Primed and Pumped by Alison Raffaele

Several months ago at the LA Make-Up Show, I got turned on to a wonderful line of professional quality make-up products developed by Alison Raffaele (a celebrity make-up artist who worked and trained under Bobbi Brown.) What I love about her products are that they are environmentally friendly, paraben free, and most exciting to me is that they contain anti aging ingredients (its like getting two products in one!)

My favorite product in her line is the Age Response Primer with SPF 15 which contains Frutta di Vita, a proprietary blend of time released antioxidants that shelters the skin from damaging free radicals, promotes collagen production, increases skin elasticity, visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles AND it also provides both UVA/UVB protection--pretty amazing for a primer, right? Well, I must say that while I am not a cosmetic chemist, whatever additional active ingredients she is putting in her primer seems to make all the difference in the world in terms of how my skin feels and how my make-up wears over time. And for all of you girls that are prone to being shiny, she also has an Acne Response version of this primer that has additional ingredients that controls oil and fights blemishes too.

What I love about this primer is how it feels silky smooth and moisturizing as soon as it touches my skin, my foundation applies beautifully over it and the staying power and look of my make-up throughout the day (or night) is truly amazing. I love the way it warms with my skin and makes my face look even better as time marches forward (could this be the 12+ hour time released antioxidants? Who knows, but I look damn good!).

In all honesty, I have never really been a big fan of primers, often feeling like they are a waste of time and money, but after being 'wowed' by Alison Raffaele's primer I think I am a new convert. What about you?

Why not give it a try because Romy's Raves readers get 20% off any purchase at http://www.alisonraffaele.com/ when you enter 'ARC20' at checkout in the coupon code area (the code is case sensitive and must be in all caps FYI). And let me know what you think and how your skin feels, and post your pics too!