Today we’re talking primers. What the heck are they and do you really need one? The short answer: yes, you really need one. And if you’re someone who usually skips this step, you’re not alone! Many people think primers are just an “extra step” in a makeup routine, but they’re actually a must. Whether you’re trying to even out skin tone, camouflage pores or get your makeup to last longer, a good primer is the answer. But of course, not all makeup primers are created equally, so today I’m sharing my top three favorites + tips on how to use them!
WHAT IS A PRIMER?
A primer is used as a base for makeup, giving your foundation something to hold on to so it lasts all day. Makeup primers come in cream, gel, liquid or powder form. There are tons of primers out there that cater to every skin type or makeup concern.
HOW TO PICK A PRIMER
The best way to pick a makeup primer that will work for you is to think about your skin type.
- If you have oily skin, try a mattifying or pore-minimizing primer.
- If you have dry skin, try a moisture-rich primer.
- If you have acne-prone skin, try a color-correcting primer or acne-fighting primer.
- If you have mature skin, avoid shimmery primers and try a hydrating primer.
- If you have sensitive skin, try a natural primer with skin-soothing ingredients.
HOW TO APPLY PRIMER
- Start with a clean base
- Follow with your skincare routine (moisturizer, sunscreen etc.)
- Wait a minute or so before applying primer
- Apply a pea sized amount and use fingers to smooth primer onto skin
- Let primer sit for a few minutes
- Continue with makeup application
MY PRIMER PICKS
Wearing a primer is a makeup step I never skip. I have dry, acne prone skin and rely on primer to give me an even base and to mattify my larger pores.. The first primer I’m loving right now is the Clarins SOS primer in the shade 02 Peach Blurs Imperfections (see it in action here). It’s super lightweight and and is great for blurring imperfections before applying makeup.
Second, is the Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer (see me use it here.) This one is great for dry skin because it hydrates, brightens and gives a dewy looking finish.
The third one I recommend is the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. It’s clear, super lightweight and instantly reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines.
And lastly for a more affordable makeup primer option, the Maybelline Master Prime is a good one for smoothing and evening out skin tone for all skin types.
Do you guys use a makeup primer? Let me know which one you’re obsessed with in the comments!
xo
33 Comments
Wonderul primer tricks … very lovely tips as always! ????
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Sona another huge thing you forgot to mention is you want the base of your primer to match your foundation. Water based primer with water based foundation. Silicone with silicone, etc. I am personally a fan of the hangover one! Plus it smells so good!
Thank you, Sona ! It’s so helpful because I have dry et dehydrated skin and I’m always hesitating !
Hugs from Wallonia (Belgium)
Glad it was helpful love!
Thx for suggestions. Your favorite in the past was Dr. Brandt primer. What happened? No longer favorite?
Hi Rose! Yes I love that one too!
I commented on the blog app, I don’t think it shows here. I love your tips and how you also show how to apply it. Very helpful. Also gives me products to buy. If you like them, I know I will (?) I have been using what comes in boxy charm, but i do want to try the two faced one
Thanks for the love Louise! Let me know what you think about the Two Faced one <3
You have me hooked on the Dr. Brandt! It is so good!
I have oily acne prone skin and I love to use the Porefessional, Milk Makeup Blur Stick, Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot, Too Faced Peach Perfect Mattifying primer, Dr. Brandt pores no more, and Makeup Forever mattifying primer. I usually use the blur stick on my biggest pores on my cheeks and then one of the mattifying ones where I get oily.
Amazing! I love trying new ones <3
Great post! I live on a humid island and find that using a primer greatly impacts the longevity of my foundation. For the most part, I try not to use foundation daily but if it calls for glam then primers is what’s needed for that glam day/night. Again thanks for the post.
Thanks for the love Jackie!
oh yes!!!! I never skip my primer !! Didn’t even know what a primer was before I discovered You Tube and now it’s an everyday must have ! xo
A total must-have!! <3
Do you recommend using even if you use just a tinted moisturizer instead of a foundation?
Definitely, I would apply a light layer to give your tinted moisturizer a smooth base!
I use dr Brandt primers.. always the pore refiner and occasionaly the luminizer. But I saw a huge difference with the hourglass primer.. I’ve tried a list of primers but for special ocassion my deluxe hourglass sample!
Love the Dr. Brandt one <3
I love the smash box primer which was my OG. But like any makeup/skincare, I’m all about trying other things. I’m loving the too faced hangover primer because it’s sooo hydrating. I am also loving the dr Brandt pores no more (thanks to your recommendation) and the Tatcha silk canvas. I also started using the Summer Fridays jet lag mask as a primer and it works beautifully. xoxo
I love primers from Smashbox and Maybelline!! Thanks for sharing!
Primers are a MUST for me! I have very oily skin so the primer helps my makeup last and look nice. I love Cover Fx mattifying primer with Anti-Acne treatment and Colorscience primer with SPF 30.
A total must for oily skin!!
xo
I dont use primers but re-thinking that. I always get small samples to try and the too faced one that you mentioned is actually not my favorite- its a little sticky my skin didnt agree with it. Thanks for the helpful post.
Thanks for your comment Kristine! Have you tried a hydrating/water or gel based primer?
xo
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Thank you Sona! I never use a primer and always wondered whether it was really necessary! I thought as long as my skin was well prepped I’d be okay, but this makes much sense! I guess a trip to ulta is in my near future ??
Yesss a definite must! Let me know what you pick up
xo
I have mature skin and never really thought I needed the primer but maybe will rethink it now, lol. I definitely would like the gel/hydrating type. Thanks for your great tips!
Hi Sona! What about primer for color correcting? Or, do you recommend a CC cream for this in addition to primer? I used to use MAC CC cream to help with my redness, but I think they stopped making it. What do you think? Thank you!!!
This is a step I never skip as well. I like Revlon Photo HD face primer. It is in liquid form but I find it covers some large pores & it provides a smooth base for my foundation. I love it!!! It also helps to make my foundation stay on longer, no smearing. Try Revlon Photo HD primer. It is great.
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