Alison Raffaele Cosmetics Face Forward Primers

Why It's Good:

The collection, from a former Bobbi Brown top makeup artist, comes in Acne Response and Age Response versions, so I can deal with whatever hissy-fit my skin is throwing that day. Both formulas pack a one-two protective punch with mineral-based, broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15) and a mix of fruity antioxidants (pomegranate, goji berry, resveratrol).

Why It's Green:

Like the entire Alison Raffaele makeup and skincare line, these face-prep wonders are 100% free of parabens, talc, mineral oil, gluten and fragrance. The products aren't tested on animals, and all packaging is recycled, recyclable, biodegradable or made from FSC-approved materials.

Where To Get It:

To purchase Alison Raffaele Face Forward Primers in Acne-Response and Age Response, $44 each, click here.

Pure and Powerful Skin Fixers

Primer makes me think of the wooden dresser I recycled by painting it Shabby Chic-ivory. Or should I say re-painted, as I had to do it again and again to cover up the cherrywood stain until achieving the creamy hue of my dreams. The crucial step I skipped, out of pure inexperience (and, yes, laziness) was primer. In the dácor world, that's a coating that covers a porous surface (say, concrete or wood), allowing the finishing layer of paint to adhere more smoothly and beautifully. In the world of beauty, the porous surface is, to a greater or lesser extent, your face. The last dreary days of winter have left my surface, er, face, splotchy, flaking and chapped. Not to mention the occasional angry blemish shining through. Skipping that early step with the dresser made for more paint used and more steps to get the desired result. The same goes when I try to cut skincare corners. Skip primer and find yourself layering foundation and concealer. Or just slide on silky smooth primer with an extra shazam of either non-irritating, anti-zit oligopeptides or collagen-encouraging, line-fighting hexapeptides. This imperceptible layer makes me look and feel better before I even apply a dab of foundation. The smooth result is a face-saving step that's worth it in the long run.—Maria Ricapito