UPDATE: Primers for all skin types

October 14, 2014

Awhile back (2 years to be exact) I did a post on the best primer for oily skin (urban decay) however since then I've found a few new primers that do the job even better. Hopefully if you purchased the UD from my last write up, it's long since run out and you're ready for a new way to keep your shine at bay... Porefessional by Benefit  has the same silicone feel as the Urban Decay one with the same pore/line smoothing benefits however it isn't as thick and doesn't roll up on your skin like the UD one. In fact it's a pretty damn good option to use in your t-zone or wherever you get oily.  

Another mattifying alternative is Becca Ever Matte, which like the Benefit version should be tapped or pressed in to prevent rolling.  Now a recent drugstore discovery yielded a stand out budget friendly option by Boots No7 called Beautifully Matte.  

Now this one is equally effective as the pricier Porefessional but it comes in right at $8 !!! The only thing you should note about this one is it does have a little shimmery white cast when first applied BUT to its credit I haven't noticed it once my foundation is on there is no flash back in photos.  Now for wonderful options for normal, dry, combination skin, dull, acneic or pigmented skin (the above options are for straight up greasers like me).

Combination Skin Smashbox Photo Finish (original or Light) or Laura Mercier Mineral Primer

Dry Skin Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

Normal Skin Laura Mercier Protect SPF or Clinique Universal Face Primer

Acneic Skin Smashbox Photofinish Blemish Control Primer or Jouer Anti Blemish Matte Primer

Pigmented/Discolored Skin Clinique Super Primer Color Correct

Dull Skin Laura Mercier Primer Radiance or Dior Glow Maximizer

There is one last primer that this post couldn't end before mentioning and that is the crème de la crème, Rolls Royce of primers and seems to suit normal, oily or combination skin... drum roll please... Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer Broad Spectrum SPF15.  Yes it is expensive at $52 an ounce BUT if you dedicate yourself to great skincare and you love a luxury foundation then that regimen deserves a primer to match and this is it!  Even if you only buy it once (a smaller size is available for $18) you will then know how to compare all other foundations til the end of time.

You can thank me later ;)

xoxo,

-Kara