While many people don't use primer because they don't think it's really important, taking a few minutes to apply primer to your makeup can make a big difference to your final look. The primer will soften the surface of the skin, fade the appearance of fine lines and pores, even out the complexion, and help keep makeup from fading throughout the day. This article will help you choose and use a primer properly.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Primer
Step 1. Determine the effect you want
Are the things you pay most attention to are wrinkles and fine lines? Skin discoloration? Reduce shine on oily skin? There is a wide selection of primers on the market, so take the time to pay attention to your skin condition and find out which primer is best for you. Check the label on the package or search the internet to find the primer that best suits your specific needs.
- If you're concerned about enlarged pores or wrinkles, look for "pore reducing" and "anti-aging" primers.
- Primer should always be used if you are going to use the airbrush technique on makeup.
Step 2. Look at your skin condition and determine if you need a "color correcting" primer
If you have dark spots on your skin or dark circles, redness, or sunken eyes, you can look for a "color-tinted" primer that will neutralize those colors. Complementary colors will cancel each other out, so if your skin is reddish, the color opposite the red on the color wheel (green) will be able to neutralize it.
- Keep in mind that you don't have to use a "color-correcting" primer. You can use a colorless primer.
- A primer with a greenish tint can remove heavy redness on the face. A primer like this is especially useful if you have sunburns on your face.
- A yellow primer is suitable for bright red or light pink skin tones.
- If you have dark bluish spots, hyperpigmentation, or bruising on your face, try using an orange or peach-red primer.
- If your skin is yellowish or pale yellow, try a lavender primer.
Step 3. Find out your skin type, oily, dry or normal?
Primers contain a variety of different ingredients, weights and textures making them suitable for certain skin types. If in doubt about your skin type, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it dry. How does your skin feel after 15-20 minutes?
- If it feels oily or damp, your skin is oily. Try a mattifying primer to reduce shine and absorb oil on your face. Primers containing salicylic acid can also absorb excess oil.
- If it feels dry or tight, your skin is dry. Look for a gel-based primer or an illuminating primer that won't dry out your skin.
- If it feels soft and clean, your skin is normal. Try different types of primers to find the one that works best and gives you the results you want.
Step 4. Check if your foundation is oil or water based
Choose a primer with the same base as your foundation so they don't repel each other. Also, pay attention to whether there is silicone in the foundation, as silicone sometimes interacts negatively with oil-based foundations and makes them look mottled.
- When trying a primer, ask for a sample first and rub it on your hands. Once dry, apply foundation on it. If the foundation sticks smoothly, it means they can be used together.
- Test the silicone-based primer on a small area of skin first before using it all over the face as some people with sensitive skin are allergic to silicone.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Face
Step 1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
Cleaning the face of all dirt before applying makeup is very important. Equally important is cleaning your hands. You may be applying primer or other makeup with your fingers, so don't carry dirt from your hands onto your face.
Step 2. Apply moisturizer
Primer is not a substitute for moisturizer, and you shouldn't skip moisturizer for fear of putting too much makeup on. Moisturizer will nourish the skin and maintain its health. Although some primers contain moisturizers, their main use is to maintain foundation.
Make sure to wait for your moisturizer to soak in until it dries before applying the primer. If your skin feels still damp, wait a few more minutes for the moisturizer to fully absorb
Part 3 of 3: Using Primer
Step 1. Remove a pea-sized amount of primer on the back of your hand
Too much primer can cause your foundation to clump, and you shouldn't need more than a pea or raisin-sized amount of primer to cover your entire face and neck.
Step 2. Apply the primer to the center of the face and use circular motions to blend it outwards
This movement should be the same as the movement when applying moisturizer. Apply the primer evenly to the surface of the skin so that the layer is smooth and even. Make sure to blend the primer all the way to the hairline and neck.
- Don't forget the skin around the eyes. If you don't use a special eyelid primer, also gently rub the primer into that area so that your eye makeup lasts and looks clear throughout the day.
- Use your ring finger or little finger to gently spread the primer all over your face. You can also use a sponge or makeup brush, but these tools are not absolutely necessary.
- Apply a thin layer of primer to the dry surface of the lips to maintain the color of the lipstick and prevent it from getting into the fine lines around the mouth.
Step 3. Allow the primer to dry completely
It should only take a few minutes. Some people choose not to use foundation at all, especially if they just want to reduce the appearance of pores and brighten the face. If not, you can use your makeup as usual.
- Apply a thin layer of foundation and thicken it if you need to add more. The presence of a primer can make you reduce the use of foundation.
- Your foundation should be able to adhere smoothly and not sink into the crevices or wrinkles like if you didn't use a primer.
- After applying your foundation, you may need to coat it with a transparent powder. If your primer and foundation are silicone and oil based, a transparent powder can help prevent your makeup from smudging.
