The Wonderful World of Makeup Primers for Dark Skin Tones

Prep your skin for wearing makeup all day with makeup primers for dark skin tones from Too Faced Cosmetics and Neutrogena.

As this post about makeup primers was being pieced together, it dawned on me that this product type doesn’t get as much love as the usual suspects like foundation, face powder and blush, products that have become a part of our DNA. HKI’s goal is to get you thinking of primers as a makeup application step you shouldn’t live without.

Overall, makeup primers (applied after moisturizer but before foundation) extend the life of your makeup so it looks fresh from A.M. to P.M. Primers also make applying makeup easier because products just glide across your face. Of the many primers that are sold at the Sephoras of the world, Too Faced Cosmetics and Neutrogena shot to the top of HKI’s list of real beauty must-haves because of their other product attributes.

Women with sensitive skin can sing a sigh of relief because Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer For Sensitive Skin ($30, toofaced.com) was made with their skin type in mind. No breakouts allowed. Primed & Poreless can be worn alone or under bronzers and foundation, fine lines are less apparent and makeup stays put all day. With ingredients Vitamins A, C, Mulberry Extract & Retinol skin remains hydrated and pores are virtually banished.

The search for shine-prevention products amongst women with oily skin is never-ending and Neutrogena has successfully answered the call of this sect. Neutrogena’s Shine Control Primer ($12.99, Neutrogena.com) is an extraordinary product because it controls shine all day by acting like a sponge to absorb excess oil. ‘Shine Control’ can be worn with or without makeup, doesn’t clog pores while it makes them look smaller, and of course, this lightweight, non-greasy formula primer keeps makeup looking fresh for up to 8 hours. HKI suggests you team this product with Neutrogena’s Shine Control Shine Control Powder.