It’s the beginning of another week. Are you ready? Not only is preparation the key to success it also prevents unnecessary stress. That means whether it’s what you’re going to wear, how you’re going to handle a client, or what you’ll have for dinner, you need to having a plan. Sometimes preparation means carving out the time to meditate and reflect. It could be that we need to get in the right mental or emotional space to address or respond to the situation at hand. If we put in some work before hand, it makes life a lot smoother and lessens the chance of our becoming overwhelmed. Often, preparation comes down to making decisions. Know what you want to accomplish, determine your modus operandi, and decide what you want the outcome to be.
When it comes to applying makeup it helps to prepare as well. One tip I’ve received from several makeup artist is the use of primer. Primer prepares the skin, smoothing it, so that your foundation goes on evenly. It also provides hydration. I’d heard of primers before, but I was so accustomed to beginning with my foundation, and really wasn’t sure how to use them. So after I learned a bit more about the importance of starting with a smooth canvas (and you can never be too smooth), I decided to give them a try.
I’ve been experimenting with three over the last few weeks. Nars Makeup Primer, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer and Lancome Oil-Free La Base Pro Primer. The two that I felt served me best were Laura Mercier (cream) and Lancome (gel). Laura Mercier’s Foundation primer is a light cream based primer. At first I thought it might make me oily, but by mid day I was still shine free. It absorbed into my skin pretty quickly.
Lancome’s Oil-Free La Base Pro Primer is a clear gel. My first thought was that it would be drying. That was definitely not the case. In fact, it went on smooth and practically evaporated into my skin. That was a plus. Like the Laura Mercier primer it kept the mid day shines at bay. I could feel an immediate difference in my skin with both products and my foundation did go on evenly with less creasing as the day went on. I think for these two, it all comes down to preference of cream versus gel and dollars. Laura Mercier’s Primer retails for about $32/Lancome retails for $42.
There’s a primer that meets every budget. Iman Cosmetics has developed, Under Cover Agent Oil Control Primer, available at drugstores. I recommend you experiment with primers. You’ll definitely see an improvement. Either way, put your best face forward and make sure you are ready for the world.
