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Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion$15.00We require that a product deliver high "wow" factor to add another step to beauty routines -- and we're usually underwhelmed by primers. So we skeptically smoothed a dab of Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, a translucent shadow primer, onto just one lid, then applied shadow for several days. Surprise: Richer pigment on t...More |
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Blinc Lash Primer$16.00A long, spiraled wand delivers white cream to individual lashes. Drying fast and nearly clear, the fragrance-free formula easily blends in with most mascaras for quick volume without clumping. The large container's mix of nourishing vitamin E and fortifying panthenol curb sticker shock (even though it's still cheaper than U...More |
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Lola Refine Shine Anti Shine Gel$24.00 This clear, water-based gel is a magic eraser for oil. Glide it on to see shine instantly minimized. What's even better? It contains grape seed extract -- a powerful antioxidant. Apply it before makeup to help pores look smaller/tighter and prevent shine. Or use it as a greasy-area spot treatment throughout the day -- it wo...More |
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Benefit That Girl$28.00You know "that gal" ... the one with the, uh, peachy keen complexion? The brightening effect of this light pink primer is so subtle, it's barely noticeable. But the glue-stick packaging deserves an award for creativity and ease of use. Click the bottom of the stick to push the berry-scented cream out of the mesh ...More |
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Lola Refine Prime Foundation Primer$38.00This primer doesn't have that silicone feel common to most. The texture is more moisturizer-like, and although it does make foundation go on smoother, it doesn't necessarily mask pores or hinder shine like other primers -- but it doesn't it claim to, either. That said, it does contain a mild retinoid and antioxidants to hel...More |
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Laura Mercier Foundation Primer$30.00This pricey, fragrant primer promises to smooth all skin types and hold foundation all day. If you have normal or dry skin, the heavy white cream takes a while to sink in before you can lay your foundation, and it might be too much for oily skin. The oil-free formula is a major plus (the directions say it can go on without ...More |
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Bourjois Anti-Shine Blotting Sheets$13.50If you have combo or oily skin, anything that "blots" is an easy sell. These powder-less, tissue paper sheets come in a cute giraffe print envelope, which makes them even more enticing. The tiny package fits anywhere -- a pocket, wallet or evening clutch. They do tend to take off a bit of makeup with each blot, wh...More |
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Pur Minerals Under Control$18.00It takes a few days for Pur Minerals Under Control gel to fully kick in, but once it does, oily skin is banished all day. Oil production does appear reduced while the gel absorbs quickly to give skin a matte, smooth finish without overdrying. It works best when applied morning and night before putting on serums or creams, a...More |
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Revlon Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primers with Botafirm"Instant firming" is misleading but fine lines are less noticeable after a week of using Revlon Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer. (You can actually see what Revlon claims is Botafirm, a botanical and antioxidant complex, making a difference over time.) A decent primer, it promotes longevity of makeup and allows it to...More |
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Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer$38.00These pricey, tinted primers claim to correct color, reduce wrinkles and "defy" dark spots. Reality check? There was minor improvement in redness, but not enough to skip makeup, as suggested. For oily skin types, layering the slippery silicone base over a moisturizer with SPF and topping with foundation may be to...More |

