Primers and Mattifiers

[devinjhans]

Hello All,

I have a question. I am looking for something that will help keep my foundation fresh looking all day, which I hear that primers do that. I am also looking for something that I can apply that will keep my t-zone shine free. What is the difference between a primer and a mattifier? Does anyone have any reccomendations for someone with normal/oily combination skin? I appreciate your suggestions.

 

[jennyb]

I heard that, surprisingly, the primer that comes in one of cover girl's foundations is really good. Also, DHC's primer has gotten really good reviews. I have not tried either. I kind of spot treat with my foundation, use it like a concealer, but have been interested in a primer recently b/c of the heat!!! I'm not sure about the difference between a primer and a mattifier. I'm thinking, now this is an educational guess, that the primer is to set your foundation and make it last longer, while a mattifier is to control shine all day??? Hope I helped, but I'm probably not the best person to answer your question.

 

[ikebana]

I use MAC Matte Cream. Its great to use all over the face for a clean, matte finish, or to eliminate shine on the t zone. Surprisingly, this product works equally as well as a primer to help make-up stay put all day, even eye makeup (although I use Urban Decay primer potion on my eyes). MAC Matte is definitely a well worth it multi-purpose product!

 

[Laura]

I think alot of the girls on here like Laura Merciers Primer but i tried it and unfortunately it broke me out. I've also heard Smashbox's Photofinish Primer is excellent for normal/combination skintypes. You should try and get a sample first before buying though

 

[devinjhans]

Thank you guys for the helpful information. I will definitely try to get a sample of each of these products so that I can see which one works best for me.

Originally Posted by jennyb I heard that, surprisingly, the primer that comes in one of cover girl's foundations is really good. Also, DHC's primer has gotten really good reviews. I have not tried either. I kind of spot treat with my foundation, use it like a concealer, but have been interested in a primer recently b/c of the heat!!! I'm not sure about the difference between a primer and a mattifier. I'm thinking, now this is an educational guess, that the primer is to set your foundation and make it last longer, while a mattifier is to control shine all day??? Hope I helped, but I'm probably not the best person to answer your question.

 

[devinjhans]

Thanks for the reply. I am going to see if I can get a sample size on ebay.

Originally Posted by Trisha a bit late, but another vote for Laura Mercier primer, if it agrees with your skin, its great, really keeps my MU looking fresh all day and helps it last longer x

 

[Laura]

Devin, my LM primer is sitting at home not being used. PM me with your address & i'll send it to you. I'd prefer someone using it than it taking up room in my stash!!

 

[girl_geek]

For mattifiers (which are used to prevent shine), my dermatologist recommended Clinac OC Oil Control Gel, which I can never find in stores but you can ask any pharmacist to order it for you, since you don't need a prescription. I've also tried Sally Hansen Cornsilk Mattifier, since I've heard a few recommendations on this site. However neither of these products really make much of a difference for me -- but I have very oily skin so maybe nothing will work for me! lol

Actually the best product I have for keeping my face matte is my CoverGirl Professional Loose Powder! Only $5 and much better than my dermatologist-recommended Prescriptives powder!

I don't know anything about primers though!

 

[devinjhans]

thank you so much Laura!! i sent you my address.

Originally Posted by Laura Devin, my LM primer is sitting at home not being used. PM me with your address & i'll send it to you. I'd prefer someone using it than it taking up room in my stash!!

 

[devinjhans]

thank you for the info. i will definitely look into it.

Originally Posted by girl_geek For mattifiers (which are used to prevent shine), my dermatologist recommended Clinac OC Oil Control Gel, which I can never find in stores but you can ask any pharmacist to order it for you, since you don't need a prescription. I've also tried Sally Hansen Cornsilk Mattifier, since I've heard a few recommendations on this site. However neither of these products really make much of a difference for me -- but I have very oily skin so maybe nothing will work for me! lol
Actually the best product I have for keeping my face matte is my CoverGirl Professional Loose Powder! Only $5 and much better than my dermatologist-recommended Prescriptives powder!

I don't know anything about primers though!

 

[luckystar131]

Try Mary Kay's Oil Mattifer, everyone I've sold one to loves it!

 

[devinjhans]

i will have to try that as well, b/c i really like a lot of Mary Kay's products. i am using the 3-in-1 cleanser right now.

Originally Posted by luckystar131 Try Mary Kay's Oil Mattifer, everyone I've sold one to loves it!

 

[NYAngel98]

Originally Posted by ikebana I use MAC Matte Cream. Its great to use all over the face for a clean, matte finish, or to eliminate shine on the t zone. Surprisingly, this product works equally as well as a primer to help make-up stay put all day, even eye makeup (although I use Urban Decay primer potion on my eyes). MAC Matte is definitely a well worth it multi-purpose product!

I never even knew they had this!!! I have to look into it!

I've just recently bought the MAC prep+prime Skin... and its actually pretty nice!!! Makes my makeup look so smooth!