Foundation primer - a con?

[MakkaPakkasPacamac]

Isn't primer just a moisturiser?

On Thursday I was mooching around the make-up department in House of Fraser looking for a "miracle" foundation and got talking to one of the saleswomen. I explained that my skin is very dry and that I thought I needed a more creamy foundation and she suggested I try Elizabeth Arden Good Morning Skin Serum.

She said to use just a couple of drops after my moisturiser had soaked in then apply my make-up. I tried a drop on the back of my hand and the skin felt very smooth so I bought a bottle. My face looks so much less dry and I think it must fill lines as the lines from nose to mouth are less noticeable. I'm definitely going to keep using it.

no primer is completely different
well the ones I have used are
they sit on top of the skin
infact if you rub them in too much they pill and you have to start again.
must be a powder base in them I think

Thanks girls! Might give one a go then. My foundation always seems to sink in to my dry skin and looks all flaky and horrible - and I think this is something a primer could help with?

Even something like No 7 Protect and perfect (I always get the name wrong, is that what its called?) puts a smooth layer on top of your moisturiser to help your make up last. I think most primers have a sillicon element which makes them smoth and easy to apply.

I've seen Laura Geller Spackle primer get good reviews on the QVC site

agree smashbox photo finish is brill!!

I have Which serum and a no 7 primer. The which serum is lovely and I put it on after moisturiser and then don't bother with make-up.

The no 7 primer gave me a bad reaction and was chalky. I have 2. One is that green stuff which evens out your skin tone, I was surprised when I tried it as I remember having something like it in the 80's for about 5 minutes!

Origins white tea serum is lovely.

Have never tried a skin primer but I use Urban Decay eye primer potion and it makes a huge difference to how long eyeshadow lasts.

the smashbox - what shade do you use?

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm does a great job, sometimes only need that and concealer. It defo makes my foundation look much better too.

The Smashbox one comes in different shades? So are they tinted, then? Oh God, it's going to be confusing, isn't it....

Laura Mercier foundation primer is good too - I have awful skin at the moment so am using it with creme foundation and mineral powder, it gives a really smooth finish.

"You need to look at your skincare though, there shouldn't be flaking."

Does it just mean I need to moisturise more? (or, frankly, at all!)