As you dive down the road of makeup and cosmetics, you’ll hear one buzzy beauty word after another. You’ll discover how to give yourself a smaller nose and whether you can wear blush and bronzer together. One word you’ll hear repeatedly is primer, instantly making you wonder what is primer? We’ll review everything you need to know about primer and get you hip to some of the best primers on the market to guarantee that you always look fabulous.
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What’s Face Primer?
Primer is a makeup staple for every beauty maven. It is the first step in your makeup application process and is considered a necessity by everyone who wears makeup. That’s because our skin is not naturally smooth. It may be dry or oily. Some people might have textured skin or a few fine lines. That’s where primer comes in. Using the right primer will create a smooth canvas for makeup application, helping your makeup look flawless and keep it in place all day.
Think of your face as a canvas that you use for painting. Painting on a canvas that has dips and bumps will create a picture with an uneven texture. If the canvas is colored, such as red, the painting will not turn out the same way as if you would have used a non-colored canvas. Using a primer helps transform your skin into a smooth, even canvas for makeup application.
Why You Need A Primer
A makeup primer is the first step in your makeup routine. Primers are designed for various skin types, such as dry and oily. Many address common skin concerns, such as an uneven skin tone. There are quite a few benefits to using primer.
Face Primers Help Makeup Last Longer
You’ll still need a primer if you don’t want to address skin concerns and magically have an even skin tone. Primer grips your makeup, helping your makeup last longer. This includes your eye makeup if you use an eye primer as a base coat.
Specifically Designed For Your Skin Type
Primers are specially formulated to meet your needs. A primer with a matte finish will help prevent midday shine on oily skin. Likewise, hydrating primers are perfect for anyone with a dry skin type.
Some Primers Include A Color Correcter
If you want to enjoy some multi-tasking makeup products, color-correcting primers are right up your alley. These primers are designed to correct your uneven skin tone while priming your face to create the even canvas you want.
Face Primer Makes Makeup Look More Pigmented
Using a light-colored primer is the perfect way to make pigments pop. This is especially true if you use an eye primer for your eyeshadow. The colors will instantly appear more pigmented.
Makeup Primers Make Makeup Application Easier
Makeup primers create the canvas you need for the smooth makeup application process that you want. You won’t have to work extra hard because you have a few fine lines or an uneven texture like you would if you weren’t using a primer.
Skincare Benefits
Sure, you can find a basic primer that gets the job done. However, most primers today include various skincare benefits to address common problems. They may minimize the appearance of pores, provide intense hydration to dry areas, promote an even skin tone, or have anti-aging benefits, such as plumping the skin for a more youthful appearance. These primers include skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid to get the most out of your primer.
Illuminating Primers
Illuminating primers help give you an instant glow-up, making them a popular choice for anyone that wants to enjoy a no-makeup “makeup” look. These hydrating primers instantly make your skin look dewy thanks to their type of finish. They can be worn under makeup or by themselves for a more natural look.
SPF Primers
Some primers also include an SPF, helping to protect your skin against the harmful UV rays from the sun. These primers work as a primer by helping you achieve a flawless finish while giving you the protection you need while out and about.
Types Of Primers
Face primer is the most common type, but it’s far from the only primer you’ll need. A primer is available for every area to help your makeup look better and last longer. You’ll also discover the following:
- Eyeshadow primer, which is also called eye primer
- Lash primer, which is applied before mascara
- Lip primer
- Nail primer
- Hair primer
For this article, we’ll be talking more about face primer.
How To Apply Face Primer
Applying primer is simple once you get the hang of it. First, you want to complete your skincare routine. Moisturizing is the last step in your skincare routine. Ensure that your skin has had time to absorb your moisturizer. You’ll want to apply a light layer of moisturizer to ensure it doesn’t interfere with makeup application.
Next, it’s time to apply your primer. Apply your primer by putting a small dab on your fingertips. Then, rub it into your skin using a circular motion. Give the primer ample time to dry, then apply your makeup as usual.
Choosing The Right Makeup Primer For You
There are so many makeup primers on the market that it can be hard to pick the right one. However, once you pick the wrong one, it won’t take long to realize it. For example, mattifying primers are excellent for oily skin. However, applying mattifying primers to dry skin can make your skin drier and make your makeup look messy.
Consider Your Skin Type
The first thing you need to consider when selecting a primer is your skin type. If you have oily skin, mattifying primers are your best bet. For dry skin, there are hydrating primers that will keep your skin hydrated and help your makeup last longer. There are unique formulas for anyone with combination skin, too. Ensuring that you pick up a primer that suits your skin type is the perfect way to ensure you get the desired effect.
Consider Your Budget
You’ll always need to consider budgeting when picking a face primer. There are drugstore primers, affordable makeup brands, and top-of-the-line luxury primers. Then, you’ll find everything in between. Pick a budget before shopping to make sure you don’t overspend.
Think About Unique Skincare Needs
We all have skincare needs that we can address with the right type of primer. You’ll need a primer formulated for sensitive skin if you have sensitive skin. Blurring primers can help minimize the appearance of pores and create a filter-like finish. Oily skin types will love a mattifying primer. You can use both your skincare and makeup products to address skincare needs.
What Type Of Primer Do You Need
Another critical thing to understand is that there are silicone and water-based primers. A silicone-based primer will have ingredients like dimethicone. These primers are typically better blurring primers and make your skin feel like silk. Water-based primers tend to be thinner and are more hydrating than silicone-based primers. However, they don’t feel like a second skin.
When selecting a primer, read the ingredient list to determine if it is silicone or water-based. If the ingredient list has ingredients that end in the word -cone, such as dimethicone, you have a silicone-based primer. Make sure that the base of your primer is the same as the rest of your makeup. For example, if you use a silicone-based foundation, you need a silicone-based primer.
Our Picks
Blot And Blur Matte Primer Stick
Matte finishes are ideal for anyone with oily skin. They help reduce shine to create the perfect balance for makeup application. The Blot and Blur Matte Primer Stick offers easy application for a smooth matte finish. It helps blur imperfections for a flawless canvas. The balm-to-powder finish lets you know when it’s dry.
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy application thanks to the stick
- Wear it alone or under makeup
- It can be used to blot away oil throughout the day
Final Thoughts
Primer is a game-changer when it comes to makeup. It’ll help address your skin concerns, create the base you need for makeup, and help your makeup stay put. Once you discover primer, you’ll discover that you can have the best makeup days! Check out the rest of the site to discover the best primers for various skin types, gripping primers, and more!
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