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What’s The Deal With Makeup Primer, Anyway?

by Christa

Disclaimer: This post is not, in any way, affiliated with Smashbox or Arbonne, whose products are mentioned in this post. It’s just something I wanted to do and write on my own. In case the FCC comes after me or something.

I’ve been meaning to write this post for a while, but what sparked the fire to get it done now was a beauty Q&A from the September issue of Glamour.

So, what’s the deal with makeup primer?

This has to be my favorite beauty indulgence. I only recently started using makeup primer as part of my daily routine, since about May actually. However, I cannot go without it now. I hate it when that happens.

I think it’s a solid investment in your beauty regime for the following reasons because everything in the A of the Q&A above is true! I notice that my foundation goes on and blends better and smoother than it did before I used primer. It evens out my skin so much so that on the weekends, I’ll just throw it on and skip foundation completely, then continue with blush or bronzer and go on my merry way. I’ve NEVER done that before.

Since it is an added expense, I would suggest starting out with a trail or travel size just to see if you like it. I use the regular photo finish primer from Smashbox and love it! I also know a lot of friends who use Arbonne‘s makeup primer and love it as well. Either way, you can’t go wrong here.

Photo from enjoy-your-style.com

What’s your favorite beauty indulgence?

  • http://www.abbyschoffman.com Abby

    On the topic of primer… I discovered Too Faced Shadow Insurance last summer and I would NEVER go without it now. As a recent example of how great it is, I was outdoors all day and night for a wedding and reception this past weekend in almost 90 degree heat, and when I went to wash my face around 3 a.m., my eye shadow was still in place – no creases! Amazing.

  • http://alliemacpherson.wordpress.com/ Allie Mac

    I actually have never used a primer.. I think I’ll have to try it out now though!!!

    • Christa Marzan

      Allie, I think you should try it! Abby’s comment below really demonstrates how valuable and amazing it is. Let me know if you try it and how you like it!

      Thanks for reading and commenting!!

  • Marisa Conlin1

    gotta represent Arbonne–the Virtual Illusion primer is hands-down amazing (as a previous photofinish user myself). remind me to send you a sample haha

  • Christa Marzan

    Wow, that is amazing! A great story and another reason why primer is so critical, especially in the warmer months. Thanks for sharing and commenting! :)

  • Christa Marzan

    You know I’m good for an Arbonne mention every now and then :) next time I need primer, I’m getting it from you! I can grab the sample when I come visit in a few weeks.

    Thanks for reading and commenting, girlfriend! xo

  • http://www.wittytitlehere.com Cassie

    Wow, I do not even know what primer is haha. And I’m a makeup lover! But this sounds like something I REALLY could use (and definitely would never be able to go without again). I have to say, though, my foundation is awesome. I use Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse which NEVER looks thick or caked on. I don’t even feel it, whereas whenever I try something else, it feels way too present and visible. Primer might be the trick to looking fresh all day, though. And I could use that, because starting tomorrow, I’m going to be having some very long days…

  • Christa Marzan

    Cassie, I didn’t know what it was until I got a Smashbox makeup gift thing from Ulta for Christmas last year, and they had a little trial size of the primer in it! I had heard some of my friends talking about primer in the past but never tried it, but then forgot about it until this past spring. Sounds like it would be really useful for you!

    And your foundation sounds awesome. I had to switch to Clinique or Lancome or another over the counter brand because I had some weird skin allergy to the makeup I was using before (Neutrogena/Maybelline/etc.). And yes! With your new internship, I’m sure you will need to look fresh for some very long days. (PS: GOOD LUCK!!!!!)

    Thanks for reading and commenting, sistafriend :)

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