Is a Primer Necessary?

Do you remember a time when your makeup look consisted of some foundation, a little bit of eyeshadow, some CoverGirl mascara, and lips topped off with gloss? It all seemed so simple and straightforward back then. However, that all seemed to change overnight with the development of products such as BB creams, CC creams, highlighters, bronzers, primers and so forth.

Primers in particular are of interest because of the premise that they can improve coverage and extend your makeup’s longevity. To be clear, there are primers for just about everything: foundation primers, eyelid, eyelash, and even lip primers. However, of those mentioned, I personally cannot live without foundation or eyelid primers. Without these little gems, my makeup would shift, smudge and wear out before you could scream “hot mess.” While I don’t like adding time or more money into my beauty routine than need be, I promise that primers are well worth it.

My Favorite Primers: Face

  1. Rimmel Stay Matte Primer ($6.99) – This particular primer is great for those with normal to oily skin.
  1. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer ($36) – This primer certainly hits the high price point range. However, if budget isn’t an issue, you will have an array of primers to choose from based on your specific need. Of the list below, my loyalty lies with the radiance primer because I love the embedded pearl tint which adds a healthy glow to any foundation.
  1. Benefit the POREfessional Face Primer ($31)

My Favorite Primers: Eyelids

  1. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($20 $10)

This is my everyday go-to eyelid primer. A little bit of product really goes a long way and I appreciate the fact that they have other shades that can be worn as primer, highlighters or even shadow.

  1. NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base ($26)

My Favorite Primers: Eyelashes

  1. Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer ($22)
  2. Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum ($28.50)

There are only two situations where I utilize eyelash primers. The first, is to lengthen and create full dramatic lashes. I find that using one is a viable alternative to wearing false eyelashes. The second situation is when I’m using a waterproof mascara. The additional barrier helps protect my natural lashes from the weight of waterproof mascara and helps expedite the mascara removal process.