Well the temperatures have finally cooled down in NYC, but who knows how long that will last. A couple of weeks ago, I was going through my stash of beauty products and realized that during the summer months there are a few primers that I go to on a regular basis when I do decide to wear makeup. These primers have literally helped me #beattheheat and keep my makeup pretty much flawless throughout the day. Here are my five picks for the summer season. BTW, has anyone noticed just how quickly August came around, almost signifying that the Fall season is right around the corner?
Let me go through each one of these primers and explain why they have become major key to my makeup application.
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer
This is the primer that has been my go to for a while. It’s been out for about a year now and I wrote a post about it that you can go to here. The main reason why I use this primer is because it’s a smoothing primer that visibly reduces the size of your pores with a natural finish. This primer is especially good on days when it’s hot but not blazing hot. I find that it’s best used with a liquid foundation that has sheer to medium coverage and often use it with my bareMinerals Complexion Rescue. It’s important to note that you should use this sparingly because a little goes a long way. I find that it’s best applied using a damp beautyblender (my new favorite tool).
Murad Invisiblur™ Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++
This dear friends is what I affectionately call the trifecta. It’s a moisturizer, a primer, and sun protection all in one. It can be used alone or under your makeup and either way the results are phenomenal. It literally blues fine lines and even slight skin discolorations making them less visible even without foundation application. It glides on so smooth and leaves your skin looking healthy. It can be used on all skin types and is basically instant gratification in a bottle.
Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer
There’s nothing worse than doing a full face – eyeshadow and all during the summer only to find out 2 hours later that your eyelids have become incredibly oily and now your prefect eyeshadow has creased or worse – your perfect blending job has suddenly disappeared into thin air. This is why this particular primer is so necessary when you are wearing eyeshadow. Not only does it glide effortlessly without disturbing your foundation, it also doesn’t leave that horrible gray cast that other eyeshadow primers leave that alters the true color of the eyeshadow you are applying. It literally will last all day with little to no creasing and the color will last all day. So for all you lovers of eyeshadow, this is the primer you might want to include in your makeup bag.
Similar to the Make Up For Ever Smoothing Primer, this primer is also a smoothing primer. The difference between that one and this one is that this will provide you with a matte finish. The highlight is that although you will have a matte finish, the inclusion of glycerin in the formula will keep your skin looking hydrated. It still diminishes the look of fine lines and visibly reduces pore size. While we all love a matte finish during the summer months because it keeps excess oil at bay, we don’t want our skin to look or feel dry because let’s face it – it’s just not cute. Becca just gets it – that is all.
Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer
Last but not least, is the Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer. “Why do I need an under eye primer?” I know it seems a little excessive, but just think about it. You don’t use your face moisturizer in the eye area, so why would you use a face primer for your under eye primer. By now most beauty and skincare junkies know that the skin under your eyes if different than the skin on your face which is why you would have to use a different type of primer. This particular primer is formulated for the sensitive skin under your eyes and is hydrating. For me the main draw was the anti-aging ingredients which include caffeine and peptides. It also prevents your concealer from slipping or seeping into your fine lines. Need I say more?
Well there you have it gals! As per usual, I always want to hear your thoughts on the products I reviewed to hear your experiences and also if you have any additional products in this category that you would like to share leave a comment below.
Until next time, always remember to SEE. TOUCH. TASTE.
2 responses to “My Favorite Primers for the Summer”
Loved this post! I’ve been using the benefit porefessional primer recently but can’t wait to try some of these x
The Benefit Porefessional is a good primer however it sometimes leaves a gray overcast on darker skin. I have used it in the past and it does keep the oil at bay. My favorite is still the Murad primer because it is also a moisturizer and has SPF. If you try any of the primers that I have mentioned in my post do come back and let me know what you think about them.