Primer showdown!

     For the past few weeks I've been trying out a few different primers. I used e.l.f.'s Hydrating primer in the past but due to my combination skin, I started to react to it. So, I've been on the hunt for a new one!! I've tried 3 so far and I think I found one that both suits my skin and my budget.  For more on my new favorite read on!!


     It would seem that my needs for a primer are a little different than most. I have very dry skin everywhere except my chin, and a little on my forehead. The makeup on my cheeks tends to get patchy and "cracked" while it completely disappears from my chin, which ends up very shiny. If I use a more intense moisturizer on my cheeks, they still dry out and then my chin will break out. It's a bit of a conundrum. My goal was to find a primer that would reduce the size of my pores and would work on my cheeks. I figured it was easier to find a solution for that and then I could use powder on my chin. 

     The first Primer I wanted to test out is often considered the Holy Grail of primers, Benefit's the POREfessional. While it deserves the title, it is also a bit pricey. At $31 for three-quarters of an ounce, it's a bit more than I'd like to spend. I have been saving my birthday sample from Sephora from last year and only using it on special occasions. As it is running low, I wanted to spend a few weeks finding a suitable alternative.

     The second primer, Almay's Smart Shade CC Illuminating Primer, had great reviews on Make Up Alley so I was really excited to test it out. It retails for about $12 for one ounce and has the best packaging of the three. It seemed to last all day and looked really great when I first applied it. However, after about a week of using it, I started to notice a more caked appearance at the end of the day, especially around my cheeks and nose. It also didn't spread as smoothly as I would like when I put it on in the morning. I don't really want anything that is going to pull or tug when I apply it. I will keep it, because I do really love the glass pump dispenser, but I  may reserve it for more summer use.

     The third primer was Garnier's 5 Second Blur. Most of the reviews that I read claimed it was almost a dupe for the POREfessional and I would have to agree. It retails anywhere from $15-$17.00 for an ounce, but I bought mine online for about $10. It is just as smooth and silky as the POREfessional and even when I used one on each side of my face, it was hard to tell a difference.

     The images below look very similar but if you look closely, there are subtle differences. On the POREfessional side, if you look closely at the area between my nose and upper lip, there is a more caked appearance. You can also see some fading along the part of my cheek closest to my nose. On the Garnier side, there is also some caking but it is less noticeable.

     I think it's safe to say I have found my new primer! The price is right, it lasts all day and doesn't pull at my skin. I love using this primer. The tiniest amount goes a long way. If I use too much, I still get a little cakiness but that's is just the nature of my skin and would happen with any primer. 

What about you? What primers have you tried? Any favorites?

***Disclaimer: All items mentioned in this or future posts have been purchased by me, at my own expense unless otherwise noted. I am not affiliated with or sponsored by any company or brand so you can be assured my opinions are mine alone.