How to Use Primer

Many people skip the primer step, thinking it's unnecessary. However, taking just a few minutes to add this to your makeup routine can make a noticeable difference. Primer smooths the skin’s surface, minimizes fine lines and pores, evens out skin tone, and helps makeup stay in place throughout the day. This guide will help you choose the right primer and apply it correctly.

Identify the results you want to achieve when using primer. Are you most concerned about wrinkles and fine lines? Or perhaps uneven skin tone? Or maybe reducing shine on oily skin? There are many types of primers available, so take the time to assess your skin and consider which product works best for you. Check the packaging and research online to find a primer that addresses your specific needs.

• If you're worried about enlarged pores or wrinkles, look for a primer that minimizes pores and offers anti-aging benefits.
• You must use primer if you're aiming for a dewy makeup look.

Assess your skin type and decide if you need a color-correcting primer. If your skin has dark spots, under-eye circles, redness, or appears pale, you may want a tinted primer to neutralize those imperfections. The right color will cancel out the unevenness on your skin. For example, if you have redness, the opposite color on the color wheel (green) will counteract it.

• Remember, you don’t have to use a color-correcting primer if you don’t want to. A translucent primer works just fine.
• A green primer is excellent for covering intense redness, like sunburned skin.
• A yellow primer is best for slightly red or pinkish skin tones.
• If you have dark spots or bruising, try a peach or coral-colored primer.
• If your skin is yellow or appears dull, a purple primer can brighten your complexion.

Identify your skin type – oily, dry, or normal? Primers come in various formulas, thicknesses, and textures, each suited to different skin types. If you're unsure of your skin type, cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and let your skin air dry. After 15-20 minutes, check how your skin feels.

• If your skin feels oily or greasy, you likely have oily skin. Opt for a mattifying primer to reduce shine and absorb oil. A primer with salicylic acid can also help control oil production.
• If your skin feels tight or dry, you likely have dry skin. Choose a gel-based primer or one with hydrating properties that doesn’t dry out your skin.
• If your skin feels soft and balanced, you likely have normal skin. Try various primers to find the one that feels the best and gives you the desired results.

Check if your foundation is water-based or oil-based. You should choose a primer that has the same base as your foundation to ensure they work well together. Additionally, check if your foundation contains silicone, as this ingredient can sometimes cause an uneven texture when paired with oil-based primers.

• When testing a primer, apply a sample to the back of your hand. Once it dries, apply your foundation on top. If the foundation blends smoothly, your primer and foundation are compatible.
• If using a silicone-based primer, apply it to a small area of your skin before applying it to your entire face, as some individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.

Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser. Removing dirt and impurities from your skin before applying makeup is essential. Equally important is washing your hands thoroughly. Since you’ll be applying primer and other makeup products with your fingers, make sure your hands are clean to avoid transferring dirt onto your face.

Moisturizing Products A primer cannot replace a moisturizer, and skipping the moisturizing step because you fear it will make your face too heavy is not recommended. Moisturizing products nourish the skin, keeping it healthy, while a primer also provides moisture, but its main purpose is to set the foundation in place.

• Ensure that your moisturizer absorbs into your skin and dries completely before applying the primer. If your skin still feels wet, wait a few more minutes to allow the moisturizer to fully absorb.

Dispense a pea-sized amount of primer onto the back of your hand. Using too much primer can cause the foundation to clump; in fact, you only need a small amount, roughly the size of a pea or a raisin, to cover both your face and neck.

Dot the primer in the center of your face and gently blend it outward. This is similar to how you apply your moisturizer. Blend the primer evenly across the skin to achieve a smooth, even base. Make sure to blend it all the way to the hairline and down your neck.

• Don't forget the skin around your eyes. If you’re not using a specific eyelid primer, lightly dab primer onto your eyelids to help your eye makeup stay intact throughout the day and make your eyes pop.
• Use your ring finger and middle finger to gently spread the primer. You can also use a makeup sponge or brush, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
• Apply a thin layer of primer to your lips to help your lipstick stay bold and prevent it from settling into fine lines around your mouth.

Wait for the primer to fully dry. This only takes a few minutes. Some people skip the foundation step, especially if they just want to minimize pores and add radiance to their skin. If you choose to, continue with your usual foundation application.

• Apply a thin layer of foundation and add more layers as needed. With the primer, you’ll use less foundation.
• Your foundation will be smooth and won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles as it would without a primer.
• Once your foundation is applied, you may set it with a translucent powder to ensure it stays in place. If both your primer and foundation are silicone-based or oil-based, this will prevent makeup from sliding off throughout the day.