topic Re: Need help finding a good primer. in Beauty

Need help finding a good primer.

GNB1965 — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 11:58:46 GMT

I have tried many different primers.
Mally, Laura Gellar, Smash box and Bare Minerals.
It seems that even if I apply just a little, wait for a few minutes before I apply my foundation.... primer balls up and I look worse than if I didn't use primer at all.
I'm 51, combination skin and have a few fine lines. Any suggestions?

UPDATE******

I think part of the problem is that almost all the primers I've tried are silicone-based.

I only use a very light moisturizer for oily skin, and I use it sparingly.

I cleanse each morning in the shower with Philosopy Micro face wash, and use my Clarisonic at night, so I don't think exfoliation is the problem.

I'd really like to find a primer without silicone.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

Darlene G — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 02:16:23 GMT

I have found that Mary Kay works well for me and like you I have combination skin.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

River Song — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 02:22:14 GMT

If you are using an acid product, like a BHA toner, prior to applying the primer, this can sometimes cause the primer to ball up when you apply foundation. Also, some sunscreens do not play nice with primers. It can be tricky trying to find the perfect combination of moisturizer-sunscreen-primer-foundation.

I have an oily t-zone and have good luck using CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream (moisturizer and spf) and Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer. I use L'Oreal True Match liquid foundation which does not have a built-in primer in the formulation so I must use a primer. I've tried high end and drugstore primers and frankly, the drugstore primers are just as good as the high end ones.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

gramygram — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 02:39:26 GMT

I agree with river song some products that have spf do not work well with primers. She recommended a good one. Others on YouTube also recommend NYX primer

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

Kabella — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 11:49:44 GMT

@ Could be a few reason why its balling up. If your using a rich moisturizer that does not sink into your skin then apply a primer, that will cause it to ball up, it happened to me. Since your oily in the T zone use a mattifying primer in that area. Could be you need more exfoliation. Try using less moisturizer & pat in in to your skin, let that set well. Then pat on your primer sparingly. You maybe be using too much product. Try using a beauty blender to apply your foundation by patting it on. Some spf's will cause the problem.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

Iwantcoffee — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 12:31:38 GMT

My advise would be to skip the primer. Primers are not necessary.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

Kabella — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 12:39:43 GMT

@GNB1965 I can reco. a very sheer primer. Its Hard Candy Sheer Envy. Sold at Walmart for 8.00...it similar to Smashbox but much much lighter on the skin. I switch up both products.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

151949 — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 12:39:53 GMT

I have been using Spackle since it was first brought to the Q. I have never had the experience the OP describes. I believe the OP is using way too much. I use a dot about the size of a peanut.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

GNB1965 — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 11:41:46 GMT

Before I applied my primer, I apply a very light oil-free moisturizer. I believe the problem to be that I have chosen silicone-based primers. That is what makes them ball up and roll off. I'm searching specifically for a non silicone based primer I don't like the consistency of it and the ones that I have tried don't do anything to minimize fine lines and pores.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

Shanus — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 12:39:31 GMT

Primers add another step to the morning makeup routine. ALL of my BB moisturizers have built in primers. One step saved.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

tototwo — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 11:57:05 GMT

Maybe it's not your primer, but what you layer under it. Too many layers or some thick creams will ball-up, and some products just don't mix well. I've used several different primers and have never had a problem with any of them balling up. But I don't apply lots of product layers either.

@Iwantcoffee - some of us think primers are necessary and our foundation looks fresher all day with a primer. Personal preference.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

PurpleBunny — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 20:08:34 GMT

@ironsister wrote:
I have tried many different primers.
Mally, Laura Gellar, Smash box and Bare Minerals.
It seems that even if I apply just a little, wait for a few minutes before I apply my foundation.... primer balls up and I look worse than if I didn't use primer at all.
I'm 51, combination skin and have a few fine lines. Any suggestions?

My favorite is Benefit Porefessionals Primer.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

GNB1965 — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 12:05:01 GMT

I think part of the problem is that almost all the primers I've tried are silicone-based.

I only use a very light moisturizer for oily skin, and I use it sparingly.

I cleanse each morning in the shower with Philosopy Micro face wash, and use my Clarisonic at night, so I don't think exfoliation is the problem.

I'd really like to find a primer without silicone.

The only layer under the primer would be light oil free moisturizer, and a light eye cream, both applied after I shower. If I were to apply primer before makeup, it would be at least 15 minutes after that...

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

Kabella — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 16:13:23 GMT

@GNB1965 Your not using too much product but apparently you have a problem with silicone primer. I would suggest trying TooFaced Hangover which has no cones. You can get a sample at Ulta. If you want to try a higher end product, Marc Jacobs sold at Sephora. HTH you Google some reviews too!

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

ccassaday — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 16:15:13 GMT

I just ordered the IT spa serum primer. I would have to look but I don't think it has silicone. The too faced mentioned above might be a good option also.

Re: Need help finding a good primer.

robinelson — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 01:55:08 GMT

I have Gellers (several varieties), IT, Bare Minerals and I use them all however the very best is Mally's pink jar. Excellent in every way. Works for me, I totally believe in primer.