Cheap Treats: NYC Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer

I love to share my Cheap Treats: beauty items I love that are fewer than $10. I hope you enjoy and check out more Cheap Treats here.

On my nails: WNW Cafe Au Lait and Glitter top coat

Today's Cheap Treat is NYC's Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer and I got mine at Target for about $3.89. This primer is unusual because it is white and has a shimmery pearlescent finish, but don't let that turn you off! Here's how I use it in a dozen ways:

1. Primer--I wear this under liquid foundation to make my foundation last longer and give more of a matte finish, but with shimmer.
2. Pore/Fine line minimizer-It keeps foundation from settling into fine lines, and hides some pores, but Porefessional is my favorite of the two.
3. Glowing Skin--This only works when I'm pale, but I use a tiny amount, as the primer is a thin lotion-like consistency. I wear just this and concealer (along with shadow, lip gloss, mascara).
4. Illuminizer--Add a tiny bit to tinted moisturizer or BB cream to create an illuminizer (similar to Josie Maran's or NARS but way cheaper).
5. Face Highlighter--I use this to highlight my Cupid's Bow, above my cheeks, down my nose. Even if you dislike it as a primer, it's one of the best deals for a highlighter.
6. Mascara Primer--Again, use the tiniest amount to rub onto the tips of lashes before applying mascara. The primer gives the appearance of thicker, longer lashes.
7. Eye Highlighter--I'll use it in my inner corners and under my brows. 
8. Eyelid Primer--White primers on lids can help shadows pop for those with darker skin tones. The NYC primer also helps brighter shadows pop.
9. Eyeshimmer--The best way to make small eyes look bigger is to add a little shimmery shadow. In this case, just a quick swipe of the primer can achieve that effect. 
10. Shimmery Blush--If you'd like to transform a matte blush into one with shimmer, mix the two.
11. Shimmery Lips--Apply the primer first and then lipstick to make lips shimmer.
12. Costume Makeup--Halloween has passed, but this is good to keep in your kit for events/plays/cosplay/pretending you're a Cullen (jk) etc.

 T I P S

• I only apply with my fingers to my face.
• I use a small amount as well.
• While the packaging states it's for all skin types, it does have parabens/mineral oil as ingredients. I do not use primers every day, to prevent breakouts (this is usually from primers with silicone). I have dry, sensitive skin, and have not had issues with this primer, but I know everyone's skin is different.

Wearing NYC Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer and Garnier BB Cream.

Wearing SSPP as highlight on bridge of nose, above cheeks, and on eyes.

Wearing SSPP as primer for mascara.

Pores are still visible, but lines are smoothed.