The Hit List: Best Face Primer

I have pretty dry skin, so all I’m looking for in a primer is for it to create a nice, smooth canvas for makeup, and making liquid foundation last longer. So my favorite by default, because it’s the only one I’ve tried, is the Sephora Perfection Primer. It’s not expensive and works fine, but I want to branch out and try either their Anti-Shine primer, or another brand. Just to see.

I have only ever used one primer and I’m loving it so I haven’t changed to try another one yet, it’s by a company called GOSH and it’s their Velvet Touch Foundation Primer.

I completely mattes my face (great because I have oily skin and it lasts all day!) and makes my skin so soft and smooth!

Highly recommended to anybody who can get their hands on it,

Even though this is an old post, I felt the compulsion to drop a comment. I’ve been through so many primers. First off, I have dry / sensitive NW20 skin. Though, lately it’s been very oily which is weird for me, but I can throw in my two cents from both sides of the spectrum. I’ve tried Photo Finish and found that it made my skin flake. Though, now it may work well as my skin has been oily. And, to be fair, it was winter so my skin was really dry to begin with. You can purchase a travel size for about $17 USD, which is still expensive but it beats paying $36 USD. Similar to Photo Finish, is Sephora’s brand primer. It’s not as thick, but I think it does a nice job. I like silicone primers because I love the way it makes my skin feel so smooth and flawless. Some women actually don’t like that feeling so they opt for water based primers. I really like Benefit’s Dr. Feelgood. Benefit claims that it can be used under or over makeup, but I just use it as a primer. I like that it sets itself apart from other high end competitors because it’s made from a different consistency. It comes packaged in a little tin with an included sponge. You need the sponge because it’s difficult to apply with fingers alone. Dr. Feelgood is sort of like a balm. It has a mellow scent that you either like or dislike, but I can’t smell it once it’s applied. By the way, I can see this being a miracle worker for those with oily skin, but it doesn’t irritate my dry skin either (that’s a big plus!). I also own B.E.’s Prime Time. I don’t have much to say about this one. It’s not bad, because I know a lot of women love it. Still, I don’t think it’s all that great either. It serves its purpose, but I think the Sephora brand is actually better. Currently, I’ve been using the NARS primer and I like it a lot. The ingredients are derived from botanicals and vitamins. The formula is silicone free and oil free. Personally, I really adore this one. I believe it costs about $33 USD for 1.7 oz. It’s a big tube and you truly get a bang for your buck. I’ve also heard that the NARS primer makes for an awesome aftershave…. but I’m not prepared to share with my boyfriend anytime soon. Once applied, I’m left with a smooth canvas for foundation. I have no complaints with the NARS primer. Laura Mercier also makes a good primer. The formulation is similar to that of NARS. She makes four different kinds, I believe. One for dry skin, oil-free, mineral, and the original. I hope this helps somebody out because I’ve spent ridiculous amounts of money on primers, in search for the perfect one. There’s not many articles that go into detail on them and it’s hard to decide what’s right for you when you already have your makeup on and can’t give them a good test in the department store. Good luck to those who have yet to find their perfect primer!