Face makeup base reviews

What could be more beautiful than a smooth, radiant face? Even tips on how to make a good first impression say that this happens within the first 7 seconds and the very first thing that is assessed is the smoothness of the skin on the face. So let's learn how to look perfect and make a 100% positive impression.

When you go to a cosmetics store, you can be confused by the number of products that are offered. And when we see the name - primer or concealer, then difficulties begin. Therefore, first we will define the terms. Makeup primer can also be called base.

There is also the English term makeup primer, so the base can be called a primer. There are many types of makeup bases, but they all have one task - to prepare the face for makeup and increase its durability. And if you don’t have a goal to use primer every day, then it’s still worth having it, at least for special occasions.

What is makeup base

These are all products that even out the surface of the face, hide defects and create a smooth area for further even and beautiful application of cosmetics. The advertisement says that the primers contain many useful substances. This is both true and false. Therefore, it is difficult to answer the question: which makeup base is better? High-quality products actually contain useful ingredients.

But they do not in any way replace care products - day, night creams, tonics and others. Therefore, before applying the foundation, we take care of the skin as usual: apply our favorite creams, just make sure that they are not too greasy.

Types of facial foundations

So, the base is the preparation of the face for all further actions, it is a primer for the canvas on which, after some time, a beautiful picture will appear. Returning to the question - which makeup base is the best - we will talk about a variety of bases that differ in their functions.

By skin type

1. Mattifying makeup base. Creates a very well-groomed look and is used on special occasions, such as wedding makeup. But a makeup artist should help you choose it, and he will determine the color type of the face, the presence of problems, the desired effect and other nuances, since when using these bases there is a danger of obtaining a mask effect.
2. Compact base. Conceals minor imperfections. Convenient to use. Increases the durability of makeup. Not suitable for oily skin.

1. Concealer. It can be considered as a leveling base for makeup. The most universal remedy. Helps hide imperfections and even out complexion. Contains natural protective and caring agents.
2. Silicone base. Can be used as a stand-alone product or in combination with foundation. The surface of the skin with this base looks chic, but it is better to use it for evening makeup. The silicone base looks very good on the lips, making them convex.
3. Colored bases. They correct and improve problematic facial tone. A green base eliminates red spots, a lilac base removes unhealthy colors (like yellow, gray or sallow), a blue base mixes up a vibrant tan, and a white base gives a beautiful porcelain tone.

1. Shimmer Foundation. Thanks to the presence of special sparkling particles, it gives the face freshness and a slight healthy glow. It is applied to some areas of the face to open up the eyes and make the face look fresh, but if you mix it with glitter or apply it all over the face like a foundation, you will get the effect of oily skin.
2. Moisturizing foundation. Provides lightness, freshness and moisture to dry or aging skin. Combats dryness and flaking, contains extracts of silk, green tea, vitamins A and E.
3. Foundations with SPF. The name speaks for itself: they exist to protect the face from sun exposure. This is especially convenient if your cream and foundation do not have a UV index.

You should also know that the base in makeup for blondes should have a pinkish-pearlescent sheen, and if we are talking about makeup for brunettes, then warm tones are needed.

By texture

1. Liquid. It is light, transparent and created for girls with perfect skin.
2. Gel-like. For oily skin with enlarged pores. Allows you to protect the skin from penetration and clogging of pores by foundation creams.

1. Creamy. The composition contains powder and pigments, it allows you to cover up dark circles under the eyes, pigmentation, and rosacea. Most often used in “professional makeup.”
2. Solid. Helps hide scars.
3. Dry. It is similar to powder (compact or loose), but it has a denser texture that hides imperfections, smoothes out pores and is applied before makeup, unlike powder.

By facial zones

1. Eye makeup base. Eyeshadow often falls off, gets absorbed, and smudges, but with a base it can last all day. The base for the shadow can be transparent, then it should be applied to the foundation; if the base is flesh-colored, then instead. Apply as usual using a sponge, eyeshadow brush or concealer. Do not: use facial primers on the eyelids; these must be special primers specifically for the eyelids.

1. Mascara base. Makes mascara easier to apply and increases its stability. At the same time, the mascara does not fall off or smear. Often mascara bases are sold complete with mascara or are available separately. Transparent foundations look more invisible. Many eyelash bases contain elements that care for the condition of the eyelashes.
2. Lip base. Levels the surface and increases durability. There are bases with a UV index for sun protection, there are anti-aging bases, there are bases that temporarily enlarge lips, called plumpers. They come in jars, in the form of pencils or sticks.

How to choose the right one

When choosing a foundation, you need to know your color type and problem areas so that the product lays evenly and matches the texture.

1. For dry skin, the best choice is a creamy consistency, which often contains oils and essential vitamins.
2. For oily skin, a mattifying effect is better.
3. For healthy skin, for daytime makeup, a light liquid structure is suitable; for a formal occasion, you can choose a shimmering one.

The tone should match the color type of the face so that there is no effect of a mask or a greasy spot instead of the face.

It is best to apply a sample and walk around all day to understand how your skin reacts to this product, whether it lasts, whether it looks beautiful, otherwise you may buy something completely wrong. In this case, you need to buy a high-quality and inexpensive product.

How to apply foundation

Just because you've chosen the right foundation doesn't mean you'll look great. You need to learn how to use this tool.

Before applying the base you must:

1. Prepare your skin so that the foundation improves your complexion rather than making it worse.
2. Exfoliate your face: the skin should be renewed, cleared of dead cells, and breathable.
3. Wash off any remaining makeup and dirt from your face with your regular cleanser.
4. Wipe your face with tonic, it will close the pores and increase metabolic processes in the cells.
5. Apply day cream, wait 10 minutes.

Applying makeup base

You can apply foundation in several ways, depending on the condition of your epidermis and the presence of problems. Also make sure that the tone of the base does not differ from the tone of the neck; if this is the case, then you need to cover the collarbones and sides of the neck with the base. You can apply:

1. With your fingers. This is a light to medium application, mainly used in “delicate makeup.”
2. Makeup sponge. This is a very light coating.
3. Makeup brush. This is a dense coating.

Secrets for creating the perfect tone

If we are talking about “aging makeup”, it is better to mix the base with moisturizer. Hold the mixture on your fingers, warming it slightly, and rub it into particularly dry areas with light movements.

If your base cannot hide any imperfections, mix it with foundation. The base will remove unevenness, and the foundation will allow you to look natural.

Thermal water. Many women use this wonderful product that refreshes their face. Thermal water can be sprayed onto makeup, this will help moisturize the face and mix all layers of makeup together.

The best makeup base is the one that suits you. We are sure that everyone wants to have perfect skin and look natural. This is exactly what a makeup base will help with. We invited several ladies to use a product that was previously unfamiliar to them - a makeup base, and now we want to ask them about their impressions, feelings and whether they will continue to use this wonderful product.

Makeup base, reviews

Veronica

I bought a makeup foundation and went to Turkey. There, at parties, I applied base, then foundation, and to be honest, it was not a very pleasant feeling, as if my face was oily, I wanted to apply a napkin to remove excess oil or go and wash my face.

Expert comment: As I understand it, you used the base in the summer, during the hot period. In different seasons you need to use different bases, and what tormented you in the summer will become a gift in winter. Pay attention to this.

Irina

I purchased the base and am very pleased, because the foundation that I used before looks natural only in artificial light, and during the day it is a nightmare. And after using the base, the skin is smoother, well-groomed, and soft. I guess I'll say goodbye to tonal.

Expert comment: Apparently, you already have good skin and don’t need foundation. Although, perhaps you chose it with a dense structure that does not suit you. The base mattifies a little and gives a fresher look, provided the skin is problem-free. And you need to understand that the base is not a means of treatment or care; after washing, your skin will remain the same.

Alexandra

The foundation that I used for the first time accentuated even those imperfections that I didn’t even know about before; spots, nets and flaking came out. Besides, I'm afraid that such things will clog my pores and make my skin look old.

Expert comment: Many reviews of the makeup base talk about a similar effect. This means that the base was chosen incorrectly, or you did not take into account your skin type, or you purchased a cheap, low-quality analogue. If everything is done correctly, the result will only please you.

Video

1. Very useful and detailed tips on choosing the right foundation.

1. About the best makeup bases and a lot of other necessary information.

1. All the secrets of how to properly apply makeup base - from preliminary care to the result.

Probably, almost all women have a foundation, and it seems that the question of choosing it is quite simple: drop it on your hand - it fits - buy it. In fact, if you want to have perfect skin and at the same time look natural, you need to approach the issue of choosing tone and density armed with knowledge, and also be sure to pay attention to the base, learn how to use it - this is a pleasant activity that leads to brilliant result. And in conclusion, it must be said that using a base does not eliminate the issue of facial care, and even the most expensive products on unkempt skin will not look as good as on well-groomed skin. What do you think about makeup bases? Do you use them? Do you like the result? Please write to us, because we girls should exchange useful information.

When it’s summer outside, the problem of applying makeup for girls becomes more complicated: in hot conditions, low-quality cosmetics simply “flow” along with the secretions of the sweat glands. Therefore, it's time to talk about what serves the basis for flawless makeup, that is, about primers. We offer the TOP 10 makeup bases from the point of view of the fairer sex, omitting the superlatives used in advertising slogans.

Which makeup base is better: inexpensive or luxury?

The eternal question of whether to prefer an affordable price or buy something more expensive is something every woman decides for herself. It has long been proven that the most important thing in cosmetics is how it suits YOUR skin. Hence the relativity of compiling ratings - what has become a panacea for thousands of lucky women before you can fail on your face. However, the number of positive reviews indicates quality, so we explore women’s forums to evaluate makeup bases.

We take several indicators as a basis:

1. how effectively the base evens out the complexion, hides skin imperfections,
2. does it keep makeup in perfect condition for a long time,
3. Is it suitable for all skin types (if not, then what kind of skin owners should beware of purchasing),
4. Naturally, the cost.

The best makeup bases for any skin type: firming, moisturizing, mattifying

The multifunctional fixing base for makeup from the domestic brand Librederm provides complete hydration of the skin throughout the day. The primer is designed to even out the texture and complexion of the face, mask minor imperfections and mattify. For its ideal price-quality ratio, many Russian women in reviews recognized this primer as the best.

The texture of the base is quite thick, but on the face it becomes light and airy, spreading perfectly over the skin. The primer smoothes pores well, hides shallow wrinkles and lightens redness. It is not felt on the face, significantly extends the life of makeup, and prevents oily shine. But after applying the foundation, you need to give it time to absorb, and only then use foundation. Tube volume - 50 ml.

1. affordable price;
2. very economical consumption;
3. does not clog pores.

1. not detected.

The French makeup base of the Givenchy brand is presented in six transparent shades with different purposes: Milk (whitening and refreshing), Strawberry (healthy glow), Kiwi (disguising acne, redness and rosacea), Plum (neutralizing yellowness of the skin), Mango (for dark-skinned women ) and Peach (a universal primer for everyone). There is also a limited-edition Poetique Tulip shade with a subtle tan effect.

The texture of the base is weightless, fluid, with subtle shimmer. It gives the skin a natural glow and sleek look, significantly increases the durability of makeup, moisturizes, nourishes and softens. Suitable for local application. Tube volume - 30 ml.

1. possibility of individual choice of shade;
2. UV protection filter SPF15;
3. economical consumption.

1. impressive cost.

The Korean makeup base Sweet Cotton Pore Cover Base from Holika Holika contains a healing cocktail of extracts of cotton, purslane, orange, lemon, blueberry, lotus and noni. Thanks to them, the primer improves the condition of the skin, controls the activity of the sebaceous glands, heals and refreshes the complexion and is suitable even for problem skin.

The texture of the foundation is silky, delicate, slightly pigmented, but looks colorless on the face. The base is perfectly absorbed, does not give a filmy feeling, wonderfully moisturizes and evens out the skin, and layers well. However, to achieve maximum effect, you need to let the previous one dry before applying the next layer. Tube volume: 25 ml.

Lena Loginova and Karina Tumanskaya tried different makeup bases and found out which ones were suitable for dry and which ones were suitable for oily skin.
Six makeup bases took part in the experiment: Benefit - The POREfessional, Chanel - Le Blanc De Chanel, Mary Kay - Foundation Primer, Smashbox - Photo Finish Foundation Primer Pore Minimizing, Sisley - Instant Perfect and The Body Shop - All-in-one InstaBlur.

And also - two Beauty Ins trainees >Lena Loginova (skin - oily, problematic) and Karina Tumanskaya (skin - normal, closer to dry).

The requirements for an ideal base for girls are not identical: “mattifying and smoothing the skin texture, prolonging the durability of makeup” (Lena) and “lightly masking pores, prolonging the durability of makeup and some “highlighting”, not matting the skin” (Karina). And so, our reviews of cosmetics, based on a personal test.

The POREfessional, Benefit

What they promise: minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines. Can be applied both under and over makeup. Mattifies throughout the day. Does not contain oils, but contains vitamin E, which protects the skin from aging.

Benefit The POREfessional makeup base pleased me in this regard. With it, makeup actually lasts 6 hours (!) longer. And even in the evening, there was no hellish-horror-everything-running on my face, but just a slight shine.

In general, this product is mainly intended to reduce pores. I can’t say that pores worry me that much - probably because my face is full of more obvious problems. But The POREfessional smoothed out the existing pores. And, like any silicone base, it generally made the skin smoother. The foundation applied much better.

I’ll also note the cool packaging (mee-mee, Benefit just amazes me in the heart with its pin-ups) and a light citrus scent - on the one hand, I’m not a fan of fragrances in skin-care, on the other hand, I really like this particular one.” .

Benefit The POREfessional, by the way, really resembles Photoshop - it perfectly masks pores and fills in fine wrinkles.

However, if you have dry skin and flaking, it will most likely accentuate them. This time. Two - it will not be easy to distribute the tonal fluid over it. When I tried to apply it with my fingers, all my foundations rolled off - or lay down like a mask, tightly adhered to the base and it was impossible to shade them with a thin layer. (Apparently, it is this “adhesion” between the tone and the base that prolongs the life of the makeup twice as much.) It turned out that the most correct thing to do was to tap in the tone with a damp sponge. To be fair, I note that with all the other bases the picture was approximately the same - the sponge worked best.

But the main disadvantage of Benefit The POREfessional for me was that it immediately clogged my pores and caused inflammation.”

Price: 20ml - 1855 rubles, 45ml - 3145 rubles.

Le Blanc De Chanel

What they promise: a foundation that improves and evens out the complexion. Can be applied under foundation or mixed with it.

The texture of the base is creamy, very rich, what is called rich. (It also protects in cold weather - an additional bonus and plus.) Very shiny - I even had doubts whether this shine would be unnecessary. My face itself is quite shiny.-) But I liked the effect immediately after application. The face shines, but in the right places and not very much. In general, the look is rested, and the skin looks really porcelain (the base also whitens). True, the smell confused me: the product smells quite pleasant, but too bright (for my capricious nose).

Unfortunately, after a couple of hours my face started to shine even more than usual. The beautiful porcelain sheen that I would call “skin like a princess” turned into “skin like a princess who worked hard in the fields.” Alas, this base did not suit me. I don't think it's for oily skin."

Doesn't clog pores, doesn't dry out, extends the life of makeup by a couple of hours. For those with dry skin, this is quite enough.

A separate plus is the convenient, beautiful packaging with a dispenser and a pleasant aroma. Yes, yes, the same one who obsessively pursues Lena Loginova.”

Price: 1299 rubles.

Mary Kay Foundation Primer

What they promise: corrects skin imperfections, creating the perfect base for a smooth and flawless foundation application. The formula with SPF 15 protects the skin from ultraviolet rays.

That's absolutely it. I didn’t notice any mattification, or prolongation of makeup durability, or smoothing out the texture. It feels like I just smeared a second layer of cream on my face for some reason, which, moreover, doesn’t really suit me. Perhaps the SPF would be an advantage of the base, but in the winter, working in an office, I could not appreciate it.

Well, at least I didn’t clog my pores, and thank you for that.”

The advantages are a comfortable thin spout that allows you to squeeze out the right amount, and tactile sensations after application. If you do not look in the mirror, it seems that the skin is smooth and velvety, it is pleasant to touch. But when you look, you realize that the face is the same as it was. And trying to apply foundation on top becomes a challenge - it rolls off and appears in spots.

Price: 700 rubles.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Pore Minimizing

What they promise: a multifunctional primer hides pores and eliminates oily shine. Does not dry out the skin and absorbs excess oil throughout the day.

By the way, it was in this base that I celebrated the New Year. Even in the morning my makeup was in perfect order. What other arguments are needed? :)

And by the way, none of the Smashbox bases have given me any breakouts yet. I’ll try the one that should also treat them-).”

Smashbox works according to the Benefit the POREfessional principle - it erases pores and fine wrinkles well, the skin looks photoshopped even without foundation. But, unlike Benefit, it did not cause any troubles such as inflammation. On dry skin, it can emphasize flaking, so it is better to apply it only to problem areas - nose, chin, forehead.

It mattifies perfectly and for a long time, significantly extending the life of makeup. I think that for those with oily skin it can be a real salvation, but I use it before serious appearances.”

Price: about 1900 rubles.

Sisley Instant Perfect

What they promise: a silicone-based gel emulsion erases all skin imperfections. Contains active ingredients that care for the skin.

Price: about 2800 rubles.

The Body Shop All-In-One InstaBlur

What they promise: mattifies for 12 hours, hides pores, masks redness, evens out tone, creates an excellent base for makeup and ensures its durability.

But, despite all this, The Body Shop works. Not brilliant, but not bad either. The durability of makeup is extended for several hours, the texture is slightly smoothed, and pores are not clogged. Such a budget average, although one could have been more careful with marketing promises).”

It’s somewhat more offensive that there is zero decorative benefit from this. For me, the base, despite the reviews, turned out to be absolutely useless. Does it mask redness? No. Hides pores? No. Provides longevity to makeup? No. Mattifies for 12 hours? And again no. But they promised.”