Initial preparation: all about makeup primers

It can be difficult to get makeup to look flawless and last all day, but using the right primer can really help. Smoothing out your skin and facilitating a more even application of foundation, concealer, and other cosmetics, a makeup primer acts as the ideal foundation.

Whether you’re having problems with dryness, oiliness, or redness, there are various kinds of primers that can help. You can take your makeup game to the next level by selecting the one that is best for your skin type and needs.

Everything you need to know about makeup primers—from their advantages to how to select and apply them—will be covered in this article. Comprehending primers is an excellent place to start, regardless of your level of makeup experience or desire to improve your regimen.

Aspect	Description
What is a Primer?	A primer is a base product applied before makeup to create a smooth surface, ensuring better adherence and longer-lasting makeup.
Types of Primers	Primers come in various types, including mattifying, hydrating, and color-correcting, each designed to address specific skin needs.
How to Apply	Apply a small amount of primer after your moisturizer and before foundation, focusing on areas where you want to smooth texture or control shine.
Benefits	Primers help makeup stay on longer, minimize the appearance of pores, and can even out skin tone for a flawless finish.

Why do you need a primer?

Prior to applying foundation, mascara, eyeshadow, lipstick, or nail polish, primer is applied after moisturizer. In addition to acting as a sort of barrier of defense, a makeup base serves numerous other crucial purposes.

• evens out the skin surface,
• facilitates the application of cosmetics,
• prolongs the durability of makeup.

Additionally, primers ensure a lighter coverage if foundation is applied on top and greatly facilitate shading—which is crucial, for example, when contouring.

These characteristics are shared by all makeup bases, however some have extra duties. As a result, primers that are moisturizing, mattifying, anti-aging, and have pore-narrowing properties also exist. There are primers that are transparent, nude, and even green. The primer’s texture can range from cream to gel.

Types of face primers

Our selection includes the most comprehensive guide to the different kinds of face primers.

Liquid

Such a primer can be oil- or water-based and has a transparent, light texture. The packaging may occasionally read "lotion" (lotion primer). Typically, it comes in a tube or bottle with a pipette; occasionally, liquid primers are offered in a spray bottle format. Any skin type can use this kind of makeup base, but girls with oily skin should use a water-based product.

Cream

Any skin type can use this kind of primer, but dry skin types will benefit most from it. can have a lighter milk texture or a thick, rich cream consistency. It can be purchased as a jar with a dispenser or as a tube.

Gel

The texture of this makeup base is viscous, unlike a liquid primer. It usually has moisturizing and caring ingredients.

NYX Professional Makeup © Honey Dew Me Up Primer, Makeup.ru

Silicone

Dimethicone, one type of silicone found in primers, effectively fills pores and wrinkles, smoothes out imperfections, and stops excessive sebum secretion. The best option for mature, oily skin; not advised for sensitive or troublesome skin.

With a radiance effect (reflective)

Has glittering particles that give the skin a subtle glow. Use this in place of a highlighter on the entire face or just the areas that stand out, such as the chin, nose bridge, and cheekbones. However, bear in mind that this base is not appropriate for problematic skin because the shimmering elements draw attention to the skin’s imperfections.

Matifying

Such primers typically have a cream or silicone base. intended for skin that is combination or oily. Its primary function is to produce a gorgeous matte finish. However, these makeup bases frequently offer two additional benefits: they effectively minimize enlarged pores and smooth the skin’s surface.

Urban Decay’s DE-SLICK Complexion Primer © urbandecay.ru

Color-correcting

This type of primer serves as a color corrector and helps address reddish or yellowish tones in the skin. Yellowness is neutralized by purple primer, and redness by green primer.

Pore-narrowing

Reduces the visual appearance of pores, which is crucial for girls with combination and oily skin. Blur cream is included in this group of makeup bases because it creates an optical blur effect. A great substitute for Photoshop! On the packaging, look for the terms "blur," "pore eraser," or "pore minimizing."

Anti-age

A primer designed for mature skin should be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. First of all, it ought to subtly smooth out wrinkles. Second, include SPF filters for protection. Thirdly, have ingredients that are moisturizing, nourishing, and anti-aging.

Moisturizing

A primer like this is the perfect remedy for dry skin because it will give it the care it needs. Examine the ingredients of a moisturizing primer for the presence of oils, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid.

Sunscreen

Use a sunscreen-containing primer in the summer instead of your regular one. See our collection of tested SPF-containing makeup bases here.

Eye primer

Eye primer smoothes out the skin tone and eyelid surface, absorbs extra sebum, hides spider veins, and stops eyeshadow and eyeliner from rolling or spreading. Furthermore, you can be certain that the paints will be rich and pigmented if you use a base, and that the color of the eyeshadow on your eyelids will match the color in the package. With this product, applying eyebrow makeup will be easier and the pencil and eyeshadow will last longer.

Lip primer

Lip primer is a fairly uncommon product type. Few brands create lip-specific products; in most cases, they advise using the same primer that is used on the face or eyelids. They come in the shape of a stick with a colorless rod, have a texture similar to a gentle pencil or lip balm, are made of nourishing and caring ingredients, extend the wear of lipstick, and flawlessly smooth the lips. In this post, we went into greater detail about lip primers and products that can be used in their place.

Eyelash primer

Lip primers are more common than separate mascara bases. Typically, when "double" mascara is on sale, it has regular black mascara on one end and a white eyelash primer on the other, adding length and volume.

However, you can also purchase individual eyelash primers and use them in addition to your preferred mascara.

Nail primer

If in makeup the words “primer” and “base” are synonyms, then in manicure these are two different products. Base (or "top") is a clear varnish that we all use before applying nail polish to prevent staining of the nail plate. And nail primer is a product from the arsenal of professional manicurists, which is used mainly in salons. Nail primer has a liquid texture, reminiscent of ordinary water or emulsion, applied before the base for better adhesion of gel polish to the nail plate, it is also used for nail extensions. Read more about nail primers and bases here. And we talked about the difference between an acid-free primer and an acidic one in a separate article.

The cornerstone of any effective makeup routine is a makeup primer, which offers a smooth surface that improves the appearance and wear of your makeup. The fundamentals of makeup primers are examined in this article, along with their varieties and how to select the best one for your skin type. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of primers will enable you to apply a flawless finish that will hold up all day.

How to choose a primer?

The first thing to think about when purchasing a primer is your skin type.

Select a base according to its texture if you have normal skin and neither enlarged pores nor an oily shine. Which product—a cream, liquid, or gel—will be easier for you to use? Take note of these extra benefits: the composition’s SPF and moisturizing ingredients have never caused harm to anyone.

Your best option is, of course, an oil-free mattifying makeup base (look for the oil-free mark). You most likely also require a pore-tightening base. Additionally, since acne and breakouts are frequently associated with oily skin, check the ingredient list for absorbent ingredients like rice powder, zinc oxide, and plant extracts.

A mattifying primer is not recommended; instead, you need a moisturizing primer with a rich, creamy texture. Another good option is a primer with a radiant effect, but only if your skin doesn’t peel very badly! If not, this defect will only be highlighted by the product. You should consider using an oil primer if your skin is extremely dry. Additionally, it is preferable if you can try a sample before making a purchase.

There are two things you can do. Invest in a simple, light-textured leveling foundation or apply a mattifying primer exclusively to the parts of your face that seem shiny and oily.

Seek for a moisturizing primer that is light in texture and free of shimmering particles, as these can accentuate wrinkles and other irregularities in the skin. Additionally, don’t overlook SPF filters!

Redness on sensitive skin is common; in this situation, a green color correction primer will be beneficial. Additionally, search for calming components in your makeup primer, like niacinamide or green tea extract. By the way, when selecting a foundation, keep these same suggestions in mind.

We’ve put together a quick test to help you select the ideal primer for your skin type.

How to use a primer?

Probably the simplest makeup item to use is primer. Here are detailed instructions on applying makeup primer correctly.

Make sure to use a light moisturizer that absorbs quickly if you have dry skin. Make sure the product is really absorbed properly because some oily creams don’t work well with primers. You can omit this step if your skin is oily.

Avoid trying to apply a thick, generous layer of primer—there is no use for this. Apply a tiny bit of primer with a pea-sized drop on your hand to your forehead, nose, and chin. You can also dab it on your cheeks and chin, if needed.

Counseling! For a more natural look, try combining primer and foundation. However, bear in mind that silicone makeup bases are not compatible with this trick.

In her video tutorial, beauty blogger Olya Red Autumn goes into further detail on how to use primer.

What can replace primer?

There is no substitute for a high-quality primer; it is an essential product for makeup bases. However, BB and CC creams can partially replace the functions of a primer, so check them out if you’re not feeling like buying one.

How is a primer different from a concealer and foundation?

Multitasking is encouraged by the modern beauty industry, as evidenced by the growing number of "two in one" products on the market. These days, primers with a coloring effect and foundation creams that smooth out the skin’s surface are available for purchase. However, at first, these products serve distinct purposes: the concealer covers up small imperfections, the foundation evens out skin tone, and the primer primes the skin for makeup application.

Achieving a flawless look can be greatly enhanced by using a makeup primer. Your skin will appear smoother and more put together throughout the day as a result of it smoothing out your makeup. Selecting the best primer for your skin type and requirements is essential, regardless of whether you’re going for a natural finish or a fully glam look.

Recall that not every primer is created equal. Some are made to regulate oil, while others concentrate on color correction or hydration. Spend some time figuring out which one suits you the best, and don’t be scared to try out a few different solutions.

A decent primer is ultimately equivalent to a hidden weapon in your cosmetics arsenal. It ensures that your foundation and other products apply smoothly and adhere to skin. It sets the stage for everything else. Invest in a high-quality primer that is appropriate for your skin tone, and you’ll notice an improvement in the longevity and overall finish of your makeup.

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