Primer is one of those products that sits somewhere in between skincare and makeup and often leaves buyers wondering if they actually need it and if it’s worth the investment. Whether you prefer natural or fuller coverage, we’re here to tell you why this misunderstood product is an essential part of your makeup application routine.
What is a primer?
Primer is a base for your foundation that allows your makeup to apply smoothly and gives longer staying power. Whilst your moisturiser will hydrate your skin, it won’t fill in pores and fine lines creating the smooth base that primer provides. There are a wide variety of primers available on the market to cater for different skin types and concerns. There are mattifying primers for those with oily skin or enlarged pores, hydrating primers for dry or mature skin and even colour correcting primers that assist with skin suffering from redness, age spots and uneven skin tone.
It’s best to avoid primers containing silicone (often listed as dimethicone on the ingredients list). Silicone will give excellent pore filling results but it won’t just fill your pores, it will block them! Silicone is difficult to remove from the skin so can easily trap dirt & oil leading to enlarged pores and breakouts. It can also dehydrate skin; as the barrier it creates prevents the goodness from your skincare absorbing into the skin.
How to apply a primer?
Primer can either be applied to specific problem areas or as an all-over base. You can stipple the product in using a brush or damp beauty blender, but for best results, we recommend using clean fingers to gently push it into the skin. The warmth of your fingers will help push the product deep into pores and wrinkles giving a smooth base.
