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!

LAST MINUTE Halloween Makeup Look by Becca

Halloween is right around the corner, but what's that you say? You have no costume?! Not to worry, here are 2 Halloween looks you can achieve with makeup you've probably already got at home!  

Party At Gatsby's  

Start with a standard smokey eye using silver eyeshadow as a base and blending upward with black eyeshadow. Add a good pair of false lashes and line eyes . Next, follow your normal foundation routine and add a touch of pink blush. I used NARS Orgasm here. Lastly, add a BOLD red lip! I used NARS Flamenco here! For the finishing touch, curl your hair, pin it up, and you're ready to go!  Tip : Outline your lips with concealer to help emphasize your cupids bow ( top of the lip ) like the ladies of the 1920's.  

OH Deer!  

Start by applying foundation to the face. Next, using NYX Jumbo Milk Pencil, color the perimeter of eyes ( in a mask like shape) and down the center of the nose; blend using a brush. Around the perimeter of the white mask you've just created, use a Dark Bronzer from your forehead down to your mid cheek. Using a black eyeshadow, my personal fave is Carbon by MAC, place shadow on the lid only- follow with black liner adding a wing on the edges and also in the front going towards your nose. Using the same liner, draw in your nose then, using the NYX Jumbo Milk Pencil, draw spots on both sides of your face. Add Lashes to the top and on the bottom away from your actual lashes. Darken your eyebrows with black eyeshadow and you're set to be what all the hunters want this Halloween! Happy Halloween Loves !