March Favorites Day 10- Primers

Day 10 of my March Favorites is all about the two face primers I use most often. When it comes to primers, I want them to do three things...smooth out my rough, dry skin (so makeup goes on better), minimize texture and pores, and help my makeup to last longer.

Because my skin is so dry, I tend to reach for primers that have a heavier, more hydrating feel. If you're oily, your skin may not agree with my choices, but in the post below, I will also be mentioning the primers I use in the summer when my skin is more on the normal side.

Let's take a look!

Favorite Primer (high-end): 

YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer ($52)
I hate that I love this primer so much because it's SO expensive! I got a few deluxe samples with various orders at Sephora and fell in love with it to the point where I decided to just break down and splurge on the full size. This primer is like an airbrushing filter for your face...it smoothes out imperfections and rough texture and helps my makeup to go on and blend like a dream. It has a medium texture and contains four different oils that make my skin feel incredibly soft and hydrated. If you have skin like mine, I think you'll really love this (and if you don't at least Sephora has an awesome return policy).

Available at Sephora & Nordstrom

*In the summer when the air gets thick and sticky (and my skin is more normal), the YSL can feel a little heavy, so instead I love to reach for either Benefit The POREfessional or Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Pore Minimizing Primer...both of them have a lighter texture and dry down to a matte finish, while smoothing out the skin and filling in pores. If you have oily skin, you may like either of these a lot better!

Favorite Primer (drugstore):

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base ($12.99)
I'm probably on my tenth jar of this primer because it's just that good! It has a very thick, almost paste-like texture but when you smooth it onto your skin, it feels like a mousse and fills in every little crease, line, and pore for an airbrushed look. Every time I wear this, someone comments on my skin looking so smooth and wants to know what skincare I use. I just tell them it's this primer...it makes my foundation go on flawlessly.

Available at Ulta and drugstores

*A lighter-weight drugstore alternative that I've really been loving lately is the new NYX Soft Focus Tinted Primer ($13.99). It reminds me quite a bit of the POREfessional and comes in three different sheer shades so it adds a tiny bit of coverage.

What are your favorite primers? Let me know in the comments below! :)