Steal and Swank: Primer Edition

When face primer became a "thing" I convinced myself it was just another stupid ploy to get me to buy more cosmetics. Lucky for marketers and advertisers, their ploys tend to work. Initially, I had a hard time committing to any primer purchases. It just seemed to odd to buy a clear gel like substance that I didn't necessarily see the outcome of its use. Then I used it and realized how stupid I was.

When I first jumped in the primer pool, I started off on the low end. My beginners primer purchase was by brand NYX and was called "Pore Filler." I didn't feel as though I needed primer anywhere other than around my nose. My pores were evident and concealer and foundation always looked messy in that area. I was thrown off at first by the color of the primer. I didn't expect there to be a flesh toned tint since all other primers were either clear, purple, or green for corrective purposes. I smudged a bit around my nose and was enamored with how silky it made my skin feel. What drove me to love this product even more was how a little amount went a long way. I've had the same tube for a few months now and am only now close to running out. For $13 I think NYX Pore Filler is a great to-go primer that lends itself well to everyday use and is a great product to keep in travel bags and purses.

My primer recommendation on the "swank" end is quite predictable: Smashbox. Smashbox has what I view as a monopoly on the face primer market. It was one of the first brands to hit it big with the idea of priming one's face for makeup. It's early attention to the product and magnificent formula allowed Smashbox to soar above the other brands and keep users coming back for more.
When using this product, I stick with the traditional clear primer. Smashbox has a plethora of specific usage primers, such as color correction and luminizing. Much like the NYX brand listed above, this primer requires merely a dab to cover the entirety of your face. It is smooth, silky, and doesn't separate in the tube. What is best about this primer is that it comes in two sizes. I have a large bottle that I keep with all of my makeup supplies and a travel size bottle that I keep in my to-go makeup bag.
What makes Smashbox worth the money, is that unlike other primers, it does exactly what it says its going to do. I don't find myself suffering from what I dub "makeup side-effects," like discoloration, unsolicited shimmer, or flesh colored smears. This product is straight forward and packs a punch without any surprises. For $36 I consider it a must have.

You can buy both brands here and here.