How I Prime My Combo Skin: Technique & Favorite Primers + Setting Sprays

Hey Beauties!!!
Today I am going to share with you how I prime for the best result on my combo skin as well as go over my favorite primers and setting sprays.
I hope you all enjoy!!!
XOXOXO
-Mel
INSTAGRAM / puffins_wife
SNAPCHAT Puffins_Wife
PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
Becca Under Eye Anti Fatigue Primer
MAC Skin Refined Zone
Sisley Double Tenseur
Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer
Tatcha The Pearl Moonlight
Giorgio Armani Day Long Skin Profector(skin refined zone alternative)
Tatcha Silk Canvas
MAC Natural Radiance
Fenty Pro Rilt’r
J One Jelly Pack
Gurlain L’Or
Josie Maran Surreal Skin Argan Finishing Balm
Milk Makeup Blur Stick
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Smoothing
Giorgio Armani Armani Prima Refreshing Makeup Fix
GlamGlow GlowSetter
Josie Maran Nirvana Hydrating Treatment Mist
WHAT'S ON MY FACE:
PRIMER FACE: Sisley Double Tenseur
PRIMER PORES: MAC Skin Refined Zone & Tarte Timeless Smoothing
UNDER EYE PRIMER: Becca Anti Fatigue
FOUNDATION: Josie Maran Vibrancy G15 Cosmic
POWDER SET: Chanel Loose 30 Translucent 2
UNDER EYE SET: Becca Under Eye Brightening
POWDER BUFF: Hourglass Veil Loose
CONCEALER: Tarte Shape Tape Light Neutral
BRONZER: MJ Omega Tan-Tastic
HIGHLIGHT: Melt Stargazer
BLUSH: Charlotte Tilbury First Love
EYE BASE: P. Louise Base Rumor set with MAC Blanc Type
EYES: MAC Blanc Type and MJ Bronzer Tan-Tastic
EYE LINER: Inner rim, Rimmel Scandal-Eyes Waterproof Kajal
MASCARA: Too Faced Better Than Sex
LOWER LASH MASCARA: MAC Extended Play Gigablack
LIPS: MAC Stripdown and Chanel 168 Rouge Allure Luminous
FINISHING SPRAY:Josie Maran Nirvana Hydrating Treatment Mist
FLUFFY BROW TUTORIAL: • Updated Fluffy, Natura...
SHIRT: Free People
EARRINGS: Nordstrom
PLUGS: I got them in Myrtle Beach
NAILS: OPI Don’t Pretzel My Buttons
EQUIPMENT:
CAMERA: Canon 80D
LENS: 18-135mm USM
MIC: I use an app called iTalk and record on my iPhone. Samantha has a great tutorial on how to sync the audio.
• Video
LIGHTING: Diva Super Nova Ring Light 18”
LIGHT BOXES: www.amazon.com/CRAPHY-Photogr...
BACKGROUND: Firefly lights, Amazon
DISCLAIMER:
I buy all my makeup unless otherwise said/noted. I do not, as of now, do sponsored videos.

[@diana.niklassik]

Finally someone talks about the Time between Moisturizer and Primer. Thank you, Mel. :)

[@melthompson2856]

💋💋💋❤️❤️❤️

[@pretttyone]

omg i know!!!!! for years i didnt know why my base always looked so cakey and 'off' until i came across a video by nikkia joy that explained it all! phew!!! wish more youtubers talk about that since its one of the most important steps .

[@christineann7369]

Omg! Omg! Omg! Thank you Thank you Thank you! For this video. I too have combo skin and pores that bother me. I received my Mac pore refiner and tatcha pearl last night. I used them along with Milk’s Blur Stick this morning. It’s been way more than 8 hours and my pores still look covered and my makeup on my nose is NOT patchy. I have been forever struggling with my pores and the makeup on my nose at the end of the day and Today, for the first time, my makeup still looks good at the end of the day!!!! Thank you 😊 Thank you 😊 Thank you 😊 I swear, the makeup I’ve purchased based on your recommendation have been nothing but awesome on me!!!!! You reviews, tips, tricks, advice, recommendations and so on are thorough and awesome. Please keep doing you!!!! Your passion and love for makeup truly exudes and show are in your videos! Thank you!!! Ugh! I am so thankful and appreciative of you and your videos 😀💕😀💕😀💕😀💕😀💕

[@wechee]

I LOVE these types of videos! So much information! You are amazing!!!

[@CandiceCC]

ALWAYS LOVE the way you give details! SO CLEAR AND STRAIGHT AWAY❤️ Get well soon❤️❤️❤️

[@bonniedixon4522]

I'm in love w tatcha silk canvas, but this week went back to some oldies and enjoying those goodies again. U look gorgeous as always ♡

[@elizabeths6704]

Thank you for continuing to put out great content! So nice to be able to count on good videos. Hope the surgery went well!

[@leonafaryna7617]

You have opened my eyes to choosing and applying makeup for the first time in my life. That is saying a lot because of the fact I am now retired, but still excited to try new things and LEARN!! You are by far my favorite source because of the amazing detail and follow-up that you do. Mel, I can hardly wait for your latest words of wisdom. Would you in the following months do an update to : HOW I PRIME MY COMBO SKIN ----to possibly include some less expensive product, and how to treat oily (and somewhat hooded eyes? Very grateful from Vancouver xoxoxo

[@irisk934]

I really like the Glam glow setting spray too! I love the way it smells and I find that it feels really nice on my dry skin

[@freedomlover7684]

Awesome! I bought the Becca under eye and the Tatcha pearl based on a video about what to buy at Sephora VIB and haven't used it yet. Glad I found this!

[@kristabelle43]

The last few videos you’ve done have been so helpful. I truly value your opinion & own a lot of the same products you use and if I don’t, I end up running out & buying it!!! Btw thanks for the recommendation on the Laura Mercier flawless lumiere foundation! I wore it today & can’t believe 5 hrs later it looks even better now than when I applied it! Applied effortlessly w a Beauty blender & has remained in place all day, no pores & no dry patches or anything! And my skin is GLOWING! We have the same skin tone and similar skin type so it helps me so much to hear all your tips and what works for you! Grateful! 🥰

[@gailmealworm456]

Yes I found this helpful. You're so knowledgeable about all the products. Thanks beautiful lady.🌻

[@guera70ful]

You're always full of information!!! Love your videos!

[@Heather_isms]

Stevie's listening to you, head tilt included. I might try that Tatcha, especially since the reaction to that Ole banono eye cream. You're definitely better at explaining why you use what you do than mostly everyone, you're thorough. I appreciate the pre-filming you've done while you are recovering from your surgery. 💜

[@christinawells6]

I’m here taking a refresher course on primers! I have the tarte smoothing primer and wanted to know how to use it. And also see why you use different ones!😘

[@beckyshaknovich7554]

I LOVE that glam glow spray. Nobody ever talks about it, but I think it’s perfect! Not too drying, but actually helps with longevity.

[@mssid708]

Thanks for this awesome review these are the type of primers I need. That's why you always have flawless looking makeup. Thanks for sharing 🤗😍👑👍 I love all of them!!!

[@Aleemabeautytv]

I need to try that Tatcha primer! The J. One is one of my favorites.

[@pretttyone]

Obsessed with your channel! I’m learning soooo much from you! THANK YOU XO

[@Leza1121]

Many thanks Mel for sharing your experience and demo with the various primers. 💞. The ones from Becca and Tatcha are on my wish list! 😊👍

[@aquaticsunset]

Love the J One Jelly Pack, no one talks about it anymore. Thanks for bringing it up!

[@mlralston]

Hi Mel! I am a recent subscriber and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your expertise. I feel like I am getting something that anyone else would have to pay for. LOL! For years, I have searched for a “holy grail” foundation. Who knew that it was all about using multiple primers? You did! Yesterday, I wore a very light skin blurring foundation for 11 hours and it looked perfect all day! Thank you!!! I am so excited to try all of my foundations again.💕

[@alitar9330]

Fabulous and I am so grateful to you for makeup techniques and products!!! I am going thru and watch and 👍🏾 all your videos 😍😍😍

[@elizabethnicholas1939]

This is such a “extra” primer routine. No wonder you’re makeup looks flawless. ❤️❤️❤️

[@hildawhincup2621]

Always a pleasure to see and learn thru your videos even at my old age. 😘

[@beehune3]

Thank you Mel so much for showing us how you apply your primer step by step, great video, please take good care of yourself, Bee 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😍

[@Lilpeanit-rd7bs]

Loved this video! I use the blur stick on my forehead eyes and under my eyes. Then the luminous blur stick on my cheeks nose and chin! Works like a charm!

[@lindavirgilio8464]

Mel, you were speaking to me. Every time I wear foundation and/or powder I get those little product filled dots all over!! Thank you pores! So now I feel I have the solution! Thank you for all your encouragement !

[@jennlecher5604]

Josie Maran's products are just so good!

[@bethsullivan6543]

I hope you're recovering well. You are amazing how you pre-filmed so much for us. Please let me know when you go back to work. I live in Nashville and would just LOVE to come into Nordstrom's and have you help me with some advice and makeup purchases. You're the best!

[@boots01]

Wow!! That's a lot of steps... I wish I knew as much as you do about primers, makeup and know my face as much as you do! All your primers sound sooo expensive but worth it 😍 I need to educate myself about every step of makeup and learn more about my own face lol. Ugh... sounds sooo complicated. Love you Mel 💕💕💕

[@ChiquisJ70]

Great video Mel! Like always 😸 This really helped me to understand more on how to use my primers and what do I want my makeup to look like (if I make any sense here) anyway, thank you, very helpful!

[@pretttyone]

such an informative video ! thank you ! i always learn something from you :) wishing you a speedy recovery mama xo

[@kathyhire4305]

I appreciate your content and the way you present products. I hope you are healing well and staying pain-free! Hugs & prayers!

[@frannnymojica7805]

I really love this video Mel, thank you 🙏🏼

[@hummingbirdlvr5189]

Thank you for explaining the process. Hope that you are feeling better every day! :)

[@ThePamelaJordan]

I have the FENTY beauty and Tatcha primers as wellas Becca.. Ve been using them wrong. been using Urban Decay All Nighter and MAC Fix plus. You’re so right about the intensity...

[@jennyf308]

Yayyyyy I've been waiting for this one!!

[@cecyliarc2888]

Thanks, that’s what I was waiting for 😋

[@chptnemrac]

Hi Mel! This video is so helpful for me. I love it and have watched it several times now. Thank you so so much for all your great content. Praying for you to have a speedy recovery. 🙏🏼😘💐🌺🌸🌹🌻🌼💞

[@chptnemrac]

We’re so close to the 50k subscribers!!! Yeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiii!!!

[@Ieat2much]

This video: five stars! Just what I needed or maybe I didn’t, but now I do. You do that to me🙀🤑

[@justonekolisee4409]

Just look the video and see 50K YEAHHHHHHHHH ! Your YTB Chanel is one of i like the most ...Long time ago i purchased base lumière from Mac Cosmetics and setting spray from Glamglow, because of you and never been disappointed ! This video will make my wish-list very long ah ah Xoxo from Brazzaville !!!!

[@Kim-kl7fq]

Love my Becca and almost out of it. Might have to try the Tatcha. Hope the recoop is going well. ❤❤

[@sapnasura]

Really appreciate this video and tips! I'll pick up MAC skin refined zone right away. Thank you 😀

[@Jin04115]

Quality videos. Finally, other YT beauty gurus need to watch and learn. You and Kelsie are changing the game.

[@melthompson2856]

Thank you!!!!

[@violetta_skincare_doc]

Puffins Wife, thank you so much for this MUCH NEEDED video with a real professional explain moisturizers, primers and what we can use together❤. I love watching all of your videos, I'm binge watching them. Love them and your like a gorgeous tatted doll.. What would you recommend to put on a scar from reconstructive surgery on my face after cancer? Love from Leila in NY!!

[@suecone2198]

I think I will try the Tasha since I keep hearing all these good things about this product. Thanks 🙏

[@carolynsuhor354]

I think I'm trying to put my foundation to quickly. Your skin always looks beautiful.

[@ataylor1604]

So thorough! Thanks for spilling all the beans! Hope you're feeling well after your surgery 💖. Btw..J One has a new Red Jelly Pack out.. would love to see a review on it and it's differences from the white, and you're my favorite reviewer!

[@melthompson2856]

Thank you!!!

[@rawveganmangolover]

I learned so much from this video! Thank you so much!

[@natalialondono2757]

I love how yoir complexion looks,so flawless I hope you are doing great and your fam is pampering you tons 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 Ps: I have dry skin but still watch,I can totally use what you use on the non oily area 😉

[@MAYITATI84]

Your videos are so good 💖💖

[@laurahelene9118]

So Mel I must tell you...MAC Skin refined zone, even without smoothing primer on top, is the best thing I have ever used for enlarged pores. Smoothing primer on top and wow...very nice. I am happy for the first time ever with a pore minimizing product. I am doing LED light therapy to help with pores also, and aging and...etc...etc... !!!Thank you so so much! 😘💜💜💜

[@megantackett1921]

Love the tatcha. Just picked one up with my 20 percent for VIB rouge.

[@cynthiaalvarado3287]

Carmel happy Friday enjoyed your video today on primers me personally I try everything I have combination skin I think but I do sweat a lot during the summer and the milk primer is the bomb diggity anyways thank you for your time and patience and teaching us I'll see you next video bye bye have a blessed day

[@alexandrameow3593]

I just came upon your channel this week and I am absolutely hooked! You're gorgeous & knowledgeable without coming off as ingenuine or annoying. I wish I could pick your brain. We seem to prefer a lot of the same skincare, but my skin is having a horrible time acclimating to Tretinoin. However, over the counter retinoids/retinols have zero effect! I am doing my best to hang in there. Can you do a video on dealing with the flakiness? I apologize if you already made one & I overlooked it. Anyway, I'm so happy I found your channel.

[@vln4443]

Sooo helpful! I learned so much. 👍

[@Carolyn_Life]

I have such dry skin I cant live without setting spray iti changes everything for the better!!!! 💕💕

[@gabeslittlehippo]

Sooo helpful.. of course 80% of these I use already because I’m your stalker 😁... I never paid attention to my skin type, or makeup for that matter so you have been my Yoda and kept my old butt on that fleeky fleekness! Ha! Love ya gf!! Xoxo! 🧡🧡

[@melthompson2856]

Lol! I love you 💜💜💜

[@navycottoncandi]

Thanks Mel hope you are doing well. Please also show us how you prime and set you eyes before shadows.

[@aburningpromise]

Hi. I really like your makeup. It always looks soft and glam without a ton on! Can you recommend a pore primer for normal/dry skin? Thanks!

[@jnoyes8180]

So beautiful. Boy is she missed! RIP beautiful soul👼🏻

[@theresawest1696]

Very beautiful tutorial!

[@xgal08]

Very helpful routine, Thanks! Be well!

[@tamiaedrington5762]

Your eyes and brows are amazing

[@marianapinheiro1353]

Brazilian girl here! Congrats lovely girl and amazing video

[@marilove1237]

I would love for you to reiew the new la mer bronzer!! I just need to know if its worth it! you reviews never let me down!!

[@nadeenkatz376]

With no makeup you look like you have a natural transition shade on your eyes. I’m so jealous! 👁💚

[@4SkippyRoo]

Ooh, my goodness!! Glam Glow Glowsetter is my rider!!👌 It smells like delicious 🍉🍉🍉! One spray and you're hooked.

[@stephRN05]

Hope you’re doing well 😍😍😍😍😘😘😘😘 great informative video 😘😘😘

[@stephaniegoode365]

Enjoyed the video very informational. Can u give some suggestions for moisturizers for combo skin?

[@AntheaToya]

This was a very informative video! I think I want to try the milk makeup blur stick and the Josie Maran spray.... and also the Mac skin refine zone for my nose and oily areas.🤔

[@melthompson2856]

yes to all of those!!!

[@rochalleracine]

Can you please do a tutorial on this look? It’s so beautiful and elegant.

[@almajimenez8705]

I love looove your videos!! You are so knowledgeable and I like how you make it so simple for all of us ;)) Any thoughts on the B.B. vitamin enriched face balm? Hope you are feeling better:))

[@jjsmakeupobsession323]

I have combo skin too, I like the TF peach matte primer on my t-zone.

[@momo-uy8gc]

Like seeing how much you change your looks. I feel I’m the same hair makeup lol

[@amypanddirtytoo1926]

This reminds me of my own primer routines😂😂 I can get so extra with it depending on what look I'm going for, what my skin is doing, what I just feel like using, etc and I'll usually put three or four diff ones on!!!😂😂

[@sammylou2125]

I have the Tarte primer and it works so well on pores but hard to get in uk unless you want to pay for import and I I'm on my 3rd bottle of the pink glam glow spray 💕 hope you are feeling better with each passing day xx💐

[@melthompson2856]

Thank you!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@honibzerko]

Hi Mel you look amazing. I hope you are recovering well. Great vid. Have a great day. 🌻🎂😇🌷😘

[@luckie1vee506]

Very informative. You’re so smart n pretty.

[@tortellinidoodle]

Very curious what you think of the Clarins Instant Smooth perfecting touch. It's like a putty type of primer and I love it for the parameter of my face.

[@liverpool2sex]

I have the Sisley double tenseur and love it. I only got it a few days ago (I got it for my birthday on the 27th May as I wanted it) At the moment I am feeling really awful, groggy, tired and have a runny and blocked up nose (sorry about putting that BUT there is a reason Lol). I noticed how great it made me look and was amazed that my make up stayed put and only a little came off around my nose (hardly noticeable) and put it down to the Sisley as I have been blowing my nose all day and my nose wasn't even red either (I normally get a red nose just blowing my nose once Lol). I have used the Guerlain L'or for years and must admit it is great but the Sisley really knocks the socks off the Guerlain. I have combination skin and am 49 years young and am really really impressed with Sisley double tenseur and even tho it is pricey you do not need a lot and I am impressed with it. I can't wait to see the effects after using it for a while also (as even tho it gives instant results it is also a treatment where you will see long term effects after using it for a while) I use Skindinavia setting spray and also La Mer The Mist (great for hydrating and cooling you down when it is hot), Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist (great all-rounder) and Marc Jacobs Re(cover) setting mist (when I want to have a brightening/hydrating effect BUT don't use much otherwise you can look like a glitter ball Lol) TBH even tho the Sisley double tenseur is expensive you don't need much and I will definitely be buying it again after seeing the effects today when feeling awful etc and it made me look great and my makeup stayed on so well I am bowled over x

[@melthompson2856]

I agree!!! It’s pricey but it does amazing things for my makeup longevity, how it looks and my skin! I will certainly repurchase over and over ❤️

[@margaretmerrick2747]

Putting the smoothing primer on last is a great idea! I do have a question, I get separation on both sides of my chin, not in center but on the sides. Usually within 3 hours of makeup application. How should I prep the area? Filling or smoothing or both?

[@beatrixpo1956]

Lately I’ve been considering the Bobbi Brown illuminating balm( I have and use most of what you do) so have you tried the Bobbi Brown balm?

[@elainebines6803]

Your getting close to 50.000 😄

[@kellywolfe5930]

great video 💚💕💙

[@katsm-wo9704]

Very well explained thanks

[@heidireeder7679]

Other than putting oil on my nose prior to foundation, can you please recommend a primer for my nose which is so dry !! Thank you!

[@metalhead_catmum]

Hi Mel , I have large pores on my nose and use MUFE step 1 smoothing , would you apply a smoothing step before or after the Jelly Pack primer ? x

[@krystledawne]

Hey, just hoping that you are doing well after surgery! Get well soon 😘

[@isabelab6851]

krystledawne yes. I was thinking the same thing. Hope all is well!

[@stephaniesnider6178]

Hi Mel-What causes the “white dots” that you mention? I get them from time to time -and, I’d prefer to prevent it. Thank you 💌

[@marialoredo5079]

Gurlain vs the YSL primer ? I’m in love with this video it’s so helpful!! 😍😘

[@melthompson2856]

Thank you! Which YSL? The blur?

[@marialoredo5079]

Puffins Wife yes the one that looks like the gurlain is that a dupe or not as good ?

[@evamacioce9445]

Shine my angel 😇

[@marysolestela7052]

Thank you. I am 44 years old and I find that underneath my eyes is starting to be dryer. What can you recommend for under the eyes?

[@Kimchi_-nw8vg]

Thanks for making this video as I’m assuming that editing it was a little hard for you to watch. I stopped using my Sisley because I felt like it wasn’t working for me...I’ve think I’ve been using it wrong! Hope you are recovering well!🌷

[@melthompson2856]

Ha ha, yes! I didn’t edit this one all at once like I normally do lol. I came back to it several times 😂💋

[@Kimchi_-nw8vg]

Puffins Wife lol i bet! Well we all appreciate it! ❤️

[@amberfrazier575]

Is there anything similar to the tatcha setting spray?

[@marydavidson4816]

You are amazing in how you know all your products so well. How tris works with that and such! Do you use setting spray after you have done your eyes? I wonder about whether it is going to mess up your mascara after it’s been done.

[@melthompson2856]

Oh yea, some setting sprays spray more than others and they can definitely make your mascara run. So, do your mascara last if that’s a concern 💜 I’ve had that happen before it’s it was a mess lol

[@kathleencoomans8210]

So much intelligent info....as always 5*****....take care of you.....

[@Anna-qf4cp]

thanks for this video! Can you do a tutorial on this look, pleaaase? :)You look so fresh

[@Kim-kl7fq]

Oooh, you're getting close to 50,000 followers!

[@melthompson2856]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@justjj8905]

I’m a little confused what the MAC Natural Radiance primer targets. You use it around the perimeter of your face for longevity? Oil control? Smoothing? A combination of those? Great video, thank you!!

[@melthompson2856]

I use it for longevity, hydration and oil control ❤️❤️❤️ it doesn’t really smooth, which is why I need the others on my pores ☺️