You guys, I’m feeling perplexed. Is it worth it to splurge on a $44 face primer?
I recently tried a sample of Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer in Mood Light. The formula is super sheer and smoothes away for an even base before applying tinted moisturizer or foundation… but I can’t seem to justify the $44 price point. That seems absurd right?
I thought this would be a great opportunity to poll readers and get your thoughts on a reasonably priced, yet effective formula. I’ve only tried a handful of makeup primers and not even one landed a permanent spot in my makeup bag. My co-workers rave about Smashbox Photo Finish primers but I don’t recall ever trying that brand. I’m really on the hunt for a complexion perfector—one that blurs imperfections, helps minimize pores and lends to a dewy finish (bonus points if it can be used alone).
I’d love to hear your recommendations! Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet me @politics_pretty!
I’ll be honest. I’ve never found a true primer that worked magic on me. Something that blurred my pores made my makeup look caked on. Something that made my makeup last all day and look smooth didn’t blur my pores! I really was ready to give up, because of all the half-used primers in my cabinet.
I decided to try the Nivea Men’s Post Shave balm that people rave about on YouTube. I just bought my second bottle. It is so moisturizing and truly helps your makeup stay all day. It doesn’t blur your pores, but then I found one of my other favorite new products, It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores. Unfortunately I haven’t found an all in one magic formula, but that combo is really doing it for me.
Thanks so much Alyssa for the honest feedback! It’s hard finding a primer that works well and is reasonable in price. I guess I need to see these YouTube videos on Nivea Men’s Post Shave balm. Sounds interesting and a good hack!
If it helps, I used it on my wedding day and my makeup lasted all night!
For me, it’s all about mattifying and blurring pores. One of my favorite primers is one from Canmake that I found in Japan.
I loved the sample of Smashbox Photo-Finish primer I had! But I agree with you it was hard to me to spend a lot of money on a full size version. I actually ended up finding a great dupe that was under $10, Maybelline’s Baby Skin primer. I wrote a post about my dupe experience and what I thought about each product, if you’re interested in reading!
https://cosmeticcomposition.com/2016/09/19/dupe-or-dont-primer-edition/
Good luck on your search!
Thanks for the comment Paige! I’ve heard so many raves about Smashbox Photo Finish Primer but maybe I should try your drugstore dupe rec.
I’m a big believer in primers – I have oily skin and without a primer, my foundation can be gone at the end of the day! Laura Mercier primers are very good. I’ve recently been using the Rodial Instaglam Airbrush primer and really like it under my foundation. Not sure I’d wear it alone. I’ve also tried Charlotte Tilbury’s version of a primer (I’m not sure they call it that), wonderglow. I’ve worn this one alone on the weekends and liked the results.
I actually didn’t like the Smashbox primer. I’m not sure if it was the primer or my eye cream..but something wasn’t interacting well with each other and it looked like I had peeling skin on my face. The texture was also weird for me.
Primers do seem like an added expense, but I tell myself that they last awhile, so that’s something!
Beth, thanks so much for your feedback and advice! You know what’s crazy? I have yet to try Charlotte Tilbury’s line. I may need to look into Wonderglow. I’m a sucker for anything that promises glowy skin. ha!