Have you ever wondered what the heck makeup primer actually is or does? Has anyone at Nordstrom ever tried to sell you an expensive primer without actually explaining its use? I neglected using primer for many years because of the price and a lack of understanding of its use. As I have developed as a makeup artist though, I have began to rely on primer for that perfect, flawless photo-finish. After using primer in my makeup artistry work, I have seen its amazing results and have decided to try it for myself. I have since tried the three most popular primers on the market, Korres Silicone Free Primer, MAC Prep + Prime Face Primer, and Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. Here is my review of each product...
Korres Silicone-Free Face Primer
$28 for 1.1 oz, available only at Sephora
This is a very popular formula because it does not contain any silicone, parabens, or sulfates. I personally find the product to be a bit expensive, but just had to try it after reading the great reviews. I use a MAC 190 brush to apply the primer all over my face, after moisturizing and before applying any makeup. The results of this product are bittersweet. I sadly did not notice any difference in the way my makeup looks and lasts on my face. I do see an overall smoother application, but not the flawless, photo-finish look that I have seen with other primers. I did, however, notice a difference in the quality and condition of my skin. This primer seems to have helped lessen breakouts, most likely because it does not contain silicone (which clogs pores) and because it provides a barrier/protective layer between my skin and makeup. This means that my makeup won't get absorbed into my skin and my pores won't get clogged. So, eh...its a cool product I guess. I'm neither impressed nor depressed!
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
$36 for 1 oz. available at Sephora and some department stores
This product is always popular in beauty magazines and for photo shoots. Many makeup artists swear by it, and the secret being out has led many consumers to purchase the product as well. I got a free sample at Sephora and was later given a full-size by a Smashbox brand representative. First and foremost, the product is very heavy and sticky. It contains a generous amount of silicone, which gives the appearance of flawless, camera-ready skin but can also clog pores. I will admit that I really didn't like the way that this product felt on my face, but absolutely loved the photo-finish that it gave me. Problem being, I had plenty of little blemishes on my face before the end of the day. My skin is usually blemish-free so this was NOT a good experience for me. My overall conclusion of the product is that its good but expensive. It does what it promises but leaves you with a nasty consequence. I would recommend using this product once in a great while, when you know you will be under heavy lighting or taking pictures. It is probably more economic to just snag a free sample at Sephora (the ladies there will give you one if you ask nicely!) whenever you are anticipating an occasion, or schedule a makeup application with Reanamation Studios who keeps the product handy!
MAC Prep + Prime Skin
$25 for 1 oz. available at MAC stores and counters
This primer is a good happy-medium in the sense that it does not have an overwhelming amount of silicone but does have enough to do the job of providing you with a smooth, even surface to apply your makeup. I call this product "colorless foundation" because it smoothes over your blemishes, fills in lines, and fills empty pores as well as a foundation does, without the hassle or cost of color-matching through the seasons. This product does contain silicone so there is some possibility of pore-clogging, though I have not had any bad experiences with blemishes. This primer costs the least of the three, and is eligible for the Back 2 MAC Recycling program, where you can collect 6 empty products and trade them in for a free specified MAC product (see our previous post!).
Bottom Line?
I highly recommend primer and love using it every single day now. It is great to use the MAC primer with some simple MSFN powder and just be DONE for the day! I recommend using the Korres primer if you have problem skin and the MAC primer if your skin is usually worry-free. The Smashbox Primer is nice if you're into it, but I recommend getting a sample to try first. I hope you enjoyed this review! Until next time...
Love,
Reana
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