Primers - AIBU?

[Twelvety]

I've been getting into makeup a bit more recently and enjoying playing around with products and trying out stuff. So for me this is wearing foundation/lipstick/eyeshadow/blusher (whereas before I only really wore mascara).

All good, except for almost every product there is a primer. I often see threads on here where people say oh this is foundation/eyeshadow isn't working and someone suggests try this primer. Which is fair enough, they're being helpful but I resent the fact that once I've bought one product I have to buy another to make the first one look good. There's ones for under your foundation, under your eye makeup and even lip primers! AIBU to think just make the product better so it looks good without a primer and stays on for a few hours??

Ok it's probably time for some wine and to get a life

I've wondered the same so watching with interest (and beer)

I agree. I don't see the point of primer, it just seems to make any foundation slide off. Eyeshadow does stay on slightly better but it's negligible TBH. Lip primer could sod right off, I just reapply when I remember...

I think the problem is, is that most of the reasons you need a primer is because of your skin. Most primers act as barriers from your skin and smoother bases than your skin so I doubt most products could just be 'made better' to counter act this problem.

Foundation primer is a must for me and my dry skin.

Most of the beauty youtubers I watch don't use eyeshadow primer the use concealer then set with their face powder instead.

I think it is because as skin matures (sigh!) foundation and eyeshadow can set into fine lines. To be fair a tiny amount goes a very long way.

I agree, it does seem like just a way of selling more products. That being said I've also fallen victim to the marketing and nars do an amazing eye primer.

My eyeshadow and liner looks like it's been freshly applied when it's been on for a good 12 hours. It usually just melts off by lunch time!

Setting powder, too - anyone come across this?

So we should

Cleanse
Tone
Moisturise
Primer
Foundation
Concealer
Setting powder.

Wow!

I like be a primer as to me my make up looks smoother but I don't think they essential.
I do love an eyeshadow primer too but to be fair a dollop of foundation and a base shadow do the job just as well. I've never bothered with a lip primer, i just line my lips first then fill them with the liner before lipstick!

I also love a finishing powder but not a Matt one, I personally like Benefit dandelion to add that extra glow.
I am a beauty junkie though!

What's the best primer for very dry skin? Youtube says it's Glossier moisturizing primer but that's not available in the UK yet. I've sent off for a sample of Too Faced Hangover primer, I'm hoping for a minor miracle that finally allows me to wear foundation!

Yvette Saint Laurent do a very absorbent primer that might suit your skin, Morris

you don't need much, but an eyeshadow primer makes a difference if you can be arsed. Nars is great and lasts ages.

I've just left a drinks thing early because I heard the Fulham branch of Wilko had got more primer in, lots here raves about and I've never been able to find it before...just purchased...

Cheaper than another glass of wine in a wanky bar I spose, even if it turns out to be pointless

I use primer when it's hot and I'm likely to sweat, or with a thinner oil based foundation but none otherwise. It does help with certain conditions and products.

After watching many YouTube videos I came across Nivea after shave balm
For men being used as primer, contains similar ingredients to most primers that promise longevity of make up ect anyway I bought some it was a few quid and a massive bottle and I have to say it's the best primer I've ever used. I've had very expensive ones benefit ones, smashbox, guerlain ect but the Nivea one is the best

I tried the old half of the face test and my use of primer did make my foundation look smoother but no effect on how long it lasted for. I suspect a different and more expensive foundation may also do the same job. But then choosing foundation can be an ordeal in itself. Last time I decided to switch brands and only after 3 or 4 unsuccessful purchases I was happy. I put sun cream on before primer, which I reckon would do exactly the same smoothing job as primer. I agree with a pp that it's the fact that primer is a separate layer that makes it work. In my case I believe it means that I can get away with cheaper foundation. Although now I am thinking why don't I just shell out for a more expensive foundation as it may be cheaper in the end!

Does it not smell 'manly', mummy!?

I personally wouldn't use the Nivea, I think my skin would be too sensitive for it!

Thanks softshell!

And more pressingly...

There's a Wilko in Fulham??

Smells manly at first but then the smell goes after 5 minutes! It's actually for sensative skin so you should be fine

I never bother with primer but do use a good moiaturiser. Setting powder however is amazing! Mac do a clear (white) powder that doesn't hurt your blusher etc. And it is Fab.

Postagestamppat if you blot with tissue after moisturising before foundation then blot with tissue after foundation it stays put longer (DM did a makeup course where they taught this). Application with a foundation brush instead of fingers too.

Morris there's a Wilko on Kensington High Street! Either it's going up or HSK is going down! 😀

Table where?! What is it near? Used to work on HSK and I never spotted one!

HSK is going down a bit, they've closed loads of shops along there. The Wilko is along towards the Hammersmith end, past Barclays but before you get to the entrance to Holland Park and that Byron's on the corner. Fulham one is in the Broadway where the station is and it's great and open till 11pm!

Cyclopentasiloxane is the ingredient to look for: smooths like polyfilla.
I use a highlighting primer on cheek bones an the eye area; slightly mattifying one for the nose. It means I don't need foundation or very little.
Avoid dimethicone as it bobbles.

Does anyone use a setting spray? Do these cancel out the need for a primer?