For so long I’d heard so much about how I had to wear a primer if I wanted my makeup to look good and last all day. Being the sceptic that I am, I just assumed it was yet another useless product that someone was trying to sell me. It wasn’t until I tried a sample of one in my GlossyBox that I knew I’d been missing out. So, heres a list of some of my favorites!
Boots No7 Colour Calming Primer- I love this one because it hides any kind of redness, whether it’s sunburn or blemishes.
Mally Perfect Prep Poreless Primer- Love this one! Just be sure to use something other than your fingers to scoop it out of the pot so you don’t contaminate it.
OC Eight- This one is pretty tough to find, but even on the hottest days of summer my makeup doesn’t move at all. I only apply it to my t-zone and then wait about five minutes for it to dry before I put on my makeup.
Benefit Stay Flawless Primer-Just like almost every other Benefit product, this primer works amazingly well! It’s super thick, so just be sure to apply your makeup with your fingers or a BeautyBlender sponge instead of a brush.
SmashBox Photo Finish Light- I feel like SmashBox is the Holy Grail of primers and a lot of other people agree because it has won pretty much every award there is to win!
HourGlass Self-Tanning Primer- This is the only one that I haven’t tried, but have been hearing really good things about it. I’m a sucker for anything self tanning, so let me know if any of you have tried this one!
What are your favorites? Let me know of any that I need to try!
Jessie Springer says
I use Laura Mercier Radiance and absolutely love it!
Jessie
jessieholmesspringer.com
Rachel says
My absolute favorite primer is Veil Mineral Primer by Hourglass (http://www.sephora.com/veil-mineral-primer-spf-15-P210575). It’s expensive but WELL worth the money! It is far better than any other make-up product I’ve used!
Annette says
One that works really well for me is the present primer by philosophy! Others make my makeup slide off! Emily, I bought your Carly necklace and I love it!!!!! Annette
Tara Monahan says
GlossyBox??? Interesting! Just looked at their site. Is subscribing worth it, Emily?
emily maynard says
I love it!
Cayla Wamsley says
Emily, have you heard about the Wantable box where you can try makeup or accessories? I ordered my first accessories box last week and I am so excited to see what they send me. I thought you might be interested in it! I love using makeup primer…especially during our hot southern summers! 🙂
LOVE the Smashbox Photo Finish Light! It works like a charm and doesn’t break me out, it’s definitely a holy grail product!!
xo,
http://www.sincerelymissashley.blogspot.ca
Instagram @sincerelymissash
Kimberly says
Hi Emily! Which one would you recommend for oily skin to help absorb the oil throughout the day?
Kristen says
You have to try the La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen! It has sunscreen in it and my foundation on top of it is always perfect for the whole day! It is the greatest primer product out there. I love it 🙂
Sarah Galloway says
Just subscribed to GlossyBox, so excited:) I’ve been researching primers so this was perfect timing!
Kena Thompson says
My absolute must have make up product is primer. I use Arbonne’s primer, its about $35 and is silky smooth. My make up looks flawless after I put this on and my skin feels smooth and soft.
Tanya says
I love your blog 🙂 I must admit, I do not use many skin products. Although I want to change this to take better care of my skin! I am hoping to find a product to use in the morning that provides protection from UVs etc. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you so much xo Tan and Shy
Lisa Goetting says
Hi Emily I love love your blog! To answer your questuon, my fave face primer is L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base (http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/face/primer/studio-secrets-professional-magic-perfecting-base.aspx) It feels like velvet and keeps makeup on even with my oily skin.
Recently I started using L’Oreal Youth Code BB Cream and it acts as my “primer” under foundation, on days when I need more coverage. BB Cream is also awesome for coverage and adds illumination, have you tried it?
Emily says
Emily I’m not positive if you actually take the suggestions from our comments, but I have an amazing primer everyone should really try! Laura Gellar has my favorite primer by far. I work part-time at Sephora and we don’t carry her line so I go out of my way to buy it! It’s around $30 not the cheapest for a primer but so worth it. They have sample sizes at ulta if you’re not ready to fully commit! It is clear and makes your skin feel wonderful all day it has a lot of vitamin E in it and aloe. But you’re so right Smashbox is one of the best by far. And has primers for different skin problems! Top seller.
Love you’re beauty posts Em, thanks!
Joseph says
Faith,
Hope, and most importantly,
E
M
I
Love
You.
Taylor says
Emily, what do you think is the best foundation for oily skin? Thanks.
emily maynard says
I really like Makeup Forever Matte Makeup.. or try Ben Nye Banana Powder over whatever you’re already using 🙂
Emily Miller says
Do you apply your primer over bare skin or moisturizer? I prefer over moisturizer because my skin is on the drier side, and I can get the SPF on that way, but I’m not sure if primer needs to be on bare skin to work properly. Thank you!
emily maynard says
I always let my moisturizer sit for acouple minutes and then apply my primer.
Emily says
Emily I got the Cerave am lotion you recommended and i love it! It doesn’t have that horrible smell sunscreen normally does it’s perfect! You always have the best recommendations. I feel like without you I’d be so lost haha !
Briana says
The primer from Arbonne is fabulous! I have tried so many different ones, and no matter what, my makeup is always off less than halfway through the day because of my oily skin. With Arbonne’s primer, my makeup is still on perfectly when I get home from work. I love all of their products.
Kelsey says
Step 4 of the Unblemish regimen by Rodan & Fields is the best primer I have EVER used! It is just oil control lotion, but I also use it as a primer and it is absolutely the best! I have tried smash box and TONS of other brands. This stuff beats them out most definitely!!!
Ihrie says
I love Beautycounter’s Every Day AM Hydrating cream! It has primer in it, so it’s perfect to apply before make up! The best part is that it is made with pure botanicals and it’s paraben free!
http://www.iwood.beautycounter.com
Heather says
LOVE Benefit primer!!!!!! Amazing!!!!! It makes ur skin look flawless!! Thanks for sharing…you Rock!!!!
Xxoo
Heather
Kandra McConaughey says
When it comes to primers ~ my favorite is Younique’s Glorious Face & Eye Primer!!! It creates a flawless canvas as it evens out the skin’s texture, and primes and prepares the skin for premium application of mineral makeup. The resulting appearance is porcelain-perfect, velvety-soft skin with incredible long-wearing, sweat-resistant coverage of mineral makeup that lasts all day. Ingredients are naturally based, free of parabens, oils, synthetic fragrances, and cheap fillers. Suitable for all skin types. It really feels great on your skin!!! Definitely worth a try along with other AMAZING Younique products. http://www.9MileLashes.com