Facial primer: what is it for, how to choose, step-by-step instructions for use, rating of the best budget ones and according to makeup artists

Category: Face

While many people skip applying primer as an unimportant step, it only takes a few minutes to add it to your makeup routine. It can have a huge impact on your finished look. Primer smoothes the surface of your skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and pores, evens out skin tone, and helps your makeup stay in place and smudge-free all day long. This article will help you choose the right primer and you will learn how to apply it correctly.

• What is a primer?
• What is a face primer for?
• How to choose a primer?
• Benefits of using and types of facial primers
• Is the primer silicone based or water based?
• Can I use primer instead of foundation?
• How to use face primer
• How to use face primer under makeup: step-by-step video instructions
• Rating of the best face primers according to makeup artists
• Rating of the best budget face primers

What is a primer?

Simply put, a primer is exactly what its name implies: it's a prep product that's applied after treating your skin to create the perfect canvas to hold any makeup that comes later—like a foundation, tinted moisturizer, or concealer. Your primer can come in the form of a hyaluronic acid-spike facial serum that enhances hydration, a sunscreen that protects and softens the appearance of pores, or a traditional silicone-based primer that smooths and blurs.

It's worth noting that the newest primers don't just smooth out skin, keep makeup in place, and blur pores almost to the point of invisibility. They can also brighten, fade fine lines and wrinkles, smooth out acne, and add moisture. Some can even give the skin a temporary facelift, all without feeling heavy.

Bottom line: If you're wondering whether you need a primer in your life, just ask yourself how satisfied you are with the look, feel, and finish of your facial makeup. If there's something you're not happy with—perhaps you want to add more overall glow or take away the shine from your T—a zone primer might be just what you need.

What is a face primer for?

Whether or not you think using a primer is necessary is 100 percent up to you. You may find that primers don't make a noticeable difference to your facial makeup, in which case skip this step. However, it may also mean that you haven't found the right remedy yet. While some makeup artists and editors have a few favorites, there are other experts who feel quite the opposite, believing it's an unnecessary extra step that doesn't make a difference to the look and longevity of your facial makeup. However, before choosing a primer, do your research, get recommendations, and try different formulas in the store.

The difference between primer and concealer

Concealer is a cosmetic product designed to disguise problem areas of the skin - rashes, redness, fine wrinkles, etc. It has a light texture and a range of shades close to natural.

The main and only task of a concealer is to hide visible skin imperfections. At the same time, the main function of the primer is to create a protective barrier on the skin and prepare it for the application of other decorative cosmetics, including concealer.

It should also be noted that concealer is applied over foundation or primer. It cannot serve as a base for makeup. This product does not have moisturizing or protective properties.

Thanks to its texture and rich pigment, the concealer is able to smooth out the skin tone and add a slight glow to it. At the same time, it is not used as an independent cosmetic product - only in combination with other decorative cosmetics products.

How to choose a primer?

Decide what you want

Are you most concerned about wrinkles and fine lines? Bleaching? Toning shine for oily skin? There are tons of primers on the market, so take the time to study your skin and think about what will work best for you. Check labels or research online to find a primer that will suit your unique needs.

• If you're concerned about enlarged pores or wrinkles, look for pore-reducing and anti-aging foundations
• Primers should always be used if you are going to airbrush your makeup.

Assess your skin and decide if you need a color-correcting primer.

If you have dark spots on your skin or dark circles under your eyes, redness or yellowness, you can find a tinted primer that will counteract the discoloration. Some colors cancel each other out, so if you have red skin, the color opposite red on the color wheel (green) will cancel out the red.

• Keep in mind that you don't have to use a correcting primer. You can absolutely use clear.
• A primer with a greenish tint can correct redness. This is especially helpful if you get a sunburn on your face.
• A yellow primer works for light red or pinkish complexions.
• If you have bluish dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or bruising, try an orange or peach-toned primer.
• If your skin is yellowish, try a tinted lavender primer.

Find out your skin type - oily, dry or normal?

Primers have different ingredients, weights and textures that will work better with different skin types. If you're not sure what kind of skin you have, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it air dry. How does your skin feel after 15-20 minutes?

• If your face feels damp or oily, you have oily skin. Try a mattifying primer to tone shine and absorb oil. Primers with salicylic acid also absorb excess oil.
• If your skin feels tight or dry, you have dry skin. Look for a gel base or brightening primer that won't dry out your skin.
• If your skin feels soft and clean, you have normal skin. Experiment with different primers to see which works best and gives you the effect you want.

Where to buy and how much it costs

Prices for this product largely depend on the manufacturer. Even if you haven’t found the primer you need in your city, they are always on sale in online stores. Which brand to choose and where to purchase the product is a purely individual matter. The summary table will help you navigate prices and stores.

Benefits of using and types of facial primers

To make your makeup look 100,000 percent better. It's really that simple. Makeup with a gel, cream, or liquid primer smoothes your skin, filling in tiny creases, enlarged pores, tightness and flaking, and uneven textures, creating nothing but a smooth surface for your makeup to glide on.

Makeup primer basically blurs, conceals, and evens out your skin's texture (not completely—it's not magic, but still to a noticeable degree). And because your makeup isn't competing with roughness and oil stains, it sticks to your face for hours longer than usual.

Primer comes in a ton of different shapes, just in case you want to prime your entire face. There are lip primers (to help keep your lipstick smooth and long-lasting), eyelash primers (to prevent clumps and lengthen lashes), eyelid primers (to prevent creasing, fading, and smudging), and face primers.

Facial primers also come in different formulas:

• moisturizers for dry skin,
• matting
• for oily skin,
• color correcting for redness

But really, all primers come down to two important, distinct categories: silicone-based or water-based formulas.

Features of application

To achieve the desired result, you should know and take into account some features of using a primer.

• Purchase a special brush (concealer) that ensures a comfortable and as even application of the product on the skin surface using patting and tapping movements.
• Apply the composition only to clean and dry facial skin. If you cannot do without using a caring cream, then be sure to wait until it is completely absorbed and only then apply the primer.
• If you want to apply such a product to the skin in the eye area, then perform the manipulation on the upper and lower eyelids.
• It is allowed to apply a thin layer of a primer specially designed for this purpose on the skin of the lips.
• Transparent compositions are produced for eyelashes, applied in a thin layer, due to which the makeup will look harmonious and neat.

Is the primer silicone based or water based?

Silicone primers give your face a super smooth, silky, soft feel that allows your makeup to glide onto your skin without sinking into pores and creases. Silicones also form a protective little shield over your skin, trapping moisture to keep your skin hydrated and protected. You'll know you have a silicone primer if one of the first five ingredients ends up in a cone or siloxane (eg, cone dimethi, conuspolisily, tri siloxane, cyclopenta siloxane, rec.). It's not an exact science, but if the -cones or -siloxanes are missing, you probably have a water-based primer.

And water-based primers are essentially lightweight moisturizers that leave your skin feeling slightly hydrated. I personally am not a fan of water-based primers. I don't think they do anything special for your makeup, especially if you're already wearing moisturizer, and they don't offer any of the same skin-smoothing properties as silicone primers.

This doesn't mean that silicone primers are suitable for everyone. Some people hate the feel of silicones or swear that silicones don't suit them and simply prefer the finish they get with a water-based primer.

Reviews

At one time I wondered about increasing the durability of makeup and bought MAC Prep + Prime CC Color Correcting SPF 30 primer. I also needed the product for photo shoots so that the skin would remain matte for a long time.

The product comes in a volume of 30 ml. The consultant advised me to take the shade Adjust, so I bought it as a result.

First of all, I was pleased with the low consumption. Two peas are enough for one application. This primer can also be used under the eyes, which is also a big plus for me.

The product moisturizes the skin well, smoothes the surface, and eliminates oily shine. I also noticed that my skin tone improved. It looks like the skin has been “photoshopped”. I apply foundation over the primer. It holds very well, does not roll or spread.

Anna Kirillova, 24 years old

Can I use primer instead of foundation?

If you use a water-based primer, you're basically just adding another layer of moisture to your skin (and maybe even some color-correcting or brightening powers, depending on the formula you get), which is always a plus. And if you use a silicone-based primer, you mattify your face by blurring the pores and also lock in moisture into your skin so it doesn't dry out. Basically, wearing just a primer without foundation can still give you skin care benefits.

Common models, brands and manufacturers

Color correctors SkyLine from Faberlic. The well-known online brand offers 5 of the seven shades listed above in its line. Each one is shaped like a tube with a thin spout, so it is convenient to apply it in the required quantity. The concealer itself lasts for a long time of use. Faberlic cosmetics also offers in its line a universal primer base with a dense structure, face control and a spot CC pencil for quickly masking spot defects.

Color primers SkyLine from Faberlic

Popular cosmetics brand Revlon has released its Photoready product. Its structure is dense, with good covering ability. Thanks to this base, the makeup becomes matte, which is very much appreciated as a makeup base for oily skin, and even fairly large scars remain unnoticed.

Egg Pore Yolk Primer from the Korean manufacturer Tony Moly is considered a professional and inexpensive corrective product. This is one of the budget options for a corrector. Due to the lack of advertising and the lack of promotion of the brand, the price of the primer is low.

Also, make-up corrector of various ranges and compositions can be found in such cosmetic brands as Essence, Revlon, Shiseido, MaxFactor and others. is popular among stylists for the visual effect of inner skin radiance. Note that the primer appeared in the line of such network cosmetic companies as Mary Key, Avon and Oriflame.

Corrector pencils from MaxFactor

Don't look at the price of the product or the popularity of the brand first. Read reviews, product ingredients, and then make a decision. Sometimes a cheap and simple remedy may be suitable, in other cases you will need the help of a more expensive analogue.

How to use face primer

Unlike products that block your makeup, like powders or setting sprays, primers are almost always applied after your last skincare step and before your makeup. As for application, makeup artists Allan Avendaño, Mary Phillips, and Robin Black recommend using your fingers to apply primer, as they say it's the best and easiest way to blend everything in for a seamless finish.

“The makeup brush will just smear the primer around,” says Phillips.

He also recommends giving the primer a full minute to dry before applying anything on top to avoid ruining your makeup.

“The trick with any primer is to make sure it's applied in a small amount and it's completely mixed in first [before going into the foundation],” says Avendaño, who explains that's why he likes to use his fingers to application control. “Easy and economical application is my rule for primers,” he adds.

A tip from makeup artist Vincent Oquendo, who like Avendaño also advises starting small, is to adapt the amount of primer you use depending on your skin type. For example, he says that someone with extremely dry skin, which tends to absorb makeup faster, can handle a quarter-size drop of primer, while someone with oily skin should stick to the bare minimum because it sits on longer. surfaces.

Finally, if you want to hide wrinkles, pores or blemishes, then you can simply use a primer on the areas you want to cover. Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto the back of your hand and apply it with your fingers using a light pat, or try applying with a foundation brush to fill in deeper wrinkles.

How to use face primer under makeup: step-by-step video instructions

Step 1: Wash your face with a mild cleanser.

It is important to remove all dirt and impurities from your face before you start covering it with makeup. Equally important: clean your hands. You can apply primer and other makeup with your fingers so you don't have to spread dirt on your face.

Step 2: Apply moisturizer.

Primer is not a replacement for moisturizer, and you shouldn't skip your moisturizer for fear that it will be too heavy. Moisturizer nourishes your skin and keeps it healthy and while some primers may have hydrating properties, their main purpose is to give you an even base.

• Make sure you allow your moisturizer to soak in and dry completely before you start applying primer. If your skin feels damp, wait a few more minutes for the moisturizer to absorb.

Step 3: Squeeze a pea-sized amount of primer onto the back of your hand.

Using too much primer can cause your foundation to clump together, and you really don't need more than a pea-sized amount to cover your face and neck.

Step 4: Apply primer to the center of your face and use gentle, circular motions to blend it outward.

This motion should be similar to the one you use when applying your moisturizer. Apply the product evenly to the skin to make it smooth and even. Make sure you blend it up to your hairline and on your neck.

• Don't forget about the skin around your eyes. If you are not using a separate eyelid primer, then very gently pat the primer onto your eyelids to ensure your eye makeup stays on all day.
• Use your middle finger to gently spread the primer over your face. You can also use a sponge or makeup brush, but this is not necessary.
• Apply a thin layer of primer to dry lips to make your lipstick look bold and prevent it from settling into fine lines around your mouth.

Step 5: Let the primer dry completely.

This should only take a few minutes. Some people choose to skip foundation altogether, especially if they just want to minimize the appearance of their pores or add brightness to their complexion. Otherwise, you can apply your makeup as usual.

• Apply a light layer of foundation, or another if you need more. Having a primer means you'll actually use less foundation.
• Your foundation should glide on smoothly and should not settle into creases or wrinkles like it would without a primer.
• Once you have applied your foundation, you can apply translucent powder. If your primer and foundation are silicone and oil based, this can help keep your makeup from smearing.

Errors when applying primer

Applying primer is a fairly easy process. But even in it, many make mistakes, which subsequently lead to an untidy look of makeup.

The most common of them:

1. Apply primer to unmoisturized skin. Although this product has skincare properties, it is still a decorative cosmetic product. Therefore, the skin must be moisturized with a light cream or serum before applying facial primer;
2. Applying primer to unabsorbed moisturizer. Be sure to wait until the previous product is absorbed/dry and only then apply the primer;
3. Applying any cosmetics directly immediately after using facial primer is also unacceptable. It is necessary to allow the primer to absorb into the skin before proceeding with further application of makeup, otherwise some cosmetics may lie in an uneven layer, which will lead to a sloppy appearance of the makeup;
4. Create a thick layer of primer in the lip area and around the eyes. To achieve the most natural effect, it is necessary to apply the product in these areas in thin layers. Speaking about other areas, layering of the product is allowed.

Rating of the best face primers according to makeup artists

MAKEOVER Skin mattifying primer Photo Finish Super Mattifying 25 ml colorless

This clear gel facial primer instantly smoothes skin and blurs imperfections. Its formula contains antioxidant vitamins A and E to protect your skin from environmental pollution, damage and stress. It also greatly increases the durability of your makeup.

pros

• Oil-free and lightweight
• Fills inside fine lines and pores easily

Universal face primer Clinique Superprimer

Review

Clinique's Superprimer is a lifesaver if your skin is dry, sensitive, aging or acne-prone. Its super-light formula glides on effortlessly and covers imperfections and redness to leave you with polished makeup. If you have dry skin that tends to flake, this primer takes care of that dreaded flaking.

pros

• Easy
• Easy to use
• Free from parabens and phthalates
• Fragrance free

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'R Instant Retouch Primer

Rihanna's shine-stopping, pore-diffusing primer smoothes your skin for better foundation application and longer wear. Its oil-free formula instantly offers lightweight coverage and a selfie-worthy glow throughout the day. It absorbs shine without ever feeling dry or chalky.

pros

• Lasts a long time
• Easy
• 100% cruelty free

BareMinerals Universal Face Primer

Review

This primer from bareMinerals is designed specifically for dry skin. Its rich, silky texture provides immediate and long-lasting hydration, smoothing dry, flaky skin. Its formula contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid and coconut alkanes plus a blend of minerals to give your skin a hint of pearly brightness.

pros

• Weightless feeling
• Moisturizes the skin
• Adds a subtle glow
• Inexpensive

Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer

If you're looking for a primer to combat dry skin and large pores, there's nothing quite like the Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer. This lightweight, non-greasy formula minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, mattifies dreaded shine, and delivers silky, smooth results. It's also tinted to give you lightweight, neutral coverage.

pros

• Without cruelty
• Natural composition
• No artificial flavors or colors
• Suitable for dry, mature, acne-prone skin

Minuses

• Expensive

How to apply the product correctly

The primer is applied to previously cleansed and moisturized skin. It is recommended to distribute the product with your fingertips, like a regular cream. After a couple of minutes, you can begin further application of cosmetics.

First of all, treat the T-zone, then, if necessary, apply the product to other areas.

The product will lie on the skin much better if you move along the massage lines of the face:

• from the space between the eyebrows to the hairline;
• from the tip of the nose to the space between the eyebrows;
• from the wings of the nose to the temples;
• from the chin to the earlobes;
• from the outer corner of the lower eyelid to the inner;
• from the inner corner of the upper eyelid to the outer.

2-3 minutes after application, you can cover the skin with foundation and additionally correct problem areas with concealer. Then lightly powder your face with a fluffy brush.

The primer is washed off with a long-lasting makeup remover. For example, lotion or micellar water.

Despite the ease of use of the product, due to inexperience, some girls make mistakes:

• distribution with active rubbing or driving movements;
• application on damp skin;
• applying an excessive amount of product.

To learn how to use a primer, how to select and apply it, watch the video.

Rating of the best budget face primers

Nyx Hydra Touch Primer

Review

If you're looking for a lightweight and fast-absorbing primer to hydrate dry areas of your face, Nyx Hydra Touch is our top pick for you. This versatile formula creates a smooth, luminous canvas for flawless coverage, while its skin-loving ingredients refresh your complexion and add life to dull skin.

pros

• Easy to use
• Adds a beautiful shine
• Easy
• Inexpensive

Moisturizing face primer El f

This hydrating primer from elf is one of the best primers for dry skin. Its formula contains grapes and vitamins A, C and E to improve complexion and hydrate skin. What you get is a smooth, flawless canvas that's perfect for long-term makeup application.

pros

• Easy
• Moisturizing
• Without cruelty
• Accessible

Yoo Faced Primer

Review

Want a dewy, healthy-looking finish? This primer will be an immediate treatment for your dehydrated skin. Its formula contains hydrating coconut water, skin probiotics that work together to boost your skin's radiance, increase elasticity, and aid hydration while locking in makeup for fresher, longer-lasting, flawless wear.

pros

• Easy
• Nourishing and moisturizing products
• Silicone-free
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Hygienic packaging

Minuses

• Doesn't fill large pores effectively

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Why do you need a face primer?

Primer helps create an additional layer between your face and makeup, that is, it is a real insurance that ensures that the foundation does not float 5 minutes after application.
It creates a protective barrier for the skin and seals and protects any skin care products. While your cream softens the skin, the primer prepares your face for makeup, extending its life and durability throughout the day.

A facial primer will come to the rescue if you are unhappy with the texture or pigmentation of your face. And also, if your foundation does not last as long as you would like.

Facial primer promotes more even distribution of foundation, accurate blending of other products, better durability and color transfer of any makeup product you use on your face. Therefore, the answer to the question why you need a face primer is simple: for everything!

Professional makeup artists use primers as a base for makeup or to lighten the texture and density of any foundation. For example, many people mix a transparent mattifying face primer with a thick foundation - this way the texture and color of the skin will be more even, and there will be no mask effect on the face.

Primers with reflective particles can also be used as a highlighter. But these are not all the functions and types of primers.

Facial primer makes pores less noticeable, evens out the texture and complexion, prevents the appearance of oily shine, hides flaking and helps to apply foundation more evenly.

Colored primers help combat irregular skin pigmentation. For example, peach and yellow mask bruises on the face. Green primer covers redness, lilac covers gray skin tone.

Anti-aging makeup: what is DD cream and how to use it

How to choose a face primer based on your skin type

Focus on your skin type and take into account its problems. Dry skin needs a base with moisturizing ingredients, while oily skin needs a base without oils and silicones.

For enlarged pores, a primer is useful to fill or narrow them. For those with oily and combination skin, you can apply a dry primer under your foundation, which will fill the pores and absorb oil and sweat without ruining your makeup.

Girls with very dry skin should pay attention to bases with reflective pigments - they will give the skin a healthier, more radiant look.

If you suffer from uneven tone, choose a color-correcting primer.

It is also recommended to choose a primer that will match your foundation. For example, mattifying primers are rarely combined with BB, CC and DD creams, since the latter already contain components that perform the same functions. Primers with silicones, which are often used for normal skin types with enlarged pores, are not compatible with foundations with oils. The foundation will not be able to “adhere” to the skin properly and will stain. Here, in fact, are all the instructions on how to choose a primer for the face. All that's left to do is learn how to use it.

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How to Apply Face Primer

Before primer, use your usual daily care routine, including sunscreen. And then just apply the primer.

• Use a small amount of product: a pea-sized amount is usually enough to completely cover your face. With pore-filling primers, it is worth remembering that they are applied only to problem areas. That is, on the T-zone and the area on the cheeks around the nose.

• Move from the center to the periphery: makeup artists recommend applying all skin products from the center of the face, where the main attention is concentrated. Distribute the primer in a thin layer in a circular motion using your fingers or a brush, but not a sponge - it will absorb a lot of the product.
• Don't forget about the area around your eyes: it also needs to be prepared for makeup. There is one BUT: do not use a mattifying primer on the area under the eyes, it is better to apply an eyeshadow base there.
• Mix the primer with foundation: this way you will reduce the time of applying makeup and get more long-lasting and natural makeup. Do not mix color correction primers with foundations - only transparent or radiant ones.

The best face primers

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

about 100 UAH

This is one of the most popular primers and we can see why. The makers weren't kidding when they called it "Baby's Skin" because it really does result in that soft, velvety feeling on the skin. The primer fills pores, hydrates the skin and extends the life of your makeup.

Pros:

• Light and non-greasy
• Leaves skin smooth and hydrated
• Minimizes the appearance of wrinkles
• Travel-friendly packaging
• Accessible

Minuses

• Using too much may result in a greasy feeling

Benefit POREfessional Face Primer

OK. 1500 UAH

Its formula has a silky texture that helps your foundation blend easily and stay in place all day long. If your T-zone is very oily, it will help control oiliness and also keep shine at bay.

This primer is suitable for all complexions and is highly recommended for oily, combination and sensitive skin types.

Pros:

• Reduces wrinkles and pores
• Light and non-greasy
• Suitable for all skin types

Minuses

• If you have dry skin it may not work

Lancome La Base Pro Primer

OK. 1000 UAH

The primer feels incredibly light on the skin and instantly hydrates for a healthy-looking complexion. If you're struggling with an oily T-zone, this serum-like formula controls oil and prevents that dreaded shine. Plus, your makeup will last longer even on hot days.

pros

• Easy to apply
• Smoothes out imperfections
• No oil

Minuses

• Not suitable for very oily skin

Clinique Superprimer

OK. 800 UAH

When we talk about its texture, it is like a cream but it will not make your face look or feel greasy. Enriched with antioxidants, this non-comedogenic formula is great for sensitive skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and healthy.

This product from Clinique is the best choice for dry skin.

Pros:

• Lightweight and oil free
• Allergy tested
• Without smell
• Doesn't dry out skin

Minuses:

• Doesn't provide enough oil control for very oily skin

Didn't find the one that suits you? Here are more options, among which you will definitely find something for yourself!

Maybelline New York GiGi Collection Tinted Primer

Price — 357 UAH

L'Oreal Paris Infaillible Primer Base de Teint

Price — 211 UAH

Benefit The Porefessional Matte Rescue

Price — 902 UAH

Giorgio Armani Fluid Master Primer

Price — 1226 UAH

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer Base De Teint Fluide

Price - to be confirmed

Gosh Velvet Touch Prime'n Set Powder

Price — 638 UAH

Tarte Cosmetics Rainforest Of The Sea Radiance Drops

Price — 863 UAH