A Lemming A Day

Primers are a relatively new product in the cosmetic arena. These are products meant to make the skin look more flawless, minimize pores, and fill in fine lines. The claims are that by using these products you will look flawless and it will prevent your makeup from fading due to the fact that there is a barrier between your skin and your makeup. I’ve also heard claims that this helps to “seal” moisturizers into your skin so that it doesn’t mix with your makeup and break it down on your face.

I can NOT in any way verify any of these claims. I only know what my personal experience with these products had been.

When primers first started out, there were only one or two companies making them. Most famously the Smashbox line of cosmetics. Their primers have since morphed into several different formulations. Also, Laura Geller from QVC fame puts out one called Spackle (the most appropriately named, in my opinion). These are the first I remember hitting the market. Then came Clarins, theirs was a little different, instead of the gel like consistency, it wad more of a pale pink, very silky smooth, Play-Do texture. It was also an instant hit in the line and continues to be a very strong seller.

The four I show here are all ones I’ve tried. My favorite is the Maybelline. The Clarins for some reason did not agree with my skin at all, but thankfully I had a sample if it, so no harm done. The Urban Decay formulation didn’t seem to do anything at all for me, I saw no noticeable difference. The L’Oreal was recent purchase and I haven’t tested it enough to form an opinion.

However, the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is so far, the front runner. It smooths on nicely and also helps absorb oil. It doesn’t make me look flawless, but it does seem to help my makeup apply more smoothly and last a good deal longer. It also claims to add a pink luminescence to the skin which I don’t notice at all.

I also want to mention a small online E-tailer of fabulous mineral makeup called Fyrianne.com. They make a fantastic silicone primer in two formulations for the very economical price of about $5.50 a jar. I went through 2 jars before I was lured by other brands, but I do highly recommend them. They also have the most beautiful and unusually named mineral makeup I know of.

Like any new product you will have to see for yourself works for you. I can only offer you my educated opinion of these products.

So, my darling Lemmingista’s, are YOU ready for Prime(er) Time?????

The items you see below are my HG’s (Holy Grails, see very first post). These are items I use on a frequent basis and have re-purchased.

The MAC Blot Powder I was introduced to by the lovely ladies of MUA. This is amazing stuff! It keeps your makeup in place all day without looking cakey or dry and controls shine. A word to the wise, order one shade darker than you think you need.

Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP) is another excellent product. A dab of this on your lids will keep your eyeshadow from creasing or fading all day.

Clinique Precious Posy blush is actually the only blush color in the entire line I use. I have actually used up one these. That’s how much I love this color. It’s also an excellent dupe for NARS Orgasm blush. I should know, I own both.

Clinique Lucky Penny eyeshadow is another product I have used up and ordered a second, if you look closely, you may be able to see where I’ve “hit pan” on this. It’s just this beautiful shimmery coppery pink with a little bit of brown undertone. It’s pretty much my “go to” shadow when I don’t know what to put on. It pretty much goes with everything.

The Bourjois Shimmering Taupe is pretty much the same as Lucky Penny, a good “go to” shadow, especially in conservative work environment. There will be MUCH more on the subject of taupe shadows later. This particular group of eyeshadow shades has an almost cult following among some makeup junkies.

NYX gloss in Chestnut is just a really pretty peachy gold gloss for not alot of $$$. These run $5 and come in huge range of shades and the formula is very nice and not at all sticky.

Last, but not least, is my beloved MAC Browset Gel in Girl/Boy which is a rusty red shade to match the color I dye my hair. I discovered this years ago after Revlon discontined theirs and cannot even begin to count how many I have used up. They run around $13-$14 and last at least 6 months or more. It has a mascara type wand and you just brush the product right into your brows and once dry it does not flake or smear. Truly a great product.

So there you have it, some of my most used and treasured products.

Tell me what yours are!!!