This is a question I get asked consistently when I’m working on other faces, or answering questions via e-mail (which I do regularly, so if you have a question, be sure to hit me an e-mail at molly.loretta@gmail.com, I promise to answer!).
I figure, why not answer here?
I don’t want to get slapped for saying this, but….
I think foundation primer is 100% optional.
Foundation primer really helps to smooth out the skin for application, and while I do find that it smooths the skin and I use less foundation…. I also feel like around the general problem areas (the t-zone), that it gets oily FASTER, as well as the foundation tends to WEAR OFF. I think it’s good on cheeks, and I do think there are some great primers out there (Like Make Up For Ever’s All Mat or Smashbox Photo Finish Light, I haven’t tried it on myself more than the back of my hand, but I’m sure Urban Decay’s Pore Perfecting Complexion Primer Potion should work fabulously as well), I just don’t think they’re necessary.
Not to mention, many foundations are silicone based now, or at the very least have silicones in them. If they have silicones in them, it’s already going to help with application and wear. So you’re just putting silicone on top of silicone…. Which is a little silly, in my opinion. Silicone is what makes a base a base and makes products apply on smoothly, so why more if you don’t need it?
I do think primer is fabulous on drier skin types; in fact I prefer it. If for no other reason it makes the dry areas less visible, those flakes just seem to disappear — however you don’t need to buy one for dry skin if you have dry skin, any matte primer would do. I also love it if you’re using a powder foundation as opposed to a liquid or cream it makes the finish much smoother.
But is it necessary and a crucial step in make up application? In my opinion…. No.
(Please send any questions to molly.loretta@gmail.com! I will answer them in a timely fashion, and most of them will be post them in order to help you, and my other readers!)
Dear mL,
In these cold winter months I’ve had a problem with keeping my foundation on, particularly around my nose. Since it’s so cold I’m always blowing my nose, and the foundation rubs off on my tissue, even if it’s supposed to be transfer resistant. I wear foundation primer, and it isn’t helping in this particular case. Do you have any tips that may help me? Thanks!
Confused,
St. Paul, MN
I’ve heard this complaint a lot from a number of different ladies. I completely agree, it is a pain in the butt to get your foundation to stay on in the winter months. No matter what foundation I wore I used to always have this problem, but now I’ve discovered a fabulous trick that has helped me oh-so-much!
I was having this problem for ever. And it’s really frustrating for us girls who live in the cold weather especially — instead of having a cold for a week, we have a few months of runny noses and poor weather. How did I overcome this? Really simple, I grabbed another product from my cosmetics drawer!
One morning I was thinking — my Urban Decay Primer Potion helps keep my eyeshadow from rubbing off, shouldn’t it do the same for my foundation? I put a little bit around my nose (just a dab, you know, you don’t need very much of this stuff to go a long way!), right on the tip, and on the sides there where you touch when you blow it. Ever since, I haven’t really had this problem at all! I wear an oil-free foundation that’s already long wearing, but not guaranteed transfer resistant. This has helped TREMENDOUSLY! It also keeps that area from being as oily as it previously was, it was definitely my problem spot. It’s so easy, and most of us already have this product in our drawers! I hope this helps!
Don’t forget — cut your UDPP open for best results and put it into a small container (I get small containers from a craft store, the type where you’d put paint in that the lid seals closed TIGHTLY), I just scooped it all out and I have tons left over — easier to apply, plus then you don’t waste any. There’s so much product left in it! Urban Decay has informed me that they are creating new packaging for their UDPP, but it is still in testing stages (they want to make sure it is more satisfiable to consumers). I can’t wait to see what they come up with, but until they do, this is the best thing you can do to get all of your product. Even taking out that stopper won’t get all the parts. Below I put a tutorial I found on YouTube of how to cut them open, where to cut, and it will show you how much is really left in there! Thanks EnKore (I love this guy)!
