topic Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions! in Beauty

Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 13:20:31 GMT

I have been wanting to try a primer for under my foundation but just didn't know what kind to purchase.

I just purchased one by Almay --- it is the one which has the green and lilac colored swirls in it. I thought this might be good since I do have redness to my cheeks and broken caps, etc. This one does have some moisturizing properties to it.

What I want to ask is --- do I have to wear moisturizer under the primer since it already has moisturizer in it? I am afraid if I keep layering things on my skin - moisurizer, primer, then foundation, then concealer, then powder, then blush, etc, that i will get more milia!!!

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Is there a different kind of primer I should use instead that might not cause more milia? I have very sensitve skin and cannot do anything with fragrance or harsh ingredients.

Thank you very much for your advice!!!

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

piperbay — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 13:54:47 GMT

The formula that works for me is to use Moistruizer + Primer + Foundation. I am trying to avoid milia too. What has been a big help to me is to use Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid. QVC used to sell this in a big bottle, now it doesn't. But this will help keep the pores from being clogged. I would avoid products with Mineral Oil in them too. My favorite primer is Velvet Skin Coat by DHC Skincare,. I also like Say Yes to Cucumbers Sensitive Moisturizer.

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

qvcaddition — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 14:01:36 GMT

@piperbay

@piperbay wrote:
The formula that works for me is to use Moistruizer + Primer + Foundation. I am trying to avoid milia too. What has been a big help to me is to use Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid. QVC used to sell this in a big bottle, now it doesn't. But this will help keep the pores from being clogged. I would avoid products with Mineral Oil in them too. My favorite primer is Velvet Skin Coat by DHC Skincare,. I also like Say Yes to Cucumbers Sensitive Moisturizer.

Love DHCPrimer, but the tube for 20.00 was so small. I use Mally primer in big jar. Does DHC come in larger size?

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

Dusty1 — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 14:12:23 GMT

I'm sorry, but you asked, & I do have an opinion on primers.

Primers are not magic. Every blog, magazine & SA at a beauty counter will give the answer to any question ..."Oh you need a primer.".

A few years ago the answer was "Oh you need a toner.".

1. It is all trial & error to see what works for you & your skin & it is a PAIN! And, can be expensive. And, so very frustrating. Especially with skin like mine that breaks out from every other thing.

2, Get your skincare right. Moisture, oil control, sunscreen, whatever you need. Maybe for your skin the moisture in the Almay Primer is all that you need. The are just ingredients in a product. Try it by itself & if that is all you need don't worry about the product being a "primer" & not labeled as a "moisturizer".

Make sure that you have a cleanser (or 2 cleansers-I use argan oil to break down makeup & PTR Rose Stem Cell Cleanser) that is breaking down makeup/skincare & cleaning your skin, but not drying it out.

3. I'm pretty sure that the Almay Primer is sheer & will not give you much color correction, but it is really pretty in that bottle. So if you really want color correction/coverage you may have to add something else. Concealer, foundation, powder, etc to get the look that you want.

Good luck & let us know what you think of the Almay.

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

Katcat1 — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 14:17:48 GMT

@AngelPuppy1, When I wear primer, I always use my moisturizer first and then the primer. Only use a little placing dots on both cheeks, chin and forehead. I can't remember the last time I used a primer. I have it (Laura Mercier samples) but I just forget to use it. I never got Milia from using the moisturizer & primer together & I use a tinted moisturizer.

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

vermint — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 14:23:37 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 If the primer has some moisturizer in it, you may not need another one. I know for me, in the summer when my skin is even oilier, I just spray on some WEN Replenishing Treatment Mist, smooth it in and then apply primer once it's dry (just a few seconds later). Sometimes I need a bit more moisture in the winter, so I mix just a dab of a cream moisturizer in my hand with the spray. I use Laura Geller Spackle. This routine has never caused my skin any problems. I'm 62, if that matters.

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

wagirl — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 14:33:37 GMT

I use primer--when I remember to--but I use it OVER my other skincare. Let your serums, moisturizers dry well then apply the primer. It will help keep all those good things into your skin. I like Laura Gellers spackle, Smashbox has a great primer too. Right now I am using Skinn line fill, which is a primer. Seems to make whatever foundation,liquid or powder, go on smoother. I heard Laura G say to appy her spackle on after your nighttime skincare as it will help keep it on your face and not rub off on your pillow case--tried it and it works well . Also--go to e$bay and buy samples of a few primers, instead of paying so much $$ and hating it. I do this all the time.

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

piperbay — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 14:53:34 GMT

@qvcadditionThere is only one size primer and it is expensive. There is one month that is goes on sale though and I can't remember which month.

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:04:43 GMT

@piperbay wrote:
The formula that works for me is to use Moistruizer + Primer + Foundation. I am trying to avoid milia too. What has been a big help to me is to use Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid. QVC used to sell this in a big bottle, now it doesn't. But this will help keep the pores from being clogged. I would avoid products with Mineral Oil in them too. My favorite primer is Velvet Skin Coat by DHC Skincare,. I also like Say Yes to Cucumbers Sensitive Moisturizer.

@piperbay

I appreciate your advice. I have Rosacea and can't use BHA and those type of things. So, this is why I try and watch what I slather on my face! I asked my derm. if he could prescribe a mild retonoid (sp) and he said --- no, your skin is too sensitive.

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:07:39 GMT

@Dusty1 wrote:
I'm sorry, but you asked, & I do have an opinion on primers.
Primers are not magic. Every blog, magazine & SA at a beauty counter will give the answer to any question ..."Oh you need a primer.".
A few years ago the answer was "Oh you need a toner.".
1. It is all trial & error to see what works for you & your skin & it is a PAIN! And, can be expensive. And, so very frustrating. Especially with skin like mine that breaks out from every other thing.
2, Get your skincare right. Moisture, oil control, sunscreen, whatever you need. Maybe for your skin the moisture in the Almay Primer is all that you need. The are just ingredients in a product. Try it by itself & if that is all you need don't worry about the product being a "primer" & not labeled as a "moisturizer".
Make sure that you have a cleanser (or 2 cleansers-I use argan oil to break down makeup & PTR Rose Stem Cell Cleanser) that is breaking down makeup/skincare & cleaning your skin, but not drying it out.
3. I'm pretty sure that the Almay Primer is sheer & will not give you much color correction, but it is really pretty in that bottle. So if you really want color correction/coverage you may have to add something else. Concealer, foundation, powder, etc to get the look that you want.
Good luck & let us know what you think of the Almay.

@Dusty1

Oh, no, that's o.k. I don't expect miracles! I wish!!! LOL. The Almay doesn't really have much color to it so I don't know if I will keep it or not.

I am on the fence about primers. I am just looking for something to give my face a smoother look and to have my foundation look better.

I am going through things with aging and my skin and am just trying to find a routine which I am content with!

At my age, I know I will never look 21 again or even close! I just want to look as good as I can!

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:09:16 GMT

@Katcat1 wrote:
@AngelPuppy1, When I wear primer, I always use my moisturizer first and then the primer. Only use a little placing dots on both cheeks, chin and forehead. I can't remember the last time I used a primer. I have it (Laura Mercier samples) but I just forget to use it. I never got Milia from using the moisturizer & primer together & I use a tinted moisturizer.

@Katcat1

Thank you! I do want simple things but I am willing to add the extra step if it helps me to look a bit better!

I don't know if the answer is a primer, a different type of foundation or a different kind of finishing powder or an illimunator or what! I am just trying to figure it out!!!

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:10:42 GMT

@vermint wrote:
@AngelPuppy1 If the primer has some moisturizer in it, you may not need another one. I know for me, in the summer when my skin is even oilier, I just spray on some WEN Replenishing Treatment Mist, smooth it in and then apply primer once it's dry (just a few seconds later). Sometimes I need a bit more moisture in the winter, so I mix just a dab of a cream moisturizer in my hand with the spray. I use Laura Geller Spackle. This routine has never caused my skin any problems. I'm 62, if that matters.

@vermint

Thank you for your input! I am 65 and I don't have wrinkles, just a few fine lines in the key spots --- between eyes, around nose, sides of mouth --- the usual.

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:11:28 GMT

@wagirl wrote:
I use primer--when I remember to--but I use it OVER my other skincare. Let your serums, moisturizers dry well then apply the primer. It will help keep all those good things into your skin. I like Laura Gellers spackle, Smashbox has a great primer too. Right now I am using Skinn line fill, which is a primer. Seems to make whatever foundation,liquid or powder, go on smoother. I heard Laura G say to appy her spackle on after your nighttime skincare as it will help keep it on your face and not rub off on your pillow case--tried it and it works well . Also--go to e$bay and buy samples of a few primers, instead of paying so much $$ and hating it. I do this all the time.

@wagirl

Thank you for your advice. I guess with everything, it's trial and error!

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

SilleeMee — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:14:29 GMT

Generally speaking, primers themselves do not cause milia. What may cause milia are the silicones found in many of the primers. To avoid this possibility then look for primers that do not contain silicones.

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:29:57 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
Generally speaking, primers themselves do not cause milia. What may cause milia are the silicones found in many of the primers. To avoid this possibility then look for primers that do not contain silicones.

@SilleeMee

Thanks. I didn't know what caused milia exactly, except that if you use heavy products, or lots of them, you are more prone to getting it. I will try and do a search and see if I can find any without silicones.

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

SilleeMee — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:32:55 GMT

I believe the Almay primer you bought does contain some silicones. @AngelPuppy1

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

suzyQ3 — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:11:58 GMT

@AngelPuppy1, there is no evidence that silicones cause milia. In fact, the most common causes listed are damage from the sun and or any other kind of trauma to the skin.

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

SilleeMee — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 20:24:41 GMT

@suzyQ3 wrote:
@AngelPuppy1, there is no evidence that silicones cause milia. In fact, the most common causes listed are damage from the sun and or any other kind of trauma to the skin.

But don't you think silicones may compound the problem by coating the skin and not allowing for the natural sloughing off of the milia? Seems that silicones just cover up the problem, making it worse, regardless of the actual cause of the milia. @suzyQ3

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

suzyQ3 — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 22:43:00 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
@suzyQ3 wrote:
@AngelPuppy1, there is no evidence that silicones cause milia. In fact, the most common causes listed are damage from the sun and or any other kind of trauma to the skin.
But don't you think silicones may compound the problem by coating the skin and not allowing for the natural sloughing off of the milia? Seems that silicones just cover up the problem, making it worse, regardless of the actual cause of the milia. @suzyQ3

@SilleeMee, the properties of silicone are interesting and are the reason they are used in so many products and even in the field of medicine (excellent for scarring).

Their molecular property makes them both porous yet resistant -- but not impermeable. That's evident, in part, by their fluid and silky texture, which is virtually impossible to duplicate.

There is, though, an environmental concern regarding three commonly used silicones that might be harmful to aquatic animals. But no study has shown anything but positive results in humans.

Here's one of the easiest explanations as to how silicones work, from Paula Begoun's Cosmetic Dictionary. The information is available elsewhere as well:

The unique fluid properties of silicone give it a great deal of slip, and in its various forms it can feel like silk on skin, impart emollience, and be a water-binding agent that holds up well, even when skin becomes wet. The research about silicones have proven them to be superior scar-healing ingredients, soothing agents, non-irritating, and uniquely effective delivery and suspending agents for a wide range of cosmetic ingredients.

There are numerous forms of silicones used in cosmetic products, particularly leave-on skincare products and all manner of hair-care products. Common forms of silicone are cyclopentasiloxane and cyclohexasiloxane; other forms include various types of dimethicone and phenyl trimethicone.

Claims that silicones in any form cause or worsen skin concerns have not been substantiated in any published research, nor have reports that silicones are sensitizing to or somehow “suffocate” skin. In fact, just the opposite is true which makes the misinformation difficult to understand. Almost all of the claims about silicones being problematic for skin are apparently myths or based on anecdotal evidence.

Because of silicone’s unique molecular properties, they are at the same time porous and resistant though not impermeable to air. Think of silicones in a skincare formula like the covering of a tea bag. When you steep the tea bag in water the tea and all of its antioxidant properties are released into the water. Silicones remain on the surface of your skin and the other ingredients it’s mixed with “steep” through. All ingredients must be suspended in some base formula; some of the ingredients remain on the surface, some are absorbed. The intent is for the “actives” to get through. The special molecular structure of silicones (large molecules with wide spaces between each molecule) allows them to form a permeable barrier and also explains why silicones rarely feel heavy or occlusive, although they still offer protection against moisture loss.

Interestingly, silicone has been shown to be helpful for offsetting dryness and flaking from common ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide.

Bottom line: The types of silicones used in cosmetic products are supported by scientific research and are considered safe for consumer use. These types of cosmetic silicones are effective, inert, and versatile ingredients that benefit skin and hair in numerous ways.

References for this information:
International Journal of Pharmaceuticals, March 2017, pages 158-162
Molecular Therapy, June 2017, pages 1342-1352
Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Global, December 2016, e1183
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, December 2016, pages 13-20
Frontiers in Pharmacology, May 2015, ePublication
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, May-June 2015, pages 223-230
International Journal of Toxicology, May-June 2013, pages 5S-24S
Dermatology Research and Practice, October 2010, ePublication Cutis, October 2008, pages 218-284
http://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/category/antiaging/34408409.html

Re: Primers - Just purchased a new one and I have some questions!

AngelPuppy1 — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 12:24:30 GMT

I appreciate all the posts and comments. I am clueless. Reading the information here about primers and whether silcones are harmeful or not???

I was all set to return the Almay Primer. Then, I decided to try it for a few more days. I had initially been using a bit -- not a lot --- on my cheeks, nose and chin -- the areas of some redness. But -- I was kind of rubbing it on like moisturizer. Yesterday, I sort of just smoothed it on, not really rubbing it in and allowing it to set longer. It seemed like this did produce a more favorable result. Although I am still on the fence. I will use for a couple more days and then I will decide whether to keep this one or search for another one without silicone.

Thanks. everyone, for all your good tips!