What Is A Foundation Primer?

Foundation primers are like paint primers, meant to create the perfect canvas for the foundation to lay on. Primers ease the application process of foundations and create a barrier between the makeup and the skin. The best candidate for foundation primers are people with oily skin and/or has a lot of acne scarring.  They are made mostly from silicone, or with water and used by makeup artists for years.

Benefits of a Foundation Primer

1. Primers come in a variety of tints to match your skin tone or are transparent.
2. Helps foundation stay put longer, especially those who live in hot humid climates
3. Aids in absorbing excess oils, and in turn reduces the shine
4. Use less makeup as the foundation glides on for more coverage with less product to produce the same results
5. The makeup sticks to the primers instead of your skin, resulting in less makeup making its way into your pores and causing breakouts
6. And lastly most primers have extra benefits such as vitamin A & C and retinol.

Retinol is another form of vitamin A and used as a topical compound in treating acne and improving other forms of skin damage from aging and UV damage . It’s also believed to increase skin cell production and collagen, which can help smooth damaged or wrinkled skin over time.

   Before and after primer was used and makeup applied over it.

Primer Recommendations:

Too Faced Cosmetics Primed and Poreless-Vitamin A, C, retinols, and 5% zinc oxide

• Camellia Oil & Vitamin A: Contains essence of the white tea plant and the free radical fighting vitamins, which are nature’s most powerful antioxidants.
• Mulberry Extract and Arctostaphylos UVA URS: Protects, brightens and lightens skin for a renewed freshness and soothing effect.
• Retinyl Palmitate and Cyclodextrin with CAVAMAX Retinol: Restores moisture, elasticity and suppleness with a powerful combination of anti-wrinkle, youth-enhancing ingredients.
• Ivy Extract: Is a natural astringent and due to its anti-cellulite properties, smoothes texture of skin with regular use.

Laura Geller Spackle Trio Eye, Lip & Face Primer 1 ea
is one I use everyday and absolutely adore. Contains primer for your face, eyes and lips. Has aloe vera gel for soothing and moisturizing,  and chamomile as a anti irritant with antioxidant benefits. Plus cornflower and white tea both of which also have anti irritant and antioxidant benefits as well. Made with water and no silicone added.

Smashbox Cosmetics Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer -this also has vitamins A & E and other skin soothing botanical like soy, lemongrass, and orchid complex which rejuvenates and refines. I like these because you can choose your primer color to suit your needs. The green shown here cancels our redness from acne, rosacea, and just flushed skin overall. They have one that creates a glow under your makeup, and more with different purposes.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer 1.75 oz  Specifically created for oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin types; oil free
Contains high water content and addresses surface dehydration around active blemishes
Oil controlling ingredients ensure long-wear and flawless application
Vitamins A, C, and E act as antioxidants & protect the skin from harmful, aging effects of the environment
Cooling Foundation Primer in the refrigerator is refreshing for the skin and reduces puffiness
Non-comedogenic

OC Eight Professional Mattifying Gel-American Idol Make-Up Artist, Mezhgan, says she is “amazed by how great the contestants skin looks on film after using OC Eight.” She says, “OC Eight works like nothing I’ve ever tried before.” OC Eight Professional Mattifying Gel is a breakthrough in skin care products with a one of a kind technology. It works continuously for up to 8 hours absorbing excess oil. The results? Even-toned, true matte skin for that just-applied look throughout the day. Benefits:Contains ACRYSORB micro-particles that work to permanently trap up to 6X their own volume in oil. Keeps make-up in place, looking fresh all day.

Smashbox Anti-Shine 1oz (30ml)-Designed to keep skin matte, this gel-to-powder formula is an ultimate creation for oil control with its light formulation and oil-absorbing properties.  Made With Water.  Dab on oily areas, over or under makeup only like your t-zone.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 1 oz- A  clean, satin-finish formula helps keep makeup looking fresh and prevents fading. Veil Mineral Primer also absorbs excess oils and minimizes the appearance of pores by evenly distributing light to help hide and soften skin imperfections and fine lines.

Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 1.7 oz 3% Zinx Oxide

Especially Suited For: Oily skin
Essential Elements: Willow Bark Extract helps manage breakouts and clear skin of impurities. Argan Extract reveals smoother, softer skin.

MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50- Love the SPF 50 with summer rapidly approaching. Also contains 16% zinc oxide

All reviews and prices are based on Amazon.com and can change