Quel Est L'appret? Ummm, WHAT???

If this post title is completely foreign to you, have no fear my friends; all will be explained in due time. The title translates to "What is Primer?" and I was asked this quite some time ago by a great friend of mine (thanks Bronwen xoxo). Primers are a girl's secret weapon to smooth, silky, flawless skin.

Most of us women, me included, do not have picture-perfect skin. Common concerns are blemishes, redness, irritation, large pores and fine lines. (Almost of all of which I suffer from.) Back in the day we were stuck with using a moisturizer after our toner and then applying our make-up on a glistening face which cause runny-looking foundation and excess oil later during the day. Today your lives are going to change.

In addition to primer giving women the silky complexion we've always wanted, it also neutralizes your skin which minimizes the look of pores. Seriously, it's perfection in a bottle. Two brands I highly recommend are:

1. Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfection. Goes on a cream which then has a matte finish. This product does give you a flawless finish and can actually be worn alone (without makeup) for the au natural girl. Make sure to use this product after moisturizer. Also, there is no setting time with this product as it blends in right away. I highly recommend this product for the woman with oily/combination skin.

2. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Primer. It starts off a very lightweight gel which then becomes a silky powder once applied. Once applied, it does a fantastic job concealing fine lines and enlarged pores. (Note for my oily girls, this product, though great, will not be best for an oily complexion. If you have sensitive skin though, you will definitely love this.)

Ensure that you give ample time for your primer to set. Once applied after moisturizer, give it some time to blend in before you put on your make-up.