let's start with some staples

primer is truly a girls best friend. not only does it create a gorgeous canvas for makeup application, but it can also be used alone to even skin tone, protect from the elements, and give an overall smooth look to the skin. i have a few primers that i really love and i alternate between them, depending on the season.

my absolute favorite primer is by colorscience. it is called skin brightening primer.it used to be called "line tamer"... but the packaging has changed. it is brilliantly creamy and the yellow tone evens out ruddiness. i tend to use this primer in Fall and Winter, because it's best used under a tinted moisturizer or a foundation. it blends perfectly and has an spf of 20, is packed full of antioxidants and a dash of tea tree oil for an anti-inflammatory quality. i don't ever run out of this product. i am on autoship at dermstore so i get a discount and i never have to worry about being without it. my skin glows from this primer and it does wonders for my rosacea.

my other favorite primer is made by dermalogica. it's part of their AgeSmart line. silicone makes this primer   provide smooth and great results. it has great anti-aging ingredients and can be used on any skin type. this primer comes in one shade currently, but i imagine the geniuses at dermalogica will release a few more shades in the future. this is very universally flattering and blends really well. i use a beauty blender to put my primer on, but either one of these primers will glide on with fingertips.

*remember to use primer sparingly, and do not over agitate when applying. this leads to those lovely silicones making small clumps on your face. just rub together in your fingers till creamy and apply. it's good to wait a few minutes before applying foundation or anything over the primer... and DO NOT use face primer on eyelids. eye primers are an entirely different animal. more on those later.

the virgin post...

how do i begin? in a big wide world where i'm surrounded by amazing products, i have so many opinions on so many different potions, it's tough to choose which ones i may start with. let's begin by getting to know me a bit. i have my fingertips in many different jars. i detest routine. i believe that our skin is one of, if not the most important organ in our bodies. i love the glow of skin from a morning at the beach, but i praise sunscreen and don't skip it ever... even a day. i love freckles. i am dumbfounded at how much i adore my kids. i love wine, i love coffee, i don't get enough sleep. i break every rule and still have pretty skin... and it's NOT because i was born with it. it's because i love it and i soak myself in learning all about ingredients and what is good for my skin. i grew up with acne and now i'm riddled with fairly severe rosacea. you would never know it, because i know how to treat it. this blog is all about the things i try (and i will try anything). i am obsessed with scents, which explains my love for fragrance, lack of fragrance, food, wine, cold rain on hot concrete, and puppy breath. i am obsessed with touch... i won't use a product if it doesn't make my skin feel good and make someone else want to touch me. i hate fluff and i love results. this is not an organic blog... i am thrilled with the availability of injectables, lasers, peels, chemicals and all that the beautiful things that science has brought us... yet i can still get down with some mayo in my hair, egg white on my face, and ear grease on my lips. oh... and i never capitalize unless i have to. welcome to the product trollop. i hope i can keep you here, and that you can find out about products and treatments that you've always been curious about and never tried. i don't want to sell you anything, i just want you to learn and enjoy. ask me a question any time...

xo
mercergirl