Talk to me about primers

[tryingsomethingnew]

Lovely ladies...you always have such good answers.

I'm 45, tackling mid life acne, and just don't really change my make up routine. Lots of Insta ladies who talk about make up, always say prep your skin. I moisturise, then apply my foundation. IT cosmetics seems to be a good one for acne prone skin. I've tried no.7 primer, and I've tried another cheap-ish one. I've also heard about a vitamin c serum? The foundation is good for me I think, but do you prep your skin? Any ideas?

Benefit porefessional is amazing.
Erborian bb cream is amazing, even without any primer on.

Okay. I've seen Benefit in boots. Not heard of the other one. Is that available in Boots? Only asking as I'm going this weekend.

I have problem skin (and always have had) and tend to steer clear of primers as that’s just another product with potential to clog my skin, given I already put on moisturiser, SPF and then some kind of base make up. I think it’s a bit of a gimmick too. As PP says a good base product shouldn’t need an extra product to do its job. I’d focus on treating your skin issues if you can.

I'll be curious to see what people say here. My experience of primers is that they don't seem to serve a function if my skin is adequately moisturised. So I use the supply I have on warm days when I'm not using my heavier moisturiser.

I agree with this advice - OP have you thought about introducing salicylic acid or similar to your skincare routine? It might help clear up your skin.

Vitamin C serum is good, as it's a good antioxidant to use in the mornings under sunscreen. It can help to even out and brighten skin over time, but it's not targeted at acne prone or oily skin specifically.

I don’t like them at all. They make my face look unnaturally smooth. You also need to be conscious to make sure the foundation is blended properly on your skin as it can leave patches.

I think primers are pure marketing bullshit.

Must have tried a dozen; they all make my foundation pill or look weird, and they absolutely do not help my make up stay on for longer.

They also clog my pores and make me break out.

No thank you to primers!

Really interesting! I think you're all right. Would just like to have a smoother finish. It's probably my blending! I agree it will probably be more clogging of the pores.

The gel ones do tend to be better for creating a smoother finish. But it also depends on what you want from it. I use a hydrating one as I like the glow. I find the Benefit ones to look unnaturally smooth but Laura Mercier and Hourglass do good primers for making your skin look smoother.

I agree, I never get on with them.

Primers are great in summer if you’re wearing powder bronzer. I wear an illuminating primer in summer with blush and bronzer. Clinique has a light refracting primer which gives you a lovely soft glow.
In winter, I wear tinted moisturiser. Wearing primer in summer is easier than trying to find a darker shade.