Ultimate Guide To: Primer

What is Primer?

Primers are applied to the skin after you complete all your skincare before you apply your makeup. Primer can act as a barrier between your skin and your makeup often making your makeup look better and last longer than normal.

Types of Primer

There are many different ways of priming and it’s important to identify what problem you are wanting to fix with primer to choose the correct type. Face primer comes in many forms:

• Silicone-based primers: They help to smooth and even out the skin’s texture helping diminish the appearance of pores and making makeup last longer. They provide a quick-fix for fine lines by filling them in and mattifies any surface shine on the skin.
• Moisturising primer:  These primers can double as skincare to give your skin as much hydration as possible. They will help your makeup to not appear dry or patchy throughout the day ultimately leaving your skin with a healthy glow. They also aid with application of products making them blend with ease.
• Priming spray: A primer spray will help refresh and hydrate the skin aiding with blending later on. They normally double as a setting spray also so it is a dual-purpose product.

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What Primer for your Skin Type ?

For Normal/Combination

This means you are free to use any type of primer. As you have some flexibility, it is important to note that during the priming stage it can be beneficial to apply SPF to protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays.

For Dry

You will likely benefit from using an illuminating/dewy primer that’s hydrating. Primer oils are a great way to hydrate your skin making it seem plumper and juicy with a healthy glow. They ensure that your makeup doesn’t seem patchy or dry throughout the day maintain a smooth base.

For Oily

You will want to opt for a mattifying primer that is oil-free. These primers work well to control shine that produces throughout the day. If your skin is incredibly oily it may help to set your primer with a translucent powder before foundation (thank you Jackie Aina!) to absorb excess oil. Pore-blurring silicone-based primers also help oily skin by smoothing the skin’s appearance that may be exaggerated due to the oily skin.

For Pigmentation Concerns

Redness and hyperpigmentation can be counteracted with a colour-correcting primer. These primers will help even out skin tone by using the contrasting colours to your face to tone them down. If you suffer from redness you will benefit from a green-toned primer. For those will dark circles under their eyes a red/peach tone can help neutralise them. If your skin appears to be dull, a yellow-toned primer will add vibrancy and warmth to the complexion helping to appear brighter.

What else?

Primers aren’t only for your foundation they can also be used on other areas of your face such as eyelids, eyelashes and lips. Priming your eyelids can prevent eyeshadow from creasing, increasing its pigmentation and longevity. Primed eyelashes will build volume and amplify your mascara further. Priming the lips can ensure they are smooth and moisturised ready for any lip product to be applied smoothly and prevent cracking and unevenness.