Regular & Colored Primers: Which to Choose?

With so many options in the market, choosing a suitable primer may seem like a difficult task and can be confusing. Every woman has a different skin type and concern so selecting the proper primer can make a significant difference in your overall makeup look.

Before purchasing a primer, decide on what your main concern is along with  your skin type. Below are a few tips that can help in choosing the best one for you.

Optimal skin- if you have normal skin, not dry, not oily without any particular concern then a regular one is your best choice. These usually tend to be clear or slightly white.  My favorite are: Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Primer & Smashbox Photo Finish Primer.

Dry skin: I would opt for a hydrating primer such as Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer it cools and adds moisture.

Oily Skin: A light weight water based primer is your best option. My pick is: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light

Anti Aging: Aging skin needs extra moisture and hydration. Tarte ReCreate Primer is  natural, silicone free, and  has a clinically proven wrinkle rewind technology that helps with firmness.

Acne Prone skin: My favorite for this skin type is CoverFX Clearprep FX. It mattifies, and is infused with an anti acne treatment, suitable for those with acne or blemish prone skin.

Sensitive skin: A primer that is silicone free, fragrance free, oil free, sulfate free, formulated without petro-chemicals and dyes is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Lorac AquaPrime meets all of these requirements and hydrates the skin.

Redness in skin/Rosacea: The best hands down for this is Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer "Adjust."  It is green in color and cancels out the redness.

Sallow, yellow or dull skin: If your skin is a bit on the yellow side and needs some adjusting, then Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer "Balance." This purple hued primer really balances sallow skin and evens out discoloration. If your skin is just dull, another great option is Benefit That  Gal Primer this luminizing product brightens any face!

Discoloration, freckles, dark spots: To even out and blend uneven skin color Smashbox Photofinish Correcting Primer in "Blend," is the perfect choice. It's apricot color works wonderfully.

Orange skin: Did you over-tan or have a bad tanning experience and now look like a navel orange? No need to worry, MAKE UP FOREVER HD Primer in 5 Blue will tone down some of the orange.

Lighten dark skin: MAKE UP FOREVER HD Primer in 6 Yellow

I hope that a break down and listing of these primers can be of some help in deciding which to purchase. Make sure that whatever primer you choose to use, you first moisturize skin with an appropriate moisturizer for your skin type. Apply primer and wait a few seconds, like thirty or even a minute for primer to set and do it's job then apply foundation.


* Photo copyright of Paul Tirado Photography & Maria Ortega Makeup