Primp And Primer. A Girls Guide to Foundation Primers, Eyeshadow Primers & Lip Primers.

WHAT!?? We need yet another step in our daily regimen? What's with this primer movement! I'll break it down for you.

Foundation primers hit the scene many years ago. One of the first to introduce us to this world was Vincent Longo or VLNY. Does anyone remember or still use Water Canvas foundation? He really started a trend with that product. It was the first time I had used a primer under my makeup and I was in love. The Water Canvas Base Primer is the name of the product and it's still available. What it did for me was made my foundation application easier by filling in pores and fine lines (funny at the time I was probably 24 and didn't even need foundation never mind a fine line filler) Today I don't use a foundation primer because I don't wear makeup like I used to. I put some concealer under my eyes and on my lids and that's about it for a base. But if you like to use a full face of foundation then a primer might be nice. As I said earlier, it makes the process of applying foundation easier and it's supposed to make your makeup last longer. It doesn't have to be an everyday step, but try it for a special occasion and let me know what you think.

Eyeshadow primers are a hot new item these days too. They definitely make your eyeshadow stick all day and the best part...no more creasing! You know that mid-day grease line in the crease of your eye? Well say buh bye to that! I have the Urban Decay Primer Potion. I don't always remember to use it daily, but I do use it for a night out, or special occasion, date, ya know the usual.  When I'm scheduled to do a redeye turn and I'm going to be flying through the night, I try to remember to use my eyeshadow primer. When we land at 7:00am I feel better knowing my eyes don't look like how I'm feeling. Also, I really do think it makes your eyeshadow colors pop and look brighter.

Lip primers may not be necessary to use everyday either but they are most helpful when wearing dark or bright lip colors. The main thing it does is fill in those fine lines around the lips so that your lipstick doesn't run up and out onto your skin. You know that feathering look? YUK! It also keeps lipstick in place longer than normal. This product can come in a few different forms...pencil (to trace your lip line and fill in), lipstick form (yup apply just like your lipstick before the actual lip color) and gel or cream in a tube (looks like a gloss apply with brush or fingers). I have heard that Mary Kay Time Wise Lip Primer is a very good product.

Hot Tip: If you are wanting to try a certain primer or all of them, you can always ask for samples at makeup counters, skin care counters, and retailers like Sephora and Ulta. Don't be shy! Just ask.

I closing, I think primers are great. I don't always use them but I think they are functional to some degree. I mean lets face it, no one but yourself is going to know if you have primer on under your makeup. BUT, when we put in the effort and actually take the extra step to do these things, we feel that much better, sexier and fun, right? Kinda like knowing you have on matching underwear!

I tried to teach my baby cousin some tricks of the trade, but, I don't think she primed before applying!!!

Travel Tip #2: Oh boy! There's vom in row 16!

OK gross I know, but I have to write this post for Eileen!  Eileen, myself and a few other girlfriends were out for drinks one night. I was telling them a story about my car being vandalized by projectile vomit. Yeah someone threw up in my car. Let it sink in, let it pass, OK we're over it...back to the story. So I had my car professionally cleaned and they did a great job. However, my car had the distinct smell of french vanilla coffee (FVC) for weeks and it was driving me nuts! I loathe FVC so you can imagine my annoyance. Finally it dawned on me that what I was smelling was exactly what I thought it was.....FVC.

Fast forward to the inside of an Airbus A320
Unfortunately "vom" as we flight attendants so lovingly call it, is one of the things we have to deal with on the job. I'd like to tell you that most of the time it's from little kids who eat too many bags of Doritos munchies mix, but, a lot of time it's just some jerk who can't hold his liquor. We have a little trick on the airplane when it comes to this stuff. Put on your rubber gloves, clean it the best you can, and dump a bag of fresh coffee grinds on the stain and the affected area. Most of you out there with kids are thinking...I use baking soda...but trust the coffee does a much better job. It not only masks the smell it absorbs the moisture. Pretty genius right!? Well, Eileen thought so when she had to use the technique just a few short days after my car story. So back to that...

There is a Duncan Donuts right next to the car detailing shop and I know this because I bought my hangover breakfast there. I'm telling you they walked right over there after I left them my car. Man had I known they were going to use the airplane trick on my cute little Mazda3 I would've told them to hold the vanilla!

So while traveling or at home I hope you never have to "grab a coffee bag"  but it's there for ya if you need it.