• Registered: 2011-08-03
  • Posts: 776

Topic: poll: Are primers worth it?

I get samples of primers with my cosmetic purchases quite often, but they just give me the impression that I am putting hair gel or lotion on my face. I'm talking about the clear primers (mattifying, pore shrinking, line filling, ect). I do have a primer that has a color correcting tint for my reddish undertone. But, I only use it when I go out at night. Other than a fun luxury, I don't see the need for it. I don't see a differance with any primer, in fact.

Why all the sudden hype about primers? Does today's foundation have such poor quality, that it will not perform without one?  35

Do you use a primer, and if so- what does it really do for your complection??

Do you notice a tremendous differance without it? Do you hold your foundation accountable?

I am curious. I see that some are upwards of $65.00, and the cheap ones usually cost more that $20.00

Any feedback and opinions would be great!  11

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2012-03-23
  • Posts: 1,318

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

My moisturizer does the trick for me as I usually don't wear foundation but if I do it's Bareminerals, when I use primers I feel like I'm putting on a mask and I don't like it.

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  • From: Finland
  • Registered: 2012-06-26
  • Posts: 654

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I am definitely giving  tummenupp for eyeshadow primers, but not for the facial ones. I have tried Nars&Guerlain ones and they were complete waste of money&time. My skin is normal, I have some faint lines and badly behaving huge pores that can be covered with normal foundation so honestly I don't see a point. Maybe they work for people with oily skin?

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  • From: Blythewood, South Carolina, US
  • Registered: 2008-11-27
  • Posts: 4,813

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I do have oily skin and I love my primer - I use Prime Time. It makes your face feel like silk and the foundation goes on much more smoothly and evenly. I go buy more when I run low - been using it for 5 years now.

  • From: Italy
  • Registered: 2011-09-02
  • Posts: 184

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I'll probably need some green stuff for the redness but there are specific creams out there, there's no need for a primer not for me at least.

up for swap: http://www.fragrantica.com/board/viewtopic.php?pid=761776
  • From: dry desert heat
  • Registered: 2011-03-19
  • Posts: 1,252

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I use Urban Decay primers for eyes and face. If I get overheated (I live in the desert) or have the occasional hot flash  wink, despite perspiring, my makeup stays put, even my tinted moisturizer!

Last edited by Wichapi (2012-07-20 12:15:41)

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  • Registered: 2011-05-16
  • Posts: 1,433

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I voted that they're essential. But I only use one for my eyes. I can't even wear eye liner without it, eye folds make such a mess otherwise.

No idea about face ones. I have borderline dry skin and occasionally just use a little powder, no foundation.

"Did I miss something? Are we girls now? ... Are we bonded together by estrogen or sisterhood or some other feminist drivel?" Pam,True Blood
  • From: Florida The Sunshine State
  • Registered: 2012-05-11
  • Posts: 3,456

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I'm really a fan of eyeshadow primers.  Urban decay gave out samples with a purchase so I started with them.  NYX has a white eye primer in a small jar that I really love.  Now even the cheapest eyeshadows go on bright and stay on all day.

Variety is the spice of life.
  • Registered: 2011-08-03
  • Posts: 776

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I just have to watch what I put on my face. I have very thin, transluscent skin, and so just a tiny bit of makeup looks like a LOT. So, when I use primers it appears like I have a ton of makeup on my face. And, I don't wear alot of shadows...so I don't feel I need a primer.

This has been an interesting poll. The responses were very mixed. Cool.  31

  • From: PA, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-07
  • Posts: 1,664

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I used to dislike primers but now I love them!  But I am older now and my skin is more dry so this is why they work for me.  Additionally they make my makeup face look smooth.

I like L'oreal, Victoria's Secret, Palladio, Algenist, RoC, DHC.

I usually don't like to spend more than $20 on a primer.  I have purchased primers that were more costly though.

  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2009-10-03
  • Posts: 3,774

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I don't really understand what primers do... perhaps because I haven't tried one?  What do they do that a moisturizer doesn't?  maybe someone can explain for me, and then I would get the curiosity of trying them..... but I don't really wear foundation unless I go out, I only wear lipstick, mascara, some eye shadow and black liner.... ( not all and not always).... would a primer make sense for me?

"The supreme happiness of life the conviction that we are loved."
  • Registered: 2010-03-26
  • Posts: 113

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

Primers keep things moisturized and help makeup stick. No, they are not necessary. But there are times when they are worth it. Here is when they are worth it for me:



So, I have some less expensive eyeshadow, and some more expensive stuff. I have two Dior pallets, for instance. Now, I had been having trouble keeping them from fading and creasing, to the point where this very high priced stuff would look shabby after two hours. That's terrible for the price (60$, ouch!). Using an eyeshadow primer helps me not to let this stuff go to waste, and it makes it wear a lot longer and better. So when it comes to making your pricey stuff worth wearing, primers are a beautiful thing.



I can't vouch for under-foundation primers, because I don't use foundation. But I'm guessing it's the same idea, it helps it stick and not to crease.



It's up to you, and it depends on what makeup you use. If it's cheap makeup, and it doesn't matter how long it lasts, then you don't have to blow your cash on primers, you can just re-apply when you need instead. If you hate having to re-apply, then sure, a primer may be worth your while.



Hope this helps!  superglad

Last edited by Chantal (2012-07-27 17:02:17)

  • From: Alabama
  • Registered: 2012-04-07
  • Posts: 1,252

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I have been thinking about trying primers myself. I just may have to , so I can satisfy my curiosity.



You know what I use on my eyelids to keep my eyeliners from smudging and my eyeshadows true? I use the lightest stick concealer I can find , all over my lids. I set it with a light dusting of baby powder. My liners and hadows go on true to color and stay on until I wash them off! Believe it or not, it works. I learned this little trick from a Drag Queen! ( yes, that is what she prefers to be called ) Who better to get make up tips from?

Run, Bambi ! Run!
  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2009-10-03
  • Posts: 3,774

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

Thank you Chantal, very useful info!  26

"The supreme happiness of life the conviction that we are loved."
  • From: Texas
  • Registered: 2012-06-02
  • Posts: 296

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I use the primer from Avon called MagiX; it has a little SPF and goes on very smooth and creamy, not greasy. I use it in place of a moisturizer (except in winter, when I need to moisturize too) without foundation and with a little cream blush most days; I layer on a thin layer of foundation when I'm going out, and  it seems to make the foundation go on more smoothly and helps control oil.  The stuff from Avon is around $8 when it's on sale.

  • From: Montreal
  • Registered: 2012-03-29
  • Posts: 2,177

Re: poll: Are primers worth it?

I never understood the need for primer until I tried one, the Revlon photo ready, evens out my skin, helps makeup not settle into creases and makes my makeup last all day, this one is highly rated by makeup lovers for the price (it is really affordable)