Primers for Different Skin Types

I have a feeling I have spoken about my favourite primers a little while ago but I am sure you all don't mind another post. However, this is the first time I have rounded them all together to talk about each of them. A few of them have been reviewed separately so I would link them where relevant. I used to be the girl that always skipped primers and makeup in general but I started getting into the groove. I am not sure which primer I ever tried first but I think it may have been a sample in a magazine (I think it was a Benefit one) and I was so impressed. My makeup lasted much longer and my foundation was incredibly easy to use. Since then, I have been absolutely hooked and I have a full Muji drawer dedicated to primers. Let’s get into the swing shall we?

What is a Primer?

Primers have various functions including increasing the longevity of your foundation, decreasing the appearance of pores, helping foundations go on smoother, reducing the infamous T-zone shine, etc. I have various primers for different purposes depending on how my skin is feeling. My skin type is predominantly combination-oily and I tend to have a shiny T-zone during the course of the day. I also notice that my foundation tends to disappear around my cheeks towards lunch time which is super annoying.  Due to these little issues, I choose primers which largely help my foundation last longer and help reduce my shiny T-zone. If these primers help my foundation go on smoother or reduce the appearance of my pores, then that’s an added benefit.

                                        Primers for Combination Oily Skin (Mattifying Primers)

These primers are most suitable for my skin type and they are my favourite category of primers above others because they help with T-zone shine reduction and prevent my foundation from sliding off my face. There are various formulas within this category but I tend to reach for primers that have a mattifying effect which aid a smooth application.

Kiko Mat Base Corrector Primer//Review//Link

This is definitely my Holy Grail Primer for my skin type. It comes off as a thick lotion or cream but it applies well. You may need to work fast with it because it sets really fast and you can literally see the area become mattified after you have applied it. It’s not one I would recommend for dry skin because I can imagine that it will definitely cling to dry patches. I ensure I apply and let it set well (dry) way before I apply my foundation otherwise it becomes problematic and patchy. You have to use it sparingly because if you use a lot, it will be incredibly difficult to blend in your foundation. I don’t use this all over my face; I just use it around my T-zones and it works a treat. I tend to pair this primer with foundations that have a dewy finish or creamy textures. I don’t recommend using it with a Matte foundation because its texture may interfere. However, it is my favourite primer and I use it almost every day.

Mary Kay Mattifying Primer

This is also one of my favourite primers and it works really well. I would not say it is as effective as the Kiko Mat Base corrector Primer but it is a good contender. The texture is very different which makes it easier to apply. It has a light lotion like texture and it applies like a dream. I think this is one that is an all rounder as it is suitable for all skin types. If you have dry skin with a shiny T-zone or normal skin with an oily T-zone, I think this would work a treat. This does not interfere with my foundation application at all and I tend to combine this with foundations that have a matte finish. I only use this on my T-zones as opposed to all over my face. It is very affordable and I always reach for it when I use my Mary Kay Matte Wear Foundation.

                            

                                               Primers for Dehydrated Skin

I know many people don’t think that combination/oily skin can be dehydrated but it definitely can. I find that during Winter/Autumn, my skin feels a little dehydrated and I have no idea why. I think it may be related to the change in weather and the fact that I don’t drink as much water as I would during the warmer season.. I love to drink water but I drink more during the warmer season and my skin notices a difference during Winter/Autumn when I drink less water. However, these seasons make my skin feel dehydrated. The plus side is my shiny T-zone is well reduced so I don’t reach for mattifying primers as much. I love primers that help in keeping my skin hydrated and allow my foundation apply smoother

Becca Rejuvenating Hydrating Primer//Review//Link

This is definitely an absolute gem when it comes to leaving my skin hydrated. It feels very much like a moisturiser and you can hardly tell you have a primer on.  I apply this all over my face concentrating more on my cheeks and T-zones. It helps my foundation apply so easily and it has a way of transforming even cheap foundations to amazing ones. I think this may be also better suited for matured ladies as it does not tug on the skin. It helps the skin feel rejuvenated and hydrated and you can feel the effect through the course of the day. It definitely helps to keep shine away from my face and mostly, my foundation last so much longer than without it.

                                Silicone Based Primers and  Pore Blurring Primers

I used to be a fan of silicone based primers because they helped my foundation last so much longer and had a way of blurring my pores. However, some of them can be very slippery and they may contribute in making my foundation slip off my face. It’s just one of those primers that you either get on with or you don’t. Silicone primers are mainly popular because they act as fillers so they fill any wrinkles or fine lines you may have and they help foundations adhere better instead of directly on your skin. They act like coats for foundations to stick on and they really help make foundation application smoother.

Superdrug B.Prepared Makeup Primer//Link

I can’t recall who recommended this primer but I went out to try it and I loved it. It is a typical silicone based primer but it does not feel slippery at all. I dare say it feels almost like a gel which I absolutely love. It goes on really smoothly and that’s a huge winning point for it.  I apply it sparingly all around my face concentrating on areas where I have enlarged pores such as my nose and cheeks. It really helps my foundation apply flawlessly and my pores are almost undetectable. I always use this in addition to another primer on days when I want to film or take photos. Its pore blurring powers are very impressive especially for  drug store brand. I am really impressed.



Kuddy Cosmetics Mattifying Primer*//Review//Link
I was very curios to try this primer especially while I was on holiday in Nigeria back in 2014. As the name suggests, it is aimed at keeping the face mattified and helping the foundation last longer. It is a silicone based primer just like the Superdrug offering but it goes on even smoother. It does not leave my face feeling slippery at all because I find that some silicone based primers can have this oily/slipper effect. I apply a little amount all over my face concentrating on my T-zones. I always let it set before going in with my foundation. It really helps in keeping my face mattified but I don’t think it is as effective at helping my foundation last long. It does a good enough job but compared to some other primers I have tried, I would say it is average. However, it works amazingly well as expected with the Kuddy Cosmetics Mattifying Foundation which I absolutely enjoy. 

Body Shop Instablur Primer//Review//Link

I featured this primer in my Disappointing Products post but I actually think it is a good primer for blurring pores. I don’t agree with all of its 5-in-1 action claims but it definitely does an amazing job at blurring pores. If your major problem is enlarged pores, then this is one to try. I am not sure it is particularly effective in helping my foundation last longer but it definitely helps my foundation apply smoother. It works amazingly well with the Body Shop BB Cream and I think they are even sold together! They have a synergetic effect on each other and that’s why I still have it within my stash.



Improving Foundation Longevity- Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer//Review//Link

I only discovered the Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer this year and I am absolutely in love with it. It really helps in improving my foundation’s wear time. I would say it has a mattifying effect but it does not make my skin feel dry at all. I find that some mattifying primers like the Kiko one can sometimes feel drying but I really don’t mind as it’s a temporary feeling. However, this primer works by keeping my skin mattified and helps my foundation last really long. On application, it feels like a thick moisturiser but it applies really well. I always wait for it to set before going in with my foundation. I have used it with many foundations and it works excellently. However, I experienced some patchiness/streaking when I used it with my NARS All Day Luminous Foundation (review here) so I am guessing it may not work well with some foundation. For the most part, it helps make most of my dewy foundations much wearable and it’s perfect for Spring.

The All Rounder Primer- Laura Mercier Foundation Primer//Review//Link

It is very rare that I find one primer that does everything for me and I think Laura Mercier Foundation Primer does it for me. I had to place this in the all rounder primer category because it ticks all the necessary boxes for me. It helps my foundation apply so smoothly, creates a perfect barrier between my skin and the foundation and it helps my foundation last longer. Although I still use a mattifying primer sometimes on myT-zones, I find that it still does the job well on days I have skipped this step. I absolutely enjoy it and I have not tried anything else that ticks all the boxes for me. I also think it is one that would suit all skin types because it does not cling to dry patches or interfere with my foundation. It keeps my skin plump and hydrated all day and it’s definitely one of my Holy Grail foundations.

The Strange One- Clinique Universal Primer//Link

It is rare that I come across primers that do absolutely nothing for me mainly because I do a lot of research before purchasing them. However, I did not purchase this one as I received it as a gift with the purchase of a Clinique Foundation. I enjoy Clinique skincare and makeup which is why I was happy to try this primer. However, I have to say I am very disappointed. It does absolutely nothing for my skin. It’s just like adding another moisturiser to my face. It does not blur my pores, increase my foundation ‘s longevity or mattify my skin. It’s such a shame and I am curious to see if it has worked well for anyone else. The reason I still have it is because it is such an amazing base for mixing in with foundations that are too dark for me. The By Terry Cover Expert Foundation (review here) is always paired with this primer and the results are really amazing!! Even if we did not get on well as a primer, it does a lovely job at helping me get my right shade of foundation

Overall Thoughts

Due to my skin type (combination/oily), I never ever skimp on primers because my face would be super oily by noon. I love using primers and it just feels good to know that there is a barrier separating my foundation from my face. I feel primers make a massive difference to the application and overall look of your foundation and makeup. If I were to choose only three primers, I would go for the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation Primer and of course, the Kiko Mat Base Corrector Primer. There are other primers on my radar including the Benefit Porefessional (amazing for minimizing pores) and the Becca Ever Matte Primer (amazing for keeping the skin mattified). I would also like to try the Hourglass Veil Primer and Chanel Le Blanc Primer but there are all quite pricey so I may be giving them a miss unless I get a massive discount. What’s your favourite primer?
*PR Samples and affiliate links used above, read my disclaimer here

Kiko Mat Base Corrector Primer Review

It’s very rare that I would rush to put up a review of a beauty product I love because I prefer to test it out for a couple of weeks (sometimes a month) so I can write a detailed review. However, there comes a time when you come across a product that blows you off your socks and that’s exactly how I feel about the Kiko Mat Base Corrector Primer. O.M.G. If you have oily skin that makes your foundation look pretty shiny during the course of the day with an even shinier T-zone at the end of the day, then listen up. You would absolutely love this primer. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and let’s get to the details of  this lovely primer. I have heard so much about this primer but I just could not bring myself to order it online and pay for delivery charges. I always prefer going to test products in-store if I can and buy it right there. I may be wrong but Kiko Cosmetics stock two kinds of primers from this range; A Smoothing Corrector Primer (for dry skin and normal skin I presume) and the Mat Base Corrector Primer (for combination and oily skin). Of course I had to choose the latter because I knew it was suitable for my skin tone. When I watched Jennifer’s review of this product on her YouTube channel, I just knew I had to literally rush out to get it; that was the icing on the cake for me. I trust her recommendations as a Makeup Artist and she has also got my face beat so I know she knows what she is doing.

Kiko Cosmetics- Brief Overview

Kiko Cosmetics has been on the radar for a few years now especially here in the UK. I was actually quite delighted when I found out they had set up shops here in London and Leeds. I think they have two shops in London; one smack in front of Oxford Circus Station and another in Westfield. They are an Italian Makeup Brand based in Milan, Italy and they stock all things beauty and skincare including their best selling eyeshadow sticks,  bronzers, foundations, concealers and of course, this primer.

Packaging

I really like the outer packaging that this primer comes in as it is well made and reminds me of NARS packaging. Inside, you get a slim long tube which contains 17 ml of product. Initially, I thought it was quite a small amount but you only need a little of this product to go a long way. The tube also has a pointy tip which I like because it means it controls how much product is dispensed. It also prevents any waste of the product and any cross contamination which you may find with tubes that have larger openings.

Texture

When I first got it, I was keen to see how the texture felt. It was a little difficult to come out of the tube (at first) but I think that’s really good to help manage how much one uses. It came out eventually and it looked like a thick cream/lotion which I was quite surprised about. It’s not completely white; it’s more of a light creamy/beigey colour.  However, it does not interfere with your foundation’s colour and it goes on clear on the skin. On application to my skin, it was relatively easy to blend but it set really fast. It felt ever so slightly tight on the skin and it instantly mattified the area I applied it to (as you can see from the picture). Once it sets, you can feel its presence on the area where you have applied it but it’s nothing uncomfortable. If you have dry skin or dehydrated skin or you prefer a dewy foundation finish, this primer is absolutely not for you. It also does a good job in blurring out my enlarged pores and make my foundation go on really flawlessly.

How I use it

The trick behind getting the best results from this foundation is very dependent on how you apply it. As mentioned earlier, it incredibly mattifies the area of the skin the skin where it has been applied so you only need a small amount. I just dispense a tiny amount (almost just a drop) and I apply it with downwards strokes on my T-zones, cheeks, and some section near my nose where I have enlarged pores. I always wait for it to set (it does this really fast anyway) before proceeding with concealer or foundation depending on what I am using that day. If you apply it all over your face or if you use too much, it would be incredibly difficult to blend in your foundation or concealer. Moderation is the key here and you only need such a tiny amount for the whole face.

Results

Ladies and Gents!! I cannot even stop raving about this primer even if I tried. The results are absolutely outstanding especially for my skin type (combination/oily). When I use a good primer even my beloved Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, I still get some shine on my face towards the close of play or around 3pm.  I have to use a mattifying powder or blotting paper to take it away. With the Kiko Primer, my foundation stayed the same way till I got home to take it off. It was intact; no shiny T-zones and no fading of my foundation/concealer. I did not need to blot with a powder at all (unless it's a terribly warm/hot day). It has seriously upped my foundation/face makeup game and I am absolutely obsessed with it right now. The only other primer which I have heard provides similar results to this is the Becca Ever Matte Primer which I really want to try someday,

Cost

I think the cost even makes me love it more as it retails for only £8.90. You cannot go wrong with that price at all. It’s such an amazing value for the money you pay, in fact you get so much more for your buck. If Kiko have any discounts, I would hop on the website or go in-store and pick up a few more as back up. I have been recommending this primer to anyone I know because it is truly incredibly. (OK, I will stop now!!)

Cons

1. It is not suitable for dry skin types or if you like a dewy foundation finish.

2.  Incorrect use may result in difficulty in blending your foundation

3. You can only buy online if you don’t live in London and Leeds although I think they may have stores in other European Countries.

Overall Thoughts

I love this primer a lot and I am yet to try any other primer that gives me similar results as this. It’s such a huge relief not to be bothered about your shiny T-zone or foundation slipping off your face. Now that it’s Spring/Summer and it’s getting sunnier, I am so pleased that many of my beloved foundations can still be used and they won’t slip off.  That’s it folks!! Have you tried the Kiko Mat Base Primer?

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Review

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is one of the most popular primers out there, along with the Hourglass Veil Primer. Naturally, I wanted to try the Laura Mercier version because the price tag was more affordable but I also wanted to try out a sample first before committing to a full size. You can imagine how delighted I was when the September Latest in Beauty Box had a generous sample of this primer inside and it was one of the main reasons why I purchased the box although there were other lovely products in it. So, is it worth the hype?...

Packaging
I think the packaging is lovely although this is not the full size, I think it is still similar to the full size. I actually prefer the travel size which contains 30 ml of product in it because it is much more compact and travel friendly. The lid shuts really securely so you don't have worry about it spilling all over the place.




What does Laura Mercier say
Laura Mercier describes this foundation primer as a light weight creamy gel that creates the perfect canvas for makeup application. I absolutely agree with this description however, I would't quite describe it as a creamy gel; it has more of a light creamy/moisturiser feel to it. I don't find it gel-like in any manner and I prefer it that way. I love the texture as it just feels like you are putting on another moisturiser but it gets absorbed really quickly so you don't have to be waiting around or have any greasy or slippery feeling on your face which is common with silicone based primers.

Application/How I use
It's really straightforward to use and I just apply it with my fingers around my T-zones and if I have any left on my fingers, I pat it on my cheeks. The texture reminds me of the Becca Rejuvenating Primer but I think the Laura Mercier Primer is a little lighter in texture. I use this primer straight after my moisturiser/sunscreen and just before I put on my foundation and it acts as the perfect base for my makeup.

Results
When it comes to primers, I always look out for primers that help my makeup/foundation last longer and control shine. If the primer helps minimise pores, that's a massive plus. I am very pleased with the Laura Mercier Primer results because it helps my foundation last relatively longer than when I don't use it and it helps control my shiny T-zones. I wouldn't say it completely mattifies my face but it just helps the foundation apply smoother. I am pretty sure I would buy a full size once this finishes although I secretly really like this travel size and I won't mind getting another one.




Cost
The full size retails for £29 (link) and it contains 50 ml which is quite steep but it is a really good primer compared to others I have tried. I think they sell the travel size online and it retails from £17 which is not the cheapest but it is more affordable.  I got this travel size in a beauty box as mentioned previously so I did not technically buy it directly. If you are desperate to try it, I think it would be nice to wait till Boxing day sales where it should hopefully be discounted.

Cons
I really can't think of anything I don't like about it unless the price tag as it is quite pricey but as I said, it's worth it. You can also opt to purchase a travel size if you want to try it first before shelling out on the full size. More importantly, a little goes a long way so it would last for a good while even if you use it everyday.

Overall Thoughts
I just love it although I don't think it is "holy grail" only because I have not tried it during Summer/Spring when my skin is more oily and in its elements. I think that's when I can see if it really controls shine as well as it does now that it's winter season. That's it folks and I would see you in my next post...x

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage Review

Hi Me Lovelies,
I think my blogging mojo is gradually coming back to me and the weather has also added an extra oomph to my mood in a way that makes me want to take pictures which you all know i love to do. Sometimes, I feel there are too many photos in a single blog post but I can't really help it... I am guilty of taking many pictures and finding it really hard to delete the ones i don't need...tehehhe.
I recently did a little shopping in MAC, not just for me, but for my sister and also my friend . I am not sure if this is common in the MAC Counter in Selfridges London but I got a sample without asking..AT ALL. You all know I am very big on getting samples especially from high end brands but MAC is one of the few that are a bit difficult to get samples from. The only freebie i get is when i return 6 packs of Back to MAC empties for a free lipstick so you can imagine my shock when the lovely sales lady put in the Mac Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage Primer in my shopping bag. I did a double take and she just smiled and said she hopes I like it when i try it out. To be honest, I was extremely pleased and surprised ,if i may add, because I really wanted to try out the MAC Prep +Prime Primer for a long time but I could not justify spending so much on it especially if i don't end up liking it. So here goes my little review of this sample which, by the way, has lasted for a good time for me...Yahhh!

Packaging
I can't really comment on the packaging as this is a sample size but i must say i love when brands take their time to have really decent packaging for their free samples and MAC is one of the brands that ensure their samples, howbeit few, make that cut. Although, this is just a tiny sample, it has gone a really long way and you need only a little for a perfect face. The tube does squeeze out a little more than required but I am not sure the proper full size does the same but you really do need a little. I have read a few reviews where people preferred for the primer tube to be transparent which makes sense as one will like to know when it is about to run out.

Application
After getting over my excitement, i proceeded to try this out. My usual routine is -moisturiser, primer , concealer/foundation and powder. It felt really smooth to touch and applied easily alongside my moisturiser. I think i really liked how smooth it applied on my skin without any hitches. Although it looks white, it appears clear on application and you can't tell that you have it on as it is very light as expected anyways. Next, I applied my foundation/powder as normal and it helped my foundation glide even smoother and the finished look was fab. I have not noticed any scent to it, maybe a very slight scent but not sure, I can't trust my nose... :-0

Longevity/Wear Time
Primers are meant to help your foundation last longer and prevent it from sliding off your face in hot conditions. This definitely does what it is meant to do as my foundation lasted a little longer than when i used my Collection 2000 Primer (check out the review here). I suspect it does have some slight moisturising action in it because my skin felt really softer and the name does say Prep and Prime so maybe it does have some moisturising properties inside it but don't quote me on that. This does not have any SPF in it for all you SPF lovers but I guess that's still okay as you can use a moisturiser or foundation with SPF with it.

Verdict
I will definitely pick the full size up when the samples completely runs out. It retails for £18 in any MAC counters strewn all over the world and online as well. I think it is a decent amount for the quality and quantity you get. The big decision for me will be to decide between the MAC Prep + Primer Skin Base Visage and the Benefit Porefessional Primer because i do really like both of them but I think i may be leaning towards the MAC Prep +Prime only because it cost slightly less :-)))



I hope you enjoyed this post and thanks as always for stopping by..see you in my next post which should be pretty soon...x...If you have any suggestions for any post/review, do let me know...toodles...x