Laura Geller Spackle Supercharged

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $30

THE SKINNY: There's a disconnect here.

To me, spackle is thick. It needs to be to cover nail holes and other imperfections on a wall, right?

I had the same hope for Laura Geller Spackle Supercharged, that the primer would go waxy thick and cover fine lines and other imperfections on my face.

Instead, Spackle Supercharged is wet and goes on like a lotion. It provided some coverage, but not the "ready-for-closeup" coverage I wanted.

The so-called "supercharge" for this primer is more ingredients to soothe aging skin. But when I use a lotion or a serum to do that, it's not something I need from a primer.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Laura Geller suggests that you can wear this primer without makeup for a "fresh" look.

-- Tested by Shay

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $33 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: This primer was not at all like what I expected. It's also the first true face primer I have tried.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is a medium to thin thickness white gel/cream that you apply before foundation to help give it staying power. Unlike a BB cream (what I thought it would be like), this product has no tinting and does not provide additional coverage.

It does contain sunscreen -- a real bonus if your foundation does not -- and is easy to use. It did seem to help hold my powder foundation all day.

The formula was a little too thick for me. I could feel and see a little shininess after application. (But in the winter this will be welcome.) If you have drier skin, this is definitely a bonus.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer gets great reviews on the company website as well; check them out if you are thinking about buying.

-- Tested by Carrie

ybf Perfect Prep Face Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $28

THE SKINNY: This is a decent face primer that kept my oily spots at bay and kept my foundation in place for a work day. It has a waxy texture that feels light against the skin.

It does as well as anything else I've tried at filling lines and helping to cover imperfections.

ybf (Your Best Friend) seems to be a small makeup company that touts its "intuitive understanding of today’s modern girlfriend." That doesn't really speak to me.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep, but I wouldn't pay $28 for a full-size version.

CHECK IT OUT: A full-size version comes with a soft-tipped sponge for application application.

-- Tested by Shay

Napolean Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $45

THE SKINNY: Auto Pilot's primer formula is more creamy than others I've tried, maybe because it also includes chamomile, Vitamin E and other ingredients to help hydrate skin.

It does an OK job of filling lines and keeping foundation and other makeup in place throughout a day. But my face did feel a little greasy throughout the day.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. I don't like the texture.

CHECK IT OUT: There are several variations of Auto Pilot, including a concealing and a brightening primer.

-- Tested by Shay

Becca Shimmering Skin Protector

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $41

THE SKINNY: The Becca brand is totally new to me. The Shimmering Skin Protector sample came with a recent Sephora purchase. And I was very skeptical of this product. Why did I need a shimmering primer?

Well, let me tell you. Everyone needs a shimmering primer. Rub in just a dab over skin and you get an instant fresh glow.

It's not shiny or sparkly, just a bit dewey.

Plus this stuff contains SPF 25 -- always a bonus!

Not only did this product help my skin look great, it also made me feel like I looked great. And that really is the whole point of makeup, right?

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Becca Shimmering Skin Protector is available a Sephora and comes in four shades.

-- Tested by Carrie

Benefit the POREfessional

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $30

THE SKINNY: In the crowded field of makeup primers, Benefit's the POREfessional doesn't stand out. This nude-colored product is a little thicker than others but doesn't go on as smoothly.

Maybe that's to be expected, given the task of hiding pores, fine lines and blemishes. But it doesn't help the product feel better against my skin.

This is an oil-free makeup that is supposed to compliment all skin tones. It did fine on my fair skin, and it did mask imperfections.

But the whole time I was using it, I kept thinking that the Smashbox and Bare Minerals primers feel so much better on my face.

Sad, too, because I'm usually such a Benefit fan.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. Every time I get a box of samples from Sephora or Ulta, it has a Smashbox primer in it. I don't need another that's ho-hum.

CHECK IT OUT: Benefit says you can use the POREfessional under makeup, over makeup or instead of makeup.

-- Tested by Shay

Tarte Colored Clay CC Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $34

THE SKINNY: This funny-looking little stick from Tarte packs a punch. This stick is a primer that contains extra pigments to help smooth away your skin's flaws.

Tarte Colored Clay CC Primer is a new addition to one of my favorite lines and this primer is no exception. I used it a little differently, though. Rather than an all over face primer, I have been using the stick for targeted areas that need a little extra help -- for dark circles under the eyes, to hide redness, etc.

And the results are great. The formula is creamy -- not what you might expect from the word clay -- and does a great job hiding those little imperfections.

I have pretty light skin and went with light for good coverage. Some other reviews on the Tarte website say other shades run a little dark. So you might want to go try this one out in person before buying.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Tarte Colored Clay CC Primer comes in five shades. Sign up for the Tarte mailing list for a discount, too.

-- Tested by Carrie

Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $24

THE SKINNY: I doubted, it's true. I wasn't sure anti-aging eyeshadow primer would really make any kind of difference.

I was wrong. So. Very. Wrong.

This is a great product that combines Urban Decay's stellar eye shadow primer with something a little heavier that smooths those fine lines on my 40+-year-old eyelids (and can masks dark circles, too). It is heavier than the regular primer, but not by much. I can see a difference when I use it.

It does the job keeping eye shadow in place without creasing, too.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I may have to switch to this full-time.

CHECK IT OUT: Urban Decay says it took eight weeks for participants in a clinical study to see fine lines disappear.

-- Tested by Shay

Julep Blank Canvas Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $28 ($22.40 for Mavens)

THE SKINNY: This little eyelid primer from Julep has an odd applicator that was just messy.

The stiff brush held a lot of product and did not glide across eyelids at all, so I ended up using my fingers.

After that though, the primer works pretty well. Shadow stayed in place and there was nothing wrong with the actual product, I just don't like it as much as primers by Urban Decay and Benefit. (And those are a little less pricey as well.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: This primer comes in one color and is part of the new and developing Julep makeup line.

-- Tested by Carrie

Living Proof Prime Style Extender

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $20 for 5 ounces

THE SKINNY: Wow. And I mean wow. Prime Style Extender from Living Proof gives my hair such a boost. And it's true, the staying power does last into the next day (although my hair is too fine and gets dirty looking too easily to ever skip a shampoo.)

I've used it layered with Redken Guts 10 volumizing spray and by itself. Either way, it left my hair feeling thick and healthy.

It works by coating each strand of hair, making the style hold better and repelling dirt and gook that can weigh down strands. It also works as a detangler.

Prime did irritate my scalp after a few days of continuous use, as most products tend to do. It will work better for me to use this product every few days, especially on those days when I have a lot going on and need my hair to stand up to a busy schedule.

Good thing, too, because it's expensive.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I've already ordered a full-size tube.

CHECK IT OUT: Apply Living Proof Prime on damp hair. Work a little dollup, and style as usual. Living Proof offers free shipping (no minimum purchase) and samples with every order.

-- Tested by Shay

Smashbox More Than Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $42

THE SKINNY: I've been a fan of Smashbox primers for years and especially love the luminizing forumla. But this one, formulated to erase dark spots and brighten your complexion, is disappointing.

For starters, it's creamier than the other Smashbox offerings, which tend to be more waxy. The creamier version, while easier to apply, doesn't offer the same coverage. So I don't see that Smashbox "camera ready" result.

Smashbox More That Primer also seems to skimp on the primer part. My makeup didn't last any longer.

And I didn't notice any change in my dark spots after a few weeks of use.

That's disappointing for a brand that has worked so well in the past.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Smashbox recommends using this product twice a day.

-- Tested by Shay

Shadow Insurance

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $20

THE SKINNY: Too Face's Shadow Insurance primer works great. This is a thicker primer that goes on easily and absorbs quickly.

It kept my eyeshadow in place all day without any major smudging or creasing. That's impressive in my book and rivals the Urban Decay primer I usually prefer.

It's not overly expensive, either. Bonus!

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Two Faced has several primer options, including a shimmery candlelight version and one to hold glittery shadows in place.

-- Tested by Shay

Put a Lid on It

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $18

THE SKINNY: This eyeshadow primer from The Balm isn't a favorite.

The texture is oily and a little runny. While other primer hold my eyeshadow through most of the workday. this one lasts until lunch.

It's supposed to be a mattifying primer. But my eyelids really don't get shiny or oily.

Put a Lid on It feels too runny to really do much good.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: This sample came in a recent Birchbox. If you're interested in this product, you can buy it online through The Balm's website.

-- Tested by Shay

Emani Minerals Foundation Primer and Serum

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $28

THE SKINNY: Emani Minerals combines a beauty serum and a makeup primer in this product. It does an OK job of helping to even out my skin tone and hide little blemishes. It held both powder and, the next day, a light foundation in place OK.

But it didn't do anything for my oily T-zone. My forehead was oily halfway through the workday.

This is a clear primer that goes on a little greasy, so I wasn't surprised when that shine appeared on my forehead.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. For me, primer needs to keep my skin looking good all day.

CHECK IT OUT: Find a list of ingredients at the Emani website.

-- Tested by Shay

Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $29

THE SKINNY: One of the better makeup primers I've tried lately, Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer gives your face a subtle glow while it evens out your skin tone and helps your makeup adhere.

This primer glides onto your skin and feels uber light. It has a long list of ingredients, including pearl and truffle extract, both of which are touted as good for your skin.

I just liked the way this primer felt on my skin and that it's peachy pigment acted like a subtle bronzer. My T-zone didn't get oily halfway through the workday and my makeup, powder one day and foundation the next, still looked good when I got home from work.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find this primer at Target.

-- Tested by Shay

Mirabella Prime for Face and Eyes

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $29

THE SKINNY: This primer feels greasy. That's a huge makeup no-no for me.

That oiliness went away after a few minutes, but the product still felt heavy on my skin and didn't do much to help with my makeup or eyeshadow.

Just the feel of it on my fingers made me not want to keep using it.

On the good side, it's made With Vitamin E to antioxidant and smooth out lines and is designed to repair cellular damage.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: This full-size sample came in a recent beauty box from Ipsy.

-- Tested by Shay

Makeup Forever HD Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $34

THE SKINNY: This makeup primer from Makeup Forever is smooth, like a lotion. It feels great going onto skin, then turns weightless.

It's not as dense as other primers that are more waxy, so doesn't give flawless coverage. But it's adequate.

This comes is six shades. My sample was the transparent shade, which does provide lighter coverage.

The goal of the primer, according to Makeup Forever, is to moisturize and soften the skin, "creating a glowing effect." The primer helps the foundation glide on easier and last longer.

KEEP OR TOSS: This one is a toss-up. The samples will be good for travel, but I wouldn't buy a full-size product. If I'm going to use primer, I want to see a visible difference.

CHECK IT OUT: This product is only available at Sephora.

-- Tested by Shay

Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $58 for 1 ounce

THE SKINNY: The brand name is Sarah McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer. The product is Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector. It's a mouthful for sure.

This is a two-in-one product that combines a skin serum with a makeup primer. It's a heavy coverage primer that does a great job of masking blemishes and an OK job at minimizing pores.

It creates a pretty finish, but because the product is heavy it looks like I'm wearing a lot of makeup (even though I only have on a dusting of powder and a BB cream underneath).

This would be great for special occasions, but not every day.

It made  my skin feel a little greasy. It didn't actually make my skin greasy, but if I touch it, I feel the primer and everything layered on top of it.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep, but only for a day when I need heavy coverage.

CHECK IT OUT: Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector is made with Vitamin C and ergothioneine, an antioxidant amino acid.

-- Tested by Shay

Shiseido Refining Makeup Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $35 for 30ml

THE SKINNY: This isn't one of those waxy primers. It comes out of the tube looking like a sticky foundation, although it's a lot drier than a foundation and doesn't really go onto the skin easily. Once it's there, however, you can't feel it on you skin and it's non-irritating.

The color correction lasted beyond a full workday. But it didn't do anything for my T-zone, which can get oily in the winter. In fact, it seemed to make it worse.

Shiseido's primer is designed to even out skin tone and deal with large pores and fine lines. It's a light nude shade that blended into my winter pale skin.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. Because it's difficult to get on and it made my forehead more oily than normal, I'm going to try something else.

CHECK IT OUT: Read more about this product on the Shiseido website.

-- Tested by Shay

pop Face Magnet primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $26

THE SKINNY: Few primers I've tried as as creamy and lotion-like as Face Magnet. It makes it so much easier to smooth onto my skin and know that I haven't missed spots.

The lotion has just enough stickiness to it to grab hold of my foundation or powder and help it stay in place for the workday.

This primer is designed to help firm up your skin, too, fighting puffiness and redness. It definitely helped control oil and shine throughout the day.

My only complaint is the smell. The lotion has a plastic-y almost chemical scent to it that can be off-putting if you inhale too much of it.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: This primer contains licorice root to control redness. For other ingredients, see the pop website.

-- Tested by Shay