This thread discusses the Content article: Face Primer: Smashbox vs Clarins

I tried 2 popular primers on the market but would love to hear from anyone who has tried any of the other primers available or what their experiences were with the same ones I used.

Hey Sons,

I am not much into Face Primers, as you may have noticed, but this brilliant, entertaining and informative article does arm me with some questions that I can pose to my female friends and sisters(one of which works for Clinique), the next time I see them.

I'll be back!

Post edited by: sachaf, at: 2007/08/28 03:32

Hi Sons,
I've been using Artistry Light Reflective Lotion and it works like a wonder for me. For 50ml it only costs you $55.

What I love about this product is it contains light reflecting particles so it offers a natural glow to the skin upon applicatoin. You can use it as a replacement for foundation for a very sheer coverage or as a highlighter. It is also oil free and contains SPF15 protection.

I like it so much I'll go out just wearing it and my Clinique tinted lipbalm. Looking good really can be that easy!

Great article on the face primer product area. Seems like face primers are all the buzz in cosmetics these day. It really seems to stem from the Hollywood professional makeup scene, when we saw all the young female stars all of a sudden blessed with this glistening glow to their faces. If you listened to the mutterings of women in the viewing audience, you would invariably hear remarks like... "Wow, her skin is just so vibrant and smooth."

Once the secret of facial primers being used in Hollywood was out, there was no stopping the stampede for this new elixir of youth. I just wonder how long this trend will last and what new overpriced tonic will be on the shelves to tempt women everywhere.
Stevo

Stevo you sound so cynical! Granted, there is always some new miracle product that promises perfection and yet delivers some vague improvement. But no matter what the products promise, there will be women who will buy it, just for the sake of buying it! They're the ones who keep the beauty industry alive and wealthy.

Onto primers. I haven't tried the Smashbox, but I do have the Instant Smooth by Clarins in my makeup drawer. I find that less is definitely more with this product! I use it primarily to fill visible pores, and I need only the smallest amount to give that illusion of tight, invisible pores. Sons was on the ball about the product sometimes being visible under makeup, which is a turn-off for me! But generally if you let it dry for 4-5 minutes before applying makeup it tends to stay invisible (usually!).

There are two other great Clarins products that bear a try. The new Instant Light Complexion Perfector has a beautiful light-weight texture and feels weightless on the skin. Definitely brightens the skin, so makeup has a natural glow when applied. And the best and most important job of a primer - keeps your makeup on longer! This product gets a tick in that box too. I've found that when using this product, I have less need to reapply my powder throughout the day for that matte finish, once in the morning is enough. This product also claims an anti-pollution ingredient that 'protects the skin from free radicals and environmental aggressors'. Cool...whatever that means.

Final Clarins product (I don't work for Clarins I promise!) is the oldy but goody: BEAUTY FLASH BALM! I can hear angels singing in the background whenever this product gets mentioned. Not promoted primarily as a primer, I personally know hundreds of women and dozens of makeup artists who use it as one and swear by it. This product is all about radiance - brightening dull and lifeless skin. And if you use it properly it really works. Now it does not fix whatever's causing the dull and lifeless skin, it just focuses on the radiance. Just FYI the product claims to help strengthen the contours of the face and, of course, minimise fine lines and wrinkles. To be honest, I just love it for the glow it gives. Try this one, if you haven't yet, worth its weight in gold!

The last primer I'll mention is my absolute fave! I have not found a product to date that has given my skin a smoother finish under makeup than this one: Good Morning Skin Serum by Elizabeth Arden. It's a lightweight serum that leaves an invisible layer to bind the makeup to your face for longer periods of wear. This product is perfect for when you need to wear makeup for 8 hours or more, because it really helps keep your skin comfortable and looking strong all day. I can't recommend this product enough! It has only one purpose: primer. It doesn't claims to do anything else but prime. I always trust products that do that! You need so little that the bottle lasts forever. Oh I could go on and on, but I won't. Just try it!

xo
Ingi

Hey Ingi!

Wow! You definitely win the prize for the longest post in the forums! hehe

I totally agree with you on 2 things... 1. Yes, I am a cynical grumpy old man.. 2. Yes, it is these fad following consumers that keep most industries alive. Where would we be without them!?!

Thanks so much for a great post! So great to have you as a LifeSpike contributor!

Cheers,
Stevo

Hey Stevo,

Sorry I'm still trying to master the art of the succinct response... I'm one to go on and on and on, but I'm working on it! Practice Practice Practice

Hehehe never said you were old! I would never say that! Women are very conscious about age-related comments!

xo
Ingi

No No.....I love the long post! I think it gives visitors some really good information.

I am still a grumpy old man though hehe...

Cheers,
Stevo