Let's talk Primers!
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free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 4:59 am

BarefootGirl recently started a thread on foundations - so I thought I'd start one on primers.

In Napoleon Perdis' opinion, "It's a crime not to prime" - so, does everyone use a primer? I don't. I feel that by the time I've applied my serums, creams, sunscreen and foundation that there's enough goop on my skin. In addition, most primers contain silicones and I worry that they won't allow my skin to breath, especially as I live in a hot climate. Someone once told me that you should use a primer because it prevents your foundations from clogging your pores - but if that's the case, wouldn't it also seal the skin and trap perspiration.

So, who uses a primer? If so, which one? And what are the advantages of using one?

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 5:15 am

I have used (and still do for special occasions) Bare Essentials Primer. It does even out the skin and my MMU applies beautifully with it. However since Riley recommended the Colorescience Orb (which I apply over a regular physical sunscreen) I find that the Orb is so silky it acts like a primer in itself, at least for me.

I know many love the smashbox photo finish and similar products but I have never cared for the extreme silicon feel of these and also they tend to cause my foundation to ball up?

http://www.bareescentuals.com/Prime-Time/38892,default,pd.html

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 7:47 am

Interesting subject..

we are told by the 'experts' that it is vital to prime. I use to always use a primer, and sometimes still do, especially if its for a 'big' evening out, but must admit to the same 'lack of enthusiasm Keliu. I use so many serums, and creams and sunscreens that I feel if I put any more on my skin the foundation will just roll off..

and..some products do cause 'balling', can't remember off the top of my head which ones right now!

I have used Laura Mercier, which I didn't like at all, although I do love her foundation.

I also have used Smashbox, which I like, seems to help the foundation stay on longer.
also like Pur, it comes in three 'colours....peach for pigmentation, green for redness, and whitish for normal. This is what I am using at the moment, when I do use it.

Rae Morris (make up artist) recommends, I think its baking soda?? to take all oil out of the skin.. Shock

before applying foundation so that is stays put....my skin would fall off!!!

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 8:00 am

Bermie,

Funny how different yet in some regards the same we can be, I have the white Pur and like it fine yet don't find I use any much anymore. The Smashbox I tried several years back and silicon slick overload so it got tossed! Maybe they improved the formula since then? Being in Fla. and needing as much sun protection as possible year round I do find the Orb produces a priming effect. Smile

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 9:02 am

DarkMoon wrote:

I know many love the smashbox photo finish and similar products but I have never cared for the extreme silicon feel of these and also they tend to cause my foundation to ball up?

I agree - the Smashbox seemed like it had too much silicone in it for me. I tried the version with Dermaxyl (a matrixyl derivative) and SPF 15.

I've never had a great experience with primers. They just don't seem to make much difference on my skin, so I tend to skip them in favor of using a nice serum with actives instead. And sunscreen. Cool

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 9:04 am

I never use a primer. My skin hates silicones and most nearly all silicone. But even when I did try primers, I didn't think they were anything special.

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 9:50 am

I like using Murad's Perfecting Serum as a face primer. It feels like silicone but there's no silicone in it according to the ingredients list!

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 10:07 am

chloes wrote:

I like using Murad's Perfecting Serum as a face primer. It feels like silicone but there's no silicone in it according to the ingredients list!

chloes, the first ingredient is a silicone, if you like the product great but just thought you should have the facts. Smile

http://www.murad.com/perfecting-serum.jsp

Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycolipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Squalane, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben

http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/soapglossary/g/cyclomethicone.htm

Quote:

Cyclomethicone
Definition: Cyclomethicone is a clear, odorless, silicone-based oil that is incredibly useful and versatile in a number of bath & body recipes. It is a synthetic unmodified silicone that stays on the surface of the skin – the molecules are too big to physically enter past the upper living cells. It doesn't really have any "healing" or "moisturizing" qualities in an of itself – think of it more as a "carrier". Because it evaporates relatively quickly, it is most commonly used to carry fragrance or essential oils in linen sprays, body sprays, and roll-on "dry" perfumes. It is also used in lotions to impart a slick, silky feel — and is widely used in hair treatments.

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 3:47 pm

I use sonia rykiel primer and it works great on dull skin. I usually blend it with my foundation. love it.

I also have a paul&joe primer. it's just so beautiful. Both the bottle and the primer itself... I'll have to keep it even it causes breakouts for me.

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 3:54 pm

I've ordered the BareEscentuals Prime Time - it gets rave reviews on just about all the sites I researched. The Orb doesn't appeal to me because I don't like powders and I don't use MMU anymore - I use NCN's Sheer Mineral Tint.

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 4:03 pm

Keliu wrote:

I've ordered the BareEscentuals Prime Time - it gets rave reviews on just about all the sites I researched. The Orb doesn't appeal to me because I don't like powders and I don't use MMU anymore - I use NCN's Sheer Mineral Tint.

I think you will like it Keliu I know it's got silicons and I don't hate them, but it doesn't have that awful feel of too much silicone!

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 10:33 pm

DarkMoon wrote:

chloes wrote:

I like using Murad's Perfecting Serum as a face primer. It feels like silicone but there's no silicone in it according to the ingredients list!

chloes, the first ingredient is a silicone, if you like the product great but just thought you should have the facts.

http://www.murad.com/perfecting-serum.jsp

Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycolipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Squalane, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben

OMG!!! I checked the picture of the serum and I think they've changed the formula since the shape of the bottle is different too. I got mine 5 years ago Embarassed

and the ingredients' list is very short.Probably around 5 items. I'm sure not going to get the new one ... look at the amount of parabens in it too!

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 10:36 pm

Ok, I googled and here's the ingredient list for one I got:

ceramides, sphingolipids, cholesterol, tocopheryl acetate, evening primrose
oil, avocado oil, retinyl palmitate, squalane

free skin care · Wed Dec 08, 2010 10:56 pm

chloes wrote:

Ok, I googled and here's the ingredient list for one I got:

ceramides, sphingolipids, cholesterol, tocopheryl acetate, evening primrose
oil, avocado oil, retinyl palmitate, squalane

There are other products with perfecting in the name in Murad's line but the Perfecting Serum is listed at sephora also and here it is?

http://m.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P4037

MURAD
Perfecting Serum®
(11 reviews)
PRICE $62 QTY
1 oz
ITEM # 654145

what it is A velvety gel that provides a flawless, long-wearing finish alone or under makeup. more [+] ingredients & usage more [-]
Active Ingredients
Ingredients
1 oz :
Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sphingolipids, Lecithin, Glycolipids, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate USP, Squalane (derived from olives.), Retinyl Palmitate USP, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil.

But if you just check active ingredients,

Active Ingredients
-Ceramides and Lipids: Enhance skin's barrier function.
-Avocado and Evening Primrose Oils: Replenish essential moisture.
-Squalene: Derived from olives, intensely hydrates and leaves skin silky smooth.

free skin care · Thu Dec 09, 2010 4:27 pm

I use Laura Mercier primer; her method actually requires it to achieve a "flawless face". I've really gotten hooked on it the last few years and could not imagine doing my makeup without it. Yes, I think it is filled with silicones which that are damaging to the skin which is one reason I don't wear make up as much as I used to when not working.
http://www.lauramercier.com/store/content/htmlTemplate.jsp?itemCat=4stepstoflawlessface

I've also been using the L'oreal Studio Secrets primer which comes in a little jar and is applied like a balm. It's pretty amazing and maybe a little better than the LM.

free skin care · Thu Dec 09, 2010 6:41 pm

The primer I'm using is Pore Cover Mousse Starter from Holika Holika, a Korean brand, and it's pretty cool, it's like a mousse and it has a really nice smell, I really like it, and it covers my pores!!!

free skin care · Fri Dec 10, 2010 5:32 am

I've been using primer from Laura Mercier ans MAC spf.
I think I like the MAC better. Make-up looks good and you have sunscreen protection.

free skin care · Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:56 am

On makeupalley.com, a primer that is quite popular is...

Monistat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel

Apparently it is loaded with silicones and is a dupe for the Smashbox primer. I've not tried the Smashbox, but it seems to work better than the La Prairie primer that I have tried.

And it is very cheap...

(However, you must procure it from the "personal toiletries" section in the store... not to mention that the packaging is unattractive and the labeling is a bit embarrassing...)

free skin care · Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:48 pm

I've used the Monistat (I think there are a couple of threads on it here somewhere). It's actually very good.

Sat Dec 11, 2010 11:21 am

I only ever use primer when dressing for an occasion. I find that it evens out my skin tone and possibly keeps the foundation in place and lasting longer. I have ever only tried Channel after according to my friend's recommendations.
However I don't know if it does clog pores Shock

free skin care · Sat Dec 11, 2010 5:27 pm

I've been using the Monistat but its been tough to find in Canada. I thought a local drugstore could get it in (& I posted a thread to let people know!), but then was told that they tried to order more with no luck.
I read that Lanacane anti-chafing gel is the same thing, so I guess I'll see if I can find that next.

I'd never used such a thing before, but after reading about it I'm thinking about its more traditional uses. Once in a while I get a sore spot from the seam/string on my panties by my hip, or from the coin pocket on jeans, if they're too tight. This might help. Pinching bras? Also the straps on the back/ or seams on the top/ of high heels when they rub. I read that besides reducing friction it also helps heal the skin.

free skin care · Sat Dec 11, 2010 7:24 pm

I use primer. It makes my make-up glide on as well as make my skin like "baby smooth". As we grow older and "wiser", our skin pores tend to become bigger. The primer makes it smoother. However before to bed, I clean my face very well, i.e. removing make-up and use a foaming gel so as not to clog my pores. After that, I apply some moisturizers on my face and neck to bring back the moisture.

Keliu wrote:

BarefootGirl recently started a thread on foundations - so I thought I'd start one on primers.

In Napoleon Perdis' opinion, "It's a crime not to prime" - so, does everyone use a primer? I don't. I feel that by the time I've applied my serums, creams, sunscreen and foundation that there's enough goop on my skin. In addition, most primers contain silicones and I worry that they won't allow my skin to breath, especially as I live in a hot climate. Someone once told me that you should use a primer because it prevents your foundations from clogging your pores - but if that's the case, wouldn't it also seal the skin and trap perspiration.

So, who uses a primer? If so, which one? And what are the advantages of using one?

free skin care · Sat Dec 11, 2010 7:26 pm

I use a primer before putting a make-up foundation. It helps smooth my pore size. However, at the end of the day before going to bed, I remove my make-up and use a foaming gel to remove the primer and keeps my skin free of dirt and grime. After that, I put moisturizer on face and neck...

Keliu wrote:

BarefootGirl recently started a thread on foundations - so I thought I'd start one on primers.

In Napoleon Perdis' opinion, "It's a crime not to prime" - so, does everyone use a primer? I don't. I feel that by the time I've applied my serums, creams, sunscreen and foundation that there's enough goop on my skin. In addition, most primers contain silicones and I worry that they won't allow my skin to breath, especially as I live in a hot climate. Someone once told me that you should use a primer because it prevents your foundations from clogging your pores - but if that's the case, wouldn't it also seal the skin and trap perspiration.

So, who uses a primer? If so, which one? And what are the advantages of using one?

free skin care · Sun Dec 12, 2010 4:23 pm

I always use primer. I started with Smashbox. It definitely has A LOT of silicones in it. When I switched to MMU, I tried the mineral primers and ended up looking white skinned with a powder-y look. It wasn't good. I knew it was bad when my DH said something. He never notices that type of thing.

Without primer, my makeup doesn't go on as evenly and doesn't last as long. When I used to use liquid foundation (before finding primer), I used to apply a very small amount of a light moisturizer or serum just before applying the foundation. It did help some; the foundation spread much easier.

Now, my favourite primer is by Nars. It is creamier and while I'm sure there are likely silicones in it, it doesn't feel like your face is coated in a plastic cover. It acts more like a cream. Before I apply my foundation, I use a bronzer brush and apply a very small amount of the MMU primer, just to make sure that there aren't any wet spots with the nars primer. It works really well.

The primers I've used:
- Smashbox: 1st one I'd ever tried. Worked well, but not for those who don't like silicones.
- Lancome Primer: Very similar to Smashbox
- Colour FX: Have different primers depending on your skin type and whether you want anti-aging, etc. I hated this primer. It seemed fine at first, but I got lots of pimples from it. I never tried the different types. Once the pimples came, I changed brands.
- Nars Primer: Currently using. I've use this one for over a year now. I really like it and plan to stick with it. More creamy as opposed to silicone feeling.

free skin care · Mon Dec 13, 2010 11:20 am

I have enlarged pores on my cheeks, and like to use something with silicone under my makeup as it seems to reduce the appearance of my pores. In general, I don't use things called primers, as they're usually just expensive bottles of silicone with no added benefits...however, lots of serums use silicone as a delivery for actives of one sort or another, so I usually opt to use a product that has some other benefits.

During summer I opt for MD Skincare all over blemish solution, which contains salicylic acid and has oil-controlling properties.

During winter I walk a fine line between combination-oily, and flaky parched desert. I'm currently using the all over blemish solution blended with moisturizer and a few drops of skin oil to up the moisture level, but I'm on the lookout for a different serum, maybe with some anti-inflammatory properties for the harsh cold months ahead.

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