The Primer You Never Thought Of

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Jan 18, 2013

Yumi R.

I love Embryolisse! Makeup really does apply flawlessly over it!

May 02, 2012

Tara L.

I love primer! I use Clarins Flash Balm all the time. It primes, moisturizes, makes pores appear smaller, and leaves your skin fresh and dewy!

May 02, 2012

I've tried a zillion different primers. In my opinion- nothing- ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - works better than Olay Regenerist serum. The reason? It contains exactly the same active ingredients as many primers- only in a much higher concentration.

May 02, 2012

Fancie B.

I don't really mind using a primer. I kinda like them! That Welda Skin Food sounds amazing though

May 01, 2012

Kayli H.

Never used a primer before, probably never will! Hahaha :)

May 01, 2012

Christina L.

In the past I've used a few different face primers, including MAC prep & prime and Bare Escentuals Prime Time, which I LOVED, but I'm low on cash these days, so I stick to my Cetaphil moisturizer with UVA/UVB defense, and it works perfectly for me :) Keeps me moisturized & protects my skin from the sun.

May 01, 2012

Sherry W.

Hmm I never use primer.. or maybe I do. I use Cliniques 3 step every morning + 2.
Cleanse, Exfoliate with St. Ives Apricot Scrub, Tone, Moisturize with there Dramatically different moisturizer, then I use there Even Better Dark Spot Correcter, then I use there Superbalanced make up. I have never had perfect skin, but using Clinique it has gotten better, should I be using a primer? I use moisturizer and the Dark spot corrector is thick and creamy like lotion as well.

May 01, 2012

Paige M.

Please drop the Apricot Scrub -- it's so so so horrible for your face. It's probably causing more damage than good.

May 01, 2012

Sherry W.

But it's the only thing that clears my pores :[ What else should I use?

May 01, 2012

Paige M.

Try Clinique's 7 Day Scrub -- it's much more gentle. Or, try Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant. You can get a travel sized version at Ulta to test out.

May 01, 2012

Sherry W.

Thanks so much! I looked online after you posted that comment and read about how it is bad :( I guess using Clinique with Clinique with be best. Thanks a lot though.

May 01, 2012

Christina L.

I used to LOVE the apricot scrub, but started going to the dermatologist after dealing with awful acne, and she told me to stop using that as well. I had no idea that I was making my skin worse!

May 01, 2012

Sherry W.

I guess because it is rough, but I feel like when I stop using it is when my skin looks bad, Idk, I guess I shall try something else and see how it goes. I am kinda afraid to go out of my "comfort zone" because I don't wanna break out, but I use Clinique already so I will try the Clinique one. But what do you use Christina?

May 02, 2012

Fair S.

It may be because you are scrubbing bacteria into your skin during exfoliation. The problem with apricot scrub is that the surfactant ingredient is broken/ground/sharp walnut shells. The sharp edges can cause minor cuts on your face and lead to openings for bacteria to get a foothold. For some mechanical exfoliating is the only thing that works. Especially if (like me) you are allergic to salicylic and glycolic acids. Breaking out is a natural reaction to switching products- and even more so when switching exfoliating products. You are removing dead skin cells and causing breakouts below the surface to- well, surface, for lack of a better term. These are the sort of breakouts that would have manifested anyway. But that with continual use of the right kind exfoliating and acne fighting products you can diminish or outright stop in their tracks. I can't tell you what to do with your skin and know for certain that it will change your life- but I can tell you what I finally landed on that worked to clear mine. First- as the final action of showering. (the heat from the time you spent in shower allows your skin to soften and your pores to open, while helping you to get the full benefit of product) wash your face in the shower with a bacterial killing cleanser like AcneFree's Purifying Cleanser, Next (while still in the shower) pat your face and hands mostly dry with a clean towel or washcloth. Now apply your facial scrub using gentle circular motions- I recommend the scrub from Olays Microdermabrasion and Peel kit. You can use it alone or with the peel serum just follow the instructions on the pkg. (Most times I use it alone- unless I am in need of a major smoothing session). Once you have completed this task- then- and this is VERY important - immediately upon the exit of your shower apply a bacteria killing acne cream to your wet face. (using it on wet skin allows it to spread further and more evenly with minimal rubbing) Layer your moisturizer on top. I prefer Olay's Regenerist Serum as it helps to increase cell turnover which rapidly improves hyper-pigmentation as well as over time lessens the appearance of acne scarring. As an added bonus you can use the serum as an awesome foundation primer! To get the best deals on both of these products buy from the Subscribe and Save Store on AMAZON. Further tips? At first I used the same regimen two to three times a week alternating with days of not using the scrub. Then as my skin improved I reduced the use of scrub to once per week. (^-^)

May 02, 2012

Danielle H.

Fair S. - Thanks for the info. I use the apricot scrub religously and at first noticed it was working pretty well, but now it doesn't seem to do much other than clean the surface. I'm a sucker for a good exfoliater, i sorta switched over to the Bath and Body Works apricot scrub which seems to be helping me a lot more. I don't really get a lot of problems, but recently i have started to see more blackheads and they are driving me crazy. I will definitely be trying out your regimen in the near future ^^