Beauty Q&A: What IS Primer? (And While We're Asking Questions, Do You Even NEED It?) ♥

If you've ever thought ''what the heck is this primer business?'' or ''why do I need to add ANOTHER product into my beauty routine?'' or ''hmmmm, I wonder if I can get a piece of cake from right now?'', good news! You're not alone! (Actually, you might be on the whole cake part, I'm not sure, but if you DO find someone that's willing to deliver me some in the next few minutes, let me know.)

How do I know, you ask? Because I recently received an e-mail that suggested I share a wee bit of information on what I know about the often mysterious little pre-make-up product that is primer, which was really quite exciting because a) I love e-mail; and b) somebody thought that I was knowledgeable enough to actually part with such information! Golly! How sweet! And foolish. (Kidding! Well, kind of..) And sure, while I'm no Napoleon Perdis, I did first meet primer in 2008, so I do feel like we're good enough friends by now for me to be able to introduce you to one another, and point out why it's definitely worth finding some room in your cosmetic bag for. So! Allow me to introduce you to one of my hardest-working beauty friends, Primer..

Hi! My name's Primer. Oh, you know that already? #$%&. Well, this is a bit awkward. Anyway. If I'm not already neatly tucked inside your bathroom cabinet (or you know, sprawled somewhere in your handbag, whatever works!), I really ought to be. Why? Let me tell you:

x So, I'm a clear gel. Because of this textual consistency between products, I may look like I'm just another boring old one that doesn't actually do anything. But I do! You see, I help your make-up to last longer.

Have you ever applied foundation and/or bronzer or blush to almost flawless standards in the morning only to wonder where the heck it's disappeared to by lunchtime? Or applied eyshadow only to have it crease all over towards where your eyebrows are? Well, I actually STOP that! Yes, really. By acting as a kind of protective barrier between your skin and foundation, I give it something to grip to, so that it stays put and you don't have to constantly reapply anything. (I know. GENIUS, right?!)

x Almost as confusing as the ''um, so, where did my face go to?!'' conundrum is the ''why does it look like I've massaged a bottle of olive oil into my face when I, uh, haven't?!'' Perhaps it's a scorching hot day and, as a result of the humidity, your make-up is slipping and sliding all over your face like it's at some kind of amusement park. Or perhaps you've been dancing the night away to The Presets and now have one massively shiny face. OR perhaps you're just prone to more oily skin. (What? Me TOO!) Either way, a little application of me eliminates any annoying face sweating, and kind of makes you look as though you've been quietly sitting in an air-conditioned room all day instead of traipsing around the streets in summer or partying like it's 1999. Bravo!

x I can be used to camouflage all sorts of skin 'problems'. (I like to say 'problems' because really, why are they problems? They're just something that everyone has!) Lines? Who cares! Pores? What pores? Redness? Where? You only slept for three hours last night? Well, you could have fooled me! By using me in your make-up routine (after your sunscreen/moisturising cream/skincare product of choice, before your foundation!), I instantly create a smoother canvas, which sounds kind of freaky when I say the word 'canvas' but is REALLY quite spiffy when you think about it.

♥

Primer: have you made its acquaintance? Do you love it? Hate it? Think it's the smartest product available on the department store shelf since dry shampoo? Tell me! (And if you've tried something else that's similarly brilliant lately, be sure to tell me about that, too!)

xoxo