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What is Face Primer Used For And What Face Primer Should I Use?

Published Categorized as Makeup Tips

Face primer prepares your face for makeup application by creating a layer on top of your skin. Primers help your makeup last longer while smoothing out the surface of your skin. Any uneven skin tone problems are corrected when you use the right primer.

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Preparing your skin for makeup application is one of the most important parts of your skincare routine. We’ll be taking you through a complete look at the benefits of face primers, while answering all your questions and helping you understand how to use it best. If you’re wondering ‘what face primer should I use?’ Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with our recommended hidden gem of a Makeup Primer!

Table of Contents

What is Face Primer Used For?

In a nutshell, makeup primer is used for preparing the skin, evening out skin texture, helping makeup stay longer, and even adjusting makeup to your specific skin tone. There are many uses to primer, so read on to find out.

What is Face Primer Used For and What Primer Should I Use - Ellis James Designs

What types of face primers are available?

There are many different types of face primers available to purchase. Just make sure that you select the correct makeup primer for your skin type and general skin condition. So if you’re ‘wondering does makeup primer make a difference?

Here are 5 primer types and the difference they’ll make to your makeup routine.

Mattifying primer

Matte face primers are optimal for those with oily skin. A good matte makeup primer will balance out sebum production and excess oil, which reduces the shine on your face. This in turn helps foundation and other products look better for longer. If you have combination skin, it might be a good idea to mix primers instead of using just mattifying primers, to accommodate your skin’s needs.

COVER FX Mattifying Primer, 1 Fl Oz
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Color correcting primer

Color correcting makeup primers are the best for people who suffer from skin discolorations. If you’re battling issues which have left you with sallow, ashen or reddish skin, get a tinted makeup primer to smooth out your skin tone.

A color correcting primer can also help with matching your skin tone in general, not just when you’re not having the best skin day. Color correcting primers are more customizable to your needs than regular primers.

stila One Step, Color Correcting Facial Serum, 1 Fl Oz
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Long-lasting makeup primers

All makeup primers come with the benefit of making your makeup last for longer. However, long-lasting face primers exhibit superior strength. They’re ideal for anyone participating in high-paced activities, or those living in extremely hot areas, as they help you lock in your foundation properly for the entire day.

Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray and Primer- Prime + Correct + Set (2.03 Fl. Oz.) Makeup Finishing Spray and Primer - Long Lasting Makeup Primer and Spray
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Hydrating primers

Hydrating face primers are the best for anyone who suffers from dehydrated and dry skin. If your skin is dry and cracking, then use a hydrating primer to lock an extra layer of moisture in place. They do a great job of helping your makeup stay in place while also freshening the look and feel of your skin.

As the name entails, hydrating primers should help your dehydrated skin and dry skin in their moisturizing needs. This type of primer is also useful for wrinkles and fine lines, as it won’t exacerbate them.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Hydra Touch Primer Face Makeup
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Pore-reducing makeup primers

Pore-reducing face primers reduce the appearance of your pores. These are usually silicone based primer. If you have large pores, then this is the best type of makeup primer for you. Apply a pore-reducing face primer before your foundation so that it eliminates any skin texture issues, such as fine lines. Everyone wants a smooth surface to begin the rest of their makeup, so use a primer like this to help reduce large pores!

Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer, 1 fl oz
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(Check out our picks for best pore minimizing foundation here.)

Illuminating Primers

Illuminating primers have ingredients in them that make your skin look glowing and dewy. While some may just have a formulation that brightens the skin, some can have particles that make the surface of the skin shine, such as gold flecks. Use primer that illuminate your skin if you have dry skin as the ingredients are usually jam-packed with hydrating oil-based ingredients.

jane iredale Smooth Affair Illuminating Glow Face Primer, 1.7 fl. oz.
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What does face primer help to prevent? What are face primers used for?

Face primer helps your makeup last longer and prevents your foundation from running, both great reasons why you should use a primer on your face and eyes. It is also a fantastic alternative to moisturizer for acne sufferers, preventing breakouts by protecting the skin from direct contact with cosmetics.

According to makeup artists, makeup primer also helps “adjust” makeup so it fits and suits the skin it’s working on. Not all makeup suits every skin tone exactly, so makeup primer is there to help your cosmetics out.

Also, primer creates a smooth base or canvas to start with, therefore preventing makeup from caking. In addition, primer helps in letting makeup last longer.

What is Face Primer Used For and What Primer Should I Use - Ellis James Designs

Primer vs Foundation

What are the key differences between foundation and primer?

Foundation and makeup primer are two completely different products. So when it comes to primer vs foundation, face primer is applied underneath your foundation to fill in fine lines, reduce the look of pores and help foundation stay on longer. Foundation covers flaws instead of filling them in and unlike primer, it changes or matches your natural skin tone and skin type.

Can you wear makeup primer without foundation?

If all you’re looking for is a smooth complexion without any of the dense, complete coverage of foundation, then all you have to use is a good face primer on its own. Acne sufferers often apply primer by itself to neutralize redness and reduce irritation.

Can you wear foundation without a makeup primer?

If you don’t suffer from any dryness, irritation, or excess oiliness, then go ahead and wear foundation without a primer. High-quality foundation can be applied without the need of a primer, but face primers are still beneficial for keeping your skin healthy.

Additionally, most foundations will end up looking cakey if you don’t prepare your skin first. A primer is also essential when bad weather hits; it’s the only thing that’ll guarantee getting your makeup to stay in place. Some primers also help in absorbing excess oil so they won’t melt your foundation, or at least this would take longer to happen. Eye primer, for instance, makes eye shadows look more vibrant and stay longer, so makeup primer does the same for your base.

Are BB and CC creams primers?

Tinted moisturizers, BB and CC creams are all technically face primers. If you’re looking for a bit more coverage than most primers give without the need for foundation, then give a good BB or CC cream a try. The creams have a thicker consistency but will be almost as effective as a foundation and face primer combo. So if you’re wondering what to use instead of face primer, BB and CC creams are great!

Read more about BB Creams and CC Creams on our blog:

How do I apply a primer?

If you’re wondering how to apply primer, it’s quite simple.

Wash your face and apply a moisturizer before using a face primer. Once the moisturizer is completely absorbed, apply the primer using a circular motion. Stay away from your eye area and wait a few minutes until the primer has absorbed before putting on makeup.

While most things makeup-related are applied with a makeup brush, it’s best to apply primer using your fingers. The warmth of your hands will melt the makeup primer, making it easier to apply on the face. Apply some to the back of your hand first to gauge how much primer you’ll need to apply on your face, instead of direct application.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer, 1 fl oz

Does primer help makeup stay on longer?

Although not the only purpose or benefit of using a primer, longer lasting gorgeous makeup looks are a real bonus! Primer sticks to your skin, then your makeup sticks to the primer, overall making it last longer.

What face primer type do I choose?

Finding the right primer for certain skin conditions and skin types is imperative. If you’re wondering how to choose a face primer, it’s worth keeping in mind that certain primers are comedogenic, meaning that they can clog your pores. Stick to non-comedogenic face primers if you’ve got oily skin or acne prone skin. The right type of primer won’t clog your pores, allow for smoother makeup application and even out your skin tone. Don’t forget to add them to your beauty routine!

There’s also other types of primer apart from foundation primer, such as eye makeup primer for mature skin.

(Check out the best eye primer for aging skin and eyeshadow primer)

The Ellis James Choice – Best Makeup Primer

Monica Ann Beauty has some of the world’s most effective formulas for addressing beauty and skincare issues. They are trusted by countless women around the world thanks to their immediate results and great quality.

Dual-Action Face Primer (Vitamin C+ Hyaluronic Acid) , Monica Ann Beauty; Foundation Primer that will Hydrate, Mattify, Brighten, and Minimize Pores for a Healthy Natural Glow!

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Monica Ann Beauty’s Dual Action Face Primer

Monica Ann Beauty’s Dual Action Face Primer is fortified with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid to guarantee the best results possible. It hydrates you skin restoring a youthful glow which gradually improves the condition of your skin over time. As a completely translucent primer, you can expect beautiful matte coverage that is perfect with or without foundation.

RELATED: Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C

Used by itself, it helps to reduce redness and wrinkles, minimize the appearance of pores and acts as an anti-aging supplement for your skin. As a base underneath your makeup, it drastically improves the staying power of your foundation. There simply is no better face primer on the market! If you’re a makeup artist or simply a makeup enthusiast, it’s definitely worth giving our pick for best makeup primer a try

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4 comments

  1. Same! Hydrating primers are my go-to for when my eczema flares up!

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