To Prime or not to Prime?

Answer: Always Use Primer!

It's taken me a really long time to find a face primer that I really love... Most of the ones out there today have a silicone base and because my skin is on the oily side, they just slip right off my face taking my makeup with them. Kind of defeats the purpose of a primer right?? Don't get me wrong, these are amazing for people with dryer skin but for me, I need one with a water base. 

You can tell the difference right away by just running a tiny amount between your fingers. If it feels gel-like and slippery, it's got a silicone base (they are usually clear colored.) If it looks and feels more like a lotion and absorbs into your skin instead of sitting on top of it, it's water based. I suggest trying samples of both to see what works best before purchasing. 

The purpose of a face primer is to not only make your makeup stay in place longer, it also keeps it from settling into your pores of any fine lines. Lately, I like Napoleon's Auto Pilot Pre Foundation Primer because it's really light weight and easy to wear during our humid summers. 

I also use an eyelid primer everyday. If you don't wear a lot of eye makeup, it's really not necessary, but if you like to play around with shadows, it will change your life. The idea of an eyelid primer is really about the same as your face primer... just much more concentrated. It keeps your shadow in place and from creasing. It also controls oil on your eyelid so your eyeliner and mascara won't end up all over your eyelid by the end of the day. Also, a little goes a long way with this stuff so just a small drop is really all you need.  Right now I'm using Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

 Pictured:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance: $18 (I've had this .35oz tube since before Christmas and it's still at least half full)

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre Foundation Primer: I got this .5oz size in a kit that included a full size mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow, and primer for $39. Always check for these kits first when making a big makeup purchase but check the sizes first... If they're all miniatures, I usually pass. But if you get full size items like mascara (that you will always use), lipstick (as long as it's a shade you'll actually wear), and a good neutral shadow or blush, I say go for it. Then the trial sizes (like this primer that I'm completely obsessed with now) basically end up being free.

Other good primers:
Smashbox makes a whole line of primers for varying skin types and finishes.
NYX has some great ones that you can pick up for around $12
Mary Kay actually has a great eyelid primer if you know a consultant
Urban Decay also has amazing eyelid primers