Are Makeup Primers Worth the Extra Step?

I strive to be a minimalist and I love multi-tasking products. A makeup primer does not seem to fit with either of those theories. Through various gifts and samples, I have accumulated a decent number of makeup primers that claim to do all sorts of wonderful things for my skin and my makeup, chiefly improve the skin itself and make the makeup last longer. But is it really worth the extra step?

In my mind, an eye primer is worth it. One of my favorites is the Stay Don’t Stray Eyeshadow Primer by Benefit Cosmetics. Not only does it even out the skin tone of my eyelids and make any eye makeup last longer but surprise! it also works as an under-eye concealer. That’s right, it’s a multi-tasker! On the weekends, I’ve been known to use just this and a tinted moisturizer, if I have my eyelashes tinted. My second favorite is the Bare Minerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in Soft Linen. It does a wonderful job of evening out the skin tone of my lids and makes my eye makeup last longer. It has a very powdery finish so I have not tested it underneath my eyes yet.

I always have the intention of trying the face primers as well, but I just do not end up using them in the mornings. If you have difficulty with your makeup disappearing mid-day, they might be suited for you. As for me, I will stick with my BB creams since they are a one-stop shop. I do keep the samples though. I am in a wedding later this year and I will more than likely use one that day so that hopefully my makeup will last all day.