Review: Korres Quercetin and Oak Anitageing Primer

One of the most essential tools in makeup artist's kit is a primer. This is especially important when using eco-friendly and natural products, which tend not to have the chemicals and preservatives that give the "long-lasting" effect in some conventional products. Silicone-based primers have gained a lot of popularity recently, but sometimes they can clog pores. Korres makes a Quercetin and Oak Primer that is gentle and effective, while providing anti-aging benefits.

Pros:

• No silicone or mineral oil
• Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Absorbs quickly
• Light, pleasant fragrance
• Retail availability
• A little goes a long way
• Helps makeup last longer
  

Cons:

• A little pricey ($33 for 1 oz)

Summary:
This is the primer I trust enough to use on my clients. I have been looking a long time, but I haven't found many other primers that absorb so quickly or work as well. It can serve as a moisturizer on its own, but it is also light enough to be worn over moisturizer and under liquid foundation (as long as adequate time is allowed for absorption). It smells lovely and hasn't bothered a single client; many have, in fact, asked what it was that smelled so nice. This product rates about a 4 on the EWG Skin Deep database, which is low-moderate. I would love to see a fragrance-free version in the future, perhaps to help bring the rating even lower. However, I am delighted that it is a vegan formula and is still gentle on the skin. This primer is one of my favorites, and I highly recommend it for everyday wear.

Also available on Amazon.com.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Review: Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen and Primer

My dermatologist recommends wearing at least SPF 30 daily. It may seem easy to get this from a foundation with SPF, but what if you're allergic to common sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide? Or perhaps your beloved foundation doesn't come with SPF. Consider the Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen and Primer, which allows you to prime, moisturize, and add sunscreen in one easy step.

Pros:

• Gentle ingredients
• Light, non-greasy finish
• 3-in-1: moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer
• Pleasant citrus scent
• Non-tinted
• Vegan and gluten-free

Cons:

• Can leave a slight white finish if you apply too much

Summary:
This 3-in-1 product is very moisturizing and also quite gentle, rating a low 1 on the EWG Skin Deep database. It's also a vegan and gluten-free formula, which is a plus. (Note: It is not produced in a gluten-free facility.) As a primer, I found that it helped with powder foundations, but didn't provide all-day wear; it was more 6-8 hours of wear. Depending on your foundation, this could be longer or shorter. Due to the moisture-rich formula of this product, I recommend using it with drier foundations (powders or possible cream to powders). Worn on its own, it left a slight sheen on my combination skin, so a sheer finishing powder would also pair well. At $45, this 3-in-1 is fairly expensive, but the value is pretty good, considering how you'd have to layer other products to get a similar performance. I love how the company also offer sample packets so you can try it out before making the investment in a full size. If you're looking for a convenient moisturizing primer with sunscreen, this is a nice, gentle option.

Also available on Amazon.com.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance
Presentation
Purity
Value

Disclosure notice: This product was sent to me free of charge by the manufacturer for review. No additional compensation was accepted and the opinions are my own. Please verify any claims with the manufacturer, especially if you have any allergies or concerns.

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Review and Giveaway: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Primer

I've found that there are often two types of primers: the creamy primers that serve as an extra layer of moisture and the silky gel primers that act as a barrier between skin and makeup. Youngblood makes a Mineral Primer that belongs to the latter category. I put it to the test to see if it could stand up to traditional primers.

Pros:

• Smooth, silky finish
• Helps makeup last longer
• Provides a great base for foundation
• A little goes a long way