The best of 2010 - Face Primers

I love these monthly & yearly favourite posts so I thought I would add my own..with a bit of a twist.  


I think it's great to know what people love, but just as interesting to know what they've tried and perhaps didn't love as much.  So with each category my plan is to post a photo containing as many products as I can dig up, that I've used this year.  Then I'll announce a winner, (some honourable mentions), a loser or least favourite and a mini sized review of each.  I hope you enjoy and I would love to see some of your hits & misses for the year.  

The first category....face primers.

I don't have as many products in this category as you'll see in others, because quite honestly I was a tried & true lover of Smashbox Photo Finish primer for years.  I still really like that product but I have crowned a new favourite.

Favourite primer of 2010

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base

I use this more than my Smashbox or any other primer.  I actually love wearing it alone, on days where I'm wearing no other make-up, as it creates a soft air brushed appearance on my face & helps to minimize any pores or fine lines.  The product itself is a cross between a mousse & a lotion in texture.  The only thing I don't like is having to dig my fingers in to a pot to get the product out, so of course I'm obsessive about washing my hands thoroughly before I go near this.  Love it!!
Best yet, this is a drugstore product that retails anywhere from about $9-13CAD, depending on where you find it, sales, etc.  

Honourable mention

MAC Prep & Prime SPF50

I was generously given a few samples of this product this past summer and I have to say I really love it.  They do have one with no SPF that isn't quite as thick, but I loved not having to apply an added sunscreen when I wore this.  What you're seeing is one of the samples I was given but I will be purchasing this. 

My least favorite primer of 2010

E.L.F Mineral Infused Face Primer

This kind of breaks my heart a little because I have really loved a lot of the E.L.F stuff I have bought, and I especially love their prices.  But this primer just did NOT work for me.  The first time I put it on it felt I was putting mineral oil on my skin.  It left my skin greasy and never seemed to absorb into my skin.  I believe it also contributed to a bit of break out  on my cheek, and I never break out there.  I have endured it a few times just to be sure, I've also shaken up the container thinking maybe the product settled during shipping...and nothing has changed.  Hated it, just DID not work for me. 

As always, would love to read any comments and hear your thoughts.