If you follow beauty blogs and magazines, you’ve noticed that primers are the new “must” that makeup artists swear by. A Metro writer tested five to see which can stand the heat and humidity.
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Primer
The press release says the formula will reduce enlarged pores. But after putting it on, mine still looked like gaping holes. The formula felt heavier than I expected, but it gets high marks for staying power. Twelve hours and a sweaty yoga class later, I still had a full face of makeup on. $59, www.spacenk.com
MAC Prep + Prime Skin Primer
Everything about this is shimmery — the packaging, tube and cream all contain glitter. So I expected this to give my skin a glow as well. No dice. But I liked that this primer made my skin feel smooth and oil free. However, it took me twice as long to wash my makeup off. $29, www.mac cosmetics.com
Estee Lauder Illuminating Perfecting Primer
Is that a glow I see? This primer brightened up my face and anchored down my BB cream, stopping it from sliding off my face. The texture is thick, but not pore-cloggingly so, and the formula, which includes shea butter, made my skin feel softer than usual. But I could do without the mattifying effect, which was too powdery for my taste. $34,www.esteelauder.com
Stila One Step Correct
This formula made my makeup look natural and healthy, leaving a dewy, smooth finish. And the color-correcting mousse managed to hide the stubborn red patches around my nose. Best of all, it lasted all day, and I forgot I had anything on. $36,www.stilacosmetics.com
Benefit That Gal’ Brightening Face Primer
I tried this on a bad skin day. I was looking a bit sallow. But after trying it on, my cheeks looked rosy. It also gave my skin a smooth surface, hiding my scars and minimizing the size of my pores. Come bedtime — even after I had washed my face — my skin hadn’t lost its glow. $29,www.benefitcosmetics.com
