Have you ever fallen victim to makeup sliding of your face, or worse, looking like it’s disappeared from it entirely? If you have, well, you’re not the only one. What if we tell you there is one product that can solve both these issues? Enter primer.
Wondering what that is? A primer is a product that gives your makeup a smooth base and keeps everything you apply after your skincare (think foundation, concealer and the like) in place. The formula is simple: Want to seal your makeup in place? Use primer. Want to intensify your eyeshadows? A primer is what you need. Want to make sure your makeup lasts forever (okay, well, longer than usual)? Yes, make sure you don’t skip primer.
Not convinced? Here is the lowdown on what primers do, how to use them, and why we love them…
If your make-up travels all over your face or disappears…
A mattifying primer is what you need. It acts as a base between your (oily) skin and makeup and gives it something to hold on to. If you tend to get shiny, go for a silicone primer and if dry skin is biggest beauty woe, a hydrating formula that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid is what you need. Plus, it will prevent your makeup from creasing. It’s a win-win!
Colorbar Flawless Finish Primer
If you want to colour correct spots…
Like colour correctors, these tinted primers work to cancel out any underlying tones. Colours that are on opposite sides of the colour wheel will counteract each other. Confused? Don’t be! To remove redness, use a green primer and to brighten up your complexion, use a pink or lavender formula.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Control Face Primer - Clear
If your foundation tends to crease…
Look for a smoothing primer. This one will fill into the pores and lines on the surface of skin and prevent your base from settling into any lines.
L'Oreal Paris Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer
What’s the right way to use a primer?
For a glowing base and long-lasting makeup, skin prep is everything. Make sure you apply moisturiser and let it dry down. Then, take a pea-sized amount of primer and dab it on the centre of your face using your fingers. Blend it out carefully and wait for a minute or two before going in with your foundation.
Pro tip: If you’re using an oil-free primer, stick to an oil-free foundation and concealer as well. This will prevent your make-up from pilling.