Primers (and almost primers)

If you want your makeup to actually last, priming your face is vital. These are my favourite primers (and almost primers, as said in the title) that I own. 

There are many different primers that all do different things for your skin. Before buying any primer, check what skin type you are and what primer corresponds with that.

Starting off with my 'almost primer', Mac Mineralize Charged Water. Before any application of makeup, I spray this mist over my face to hydrate it and achieve the same affect of a moisturiser, without waiting for it to dry.  Mac claims that this can be used at any point, even when makeup has been applied, and it will still hydrate.

This currently retails at £17.50 for 100ml and lasts such a long time! As for how it helps makeup application, it doesn't do much. It obviously isn't designed to be a primer, but it does help my skin feel less dry with my makeup on. It doesn't increase durability of the makeup either but as I just said, it isn't designed to do so! I would definitely recommend investing in this item if you have dry skin and need a quick way to help hydrate and care for your skin.

Next, an actual primer. The Blur Cream by L'oreal creates a smooth base and lightly colour corrects. This product claims to even out the skin surface which I believe it does perfectly! It doesn't add any colour to your face. It also claims to make pores less visible, which I don't believe it does dramatically. There was a slight difference, but as for the thing it does best, it makes my makeup last. With the application of this, it will take my foundation from lasting 5 hours to around 9-10 hours! The smell isn't very pleasant, and it does feel a bit like silicone and adding a plastic layer to your face when not blended correctly but other than that, its a good product.

This retails for £10 and is available in most drugstores.  I would recommend this again for dry skin, but not so much for oily skin types. It does make my dry skin feel pretty oily due to the plastic feel and could end up in you having a shiny face! This product is definitely worth the money if you are looking for a cheap primer that does its job well and performs brilliantly.

Lancôme La Base Pro is an all rounded perfect primer. It is high end so obviously has a higher price tag. It is oil free so is suitable for all skin types and creates a perfectly smooth and even surface to apply makeup onto. It is translucent and slightly thicker than the blur cream, meaning less product is needed for a whole face application. This would always dramatically increase my makeups durability. It applies easily and is worth the £28.50 RRP. This is available at most high end retailers. Although I do not use this primer daily, it is used constantly for events and nights out when I really need my makeup to seriously last.

Below are just some unblended swatches of the products with the Blur Cream on top and La Base Pro underneath. This is just to show the different consistencies and colours of the products.

All products mentioned are worth buying and please remember that there is a really noticeable difference when you use a primer, even if you believe it may not be worth it.

Love, Lois xo