Line filling primer

Jun 3, 2016

Rebecca J.

I've been on the hunt for a while for a really nice line filling/smoothing primer. I have some serious "frown lines" and I've tried lots of different products from tarte, Mally, smashbox, too faced, and I've even tried a very expensive dermalogica primer. Nothing seems to last very long, maybe because my face gets kind of oily and everything starts settling into the lines. Recommendations??

Jun 3, 2016

Lisa S.

Hourglass! The trial size is cheaper and it last forever!

Jun 3, 2016

Alexis C.

I agree with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, it's absolutely amazing and I buy the travel size as well.

Jun 3, 2016

Roz X.

I'd run with something silicone based, but you can do more to minimize those lines. Silicone will sit atop the skin..float, as they say, but like anything, it's going to settle in with wear. Instead of trying to cover them, consider reducing or possibly saying bye to them.

If you want to plump them up, pair Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with Hyaluronic acid; used simultaneously will plump up the skin while helping cells communicate, actively stimulating collagen.

Throw in Retinol, a Niacinamide rich moisturizer, Glycolic acid (an AHA) and add a hydrating toner packed with antioxidants and peptides..and you'll not only see then decrease over time, but you'll help reduce new lines from forming and firm skin. You'll increase elasticity as well.

If you are willing to invest in a peel or microderm, you'd see immediate results for about the same cost of those primers added up. Just a suggestion.

Jun 4, 2016

Rebecca J.

Are there particular skin care products that contain the ingredients you mention, that you recommend? I'm honestly terrified at the idea of trying new skincare for my face.

Jun 4, 2016

Roz X.

For C and Hylauronic Acid, Paula's Choice has great boosters. You can add the products to anything you are already currently using. I like CeraVe PM for an anti-aging moisturizer as it has ingredients that help elasticity, repairing skin and are acne friendly, oil free and inexpensive.

Timeless Skincare also has an inexpensive C serum option for about $25. I keep my own C in the fridge to extend shelf life. For an AHA, I always use Alpha Hydrox products (they've recently changed their name to Alpha Skincare). Ulta has a few products, but Walgreens and Drugstore.com still have products without the "rebranding" and they are half the price. The souffle is nice and I think Drugstore.com has that, but their serum and their resurfacing lotion is also at the perfect pH for gentle exfoliation and in packaging that won't break down your core ingredients. You might want to alternate your AHA with a BHA for maximum effect and if so, again, Paula's Choice makes a killer BHA lotion. I own the 1% as I am sensitive, but they also offer a 2%. If you want an anti-aging toner, the Resist will give you those beneficial ingredients. I like to alternate mine with something to counter any dryness from AHA/BHA use and so I pair mine with her Recovery Toner. (One for morning..another for night)

Paula also has a Retinol booster you can add to CeraVe PM or whatever your favorite moisturizer currently is. The key to using these successfully is to introduce Retinol, AHA/BHA to the skin slowly. I'd start once a week with my AHA/BHA...and then after a few weeks, bring the Retinol in once a week and build from there. I'd also dedicate entire days to simply replenishing moisture. Facial oils such as Squalane, Jojoba, Sweet Almond Oil..these are great for those days and I have found they do not clog my pores.

These boosters and skin care products are cell communicating. They will stimulate collagen production and that's what will plump up areas of concern. The C paired with the Hyaluronic acid is going to help I the immediate need department..so pat them in with your fingertips lightly for that plumping. The others are cumulative so patience is key. Many people rush into their rush or over use them and then due to dryness or irritation, they stop. It's really about being disciplined and diligent.

For priming the area, I do think silicone will be your best bet. Monistat Chafing Gel is a dupe for Smashbox primer. It's available at the drugstore...but any silicone based primer is going to float on the skin. Before applying primer, you want to moisturize (adding the C and Hyaluronic Booster) and then let the moisturizer soak in properly before you prime. I'd avoid using heavy creamy formulas in that area of concern and run with something more fluid. If you do get some creasing, E.L.F. has a nice hydration stick that's portable or you can use at home after a long day and before you head out into the night. I use my finger and apply the "balm" over my make-up it just replenishes the skin with a bit of moisture without messing up make-up. It's not expensive. Target has it sometimes, but they sell out often. It's also nice to touch up the eye area if needed. Everyone's skin is different, but this is what I've found works for me, personally, if I get a crease.

You would most likely see an immediate diminishing of those fine lines if you had even a light peel at the spa with an Estie or if you had a facial with microderm..and so I think those are both worth looking into. I know they sound scary, but those professional results are impressive and offer instant results...smoothing the skin texture, turning over your skin's cells and stimulating that collagen. A facial before starting a skin care regimen is going to help your products work their very best..so even if you simply get a personalized facial, that's going to make your make-up look SO much better and improve your skin's state.

If you had these lines when you were younger, they may just be hereditary...much like dimples or dark circles. Either way, with usage of these products it help slow them down from getting deeper and it's just part of a great overall skin care regimen in my view.

The Boosters and the C serum are available online only through Paula's Choice website.
CeraVe products are available at drugstores and chain stores. You have to a broad spectrum sun protection product whenever you are using AHA/BHA or Retinol/Retinoids. CeraVe and Paula's Choice both have great sun protection formulations that work well under make-up and are sensitive skin/acne friendly while offering some anti-aging benefits. You also can look into powder SPF protection for touching up.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to hit up my profile any time. Sometimes I don't post for a while, but I try to check my profile at least weekly when I'm not active.

Take care!

Jun 4, 2016

Rebecca J.

Thanks SO much for these recommendations!! I actually work at Ulta so I'm familiar with the alpha line. I'll definitely look into these suggestions as I'm nearing 30 and should've already found myself an anti-aging routine.