tinted primer and how to make your own

Thank you Paula for your great questions. I'm glad you've discovered the joys of primer.

Primers are one of the most useful advances in make up in recent times. By smoothing the skin and creating a better base for foundation to adhere they increase the longevity of your make up. Most primers also offer other benefits such as illuminating properties, colour correction and some are tinted.
For more general information on foundation primers, check out my archived post kelly's beauty spot 27.01.12

In answer to the question " can I wear primer without foundation?": There is absolutely no reason why you can't wear primer on it's own without a lick of foundation. If you like the look primer alone can give you then just go for it. There's no hard and fast rule to say you must wear foundation and let's face it who's going to know? 

With regards to tinted primers there are a number on the market (I'll list a few in my next post) 

Like any multi-tasking products they can be useful as a time saver. However do you really need to be buy every product that may be useful ? It's a bit like buying grated cheese. If you have a block of cheese and  a grater then do you really need to buy grated cheese? you have everything you need at hand to do it yourself!

As a make up artist I have to be ready for any eventuality. I see many people and many different complexions and I couldn't possibly carry around every type of product in every colour, just in case I need it. Apart from the expense I wouldn't be able to carry it all.  To get around this problem I take a number of necessary steps to reduce my load and make the products I have work harder for me.  Whenever possible I decant make up from large bottles into smaller ones and instead of having every shade available I buy the lightest and the darkest and mix up what I need.

You're probably thinking I've gone off on a bit of a tangent however what I'm getting round to is that this method works just as well when mixing different product types together. For example, if I want to create a look with a just a hint of colour, I would mix a little primer with a little of my selected foundation or concealer. Thereby creating my own tinted primer. 

You too can do this with your favourite primer and foundation, there's really is no need to buy yet another product to bulk out your make up bag.  

Here's what you do: Place a small amount of both primer and foundation on the back of your hand. You can adjust the balance of foundation to primer depending on whether you want more or less tint. Then using a foundation or buffing brush (MAC 130 short duo fibre brush £28 is my fav buffer) gently mix the two together and apply to your face. I always start in the centre of the face and work our in a circular brushing motion. 

Do the same mixing moisturiser and foundation to create your own tinted moisturiser. Mix primer with concealer or cream eye shadows and start creating your own personal make up range!