Phyl Clarke on the value of primers
Well, I couldn't put off painting the diningroom any longer. The carpenter had left in September, and five years had passed since the extension was last painted. This time we deliberated for weeks over a new colour scheme, but ended up with the same shade as before - "Right Cream" - which five years ago had been chosen after multiple visits to MRCB Paints. See, I'm not just obsessive about face.
It was while priming the woodwork that I hit upon the topic for this week. Walls and faces have more in common than you might think. In both cases, a good result requires careful preparation. It's not the fun bit, admittedly, but a bit of groundwork goes a long way.
We all know the importance of good skincare, and face preparation is the next step. Primers are relatively new additions to the make-up regime; secret weapons in the battle for the perfect face. Morning slips away like no other time of day, so if we are to add another task to the routine, it has to pay its way. And for my money, primers are worth that extra effort.
My morning goes something like this. After showering, I exfoliate my face and then apply toner (sometimes), moisturiser (always), before heading down for a hearty breakfast. (Diva day: home-made muesli. Dodgy day: bacon sandwich.) Then, when the moisturiser has been well absorbed, I apply primer.
Primer smooths the skin, evens out imperfections, and allows you to use a lighter application of foundation, which is always a good thing. In addition, it keeps foundation in place much, much longer. A little goes a long way, so don't overdo it, especially with products that contain the word "luminescent", as you don't want to look like a leftover from a Halloween party in November.
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is not strictly a primer, but it's a great pick-me-up, with a few bonus features. Acting as a mini facelift for that special occasion, it tightens skin and will hold your foundation all day long. It is a staple in every make-up artist's wedding kit. Don't get carried away, though. Use too much and the finished effect is mask-like and unnatural. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is great for every day use, and now comes in varieties for different skin types.
You might not think the eye area needs primer, but this is the first part of the face to show signs of stress, tiredness and age. makes some of the best camouflage for the eye area, and is one of my favourites. It is a lemony cream concoction that imparts a clean, open-eyed and groomed finish that can be left as is, or added to with colour and/or liner. Don't forget that dark pocket at the inner corner of the eye. Chanel, Screenface and Becca all make good primers, too.
You can mix primer with your usual moisturiser to save time and get a two-in-one effect. Sadly, I cannot get away with this in my diningroom, but I will be proud of my finished handiwork, knowing what lies beneath. u pclarke@irish-times.ie.
STOCKISTS
Department stores and pharmacies. Laura Mercier: Brown Thomas branches. Benefit: Arnotts, Henry Street, Dublin 1 and Brown Thomas branches. Arnotts; Brown Thomas branches; Harvey Nichols, Dundrum, Dublin 14; and Dublin Airport. Arnotts. Becca: Harvey Nichols