Up until a few months ago, I wasn't a primer-wearer at all. In fact, I don't think I even owned more than one for awhile, and I rarely used that one anyway. I don't know what changed, but now I'm all about prepping my skin for makeup not only with skincare, but also a good primer.
THE ONE THAT'S SKINCARE | I have a few that are skincare, but the most skincare-y of all is the Onomie Powerful Priming Serum* (review). I use this as my serum step in the morning and it really helps to perk up and hydrate the skin. It has a subtle shimmer in it as well that gives the skin a lovely glow. Over time, I have noticed skincare benefits such as smoother and more even skin.
THE DEWY ONES | The other two that are more like skincare products than primers are the Glossier Priming Moisturizer and Priming Moisturizer Rich* (review). They both work really well to plump up the skin and majorly diminish redness, so choosing one just depends on your skin's needs. The original Priming Moisturizer is a thinner lotion that feels cooling and soothing on the skin, while the new Rich version is thicker and more hydrating. I actually love using the Rich as my day cream and then following up with the original moisturizer as my primer a few minutes later - dewiest. skin. ever. You can get 20% off your first Glossier order by shopping with me here.
THE GLOWY ONE | I'm not exactly sure where the line between dewy and glowy is, but the Becca Backlight Priming Filter is for sure on the glowy side. As the name suggests, it gives the skin a beautiful, lit-from-within glow that doesn't read as too "disco ball." This is one I reach for without fail after a late night - if my skin is feeling particularly dull and dehydrated, I'll mix it in with the Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich.
THE PLUMPING ONE | The Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer is the one that got me back into primers. I picked it up in the Sephora VIB Sale and promptly fell in love with it. It's a thin lotion consistency, like the Priming Moisturizer, but it somehow plumps and smooths out my skin even more. It just makes my skin feel so pillow-y and moisturized, and this one in particular really prolongs the wear of my foundation.
THE BLURRING ONE | My latest primer obsession is the Milk Makeup Blur Stick (review). It really does everything it says, blurring pores and fine lines and controlling excess oil. It somehow also really evens out my skintone despite being clear, so it's basically just magic. I love that it's oil- and silicone-free, so it hasn't been breaking me out. This is the first blurring and smoothing primer that I've been able to use without breaking out in painful cystic spots around my nose.
THE CALMING ONE | The Cover FX Calming Primer is the latest addition to my stash of primers, but it's already been well-loved. Like the name suggests, it calms the skin down using skincare ingredients like Endothelyol and St. John's Wort. If I'm having an especially stressful day, this one is perfect as it instantly soothes my flushed skin. I like using this one on no-makeup days on its own, too, just to even out my skintone without adding any coverage. The consistency, again, is a lightweight cream that sinks into the skin beautifully.
What's your favorite primer?
