Serum, moisturiser, primer -do I really need them all?

[sazpops]

At the moment I use an eye cream and moisturiser during the day, and sometimes a serum before the moisturiser.

But I've read so many articles saying you really need a primer under your foundation, so that would give me four layers of different stuff (Serum, moisturiser, primer, foundation), plus any concealer/blusher.

It just sounds too much! And should I stick to one brand throughout?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

I wondered this also - so watching with interest.

I need this advice too! Such a faff layering it all on.

I'm trying to simplify my life (see 'minimalist quiche' thread if anyone's interested) but all the beauty writers (well, Saint Sali Hughes) insist that all these products are essential.

I use them for a bit, then get fed up & go back to Dove soap & Astral. Can't really see any difference but maybe I'm not giving the complex route enough time to work properly?

I too now only use Dove soap and Astral.
Whilst not perfect my skin is a lot better than its been for a long time.

Ok

Here goes

I used a primer Estée Lauder mate one for my wedding day last well and it did make a difference to

How the foundation looked much smoother
How long everything lasted looked as good 15hours later as it did when I put it on
Also drastically reduced my shining

But I wouldn't use it every day

poorbuthappy - I'm thinking of going back to basics too, but my age is against me! It's not overdry, but definitely going saggy and wrinkly . I've recently bought Estee Lauder night repair, and Resilience Lift, but my skin seems to be a bit sensitive to it and I think it's looking worse!

I might have to try serum next time I'm doing the full works make-up wise and see if it makes a difference. mummywithnosleep did you wait for each 'layer' to soak in before you put on the next one? I imagine if you just slap it all on you're going to end up with rather a gungy mess!

Thanks mirai it sounds obvious when you say it like that. Unfortunately I live in the sticks and rarely get to a shop with a good selection of stuff, so I always go out with good intentions but then can't get what I want. I bought the Estee Lauder at duty free a few weeks ago but I think I've wasted rather a lot of money!

I use a Laura mercier primer but just on work days. I am firmly of the belief that less is more. Lucky to have good skin but I really think, bar a moisturiser, the less I do to my skin, the more water I drink, the less sugar I eat, the better.

Ah mrsdoomspatterson (that name brings back a few memories!!) yes, if only I could cut down on the wine a bit more that might help.

Hehe, I do get a few comments on it!

I've just taken the decision to cut out sugar and alcohol. I also couldn't be doing with serum in the day, my skin would be like a slick!!

Hi

Yes I did wait for each to dry first

But I didn't use a serum that day

Do moisterised and had cup of coffee

Primer and waited a couple of mins as it dries really fast

Foundation concealer

Did eyes

Foundation brush back over under eyes to catch fall down

Powder blusher lips

Done

There are some fab versions on YouTube by pixwoo

On phone so can't link but they explain all about it

Hope that helps

Versions sorry videos

I clean, tone, moisturise and use eye cream in the morning. In the evening it's the same bar I also use a serum (Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair) before I moisturise. Exfoliate between cleaning and toning once or twice a week.

It's not time consuming, the whole thing takes about 5-10 minutes maximum, I think it's worth it to have good skin.

Serum at night! Moisturise and then primer for day.

I don't use a serum during the day. Occasionally use one at night, but never found one that I think is worth the money or makes a difference. Instead I use a moisturiser which works as a treatment too. I have oily skin, so I use a moisturiser with salicylic acid in it. I use a primer because I have oily skin and it makes a big difference to how long my foundation lasts, but again, I combine products, and use one with an SPF, as I like to wear sunscreen everyday ( MAC prep and prime spf50 ).