After years of experimenting and playing with makeup, there’s one product I cannot do without. — it’s a primer. Believe me when I say that your *entire* makeup look depends on this mysterious tube of beauty. But, if you need some legit reasons why you must invest in a primer, then allow me to share some nuggets of wisdom that I, as a beauty editor have learnt over the years.
The primary job of primer is to set your makeup and make it stay in place. However, there are multiple primers that also work to blur out large pores, smoothen out skin texture, hydrate and cover up imperfections. Additionally, they form a protective barrier for your skin as well. So, if you catch your makeup sliding off your face in a couple hours, then it’s a clear sign that your makeup routine is missing a primer.
Primers can be applied before your foundation, eye shadow, mascara, tinted moisturisers and skin tints. This will create the ideal canvas for your makeup products to glide over and stay put for hours without budging.
Primers, be of any kind - mattifying, hydrating, colour correcting, brightening or blurring provide a base for your makeup to adhere to. So, if having a flawless makeup look is your end result, then primers are non-negotiable. After you’re done with your skincare routine wait for about five minutes and slather a pea-sized amount of the primer all over your face and neck. Then give it about three minutes to settle on your skin and then go over with your base makeup. The waiting period is crucial, otherwise your primer will slide off with the makeup!
Even though the primary benefits of all primers remain the same, choosing the right primer for your skin type can be a game-changer. If you have oily skin, opt for a gel-based mattifying primer that absorbs excess oil and does not make your skin greasy. For folks with dry skin, a hydrating primer will help you ace that dewy, glow-y look! If you have acne-prone skin, pick a pore-blurring primer that’ll even out the appearance of large pores. Furthermore, you can also use colour correcting primers to cancel out redness and pigmentation. These magical icons will give you a head-start when it comes to tackling discolouration, before you even begin with your base makeup.
When it comes to eye makeup, an eye primer will prevent those oily lids from creasing your eye shadow. Simply apply it evenly from your lash line to the crease of your eyes and allow it to settle before you go in with your makeup. This will also help bring out the pigment of your eye shadow.
Same is the case with mascara. If doll-like, voluminous lashes are on your mind, then go over with a lash primer before your mascara. Believe me, the results are going to speak for themselves!
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Foundation Primer with Vitamin A & E - Travel Size
An MUA fave for sure, 95% of women said that it helped their makeup go on flawlessly! This primer is perfect to achieve fresh, cushion-y soft skin within seconds. It even reduces the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone for a soft-focus finish.
Colour Correcting
Got redness, want to hide blemishes or acne marks? This range of colour correcting primers will ease your way to an even-toned skin in no time. Whatever skin concern you want to tackle, pick a corresponding shade and apply it evenly across your face.
Best Multi-tasking
Beloved by makeup experts and celebrities, this 5-in-1 multitasker is sold every 3 minutes. Studies show that it sets and improves the wear of your makeup for up to 12 hours. Plus, if you’re travelling light you can also pick the tote-sized version.
Pore Minimising
This expert-approved formula instantly minimises pores and fine lines for silky soft, smooth skin. Still not convinced? Studies show that 91% of users said that their pores were minimised, 97% saw a visible difference in their skin texture and 93% of users said that it kept their makeup in place.
For Oily Skin
If you struMakeup slides off oily skin very easily! But not with this baby. It leaves behind a comfortable matte finish and controls oils for a shine-free canvas.
All in all, primers do a lot of heavy-lifting to leave you with a smooth, crease-free and even base. Whether you’re opting for a no-makeup makeup-look or a full-face of makeup, a primer should be the first thing you must apply.
The primary job of primer is to set your makeup and make it stay in place. However, there are multiple primers that also work to blur out large pores, smoothen out skin texture, hydrate and cover up imperfections. Additionally, they form a protective barrier for your skin as well. So, if you catch your makeup sliding off your face in a couple hours, then it’s a clear sign that your makeup routine is missing a primer.
Q. Can you replace primers with BB creams?
A. BB or CC creams, skin tints or tinted moisturisers are not the same as primers. Since primers help extend the life of your makeup, you must apply one before you go in with any of these products. BB or CC creams, skin tints or tinted moisturisers are not the same as primers. Since primers help extend the life of your makeup, you must apply one before you go in with any of these products.
Q. Can I skip using a primer if I am using a moisturiser?
A. A moisturiser can balance hydration and keep your skin plump. Whereas, a primer will even out texture and blur out large pores. Alternatively, you can pick a hybrid product which is a moisturiser + primer if you wish to reduce steps in your routine.
Q. Can I use a primer without makeup?
A. Absolutely! If you want an air-brushed or smooth-looking skin, you can totally skip makeup and apply your primer over your sunscreen.
Q. When should I apply primer in my routine?
A. A primer will be the last step in your skincare routine. So, cleanser - toner - moisturiser - sunscreen - primer - base makeup.
