After rearranging my makeup drawers and getting a better idea of what products I own, I realized I have collected quite a few primers. While most of them are high end, I wanted to do a dedicated post to the drugstore ones. My ideal primer feels moisturizing, tacky, makes my skin stay matte all day, and is translucent or brightening. Not all of those characteristics are in each of these, but that’s my criteria for what I’m looking for.
I also want to focus on the flashback factor of each primer. I think that’s a very important attribute because many people only use primer when they need some extra base lasting power for special occasions. Ingredients that are the culprit for causing flashback are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide according to Google.
Nyx Angel Veil / Don’t wear this if you’ll be taking flash photography. I REALLY like this primer, but it will give a white flashback. It has a creamy silicone texture that glides onto the skin and looks beautiful under makeup. I have gone through quite a few tubes of this and always recommend it to friends.
Milani Instant Touch Blur Stick / This is the most recent addition to my primer stash. I was intrigued by the stick application because sticks are easy to apply. No issues when it comes to flashback is an upside of this one, but I don’t think it helps to keep my makeup on longer. I still get quite oily when I wear this so I think it is better suited for dry or normal skin. It smooths the skin though, so if you have major texture that you’re trying to work against, this could be a good option for you.
Wet N’ Wild Matte Photofocus / For some unknown reason I overlooked this primer forever. Wet N’ Wild annoyingly has quite a few hit or miss products to me. Either I’m obsessed or extremely unimpressed. I’m always rooting for them though, because the pricing is so on point. This keeps me matte, smooths my skin, and feels lightweight. This will not cause flashback by a quick check of the ingredient list.
Nivea Aftershave Balm / After getting through a bottle of this about a year ago, I didn’t repurchase due to having so many others that I was trying to use up. This won’t give flashback and the bottle is large so it lasts a very long time. The only negative for me was that it had a strong fragrance. I don’t mind the scent, but I worry for putting that on my skin. So unnecessary. It provides a moisturizing, tacky base for makeup and prolongs the wear of foundation. Definitely a good deal at about $6.
Heritage Rosewater & Glycerin / This spray is probably the one I use the most often. I love the light rose scent and the tacky base that this provides. It is moisturizing and feels so nice to spray on before, after, and during basically every step while I’m doing my base. I’m almost out and will definitely be repurchasing. This is a great affordable alternative for Mac Fix + and Smashbox Primer Water. It is a must have product for me and now that I’m thinking about it I want to start buying it as a gift for people because it’s affordable and I want everyone to be as hooked as I am. Another spray I love is the Loreal Infallible Makeup Extender Spray but I use that more as a final step rather than a primer.
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer / This gives flashback due to the Titanium Dioxide. Stay Matte is a a great primer for everyday though, and it has been around forever. I remember getting ready for high school dances and using this! I graduated in 2009 so that goes to show how long I’ve been using this. It feels creamy and smooths out the skin. My pores are definitely visible, but I don’t think I’ve found one yet that changes that.
If you’re interested in trying out a primer, the drugstore has some awesome options. Don’t forget to start with moisturizer first though! The way I apply my base starts with clean skin, a moisturizer that I let set while I do my eye makeup, then primer, then spray (sometimes), and finally foundation. I also mist after blending with a sponge or brush, then blend a little more if needed. Next up I’d like to try the Physician’s Formula Spotlight Illuminating Primer. It looks extremely glowy, which is pretty different than what I typically go for but I’ve heard good things.
At about $5 with no flashback and the oil control properties, Wet N’ Wild is my top pick. That combined with the Heritage Rosewater Glycerin Spray is a match made in heaven. What are your favorite affordable primers? Thanks for reading!
-Kim
IG: @kimandmakeup
Contact: kimandmakeupmail@gmail.com
