topic Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question. in Beauty

To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

Rachb — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:55:38 GMT

With liquid foundation??? I always prime with powder foundation, which is what I typically wear. But now I'm exploring liquid foundations and I just don't feel like my usual primers (bareminerals cc, bareminerals neutralizing, benefit porefessional) would be the right base for a liquid foundation. Do you prime under liquid foundation, and if yes, what is your preferred primer?

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

author — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:59:35 GMT

I wore Bare Minerals thru my hot years and used Smashbox primer. Powder foundation did not work well without a primer. When I was a bit older and realized powders accentuated aging on my fair skin I switched to liquid foundation and found that they applied better and lasted longer WITHOUT primers. But that's just my experience, and I'm glad I eliminated a step.

The new foundations are so nice, and I really wanted their beneficial ingredients to reach my skin! Right now I am trying the new Estee Lauder Doublewear Ready-to-Go and love it.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

ValuSkr — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:59:53 GMT

Women working on their faces are like a builder working on a project - primer, spackle, etc.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

Rachb — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:06:21 GMT

I'm asking specifically about primer with liquid foundation. I'm set on my powder foundation routine.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

tototwo — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:08:39 GMT

Yes! I realize everyone's complexion is different, but for me, I need a primer for my oily skin to keep my foundation fresh all day. One day last week I was in a big hurry, running late, so I just slapped on my usual foundation without primer -- within 2 hours, my foundation had "melted" off my face and I looked pale and greasy. Not a good look.

Primer also smooths out pores and some can even out skin tone. I use one primer (Skinn) that is slightly tinted and brightening -- for days when I want a little 'oomph' to my complexion. I use a different colorless waxy primer (the old Mally in a tube) on other days. So there are different primers, depending on what effect you're going for.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

Iwantcoffee — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:13:43 GMT

I wear liquid or cream foundation and I do not use a primer. I do have sunscreen on and in winter a moisturizer too. You could use a primer on half your face and see if there is any difference. For some a primer will make an difference. for better or worse, and for others it will not.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:16:02 GMT

Hi @Rachb. I always use a primer first, no matter what kind of foundation is going on top. My go-to is Missha BB Boomer.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

River Song — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:21:39 GMT

It depends on the liquid foundation formulation. A lot of the newer liquid foundations have a primer built into the formula and a separate primer is not really necessary unless you have issues you are trying to correct. It's trial and error.

I do know that the L'Oreal True Match liquid foundation needs a primer before application for a smooth finish. I didn't like this foundation at all until I applied one of the Laura Geller Spackle primers first.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

HappyDaze — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:26:54 GMT

I've never felt primer did anything for me for either powder or liquid foundation. I suppose it depends on the type of skin you have and the foundation itself (if it is not long lasting, etc). I have never had a problem with any foundation disappearing after awhile or large pores or anything like that so perhaps that is why I don't need one. I am happy I don't need one either- one less step and one less expense I don't want!

Since we are all different and have different skin types and skin needs, the only way you will know if you need one is if you try it yourself. Try your liquid foundation with and without and see if you notice a difference.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

2blonde — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:29:05 GMT

Being older, my skin isn't as oily as it used to be. I confess to using serums and pretty heavy moisturizer before applying makeup. For this reason, it already feels like I have enough on my face before makeup. I prefer a light coating of IT Celebration Illumination powder foundation. It gives me the freshest non-cakey look I've found. I do use a concealer under the foundation on specific areas where I've developed redness and brown spots. I just can't stand the feel of anything on my face, so liquid foundations aren't my favorites (besides, I'm always in a hurry in the a.m.).

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

sunshine45 — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:33:40 GMT

i always use primer with liquid foundation. my preferred primers are from smashbox......the original, the green, and the spray. i tend to have an oily face with a few dry spots and my overall look just looks better when i use a primer. i feel like the liquid foundations are "sinking into my skin" if i dont use a primer. they leave that smooth layer that i can build on.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

butterflygirl69 — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:47:54 GMT

I use IT CC cream and usually use a primer under it. Depends on how much of hurry I am in the morning. It's ok wihtout it, but I do notice better wear when I do use a primer.

I alternate between Laura Geller Spackle and IT primer.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

151949 — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 16:08:06 GMT

I have been using original spackle since she first came to QVC with it. I do think it makes your MU last longer - be it powder or liquid foundation. I use both - on my everyday face I just use powder but when I get more dressed up I use liquid and I like spackle under both.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

ChynnaBlue — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 16:17:28 GMT

It depends on the foundation I'm using. If it doesn't need one and it's a normal day, I don't use a primer. If the foundation looks better with a primer or I'm going to an event and really need my makeup to last, I will use a primer. I prefer the thicker primers with dimethicone. Bare Minerals works well for me. I also like L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base, which worked well for me when I was in a wedding party. I have some illuminating primers, but they don't really prime well, so I tend to mix them into my foundation instead of using them as primers.

Most day I mix my own tinted moisturizer by mixing my moisturizer with a drop of foundation and a small drop of illuminating primer. For that I like the L'Oreal Magic Lumi primer or the Burberry Fresh Glow primer. Becca Cosmetics has a new primer out that I think would also work well for that.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

chiclet — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 00:00:25 GMT

I think it is hard to find the right combination of moisturizer, primer and foundation that all plays well together. I really don't use a moisturizer under it all but with a powder foundation it feels better to use a primer.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

JustJazzmom — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 00:30:43 GMT

For liquid and powder foundation I use Lancome La Base Pro which is a silicone based primer w/o moisturizer. They also make one with moisturizer.

I notice when no primer is used, the powder and liquid settle into the fine lines and of course emphasize them.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

Jacie — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 00:50:42 GMT

I always use primer, even with IT CC Cream. Everything just looks better with it. My favorites are Smashbox or Mally. My face "stays" longer and colors don't fade. When skin reaches a certain age, it's a must!

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

Rachb — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 13:43:35 GMT

I've got a sample of Spackle. I think I'll try it today under my favorite liquid foundation.

Re: To prime or not to prime? That is the question.

shoekitty — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 03:17:41 GMT

I hate primer, and will never use it.! I don't even like the feel of foundation (but I do love NFF) I am 68, and it is perricone, moisurizer and NFF for me. That said, I do know ladies that use it, and they look very good. On some women it gives them that smooth, flawless complexion look.