Understanding Makeup Primer: Why It’s Essential And How To Apply It

Ending up with smudged makeup after spending hours on it can be a huge disappointment. That is why we are sharing some preparation tips and tricks on how to apply primer to ensure long-lasting results. Your makeup won’t last without a good primer, no matter how luxurious your foundation is. It is recommended by every makeup expert, and for a good reason. A primer works as a second skin to create the perfect base where your makeup will stay put. It also protects your skin from the harsh chemicals present in the foundation or other makeup items. Swipe up for more information!

Keep In Mind

• Formulas: Primers come in varying formulas, such as mattifying, gel, tinted, anti-aging, color-correcting, pore-minimizing, illuminating, and hydrating primers.
• Skin Type: For oily skin, use mattifying primers. For dry skin, use hydrating gel primers. Use a non-comedogenic formula for sensitive skin.
• Pacing The Application: Apply primer a few minutes after moisturizing the skin. Then, wait for a minute to allow it to settle and smoothen out your face.
• Application: Apply a thin layer of primer using your fingers or a makeup sponge.
• No-Makeup Look: You can go for a primer-only look for a minimal, airbrushed effect.

What Is a Makeup Primer?

What is a primer? A face primer helps to create an extra layer between your skin and makeup. When you’re spending your time and effort to do your makeup, it’s important to keep it insured, and primer, my friends, is that insurance.

What Does A Primer Do?

Whether you want to smoothen your skin’s surface, even out your skin tone, or cover large pores and fine lines, a primer takes care of all these jobs for you. It also decreases oil production throughout the day, brightens your face, and does not crease or settle in the fine lines while ensuring the makeup lasts longer. Primer-makeup use evens out acne-prone skin and dry patches. It also sinks into the enlarged pores to create a smooth canvas that helps avoid cakey makeup.

Is A Primer Really That Important?

YES! If you’ve seen primers at makeup counters, but never really thought that this extra step makes any difference, then think again. You do need the extra expense of a primer and adding this tiny step to your makeup routine makes a world of a difference. You’ll never fully understand this until you’ve tried it (I was a primer skeptic, but once I gave it a shot, I don’t think I can do without one. Ever.) What attracted me was the fact that it combines the benefits of both cosmetics and skin care. It does indeed, and my skin has never looked or felt healthier. You may wonder, how? The answer lies in its ingredients. No matter what skin struggles you’re experiencing, there’s a primer made for it, and it helps treat them while holding your look together.

Quick Tip

There are different primers for the face, lips, eyelids, and lashes. Some formulations come with SPF, antioxidants, and moisturizing ingredients for added skin protection.

Scroll down to learn more about the different types of primers available.

Types Of Makeup Primers

• Mattifying Primer

These primers regulate oil production, giving your skin a matte and shine-free appearance.

• Hydrating Primer

These oil-based primers made of moisturizing oils, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants deeply nourish your skin, keeping it moisturized and preventing dry patches.

• Illuminating Primer

Using a glowy primer gives your skin a subtle shine. When you apply foundation over it, your skin looks dewy and glossy.

• Color Correcting Primer

It neutralizes your undertones and corrects problems, creating a more even complexion.

Now that you know which primer to use, let us see how to use it. Continue reading to learn more about its application.

How To Apply Makeup Primer

If you’re willing to incorporate a makeup primer into your makeup routine, I’ll tell you how to use face primer to make the most of it. But before that, here are some of the best makeup primers that you can try –

Benefit POREfessional Face Primer, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser, e.l.f Cosmetics Blemish Control Primer.

How To Apply Primer – A Step-By-Step Tutorial With Pictures

Learning how to apply makeup begins with understanding how to create a smooth and even base. Try the steps below to master the art of primer application for flawless, lasting makeup looks.

What You Need

1. A primer
2. Clean fingertips

1. Prep Your Skin

Prepping is crucial if you want your makeup to look flawless. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face, exfoliate and apply a lightweight moisturizer before anything else. Let it sink into your skin.

2. Applying Primer

How to apply foundation primer to even out? Take a small amount of your primer and simply apply it with your fingers, blending from the nose outwards. You can also use a brush or sponge to apply a primer. Once it’s fully blended, your skin will look more even-toned and luminous, and your foundation will sit better. Wait a few minutes after application, before you go in with your foundation, to allow the primer to sink in and create a smooth surface. You can also use the primer alone without any foundation if you want to keep it simple.

This is how your skin will look after application. You’ll see that the appearance of your pores and fine lines has visibly reduced. Also, it helps tackle redness and smooth out the texture of your skin.

Tips: Making The Best Of Your Primer

If you’ve come this far, I’m sure you’re keen on actually trying out a primer now. Here are a bunch of tips and tricks that will come in handy when you’re applying your primer.

• When it comes to primer, less is more. A small nickel-sized drop will suffice. Rub this into the skin well for even coverage.
• Always apply moisturizer BEFORE you apply the primer.
• If your skin is dull, try a tinted primer to help add some glow and life back into your skin.
• Always make sure your primer is compatible with your foundation. You want to use water-based primers with water-based foundation, and silicone-based primers with the same foundations. This will prevent your base from separating.
• Apply primer around the eyes but only use an eye primer on the lids. This helps prevent makeup from smudging or creasing by absorbing oils. It also softens crow’s feet.

A beauty blogger shares how using a primer benefits her. She writes, “I use primer every day, even if I’m not bothering to do my whole face because I usually put on at least a BB cream so the primer comes in handy in terms of staying power (i).” She adds, “I use primer on my whole ‘face’, which includes my neck and décolletage because your face doesn’t stop at your chin.”

How To Choose A Primer For My Skin Type

Make sure you understand your skin type before heading out to buy a primer or any beauty product because you don’t want to pick out the wrong one for your skin. Here’s how you can do that.

• If you have dry or flaky skin, choose a hydrating primer. Look for words like “soothing,” “hydrating,” and “replenishing.”
• If your skin is oily, use a mattifying primer to reduce your skin’s oil production and minimize shine.
• If you have acne-prone or very sensitive skin, opt for water-based primers because silicone-based ones may clog pores and cause breakouts or irritation.
• For mature or aging skin, the best primer is one that is infused with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients.

Quick Tip

Look for hyaluronic acid and antioxidants like Vitamins E and C in hydrating primers for dry skin. Silicone-based primers are best for a mattifying effect for oily skin.

When choosing the perfect primer, matching it to your skin type ensures a smooth, lasting foundation. But finding the right primer is just the start — using it correctly can make or break your makeup look. And while learning to do so, you must avoid some common mistakes. Let’s explore a few below.

Common Mistakes When Applying Primer

Applying primer can be the easiest step, but tiny oversights can prevent you from having the best results. So, let’s take a closer look at what not to do with primer and how you can steer clear of pitfalls to get that perfect finish.

• Primer isn’t a substitute for skincare. The application of primer on dried, unmoisturized skin tends to bring out rough patches and spots that we do not need.
• Primers are not one formula fits all. Oily skin benefits from mattifying primers and use hydrating primers if you have dry skin.
• When it comes to a primer, just a little dab will do. Using too much can create an undesired cakey effect. So, start small and build up when needed.
• Do not forget your lids and lips. Applying on these areas will keep the color locked in place for hours.
• Be patient and give your primer a minute to settle down. Otherwise, it will mix with your foundation and create a patchy appearance. Wait for at least 60 seconds and then blend well.
• Overloading primer in non-oily areas can lead to a heavier feel and an unnatural finish. Use primer only where your makeup breaks down or needs a little extra help, such as in the T-zone.
• If your primer doesn’t contain SPF, use it over sunscreen to get full protection against sun exposure.
• Most primers don’t blend well with all foundations. For example, a silicone-based primer won’t work with a water-based foundation. For longevity of your makeup, get products with the same bases.
• Sometimes, a damp beauty sponge can help you get better results. This technique helps spread the product evenly and prevents any clumping or pilling of your foundation.

If you’re doing it right, primer could be your new best friend. From choosing the right one to finding the right technique of application, minor changes make all the difference. Continue with these tips and avoid those common pitfalls, and let primer create that flawless makeup base for that long-lasting makeup you’ve always wanted. Go out there now and rock that gorgeous look.

Infographic: The Best Way To Apply Primer On Your Face: Steps & Tips

Primer is a base makeup product that helps prep your skin and create a smooth canvas for your makeup to stay put for longer. It can also hydrate your skin, absorb excess oil, and even out your skin texture, depending on your chosen formula. For long-lasting makeup results, refrain from skipping primer, as it is an essential step in your makeup routine.

Check out the infographic below to learn how to apply a primer in three easy steps and some useful tips.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the makeup last if I use a primer?

A good primer will lock your foundation in place and extend its staying power by 8 hours or more. Some long staying primers promise an impressive 15 hours of makeup wear.

Should I apply primer before or after moisturizer?

Always apply your primer after you moisturize your face. It will create a barrier between your hydrated skin and your foundation.

Is it better to use a primer without silicone?

Silicone-based primers can blur out the appearance of large pores and fine lines. But if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, it’s better to steer clear of a primer with silicone and opt for water-based options.

Are there separate primers available for eyes and lips?

Yes. An eyelid primer generally has a thicker consistency than a face primer. These help products apply more vividly and prevent eyeshadow fallout. You can try the Benefit Stay Don’t Stray eye primer. A lip primer ensures smoother and even application of your lip color and prevents the color from bleeding out. Try the Becca Lip Priming Perfector.

Do you let primer dry before applying foundation?

Yes. You must wait a minute for the primer to dry before applying the foundation.

Can we use primer daily?

Yes. In fact, if you do not have pigmentationⁱ  Patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding area of skin and commonly develop on the face. issues, you can simply use a primer and skip the foundation. It will give an even texture and minimize the appearance of minor imperfections.

Do primers clog pores?

Primers are designed to fill in the pores so that you can have an even base to apply makeup on. Silicone-based primers can easily clog pores if not removed at the end of the day, leading to breakouts. However, primers these days contain active ingredients like salicylic acid, zinc, and niacinamide to prevent breakouts. These primers do not contain comedogenicⁱ  A substance or product that tends to clog skin pores, which encourages the formation of blackheads or acne. ingredients.

Is concealer and primer the same thing?

No. While tinted and blurring primers can conceal minor blemishes and pigmentation, they are not the same as concealers. Both have different functions. Primers form a smooth, glowy, and airbrushed base for makeup application and hold it in place. Concealer blends with the base to cover heavy pigmentation and skin imperfections.

Illustration: How To Apply Makeup Primer: A Step-By-Step Tutorial With Pictures

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Find out the best uses of primer during makeup and daily makeup hacks to get a flawless look. Check out this video and learn how to use a primer like a pro!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Katherine LugoCelebrity Makeup Artist

     

Katherine is a beauty expert, celebrity makeup artist, and formulator with over 14 years of experience. She is much sought after by women worldwide and helps them transform their makeup routines to bring out their best selves.

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Esha SaxenaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.

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Asmita DeAssociate Editor

Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.

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Vaishali SinhaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Vaishali Sinha is a beauty and lifestyle writer with five years of experience in writing for various genres. She has a master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University. She combines her passion for beauty and lifestyle topics with her artistic background as an Indian classical vocalist to bring a fresh and creative perspective to her writing.

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