I am adding so many steps my makeup routine that I am starting to build the stairway to heaven. LOL. The most recent step I added is the most important beauty step that I’ll ever take.
I popped into my local MAC Cosmetics store and picked up a few items, one was the MAC Prep+Prime primer. It was a little on the pricey side ($28) than a lot of primers on the market, but it was all worth the cost, since it made a big difference in the look and wear of my makeup.
The primer prepped my skin for makeup and created a smooth base that makeup can adhere well to. Like most Black women, I have oily skin. I thought by just applying some press power throughout the day would be a viable solution. As soon as I applied the primer, my face transformed into a smooth, matte canvas. It contains tiny micro shimmers that aid in giving you soft glow-from-within finish. I knew I needed this product in my life. The next morning, after my moisturizer, I applied primer. I let the primer sit for a minute then I applied MAC studio fix, eyeliner, mascara, blush and lipstick. That day, it was muggy as hell in NYC. Now usually my face would be as shiny as a baby’s bottom, but when I arrived at work my face still had a clean matte look. Problem solved – I didn’t even have to powder my face – even after a long day at work. What a relief.
I don’t really wear eyeshadow, since I prefer blush and lipstick. I think when I have on blush and lipstick, I need a more natural eye so that I won’t look overdone. Most face primers are not suitable for eyes, so I tried Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Eye Primer is a multi-tasker: a corrector, a crease resistor and an antiager. I was excited to try the product as part of the beautystat.com blogging program, but I hated the chalky application – after struggling to get the product out of the hard lipgloss like tube. Eventually, the product absorbed into my skin with good results around my delicate eyes. I actually think the product would work better with a soft tube/case. That way, I’ll be able to actually get the primer out to apply on my eyes.
Applying Makeup Primer:
Step 1: First you will need to use moisturizer. Putting any makeup on top of dry skin usually leads to trouble later in the day. Choose a light moisturizer as heavy creams tend to make primer slide right off your skin. Be sure to let the moisturizer sit for a few minutes to allow it to be absorbed into your skin.
Step 2: Pump or pour a small amount of the primer into your hand. Dip a damp foundation wedge sponge into the primer and dab it gently onto your face, beginning under your eyes and around your nose. (Note that some primers are packaged in such a way that you spritz them directly onto your face from the bottle.)
Step 3: Next, add the primer to your forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks.
Step 4: Using the same sponge, blend the primer into your skin. Be sure you cover all areas s evenly as possible, but it’s okay to use a little extra in places where your makeup tends to wear off quickly, such as in the T-zone or over large pores.
Step 5: Wait a few minutes for your primer to dry before applying foundation and concealer.
Step 6: Most foundation primers aren’t suited for the eyelids, but you can purchase a primer specifically designed for the eyelid. Eyeshadow is often the first makeup to fade during the day. A good eye makeup primer can help you get much more mileage out of even the cheapest eyeshadows. Just rub some into your eyelids before applying shadow to help your shadow stick to your lids all day.
Once you know how to use makeup primer, you’ll have an extra secret weapon at your disposal to help you achieve the ultimate in your makeup look for your next special occasion.
