Does your makeup smear and smudge after a few hours? Chances are you’re applying the makeup primer. Or, maybe you’re not using it at all. If you’re new to the makeup world, you may even ask, ‘What is a makeup primer?’ Makeup primers give a smooth base to the makeup you wear. Let’s dig into the details.
Most women don’t know how to apply makeup primer properly. Hence, they get a cakey look. In this blog, we’ve answered every question. From what a primer makeup is to how to apply, everything. You can consider this as your complete guide to makeup primer.
What is a Makeup Primer?
Makeup primer is a prepatory product that is applied to hold on to the makeup and to give it a smooth finish. It is used underneath eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick, mascara, and even nail polish to create a smooth base that helps keep your other products in place all day.
Why Should You Use a Makeup Primer?
Bumpy textures, tiny creases, large pores, all can be hidden with the help of a primer.
Image: Source
Apart from this, here’re some of the reasons to use a primer.
a) Reduces the amount of makeup needed. Lindsey Trop, a renowned bridal makeup artist, said to Byrdie, “When I work with clients, I sometimes try to minimize the number of products needed, so I use a primer that acts as an all-in-one: hydrator, smoother, and illuminator.”
b) Prevents caking up of the makeup around the acne scabs.
c) Keeps your applied makeup in place for hours.
So, now you probably know you can’t skip its use. However, for a perfect look, you need to know the primer types and which one you should pick. Here, you go.
Also Read
9 Amazing Makeup Tips for Hooded Eyes
Types of Makeup Primers
Blurring Primers
Blurring primers are mainly for matured skin. They’re mainly used to blur wrinkles and fine lines.
Hydrating Face Primers
Especially for women with dry skin. The hydrating face primers have skincare ingredients like antioxidants and hyaluronic acid.
Mattifying Face Primers
If you have oily skin, a mattifying primer will be your go-to to prolong the wear of your foundation. Choose a silicone-based one, as it creates a great mattifying barrier between the skin and makeup and has the added benefit of blurring and smoothing pores.
Color-Correcting Primers
Color-correcting primers counteract underlying skin tones. For instance, if you have yellow tones, use blue primers. Similarly, go for green primers to offset redness.
In addition to these, there are primers to enhance the beauty of other facial features like lip primer, eyeshadow primer, nail primer, and mascara primer.
How to Apply a Makeup Primer?
Step 1: First of all, cleanse your face. Then, apply a moisturizer. Wait for a few minutes to let the moisturizer dry.
Step 2: Select a primer that will compliment your foundation. For example, if you have a silicone-based primer, it’s best to use a silicone-based foundation on top.
Step 3: Take a small dime-to-nickel-size amount. Use your middle and ring fingers or a makeup sponge to blend it evenly. Start from the centre of your face. Apply only a light layer of the primer.
Step 4: Make sure the primer doesn’t pill-up anywhere on the skin.
Step 5: Don’t forget the skin around your eyes. If you aren’t using a separate eyelid primer, then very gently pat the primer onto your lids so your eye makeup will stay on and really pop all day.
Step 6: Let the primer dry for a few minutes before applying foundation.
Step 7: Apply a light layer of foundation. Have a quick dusting of translucent powder to set the foundation. Your foundation should glide on smoothly and should not settle into creases or wrinkles, as it would without primer.
Common Primer Mistakes
Too Much Primer
Applying too much primer can clump or pill.
Primer Not Going With the Foundation
When the primer and the foundation don’t work well together, you often wind up with very thick, cakey-looking makeup or patchy spots.
Not Allowing the Primer to Dry
Waiting a full minute or more is important to let your primer dry completely. Most of the times, people apply makeup too soon afterwards.
FAQs
How Long Should You Let Primer Dry Before Foundation?
Wait a full 60 seconds for your primer to “set” before slathering on your concealer and foundation. This will help to curb pilling or patchiness.
Can You Wear Primer without Makeup?
Of course, especially when you’re using a water-based primer. Water-based primers make your skin more moisturized. And, this is definitely a good thing.
Is there any substitute for makeup primer?
Pure aloe vera gel, when mixed with 1-2 teaspoons of your moisturizer, works as a primer. Aloe vera gel will soothe redness and the moisturizer combination is a great way to maintain a dewy finish without looking oily.
