So as I was driving off on my little birthday shopping spree, I remembered seeing a product demo for a face primer recently on HSN. I only caught the tail end of the segment, but primers were on my mind as I sped toward the nearest beauty counter. I can get a little tense when I enter a beauty store without specific products on my list, due to the huge number of choices, but this time I knew what I was looking for.
The idea behind the face or foundation primer is to prepare your skin for what comes next, generally foundation, in the same way you prime a wall before painting or wallpapering, and artists prime their canvases – to correct, minimize or hide imperfections in the surface. Product claims for primers vary and may include minimizing pores, evening out complexion and helping makeup last longer. You can find them with and without silicones and in natural formulations. Some are tinted, some are clear.
The Revlon Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer that I picked up has been available for a while. The label says it will prepare and smooth skin for better makeup application, and is made to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It immediately gave my skin a velvety soft look and feel. I also tried Rimmel London’s Fix & Perfect foundation primer and Dr. Feelgood, by Benefit, all giving similar silky skin feel and soft, matte finish.
The wide selection of primer products may be a bit daunting but it does mean we can have our beauty our way. And that’s the beauty of living today.
