A Makeup Primer So Good You'll Want to Go Barefaced

Yahoo Beauty would like to introduce you to The New-New, a column by Beauty Director Dana Oliver on the newest products, tools, and treatments that she’d happily spend her hard-earned money on.

Celebrities such as Alicia Keys, Ashley Graham, and Beyoncé have gotten flak over their “no-makeup” looks, which often involve illuminating and concealing products to create that I-woke-up-like-this finish. While I understand why this may rile folks up, I can’t knock these stars for using cosmetics that allow them to put their best face forward.

In fact, I was recently introduced to Becca Cosmetics First Light Priming Filter and it made me think twice about ever wearing makeup again.

The name alone is quite a mouthful, but the brand’s claim that this primer is a one-pump “wake up call to instantly refresh tired skin” was all the convincing I needed to give it a try. Not to mention, these astonishing before and after photos:

My initial test run with the primer actually involved no makeup at all. After moisturizing, I applied one-and-a half pumps (I didn’t get eight hours of sleep the night before and my dull, tired skin told it all) onto my face.

The cream felt silky smooth and it warmed up nicely on my fingertips. Subtle hints of ginger and citrus also give it a pleasant fragrance, helping to perk me up in the morning.

As a beauty editor, “Color Correcting 101” taught me that violet (or blue) helps to brighten pale or sallow skin, as well as cover up dark circles and hyperpigmentation. I’ve struggled with the later two as a black woman with a truffle complexion, so I was amazed to see how well the primer instantly minimized these imperfections.

The luminous glow it imparted didn’t hurt either, as family and friends mentioned how “well-rested” I appeared even after a long day of work.

When I did wear the First Light Priming Filter with foundation (my go-to is Bareminerals Barepro Performance Wear Powder), I noticed that my makeup glided on smoother, it held up much longer, and didn’t transfer onto my clothes or desk.

I recently attended an event in Lower Manhattan where a makeup artist didn’t believe that I had anything on my skin. And there were a few nights I nearly forgot to wash my face because everything was pretty much still intact.

Whether I’m taking the barefaced route or reaching for my makeup bag to glam up a bit, I won’t do it without this life-changing primer.

Becca Cosmetics First Light Priming Filter ($38) is now available at beccacosmetics.com and sephora.com.

Related:
This Is the ONLY Blush Palette You’ll Need This Winter
The Concealer Every Woman of Color Needs in Her Makeup Bag

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