In the summer time we all like to show off some skin, but there are many times when we just don’t want to go bare-faced into the world. Whenever I can I try to wear no makeup, but in the summer if I need to apply some foundation I am always going to grab for a primer to help make sure my face doesn’t become an oil slick or a canvas for my makeup to melt right off from. The only way to make sure my makeup stays put in the heat is to use a primer and after testing out a bunch I found a few I wanted to share with you all. Keep in mind that my skin type is blemish prone, sometimes sensitive, oily – this means I am always looking for a primer that reduces pore size, keeps my skin as matte as possible, won’t break me out or clog my pores.
The four that I currently use and really am loving are:
Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer – here
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer – here
Acure Organics Oil Control Facial Moisturizer – here
Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment – here (my favorite of all 4!)
Let’s talk about the one I am using most often, the Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment. This one is a clear gel type consistency and it goes on super smooth and light weight. It is not a cream and does not leave my face shiny or greasy. It also has a small amount of salicylic acid in it so it helps to keep pimples and blemishes at bay under your makeup. This was my first purchase of anything by Cover FX and I have to say I plan to repurchase it. It helps prevent my makeup from slipping and sliding all night long.
The next is not technically a primer, but more of a moisturizer but I use it under my makeup on days where I need a bit more moisture. Some days, especially in the summer after a day at the beach, my skin is screaming for moisture. This product by Acure Organics is great because it quenches the skin without a film or greasy residue. It is a white cream and feels really nice and cool on the skin. It helps to keep my skin feeling its best without making my makeup fade or slide off in the heat. Moisturize is key to make sure your skin feels healthy and prevent it front create more of its own natural oils and moisturizers. (to combat oil, make sure your skin is hydrated!)
The last two are both by Smashbox Cosmetics (cruelty free brand also) and both are great for acne prone skin. These are oil free and don’t make my skin feel greasy or shiny at all. The clear one is a gel similar to Cover FX and the blue is more of a hydrating cream. It is a light cream though and disappears into your skin. Both have been used many times by me when I used to have my makeup done a lot for theater or cameras and it works well in heat, especially under hot lamps and lights. I pack these with me whenever I travel and they are a great additional to my primer arsenal.
Make sure that if you are going to use liquid foundation in the summer to use a primer first, apply less than you normally would and use a translucent pressed powder. Pack some oil blotting sheets and avoid re-powdering your face if you get oily throughout the day. This will just cause your makeup to layer and become cake-y.
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