The sun is out for the first time in New York in what seems like ages. With the weather forecast predicting warmer temperatures moving forward, it seemed like a good time to focus on one of my summertime essentials: primer. In truth, I wear primer year round but in the warmer months it becomes an arsenal staple to prevent my freshly painted face from melting the second I step down into the mugginess of the New York City subway.
Primer is your foundation’s foundation. Applied after moisturizing the skin by gently sweeping (not rubbing) it over the face, it sits on the skin and creates a smooth covering that your makeup can then be built upon. Its main advantages are that it smooths out skin imperfections and gives your makeup staying power as it is not being absorbed into your skin. An added benefit is that it allows you to use less foundation which is a nice feeling when it’s cost a pretty penny.
There are loads of primers out there and I’m sure you all have your favorites but these are mine:
Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer – Hydrating: Laura Mercier’s entire line of primers is very highly regarded (there’s an oil-free version for anyone with blemish-prone skin). I especially like this hydrating one for days when my skin needs a dewy boost. It’s an absolute stand-by in winter months but is still heavily relied upon during summer as I spend most of my days in uber-dry, highly air conditioned environments.
Smashbox’s Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer: This is another makeup line with go-to primers. They have hydrating and oil-free versions but I especially like this ‘luminizing ‘ product as it’s essentially a bronzing primer. (Don’t worry, you won’t end up looking like Patricia Krentcil). Instead it provides a gentle glow that shines through your makeup giving a healthy, lit-from-within radiance. While Smashbox does have color-correcting primers, I would sooner use this bronzed iteration on sallow or rosy skin as the correcting products sometimes leave skin looking a little dull (just my opinion, let me know if disagree).
Per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel: Finally we have my most recent purchase in the priming arena (I have the clear version although they do have tinted ones to be used as a BB cream). The application directions recommend that you pat it onto the skin, let it set for a few seconds and then continue with your usual makeup routine. I’m not sure if it’s the product or the new application methodology but I definitely like the results. I’m not only using less foundation but I’m also using less concealer as the primer is helping to perfect my skin even before the color goes on. This is also oil-free which is helpful when the dew point is high.
Has anyone else tried these primers? Are there others that you think the world should know about? I’m always looking for the next great product so please let me know if I’m missing out 
