Tag: primer

Stila Prime Pot Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer

Ever want something that can make eyeshadow stick and withstand summer heat? And, to boot, no creases? My new, little Prime Pot is just what the doctor ordered.  Right now, I am using this for a clean and neutral look that can withstand the pool and sweat.  Over the last couple of days, it is also come in handy for a more awake look (crucial while battling this obnoxious cold).  Expect a matte look that covers imperfections.  I am fair and the Tawny matches my red-undertoned complexion.  Carmel would work with deeper complexion and a more olive undertone.  Stila claims the formula “sticks” to eyeshadow and keeps it from creasing and facilitates easy blending.  It lives up to these claims.  But right now, my favorite look is the smudge pot just on its own.  The product is dry (hence the matte look), but I have no problem blending it with my finger and adjusting coverage.  It isn’t a powder, but it’s not the creamiest of creams.  Definitely a new summer staple for me.

COVER FX EyePrep Anti-Age Smoothing Primer

Other than through social media, I had not been exposed to the COVER FX line of makeup and skincare.  But I was immediately intrigued as it was rave reviews from dermatologists – surely they know what they are doing?!  I was able to pick up a few products at The Makeup Show, but my favorite is the EyePrep Anti-Age Smoothing Primer. This is like a triple duty wonder tool: anti-aging benefits, lightweight primer to be worn alone or under eye makeup AND improves the look of the undereye.  It is not your typical, silky primer.  You can really detect hydration, and because of this, the skin around my eyes appears smoother and brighter.  I can even get away with a this primer and a little Touche Eclat Radiant Touch.

And, making me love this company even more:

Cover FX Donates to the Skin Cancer Foundation




This month, Cover FX is giving back to help skin cancer research. Every time you buy the SkinTint FX SPF30, BritePrep FX SPF50 or “Like” them on Facebook, they will donate money to The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I am reticent to add another step – you all know I prefer laziness simplicity.  But I found a lot of value in applying this before foundation or under eye concealer. This silky formula has vitamins and antioxidants and isn’t greasy.  The most impact, I found, was in filling pores for a smooth finish.  My foundation went on evenly and had a more consistent finish.  I can’t speak for inhibiting the destruction of collagen, but the overall effect was a more youthful and smooth appearance to the skin. It was especially helpful under my eyes – I was able to eliminate the cakey look to my La Mer concealer. I used the original formula, but it also comes in:

1 oz Original in a Tube (colorless)
1 oz Original (colorless)
2 oz Original (colorless)
1 oz Light (colorless)
2 oz Light (colorless)
1 oz SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex        
1 oz SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex (sheer apricot – dries clear)
1 oz Color Adjust (green – minimizes redness)
1 oz Color Balance (lavender – for natural yellow skintones)
1 oz Color Blend (apricot – conceals under eye circles, veins, sunspots)
1 oz Bronzing Primer (sheer tan)
1 oz Luminizing (sheer luminous gold)

Laura Mercier Eye Basics

I’m not really a primer type of girl.  Call me lazy but I just resist that extra step.  But I struggle with dark eyelids.  Many years ago, my grandmother, mom and I hit the Laura Mercier counter and I was introduced to Eye Basics in Wheat.  This weekend at the Dallas Neiman Marcus, I was reintroduced again.  Why had this product slipped out of my makeup repertoire?! When I shared this “Eureka” moment with mom, she said it had never left her makeup regime – I know, moms are smart. This looks great alone with the Laura Mercier “tight lid” and a berry lip (try Laura Mercier Stickgloss Lip Color in Pink Jewel) for a clean, easy and quick look.

smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

I don’t usually use lid primer because a good friend/makeup artist once told me to embrace my dark lids.  But this one snuck into my vanity, somehow. I have the Golden Nude shade, and I like that it is wearable on its own.  That said, if I don’t put shadow over it, it will crease in a couple of hours.  I am also one of those people that rubs their eyes (I know it is a no-no…. I can’t help it!) and this primer did not stay on through that abuse.  I do like this better than Urban Decay’s primer, mostly because it is more substantial.  In short, nice product but I don’t think this is a must have in my beauty routine. 

L’Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base

I am not usually one for primers and other peripheral steps in the makeup process. But a recent reading of a review for Studio Secrets Base made me want to run out and buy it right away. I am always plagued by the dark under eye circles. I have loved both La Mer and Chantecaille concealers. By adding the base under by eyes first, my skin was smoother. Concealer stayed on longer and looked more natural. For a drugstore product, Studio Secrets Base really performs. I am making room on my upcoming trip in my paired down makeup bag for it as my new “must have”.