I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t a big believer in prepping and setting my skin before and after makeup. However, as I’ve tried different prep and set products over the years, I’m come to one conclusion. I think it takes time and trial/error to find the right products that work for you. Everybody’s skin, body chemistry and complexion are so unique and different. And actually I love that because God has made each and every individual so unique. What works for me might not work for you and that’s ok!
But even though products may vary from person to person, everyone needs a place to start! And I’ve found that it’s great to start with products you know are tried and true winners where others have found success! Those products are best-sellers and highly reviewed for a reason. I’m a big review reader and love to know how other people’s experiences have been with a product before I try it.
These prep and set products are some of the absolute best at the drugstore and could rival many high-end brands. Kudos to the drugstore for stepping up their game in this category. Probably even 2 years ago, most of these products didn’t exist.
It’s tricky because prep and set products have so many factors that could vary the results. For example, their performance depends on what foundation you use, what your skincare routine is, what your natural complexion and skin is like to begin with, etc. etc. So needless to say, don’t give up on something just after one use. Instead play around with the product and mix up the products you use with it to see if it really is a dud or maybe the magic happens when you land on the right combo of products!
Let’s jump into my recommendations by category!
FACE PRIMERS
Ulta Fabulous Face Foundation Primer // great for giving you a perfect base for your makeup to last all day. This primer is made for all skin types and will fill in pores and fine lines.
Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Primer // if you have oily skin, this primer is perfect for you! It will absorb excess oils and fight shine build-up all day leaving your skin prepped with a smooth surface hiding imperfections and redness.
E.l.f Mineral Face Primer // for $5 you really can’t beat this! It’s great for all skin types and will help oil buildup, dryness and filling in pores and fine lines.
Flower Beauty Perfecting Primer // Flower is one of those underrated brands that deserves more attention! Their products are awesome and this primer is one of my faves. It is a hydrating gel formula that’s perfect for getting your skin prepped and is ideal for all skin types.
EYE PRIMERS
Milani Eyeshadow Primer // my all-time favorite! This stuff is so good for everyday makeup. One of those hidden gems that you will repurchase time after time.
Ulta Matte Eye Primer // the ultimate eye primer for my girls out there with oily eyelids! Really anybody can use it because most people’s eyelids crease and that is not a cute look. I remember my high school days half-way through the day I would see my sparkly white glitter shadow creased in my eyelids and have to blend it with my finger…yikes! Oh the days before eye primer.
NYX Glitter Primer // you wouldn’t think you would need multiple different eye primers but you do! This is a MUST for extra glittery/sparkly/loose/pigment/shimmer shadows. It seriously helps them stay in place with no fallout and having this base will make your shadow really pop!
E.l.f Under Eye Primer // this is a great multi-purpose product because it will give you a great base for concealer. But it will also help to nourish and hydrate your delicate under eye area. You can even wear it on no-makeup days!
SETTING SPRAYS
Quick disclaimer – IĀ chose setting sprays that were multi-purpose and could be used to prime or fix makeup as well as set it. Just over here trying to make your dollar count no biggie š
Makeup Revolution Aqua Prime Base Spray // not only is this a hydrating primer spray to help prep your skin but you can also use it as a setting spray to help emulsify your base makeup and help the powder products melt together (supposedly a good dupe for the Smashbox primer water).
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set // I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve talked about this setting spray but I will always take the opportunity to talk about it again. This stuff is pure gold. You really can prime, correct, set or all 3 and the mist is so fine and fresh.Ā Read more about it in my Milani post here or my ultimate drugstore guide here.
Catrice Prime & Fine Multitalent Fixing Spray // another multi-purpose spray that can prime, fix or set. I’m all about multitasking products like this versus buying one spray to prime and another to set etc. etc. Catrice is a great affordable brand you can buy at Ulta or on Amazon.
Ulta Dewy Setting Spray // for all my ladies wanting dewy and luminous skin – this is such a great product! It really helps keep your skin hydrated all day. And again, you can also use it to prime your face before makeup application for a luminous base.
Hard Candy Hydrating Primer Mist // Hard Candy is yet another hidden gem of a brand sold at Wal-Mart that has some fantastic products. This is a best-seller in their line and can be utilized to prime, set or refresh your makeup. The formula is infused with great hydrating ingredients like coconut water!
As always, let me know what your favorites are in the comments and why you love it!
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