I was recently doing my obligatory newspaper reading (ok, you caught me, I was looking at my Twitter feed) when I stumbled upon an article on primers. So, here's something: I never actually used primers on a daily basis until about a year or two ago. I received a sample of Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer from Sephora and all of a sudden I started noticing how much longer my foundation was lasting; Who, knew? Since then, primers have become part of my makeup routine. Not only do they create a smoother, lasting complexion, but with the variety of primers available now, you can help prevent creasing, aging, acne or shine. 

Weirdly enough, in the article I was reading, they talked about the increasing popularity of primers in the past few years. It seems the primer bug hit me as well as well as the rest of the world at the same time. Virginia Lee, a senior research analyst at Euromonitor International (a market research company in London) said the company’s tracking of the category “other facial makeup” (including primers) jumped an impressive 73 percent from 2006 to 2011. Sales in the United States are at $46.6 million, from $26.9 million (via nytimes.com). 

With all the buzz about primers lately, I thought a round up of some of our favourites was in order. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't also discuss the eye primer. I swear by my Urban Decay Primer Potion for lasting, anti fading shadow colour but there are a ton of cult faves out there to help bring out intense eye colours. I also thought it would be interesting to bring up mascara primers. I never jumped on the mascara primer bandwagon but with all the primer talk, I can see them being the next 'it' thing. 


1. Rimmel London Fix & Perfect Smoothing Foundation Primer (C$9.99)
 
2. Stila Hydrating Primer Oil-Free SPF 30 (C$44.00)
 
3. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (C$44.00)
 
4. Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer (C$38.00)
 
5. Benefit Cosmetics the POREfessional (C$34.00)
 
6. Becca Resurfacing Primer (C$48.00)
 
7. Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer (C$39.00)
 
8. CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer (C$17.99)
 
9. Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer Clear (UK$19.99) 
 
10. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer + No. 28 Primer Serum Duo (C$29.00)


1. Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base (US$25.50)
 
2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Tube in Original (C$24.00) 

3. Too Faced Shadow Insurance (C$24.00)

4. Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus (C$24.00)

5. Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer (C$27.00)  

6. MAC Prep + Prime Eye (US$18.50)
 
7. Clinique Touch Base for Eyes (US$15.00)

8. Smashbox Layer Lash Primer (C$19.00)

9. L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara (C$13.79)

10. Mary Kay Lash Primer Full Treatment Formula (US$15.00)

Are you a primer user? What's your favourite?