The world won’t stop turning if you don’t use a makeup primer, but we can not imagine you could do your makeup without this beauty staple. Some women are happy with the look, feel, and finish of their face makeup, but most have the feeling something is off. Do you lack an overall glow or small pores? Does your makeup look patchy, and does flawless-looking skin sound like a fairy-tale? A makeup primer is just what you need! Keep reading and find out what a makeup primer does and how to apply it.
What does makeup primer do?
A makeup primer is exactly what its name implies: it preps your skin to create the perfect canvas for the rest of your makeup. You apply the primer after your skincare, but before your foundation, BB or CC Cream, or concealer. A makeup primer goes underneath your makeup to help your makeup apply smoothly and give your complexion an even-looking skin tone. You can also use the primer as an instant pick-me-up during the day. A makeup primer has so many benefits that you will definitely want one in your makeup bag.
Makeup primer and its benefits
We could ramble on for pages about the joy a good makeup primer gives us. We won’t, but there are a couple of reasons why you want the miracle-in-a-tube.
- Makeup primer creates an even base and keeps your makeup looking fresh all day.
- It’s a great way to sneak in some extra SPF, as some makeup primers contain sunscreen.
- Makeup primer smooths the skin and blurs imperfections. Do you have large pores, acne scars, or wrinkles? A makeup primer hides it all and helps create flawless-looking skin.
What is makeup primer used for?
A makeup primer is a staple in your makeup bag if you’re longing for a smooth, radiant, and flawless complexion. A primer has skincare benefits as well as being a makeup-essential, because it hydrates your skin, and is the perfect base for a flawless look. It transforms your skin and makeup from ‘okay’ to wow’! But what is makeup primer used for?
Use makeup primer for moisturising
Your makeup will always look patchy if you’re skin is not properly hydrated. A makeup primer nourishes and hydrates your skin.
Use makeup primer for anti-aging
A makeup primer helps your skin to look more youthful, as it smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. Okay, a primer creates the illusion of a youthful glow, but this is a ‘fake it ‘til you make it’-case. :)
Use makeup primer for smoothing
Using a makeup primer before foundation really creates a smooth-looking canvas. Your skin will look and feel silky soft, and that helps your makeup glide on effortlessly.
Use makeup primer for an even-looking skin tone
Most women have issues with imperfections of the skin. A makeup primer evens out the skin tone and blurs imperfections. The more you eliminate imperfections and even the skin tone, the more youthful you’ll look!
Can you wear primer without makeup?
Drum rolls, please! And the answer is… YES! It does make sense to slather a makeup primer on your face, even on makeup-free days. Primers are packed with nutrients and SPF to protect the skin, plus they manage skin concerns. If you’re using a silicone-based makeup primer, you’re trapping moisture in your skin while blurring (enlarged) pores. A water-based primer is perfect for adding another layer of moisture to your skin. If you wear a primer without makeup, you’ll have a finished, very natural look.
How to apply makeup primer
Applying makeup primer is probably the easiest step in your makeup routine. It’s hard to mess up, but there are 3 steps to follow if you want to get the most out of your primer.
Step 1: Moisturise your skin
Primer works best on freshly moisturised skin. We advise you to wait five minutes for your moisturiser to sink in.
Step 2: Apply makeup primer
Apply a peanut-sized amount of makeup primer using your fingers. Simply blend it all over your face et voila, you’re done.
Step 3: Wait a minute
Before you slather on the rest of your makeup, it’s best to wait at least a minute. This allows your makeup primer to set and gives you a silky smooth canvas for your foundation or tinted moisturiser.
Primer mistakes
Bon, it’s not rocket science, but you can mess up your look if you don’t use a makeup primer correctly. Here are the four most common made makeup primer mistakes.
Primer mistake #1: Applying makeup too soon afterwards
In the mornings, you’re in the rush of things, and you quickly apply your makeup after priming. But wait! You want to wait at least a full minute after applying makeup primer and before going on with the rest of your makeup. This allows the primer to dry completely, so your makeup won’t look patchy.
Primer mistake #2: Choosing the wrong makeup primer for your skin type
All primers are equal, but they’re not all created equally. Before you rush to the shops and treat your skin to a makeup primer, you need to know what issues you have with your skin and what your primer needs to solve. In general, hydrating and illuminating primers are perfect if you have dry or combination skin. Do you have oily skin? A mattifying formula will do the trick!
Primer mistake #3: Not matching your primer and foundation
If your makeup primer and foundation don’t work well together, you will end up with cakey-looking makeup or patchiness. No fun!
Primer mistake #4: Applying way too much
Less is more! You do not need a ridiculous amount of makeup on your face to look stunning. There’s no reason why you should apply a moisturizer, followed by a makeup primer, a colour-corrector, use a contouring stick, and then a heavy, full-coverage foundation. The more layers of makeup you apply, the worse you’ll look. All these layers of makeup will cancel each other out, leaving you with a cakey, patchy, unhealthy look.
