in her prime

though i cannot say with certainty that i knew why you would put a primer down before painting, with the introduction of the foundation primer into the cosmetics world, it does make a little more sense now.

primers are a somewhat quiet presence with mixed reviews and opinions by artists and consumers alike. many consumers feel that it's an extra step, but the ones who have been properly instructed swear by the results. a lot of artists love the idea of a primer, but even i can be very skeptical.

first off, i feel that primer is for a select group of users – though there have been some primers launched as of late that cater to different types of skin. i really like a primer if you have not-so-invisible pores and/or fine lines. fine lines. not deep, ravine-like wrinkles. and not golf ball dimples for pores. in other words . . . it's only going to assist in minor defects. primer is, in essence, a silicon-based product that is going to help smooth out the surface of the skin, act as a barrier and give a little slip under your foundation. even if you don't wear a foundation, per se, it's a nice little, silky item of lingerie for your skin before powder . . . or nothing should you so choose. it does aid in filling in slight imperfections, but don't expect a full-on spackle job.

when women are shown the effects of a primer on the hand in store, they are usually amazed immediately. sure, your hand is full of moirés and textures, so the result is remarkable. but don't be sold hook, line and sinker; you really should try it on the face and wear it all day to be sure. ask for a one-time sample. one day is really all you need to know how it's going to work for you. on some women it tends to break down after a few hours and begins to collect in those fine lines and pores you are trying to fill in. conversely, if you are a drier skin type, a primer is not to be used in place of a good moisturizer.

the best primer out there right now is most definitely smashbox's photo finish. laura mercier is a close second, but smashbox wins just because they have expanded this concept to cater to several concerns. they now make a light, which is oil-free, one with an spf and dermaxyl, (an anti-aging ingredient) a bronzing primer and 3 color correcting primers. though i am dubious of their capabilities to do what they are intended, for the record the apricot colored primer is to even skin tone and counteract discoloration, the lavender is for brightening a dull complexion and the green-toned is used to reduce redness. i'll reiterate: take it home and wear it for a day to see for yourself. but beware of foundation that claims to be a "foundation and primer in one." let me ask . . . how many of you use a "shampoo and conditioner in one?"

my tip for this blog is in the application. less is more when it comes to primer. remember that it is silicon, and think about silicon products for your hair–you only need a tiny bit! better still, concentrate it only in those areas where it will do the most good. and i know i'm a big stickler about letting your moisturizer absorb a little before applying makeup, but this goes double prior to using a primer! if you go slathering a primer on top of freshly moisturized skin it's going to "roll" on you. in fact, you may discover that you need a little less moisturizer to get the job done when paired with a primer. save the "slathering" for bedtime.