Special Event Mini Series : Primer and Foundations

by - 5:00 PM


Hello Dolls and Gents, 

Today, I am bringing you a new mini series for special events here on All Things Beauty : Maame's Edition. The prom, wedding, and graduation season is upon us, so I thought that since I am graduating from university, I would share with you some information that I taking into consideration as I started planning on how I will be wearing my makeup for graduation. I reason why I am doing is mini series, is because I know that many girls or guys who are doing their own makeup and feel like they need a guide to help steer in the right direction, so they do not look like a terrible in their photos. I am going to be discussing primers and foundations.

Now, primers and foundation are the most important step to making sure that your makeup last all night for your special event. I will be also be discuss skincare for special events as well. Now, most of us chose our primers and foundation based on our skin types or by recommendation. Warning, not everyone recommendation will work with your skin type, so you have to make sure to try it out before your special event, so you can know if it works well with your skin.

Everyone knows at any special event, there will be a lot of flash photography, so it important that you make sure that you foundation does not have any flashback, which is caused by SPF.


The price on the primers and foundation are all dependent on how much you are willing to spend. So I suggest you making a budget, or focus on certain products that will last longer during your special event. I also suggest you getting your foundation match at Sephora or MAC, so you know that your match is. I discuss I trick to find your drugstore foundation using Sephora Color IQ.  Make sure that the foundation matches you, especially your neck and chest and it DOES NOT oxidize. Ask for a sample at Sephora and MAC to make sure that the longevity and wear of the foundation before you purchase it. 

Drugstore Primers 


NYX Angel Veil: Perfect for all skin types it provide perfect base
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer: Perfect for  oily and combination skin with a oily face, especially t-zone
e.l.f Studio Poreless Primer: Perfect for anyone  with enlarged pores
e.l.f Mineral Face Primer Radiant Glow: Perfect for dry skin, looking for luminosity to their skin

High End Primers 


Smashbox Primer Water : Perfect for all skin types. If you do have oily or combination skin, I suggest adding a Mattifying or pore filling primer with this
BECCA Ever Matte Poreless Perfecting Primer: Perfect for oily skin. A little goes a long way
Benefit POREfessional Face Primer: Perfect for anyone with enlarged pores
Makeup Forever Skin Equalizer Step 1 Primer: MUFE has a range different primers, you can find the right primer for your concern, from oil-control to enlarged pores to redness and more!

Now, moving on to foundations. Your foundation choice is based on your skin type, but everyone main goal at a special event is TO BE BEAT UNTIL THE END OF YOUR EVENT. That's mean you are looking for a foundation that is long wearing and can withstand the heat and look perfect by the time your event is over.

Don’t forget these three quick tips for foundation:
  1. Chose a foundation that has NO SPF in it. If the foundation you use have SPF in it, it will cause flashback in flash photography.
  2. Make sure you foundation is long wearing. Not all foundations are made the same, some foundation are not meant to be worn for long hours. Chose a foundation that is long wearing.
  3. Set your face. It is important to set your face with powder  and set with setting spray no matter your skin type, so your makeup will not move around. I will discuss powder and setting sprays in another post.

Dry Skin 

MAC Face and Body Foundation 
MAC Face and Body Foundation :  This is a water based foundation that is perfect for dry skin. This foundation is made to last a long time on the skin , it is a runny foundation, however when it dries and set it does not move. It is a buildable foundation, that does not get cakey. If you have oily skin, I recommend you using a pore filler and Mattifying primer to help keep your oils at bay. 

Makeup Forever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation 
Makeup Forever Ultra HD Cover Stick : This stick foundation is perfect for those who have dry skin. It is a creamy stick foundation that is made for flash photography. It dries to a semi-matte finish. If you are oily skin, I recommend using the Mattifying  and pore filler primer to help prolong the wear.

Revlon ColorStay Foundation Normal/Dry Skin 
Revlon ColorStay Foundation Normal/Dry Skin : This foundation has a SPF of 6, but the you do not notice the SPF in this foundation, making is perfect for special events. This is one of the best foundation in the market for drugstore. The foundation is full coverage and has insane pigmentation.

Combo/Oily Skin 

MAC Studio Fix Fluid 
MAC Studio Fix Fluid : This is a medium to full coverage foundation that is perfect for combo/oily skin. This foundation has an SPF of 15, but does not show in flash photography.  It dries to a semi matte finish, this foundation can also be used by dry skin, just use a hydrating primer.

Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + Mattifying Foundation
Makeup Forever Mat Velvet Foundation : This foundation is a matte foundation with full coverage perfect for flash photography. This foundation is a matt finish will a buildable coverage. I recommend if you have dry skin, use a hydrating primer because this foundation it will feel dry on your skin.

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24HR Foundation
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24HR : This foundation is a long wearing foundation will full coverage. This foundation was  made for long wearing. I would recommend this foundation for all skin types, prime your skin that fit your skin types. This foundation is guaranteed to last the whole night for your special event.

Revlon ColorStay Combination/Oily Skin Foundation
Revlon ColorStay Foundation Oily/Combination : This foundation has a SPF of 6, but the you do not notice the SPF in this foundation, making is perfect for special events. This is one of the best foundation in the market for drugstore. The foundation is full coverage and has insane pigmentation.


Normal Skin or any skin can use 

Makeup Forever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation
Makeup Forever Ultra HD Cover Foundation : This notorious foundation is know is flash photography. This foundation is a natural finish foundation with buildable  coverage. This the ideal foundation for special events, you are able to customize your skin prep to skin type.

BECCA Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme 
BECCA Ultimate Coverage Complexion Crème : This water based foundation is the most full coverage foundation on this list. It provides that coverage that is need to make you face look flawless and porcelain like. Again, prime your skin based your skin type, to ensure longevity and proper wear.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place : This foundation is perfect combo/oily skin, but many dry skin can use this foundation. This foundation is built for heat, sweat, and long wear.

Kat Von D Lock it Foundation 
Kat Von D Lock it Foundation: This foundation is also full coverage and it is a matte finish. This foundation will not move at all. I say this is another amazing foundation for any special event. Just make sure that your prep your skin correctly and remove this foundation well at the night, or you are going to break out from this foundation.

CoverFx Custom Cover Drops
Already have a foundation that you love and last all night, then I recommend getting the CoverFX Custom Cover Drops. Using this will add more coverage to your foundation without building up your foundation, so your face does not look cakey.

P.S. I forget to mention another drugstore foundation which is L'Oreal Pro Matte Infallible 24HR Foundation, perfect for all skin types, especially oily/combo skin.

I hope you many of you find this post helpful. Don't forget to comment, share and +1'd. Also, well you are here, you do you become a follower, so you are always update. It free! I will you in my next post. 


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