How You Can Use Your Primer To the Fullest

Ok, so we have always had a hunch that we might not be using our primer correctly. Either that, or we are just not using it to the best of its abilities. Therefore, we decided to connect with Makeup Artist and former TSS Senior Assistant, Mackenzie Brown, and former Dolled Up Contributor, Becca Ashmon to help us understand how to best use primer. Check out their explanations below and be sure to shop the products they recommend.

Mackenzie Brown (Kappa Alpha Theta, IG: @kenziemacbrown)
Site: www.youtube.com/kenziemacbrown

[Using your primer to the fullest] depends on the type of primer because they have different formulations. There is one from Hourglass that will help prevent oil buildup and I recommend that one to people who get oily in their T-zone because it will prevent their makeup from breaking up. If you mix that specific one with liquid foundation it makes your foundation waterproof. Some primers, like Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer when mixed with eyeshadow can help you use the eyeshadow as an eyeliner and it helps it stay longer. Some primers like the Porefessional are good if you have uneven skin texture because it evens it out. And Smashbox makes like 10 different primers for every sort of skin type and purpose. Also, if you put primer in your brows it makes it easier to use brow products because they won't budge and they'll be more pigmented.

Becca Ashmon (Tri Delta, IG: @beccaashmon)
Site: www.aprettyhotmess.com

Honestly, every face needs a good foundation and what makes a solid foundation you ask? Primer! Just like you prime a wall before you paint it, your face should be no different. Aside from giving your makeup a foundation to hold onto, primer can do a number of other things, from making pores appear smaller and reducing redness to helping reduce dark spots over time. So here is a list of some of my favorite primers and what it is they do!

1. Hourglass- Veil Mineral Primer 

Hands down my favorite primer of ALL time ! It is Jesus in a bottle (it saves) and goes on the face of EVERY bride I touch ! Hourglass is suitable for ALL skin types but if you are an oily girl like me then meet your new best friend. Veil is a mineral primer with an SPF of 15. Veil not only helps smooth and keep oils at bay, but it's also water resistant in case you happen to be a cry baby and tear easily at weddings and such (seriously I have cried through this stuff like ugly Kim Kardashian cried and managed to stay Beyoncé status...FLAWLESS). Bonus: It keeps makeup on my face for 12+ hours which is practically a miracle on this face !

2. Benefit- The POREfessional 

Aside from perhaps being one of the smoothest things to ever grace your face, Benefits POREfessional helps to minimize pores while also providing a surface as smooth as a baby's bottom.

3. Laura Mercier- Hydrating Primer 

If you're a girl with dry skin this primer is the one for you. All the benefits of primer plus hydration to keep you looking fresh.

4. Smashbox- Photo Finish Dark Spot Correcting Primer 

This primer does double duty as a makeup and skincare product and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots while also helping your makeup stay on and flawless .

How do you use your primer to the fullest? Share you primer tips with us in the comments below!

9 Halloween Makeup Looks

More and more each year we see some super creative Halloween looks done purely with makeup. There is something really fun about transforming your face and body into a work of art. Kappa Alpha Theta and Makeup Artist, Mackenzie Brown is the guru of fun Halloween makeup looks so we asked her to share some of her favorites. Be sure to follow Mackenzie's YouTube makeup account for even more every day makeup looks!

1. Cheshire Kitten
-What you need:

· White, pink and purple face paint, pink and purple eye shadow, white eye liner and false lashes for added dramatic effect!

2. Doe, a Deer, a Female Deer
-What you need:

· White eyeliner, bronzer (or contouring powder), brown eye shadow, black liner, brown/taupe face paint for the lips

3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Babe
-What you need:

· Green and blue face paint, green and blue eye shadow (for contouring/highlighting to give the look more dimension) and glitter!

4. Cute Scarecrow
-What you need:

· Pink lipstick, pink blush, orange eye shadow or eyeliner and black/brown eyeliner!

5. Pixelated Pixie
-What you need:

· Black face paint, White face paint and lots of time and patience!

6. Jungle Cat
-What you need:

· Black eyeliner, brown eye shadow, gold eye shadow, black lipstick

7. Comic Book Heroine
-What you need:

· Black eyeliner, bright lipstick, white eyeliner, false lashes for an added dramatic effect!

8. Masquerade Ball
-What you need:

· Black eyeliner or face paint, glitter and patience!


9. Porcelain Doll Face
-What you need:

· White face paint, red lipstick, purple and red glitter, purple eye shadow, black eyeliner, pink blush and brown face paint/brow gel


*For a lot of these looks Mackenzie used the Make Up For Ever flash palette instead of face paint, but you could also recreate the looks using the NYX jumbo crayons and they’re more affordable for college students!

Meet Mackenzie

We love expanding our team and Mackenzie has just joined us as our Senior Assistant. We couldn't be more happy to have her onboard and we wanted you to get to know her too! Mackenzie is a Junior at the University of Washington where she is studying Communications. When she isn't at school, she is an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Her true passion is makeup and you will more than likely catch her doing her sisters'  makeup for special events like formals and date parties. Mackenzie hopes to one day be a professional Makeup Artist. Giving back is something near and dear to Mackenzie and she is actively involved in her church. This past spring break to took a trip to the Dominican Republic with some of her church members and Theta sisters to help those less fortunate. 

Please join us in welcoming Mackenzie to The Sorority Secrets' team!