20 Primers We're Loving Right Now

Posted by Alexandra C. | Tuesday November 27, 2012

I was recently doing my obligatory newspaper reading (ok, you caught me, I was looking at my Twitter feed) when I stumbled upon an article on primers. So, here's something: I never actually used primers on a daily basis until about a year or two ago. I received a sample of Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer from Sephora and all of a sudden I started noticing how much longer my foundation was lasting; Who, knew? Since then, primers have become part of my makeup routine. Not only do they create a smoother, lasting complexion, but with the variety of primers available now, you can help prevent creasing, aging, acne or shine.

Weirdly enough, in the article I was reading, they talked about the increasing popularity of primers in the past few years. It seems the primer bug hit me as well as well as the rest of the world at the same time. Virginia Lee, a senior research analyst at Euromonitor International (a market research company in London) said the company’s tracking of the category “other facial makeup” (including primers) jumped an impressive 73 percent from 2006 to 2011. Sales in the United States are at $46.6 million, from $26.9 million (via nytimes.com).

With all the buzz about primers lately, I thought a round up of some of our favourites was in order. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't also discuss the eye primer. I swear by my Urban Decay Primer Potion for lasting, anti fading shadow colour but there are a ton of cult faves out there to help bring out intense eye colours. I also thought it would be interesting to bring up mascara primers. I never jumped on the mascara primer bandwagon but with all the primer talk, I can see them being the next 'it' thing.

1. Rimmel London Fix & Perfect Smoothing Foundation Primer (C$9.99)

2. Stila Hydrating Primer Oil-Free SPF 30 (C$44.00)

3. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (C$44.00)

4. Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer (C$38.00)

5. Benefit Cosmetics the POREfessional (C$34.00)

6. Becca Resurfacing Primer (C$48.00)

7. Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer (C$39.00)

8. CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer (C$17.99)

9. Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer Clear (UK$19.99)

10. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer + No. 28 Primer Serum Duo (C$29.00)

1. Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base (US$25.50)

2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Tube in Original (C$24.00)

3. Too Faced Shadow Insurance (C$24.00)

4. Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus (C$24.00)

5. Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer (C$27.00)

6. MAC Prep + Prime Eye (US$18.50)

7. Clinique Touch Base for Eyes (US$15.00)

8. Smashbox Layer Lash Primer (C$19.00)

9. L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara (C$13.79)

10. Mary Kay Lash Primer Full Treatment Formula (US$15.00)

Are you a primer user? What's your favourite?

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11 Comments

	on November 15, 2013 Gitty99 5,558 said: I was lucky enough to get a free sample of the smashbox photo finish primer, and i loved how much smoother my skin seemed afterwards, and how long my make up lasted. I only use it now if I am going out somewhere special as it is pricy, wish I could get more free samples!
	on December 05, 2012 cocoandbella 335 said: I use the Rimmel Fix and Perfect on my face and the UB on my eyelids when going out to humid bars or clubs and my makeup doesn't budge all night!
	on November 30, 2012 KatelynRose1984 20,704 said: I don't really use any primers on my face, except for my eyes. I find that the primer holds on my eye shadow, which allows for a longer wear during the day. Other than that, it's just a tinted moisturizer.
	on November 29, 2012 tina_cc 258 said: I bought Palladio Herbal Eyeshadow Primer based on the rave reviews it got on MakeupGeek, and I swear by it. I always had weepy creases on my upper lid, and honestly this primer holds everything in place from the time I leave for work, until after-work drinks are done. Bold eyes aren't a problem for me anymore ;)
	on November 28, 2012 Malixy 2,623 said: I love the Lisa Watier eye primer. Its less expensive then UD (which I also love) but not worse in quality. 1 tube lasts for months. Good stuff :)
	on November 27, 2012 shanaz 5,961 said: Benefit's "Porefessional" is awesome!
	on November 27, 2012 cutie_marlena 3,191 said: I tried a couple different primers and I didn't like it. While it made my face feel soft, it also felt oily. My foundation glided over it, but it actually made it seem to last a shorter period of time instead...like it glided right off in some spots, creating a patchy look. I still have a couple full bottles, but I won't use them ever again.
	on November 27, 2012 fredamans 12,209 said: I've been using Maybelline Age Rewind Primer. I like it so far, but admit it's the only one I have tried.
	on November 27, 2012 midnightsun2288 6,053 said: I still don't use a face primer, although I think bb cream counts. I do use my NP set eye primer on rare special occasions when I really need my eyeshadow to stay put all day, but I hate to waste it because it was so expensive for a tiny little bottle. I tried a mascara primer before, it was on one of those double sided mascara tubes like #9 in the last set. I noticed a difference in the fact that my eyelashes looked ridiculously long, but I wasn't quite sure if that was from the primer or the new mascara. Unfortunately I had to give it away because it really irritated my eyes. I am not really gung-ho about trying another one though, because I feel like my lashes are doing perfectly fine without it.
	on November 27, 2012 LissaG 6,010 said: I loove primer! I use Smashbox Photo Finish, and it works amazing. I love the feeling of it on my skin. I'm also a huge Lancome fan, and when I went to purchase the Waterproof Eyecolour Base they didn't have any in stock but she gave me a sample...which is about half the size of their regular one, and it's free. So my tip is to just ask for a sample and it should keep you going for a few months!