all the ingredients are plant based and natural. What goes on our skin gets into our system. Plus this is the only one that has not bothered my skin. A little pricey but a little goes a long way.
    Reply
    • Jen M. says

      July 9, 2012 at 2:44 pm

      I use the Arbonne primer too, LOVE it!
      Reply
  16. Emily @ I'd Rather Walk says

    July 6, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    I've only just started experimenting with primers. Good thing to know that I can hit up Sephora in the future!
    Reply
  17. Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says

    July 6, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    I like Laura Merci primer, but I found any primer I use, still makes my eye make-up smear,so I don't bother anymore! Great post! Nice to see Sephora at #1!
    Reply
  18. Ellie@Fit for the Soul says

    July 6, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    No wonder~you seem to have such pretty makeup and complexion whenever I see your pictures! But it's probably genetics too ;) I don't really wear much makeup except for mascara and powder above my lips (I don't like it when it gets dark from the sun), but when/if I ever need to wear "stuff" I'll try to remember this post!
    Reply
  19. Nicole says

    July 6, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    I'm totally curious about this whole anti-chafing cream/primer ordeal - it kinds weirds me out, but now I want to try it!
    Reply
    • Laura says

      July 6, 2012 at 3:31 pm

      I'm with you!! I have SUPER oily skin and it breaks out daily so I generally only put Neutrogena anything on my face and def no lotion or anything. I have been leery of putting something else on my face but I might give primer a go...especially now I know which one works best!
      Reply
  20. Marie says

    July 6, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    I just started using primer and it makes a huge difference. I have only used Arbonne, so I have nothing to compare.
    Reply
  21. Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom says

    July 6, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    I don't always use a primer but when I do I like the brand Sheer Cover. They also have the best mineral makeup of any I have tried! It goes on super easy and leaved my skin feeling like a babies butt!!! I tend to have dry skin and this also smooths any skin flakiness I have. Good stuff!!
    Reply
  22. erica says

    July 6, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    i used to use makeup forever primer, but now i'm lazy and just use origins vitazing! lol.
    Reply
  23. Kristen @ notsodomesticated says

    July 6, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    I've never used primer. I wear very little make-up, and I'm pretty clueless about how to wear make-up properly. I'd like to be better with it ... maybe you need to come teach me your skills! ;)
    Reply
  24. Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says

    July 6, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    You've read my mind! I don't use primer (because I'm a make-up-wearing failure) but the girl who did my makeup last weekend for the wedding I was in used it on me and I LOVED it! I'm so glad I have a new reason to go to Target ;)
    Reply
  25. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    July 6, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    Hmm I do need a new one.. especially in this heat!! I'll definitely try your #1 or #2! Thanks!
    Reply
  26. Karen says

    July 6, 2012 at 7:17 pm

    Thanks for the tip! I'm a fellow Upstate New Yorker (in Ithaca). It's even more fun to read from a blog that is somewhat close to home. Keep it up, I love checking in with your site daily.
    Reply
  27. Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says

    July 6, 2012 at 8:29 pm

    LUCKY DUCK! You got to try all of those! :) I have used primer- I used to wear the Bare Minerals primer with the makeup but have stopped using it for $$$ pourpses and it was an extra step. Can you say l.a.z.y. ????
    Reply
    • Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says

      July 6, 2012 at 8:31 pm

      Did I really just spell purposes that way?! Oops!
      Reply
  28. Kim says

    July 6, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    I've used that Loreal primer and really liked it, the first 2 or 3 uses... but after that it just seemed "watery" I think I even threw it away, before it was gone. I totally want to try the Sephora one, now... and the price doesn't make me wince!!! YAY!!! :)
    Reply
  29. Brenda says

    July 7, 2012 at 5:49 am

    Yay! Fashion Friday!
    Reply
  30. Kim @ The Family Practice says

    July 7, 2012 at 10:43 am

    I use bare escentuals foundation primer when I actually wear makeup. Now that it's summer I've switched up my makeup routine entirely - I am only wearing tinted sunscreen - no moisturizer, no primer, no foundation etc. Sometimes I throw a little blush on just to brighten up my face a bit but nothing much. My skin is clearer and I'm saving a ton of money. We'll see if I go back to makeup after the summer...
    Reply
  31. Lauren says

    July 7, 2012 at 11:56 am

    Arbonne make-up primer is by FAR the best I've ever tried! No scent too which is nice, as many of the primers I tried in the past have been scented- yuck.
    Reply
  32. Meghan @ After the Ivy League says

    July 7, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    I am in the market for makeup primer, and I'm not surprised Sephora won! I love their products, I think I'll go pick this up today!
    Reply
  33. Jen M. says

    July 9, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    I use the Arbonne make-up primer - it is reasonably priced when compared to other facial skin-care lines of similar quality, it feels like satin (seriously, I want to put it on my entire body, it's SOOOOOOO soft), and there is no smell to speak of. Pump container, with fusion packaging, so zero waste, and it's loaded with vitamins and is botanically based, and anti-aging (prevention, baby!!). I've also heard that the Arbonne products are safe for pregnant women, women going through fertility treatments, and cancer patients. I love it!
    Reply
  34. Sophie says

    July 9, 2012 at 9:05 pm

    I use Napoleon Perdis' makeup primer. I love it, it's smooth, smells good and really works. In the words of Napoleon Perdis "not to prime is a crime". :)
    Reply
  35. Jen N. says

    July 11, 2012 at 10:56 am

    I just started using primer and chose to go with the Arbonne primer. Like Jen M said, it feels like satin, has absolutely no smell and you only need a tiny amount. I might try the Sephora brand though, next time, since it's less expensive. :)
    Reply
  36. Vanessa Moore says

    July 13, 2012 at 6:10 am

    Makeup Primers are great products. Indeed, I used these makeup stuff because the products are suit to my skin and it can really add gleam on my face. I just love these products. Congratulations to all the winners.
    Reply

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Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
Court Profile CircleI'm Courtney, a 30-something wife and working mom living in upstate NY. I'm a food lover, fitness enthusiast, baker extraordinaire and lover of all things sweet.
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