A makeup primer is a God-sent product that creates a smooth base for your makeup. It is also the first in line when combating shine and masking imperfections, namely: large pores, wrinkles and red spots that try to breakout underneath your foundation.
Yet, your chances of skipping this in your makeup routine is high – probably thinking you don’t really need it or unsure of whether it’s worth your money. If that’s the case, you’re really missing out on its benefits.
In fact, Napoleon Perdis, Australian celebrity makeup artist and beauty brand founder says applying a makeup primer is one simple step that saves you from makeup blunders. According to Perdis, “Not to prime is a crime”, particularly because it helps finesse your foundation and keeps the skin looking flawless longer.”
Unsurprisingly, it’s not only Perdis. Celebrity makeup artists everywhere stress the importance of priming and to convince you further, here are some of the many benefits of using a makeup primer.
BENEFITS OF A MAKEUP PRIMER
Conceals pores: primers fill in fine lines and seal pores, providing a smooth and flat canvas for foundation.
Evens out skin tone: they also double as a colour corrector which evens out the skin tone even before you apply foundation or concealer.
Mattifies oily skin: they are also an efficient shine control product that absorbs oil and gets rid of the undesirable shiny skin.
Helps foundation last longer: finally, they ensure that your makeup will sit on your face all day without the need for a retouch.
NO-FAIL MAKEUP PRIMERS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BLURRING MAKEUP PRIMER
This type of primer uses a light reflecting technology that makes it possible for a soft-focus effect to be achieved, making it easier to cover imperfections.
COLOR-CORRECTING MAKEUP PRIMER
Comes in various shades, this makeup primer is intended to clarify issues with your complexion, including redness, dull and tired skin, sallow tones, and others.
ANTI-AGEING MAKEUP PRIMER
This type of makeup primer is suited for the ageing skin as it comes with properties that protect and repair your complexion. It usually comes with sun protection formula and a host of ingredients that increase the skin’s resistance to UV damage and other harmful elements, while improving tone and texture.
ILLUMINATING MAKEUP PRIMER
To create a look as if you are not wearing a makeup, using an illuminating makeup primer is a must, as it adds life and dimension to your skin. Simply apply it evenly onto your bare complexion, making sure that the high points of your face such as your nose, cheekbone, cupid’s bow and brow bone are not missed.
PORE-MINIMIZING MAKEUP PRIMER
Are you often bothered by the pores that seem to dominate your face? This makeup primer is for you. Perfect for those with oily skin as it reduces shine, blurs pores and greasy skin upon application, allowing you to achieve a satin-smooth finish.
HYDRATING MAKEUP PRIMER
If dry skin is a problem, this hydrating makeup primer is the one for you. Hydrating makeup primers offers ultra-moisturising effects that that are suited for a dry and dehydrated skin.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST PRIMER FOR YOU
When looking for the perfect primer, you should take note of the fact that you are unique and that comes with an exceptional set of skin concerns as well. Therefore, it’s important to take the following into account when choosing:
Skin Tone – primers come in different hues to match every skin tone and address specific concerns:
- Green – this is ideal for masking redness and blends exceptionally well into any complexion.
- Mauve – this eliminates unwanted sallow or yellow undertones to give skin a more radiant look.
- Pink – this helps brighten complexions and make it appear healthier.
- Yellow – this conceals visible vessels that show beneath the surface of a fair skin.
Skin Type – there are also different types of primers to suit any skin types and their needs.
- Dry Skin
- Oily Skin
- Combination Skin
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Sensitive Skin
Want to know which makeup primer will work best for your skin type? Read on.
YOUR BEST BETS ON MAKEUP PRIMERS
BEST PRIMER FOR OILY SKIN:
The Mattifying Primer from Rouge Bunny Rouge delivers a lasting, shine-free matte finish in any weather condition. This primer makes pores appear minimised and tightened, without leaving a drying or mask-like sensation on the skin. It is formulated with antioxidants and moisturisers that reduces your need for heavy makeup in the long run.
Investing in this primer will provide you with a product that works equally well when applied on its own or on top of your moisturiser. It also works well as a base for foundation, lipstick and eye-makeup which lends a flawless look to them, not to mention it makes these products last longer when applied.
BEST PRIMER FOR DRY SENSITIVE SKIN:
The Illuminating Primer is an organic primer that is ideal for all skin types. But, it’s key selling point lies within its organic formulation that works safely for dry sensitive skins. In addition, it is loaded with antioxidants and anti-ageing serum that illuminates skin, smoothes wrinkles, and conceals imperfections to reveal a flawless and radiant complexion.
This Juicy Beauty primer is also packed with hyaluronic acid (HA) that works within to plump up your skin. HA is a staple in many skincare products today for its surprising ability to restore moisture that is crucial to have younger-looking skin.
BEST PRIMER FOR COMBINATION SKIN: KYPRIS POT OF SHADE HELIOTROPIC SPF30 PRIMER
The Pot of Shade Heliotropic is a holistic translucent primer that doubles as sunscreen and moisturiser.
It offers a gentle, yet effective protection from harmful sun rays while hydrating the skin to appear plumper, smoother and more luminous. It also has a non-whitening formula that can be used along with other Kypris skincare products.
BEST PRIMER FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN: ROUGE BUNNY ROUGE PRELUDE IN THE CLOUDS AQUA PRIMER
This lightweight water-based primer has the texture and non-sticky feel of a moisturiser. It is formulated with rich anti-oxidant, anti-ageing properties that firm up your skin to reduce the appearance of pores and wrinkles. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory and the anti-irritant agent that adds protection to your skin.
It works as a refreshing base for your foundation that prevents makeup from creasing or setting into fine lines. It also prevents unwanted colour change from showing. It is a fragrance-free primer that guarantees to keep acne-causing oil buildup and clogged pores at bay.
After learning some of the best makeup primers that are worth your money, you’d want to know exactly how to use them. Ready to learn? Here are the basic steps to makeup primer application.
5 STEPS TO APPLYING YOUR MAKEUP PRIMER
Step 1: Apply your daily beauty essentials, such as eye creams, toners and moisturisers.
Step 2: Put a small amount of primer onto your fingertips. It would be better if you have the right makeup brushes to use for its application.
Step 3: Create a thin layer of makeup primer. This is to allow easy skin absorption and make it appear smooth and makeup ready.
Step 4: Apply primer using rapid, gentle tapping motions. This way makeup primer will blend well into the skin. Wear it like –use it, but make it look as if it’s not there.
Step 5: Make sure to apply primer evenly on areas where you intend to apply makeup. Afterwards, wait for about a minute to allow the formula to dry and be absorbed by the skin.
ALSO READ: How to Use Colour-Correcting Concealers for Flawless Skin tones
Did you love what you read? Which makeup primer do you think will work for you? Let us know in the comments section below.