If you think primers are faffy nonsense read this

[MidLifeWoman]

Ok, I shouldn’t really be on S&B because I am very low maintenance, but I had to share the revelation that primer has been for me!
It does seem completely over the top to use 3 creams on my face in the morning (moisturiser, sun screen and primer), but oh my - the difference the primer makes is astonishing!
It’s like painting a plastered wall vs. painting raw bricks 🤯
I still have questions, though: are these miraculous properties reserved for the Laura Geller primer I am using, or can I buy any old primer in Superdrug?

I’ve never been impressed by any primer, expensive or cheap just a waste of money, I haven’t tried Laura Gellar though so it could be down that being a particular good one?

Every primer I've tried just feels like make up applied on top just slides off. Maybe I'm doing it wrong?

So I just use bb cream now.

Every primer I've tried has sat in my pores making me look speckled. For me, the best "primer" is the Elizabeth Arden nightime miracle balm. I use this day and night and it's fabulous under my foundation.

Is there a good primer with spf around? I'd buy that, I'm useless with loads of layers

Get the YUKA app on your phone and check out the toxic chemicals in Laura Geller stuff.
Im surprised it hasn't made people go blind.

@Gettingbysomehow I use Skin Deep and am ok with the scores.

The only primer that actually makes my skin better under make up isn't actually a primer. It's Erborian BB cream, works beautifully under make up.

Yuka does not consider the exposure, I would not rely on their assessment in my shopping decisions.
But for primers, Erborian ones are great, they have a few different versions. I use them also without make up, they give a nice blur.

I just use the Primark one. Does the job as well as anything else.

There are but they’re pointless really it’s like foundation with spf. You’d have to put loads on to the point your face looked a little caked to get the required protection. Me personally, I’d just apply a decent suscreen. Once absorbed apply a tinted SPF or SPF foundation for heavier coverage. Then if out all day touch up with a spray SPF sunscreen. But that’s only if I needed a ‘made up’ look for a formal occasion. Usually I just apply my sunscreen and then reapply after a few hours oudoors. My ex used to think I was mad lol whenever we sat down for a coffee break or lunch I’d be smearing a load of sunscreen on me. I’ve never seen anyone else reapply it in the wild like you’re meant to but I don’t care. I have pretty smooth bouncy skin for a 52 year old and I’d like to keep it that way if possible!

Do you use your primer directly under your eyes or just every where else?

I also thought this, then I used a Smashbox one which was excellent. However the real revelation was setting spray, I had used the urban decay one and hated it and didn't see the point, but got the ELF power grip dewy setting spray one reduced on a whim and it actually does what it says! I have skin that tends towards oily, so I do need a powder in my routine but this makes me look dewy again without being oily and really does help my makeup last a lot longer.

I have to say I do notice the difference if I use the Laura Geller primer - I use the hydration one, although I have also got the ordinary one here as well to try

I am pro primer generally (I like the matt ones and DM has a great primer that is a grey/white cream but turns tinted when it is applied to the skin). But, I find eyelid primers truly game changing. Keeps eye shadow and liner in place all day even on my greasy lids!! I can't remember the brand I use but it wasn't an expensive one and works wonders.

I'm wearing Haeckels SPF as a primer at the minute. It's doing a great job.

Keep in mind that I have no idea what you should be doing: it goes all over my face, including directly under my eyes.

@cathyandclaire I am in love with elf suntouchable primer. It's genuinely wonderful. SPF and you can either wear foundation on top, or not!

I also mix in drunk elephant bronzing drops and it makes me glow!

I use elf poreless putty, but nowhere near my eyes, I use elf BB creme on upper lids and elf concealer under eyes last after everything else is finished. I. 56 if it's relevant

Dermalogica primer is amazing and spf30. Ridiculous expensive now though at £55 full price for a tiny tube. I keep wasting money trying others to find something cheaper but nothing has yet compared 😕

Primer just sits in my pores and makes my skin look awful. Don’t get suckered! I’ve tried maybe a dozen different kinds and they’re all a nonsense.

I mix the maybelline illuminating primer (purple tube) with a tiny bit of moisturiser and foundation l. An absolute game changer l, my skin glows without looking too shiny & it's only £10.

I just bought a primer with spf from Superdrug and it doesn’t seem to be clogging my skin

Elf power grip is great for me. Also recommend NYX dewy setting spray. Affordable, doesn’t make spf or moisturisers pil and looks great on mature skin.

I recommend collection primed and ready all night setting spray. It's cheap but amazing. My makeup stays on even in hot weather. Also check out their long lasting perfection concealer. It has won awards and I'm not surprised. It's a staple in my hand bag and has been for years. Those are their best 2 products for sure.