What is makeup primer used for? Below you’ll find the answer and learn why it could be time to revise your
beauty routine. Primer is the worthwhile
cosmetic you apply before your foundation, blush or eyeshadow. What makes it worthwhile? (Hint: your smooth and seamless
skin will thank you!)
You’ve likely heard the term “primer” in conversations about makeup products, but what exactly is it, and do you need it? As its name implies, primer serves as a base coat that “primes” or prepares your skin for the rest of your makeup. In addition to smoothing the skin and setting the stage for professional-quality makeup application, primer can help to:
- Fill fine lines and wrinkles
- Even skin tone and texture
- Keep makeup looking fresh (e.g., no blotching, smudging or fading)
Choosing a primer
Originally used mainly by makeup artists, primer became increasingly popular in recent years. After all, who doesn’t desire a flawless complexion?
Primer is available in liquid, cream and gel formulas for face and eyes, and both are integral parts of any beauty regimen. Face primer is often formulated to address a specific issue, like dry skin or skin tone. You’ll find hydrating primer,
color-correcting primer, anti-aging primer and pore-minimizing primer, just to name a few. Be sure to choose a variety that speaks to your skin concerns.
How to apply primer
Primer can be applied using a primer brush or your fingertips. Here are five basic steps to follow.
- Apply preferred moisturizer and sunscreen.
- Squeeze primer onto back of hand, and use fingers to warm and mix.
- Dab primer on entire face, using fingers or primer brush.
- Rub primer gently, making sure none remains in crevices.
- Allow primer to become fully absorbed before applying foundation.
It’s that easy!
Top makeup primers at Vitacost.com
If you’re ready to embrace a flawless finish, check out these favorite makeup primers.
This multipurpose primer performs a variety of useful functions. It color corrects imperfections and reduces “the appearance of fine lines and deep pores to achieve a smooth, clear complexion.” Did we mention that it's mineral-based, gluten-free and vegan?
Perfect for light and dark skin complexions, this mineral-based yellow primer “tones down redness in the skin and does an amazing job at covering dark circles.” Plus, it “can make your skin appearance more soft, glowing and healthy with the powerful goodness of bamboo, elderberry, and Dead Sea salt.” Free of animal ingredients, bismuth oxychloride, lake dyes, laureth sulfate (SLS), mineral oil, sodium petro chemicals, paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances.
Looking for a makeup primer that “fills in lines, conceals pores, controls excess oil and instantly leaves skin looking and feeling smooth and silky”? This one does all that and helps your foundation last longer, too! And if that doesn’t convince you, it's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and contains no animal ingredients.
Formulated with a blend of aloe, Kaolin clay and vitamin C, this must-try makeup primer helps even skin tone and texture, absorb oil, control shine and minimize pores. It also contains natural antioxidants and collagen-boosting peptides to help reduce “the appearance of wrinkles and defend against signs of aging.” It's 100% hypoallergenic, vegan and free of artificial colors, gluten, paraben, phthalate and talc.
Recommended by dermatologists, this serum and primer duo boasts a fast-absorbing formula that “goes on light and locks in moisture for brighter, more radiant skin—with or without makeup.” Just a few drops of the paraben- and phthalate-free blend will help create a smooth and glowing canvas for your makeup.
