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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,091
Registered: ‎02-26-2012

Question regarding Primer + Foundation application

[ Edited ]

Yesterday one of my DIL came over to do my hair and makeup for a fancy thing my husband and attended. My DIL put on primer and then immediately put on my foundation. She said my foundation was too light for my skin and that is why those little white spots show in my pores. She added a bit of a darker color BB cream I had and then those blasted little white spots were no longer visible.

 

So my question to the experts ...

1) do you all suggest applying foundation immediately after primer?

2) is that true about my foundation being too light and that's why you can see those white spots in the pores?

 

Thanks

"What we practice daily is what we build a life on. Practice peace, love & kindness."
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,416
Registered: ‎02-14-2017

Re: Question regarding Primer + Foundation application

I let my primer set for a few minutes before I apply my foundation.  I usually apply my primer, then brush my teeth and then do my foundation.  I don't know about those white spots, but I wore foundation that was too light for years. 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,050
Registered: ‎03-15-2021

Re: Question regarding Primer + Foundation application

[ Edited ]

I apply primer, but then I wait a few minutes before applying my foundation. I like to give the primer time to set so that it does not mix with the foundation. They need to be two separate layers.

 

Experiment and do what works best for you and your skin type. It sounds like you need a color match for your foundation. If you have a higher end store in your area like Nordstrom, Neiman's, or Saks Fifth Avenue they will have representatives paid by the cosmetic company who can give you great pointers and match your color. They know the products much better than sales associates at a middle of the mall store. Higher end stores carry affordable cosmetics like Clinique to name one. Look around, choose a company that appeals to you, then ask to speak to the company rep.

 

 

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,847
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

Re: Question regarding Primer + Foundation application

I usually wait a minute or two before applying foundation.  I don't know about the white spots, but I do know they were lessened when I changed my primer, and they're really only visible if I'm looking in a magifying mirror with my readers on, and who is going to get that close to me to see it?  I do know that, of all the foundations I have tried, the one I'm currently using is the best match to my skin.  For me, it's very important that you can't see a color change at my hairline.  Might not be an issue if you have thick hair.  All others I've tried are too yellow.  And, regrettably, it seems to be the one color of foundation that often doesn't have a match in other foundations, at least according to Sephora's matching service.  There have been other foundations I've been interested in trying, but no match is found.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 26,583
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

Re: Question regarding Primer + Foundation application

Normally I apply the primer, wait a short bit, then proceed with my foundation.  I have, however, when pressed for time, mixed my primer and BB cream together to save time.  I figured it was ok since there are bb & cc creams out there that have primer in them. 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,091
Registered: ‎02-26-2012

Re: Question regarding Primer + Foundation application


@Icegoddess wrote:

I usually wait a minute or two before applying foundation.  I don't know about the white spots, but I do know they were lessened when I changed my primer, and they're really only visible if I'm looking in a magifying mirror with my readers on, and who is going to get that close to me to see it?  I do know that, of all the foundations I have tried, the one I'm currently using is the best match to my skin.  For me, it's very important that you can't see a color change at my hairline.  Might not be an issue if you have thick hair.  All others I've tried are too yellow.  And, regrettably, it seems to be the one color of foundation that often doesn't have a match in other foundations, at least according to Sephora's matching service.  There have been other foundations I've been interested in trying, but no match is found.


@Icegoddess 

Your way of color matching is pretty much what I do as well, w/ the hairline and my jaw line. By this time of year I have zero color left from the bit of suntan I manage to get in the summer, even w/ wearing sunscreen. I personally thought my color match was perfect, but I could see those little pin size white spots on my upper cheeks. Yes, I was looking in a high mag mirror, but my DIL saw them too when she was very close to my face.

 

Re the primer, I did wait a few minutes after putting on primer to put on a bb cream or foundation. I was just surprised when DIL didn't wait at all.

 

I think I will play w/ adding a bit of color to my existing foundation as I really do think it's perfect shade right now, except for my cheeks. I really hate the look of a too dark foundation.

"What we practice daily is what we build a life on. Practice peace, love & kindness."
Honored Contributor
Posts: 40,858
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

Re: Question regarding Primer + Foundation application

[ Edited ]

You can see "white dots" b/c that's where the foundation, which is too light,  is settling/pooling into the pores. If you're not using the correct shade then your foundation will end up showing all imperfections including pores, lines, wrinkles and dry skin. Primers will help make that all smooth so it won't settle into those places. But it helps, too, to use the right shade.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,091
Registered: ‎02-26-2012

Re: Question regarding Primer + Foundation application

It sounds like I should wait a bit between primer and next step (foundation or bb cream) and I need to use a bit darker foundation. Since I'm almost out of my existing foundation, I will look for something a bit darker or use a mix of two shades.

 

Thanks to all that replied. I really appreciate the input.

"What we practice daily is what we build a life on. Practice peace, love & kindness."
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,946
Registered: ‎03-08-2018

Re: Question regarding Primer + Foundation application

I always put my foundation on right after primer.  Never wait for it to set.  Never had any issues.

 

I have found when my foundation was too light that everything showed.  You have to go a little darker than your natural skin.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 40,858
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

Re: Question regarding Primer + Foundation application

Illuminating primers are great for aging skin. It helps reflect the foundation pigments and deflect the light away from the skin's imperfections while giving it a youthful subtle glow.