So often I am asked by friends, family and clients ''What's a primer? What does it do? Is it necessary?'' Whilst not absolutely necessary to each and every makeup application, primer is considered to be a good investment for anyone and their makeup collection.
Where is primer applied and what is it used for?
Makeup primer is a base for foundation or face makeup that allows it to go on smoother and last longer. Formulas are available in cream, gel and powder. Available options can be specifically for the facial area to aid foundation application, whilst others may be specific to the eyelids for eye shadow application.
Facial Primer - Usually comes in some form of cream or stick, having a creamy or waxy texture. Essentially these primers establish 'a base' or 'clean canvas' for the rest of your makeup, allowing it to apply more smoothly and last longer. Some primers may be specific in their use, e.g. 'Pore-filling', '24 Hour long wear' or 'Illuminating'
Eyelid Primer - Usually comes in a smaller form such as a tube, and is directly applied to the lids. This application may initially make your lids feel tacky or sticky. Eye lid primer is useful when using lots of eye shadow as it makes it last a LONG time, but also increases the intensity and pigmentation of the eye shadows on your lids.
What primer is best suited to my skin type or skin issues?
As aforementioned, Primers may be specific in their use or may be better suited to certain conditions. Here are some of my personal suggestions for primers depending on their use.
Oily skin - 'Bare Minerals Prime Time', 'Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer', 'Neutrogena Shine Control', 'Laura Mercier Oil Free'
Dry skin - 'Laura Mercier Mineral', 'Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating', 'Elf Mineral Infused Primer'
Long lasting - 'Rimmel Fix and Perfect', 'Benefit 15 Hour Primer', 'Revlon Smoothing Beyond Perfection'
Pore filling - 'Smash-box Pore Filling', 'Benefit Pore-Fessional', 'Two-faced Primed and Poreless'
Illuminating - 'Loreal Magic Lumi Primer', 'Benefit That Gal', 'Shiseido Glow Enhancing Primer'
Good luck with your future primer endeavours! xx