When we talk about primer, your mind probably wanders to a giant can of dripping house paint. Makeup primer is obviously its own thing, but it does operate similarly in the sense that it preps your skin and enhances the performance of everything you layer on top. Primers are considered an optional “bonus” makeup product—meaning you don’t technically need them to complete your look—but tons of makeup artists and beauty gurus swear by their powers.
What Does a Makeup Primer Do?
Makeup primers create a smooth and even canvas that helps your foundation, blush, and other products look more uniform and last longer. Many also boast additional benefits ranging from boosting moisture levels to minimizing the look of pores to absorbing excess oil throughout the day for a more matte look.
“In makeup, primers can help you create a more refined surface upon which you can ‘paint’ with the makeup colors you want to create your own self portrait,” explains Matthew Waitesmith, a professional makeup artist and the founder of Artis. “The primer enhances the skin surface to best partner with the next layers of makeup for the aesthetic results you want.”
When to Use A Makeup Primer
You can use a makeup primer anytime you want, but there are some key scenarios when it really comes in handy.
- If Makeup Always Fades: Melissa Murdick, makeup artist for ColourPop, says that primer can come to the rescue if you find that your makeup fades or melts throughout the day.
- For Big Events: Consider primer insurance on your makeup when you need it to stay put for big events like a wedding, presentation, or photographs.
- When You Have Dry Skin: Those with dry or flaky skin can benefit from applying a makeup primer that moisturizes and locks in hydration.
- If You Have Oily Skin: A mattifying makeup primer comes in clutch if you find yourself dealing with slick skin midday.
- Your Pores Are Large: Makeup primers smooth out rough texture and minimize the look of lines and pores.
Types of Makeup Primers
You’ve got a handful of makeup primer formulas to choose from. All of them prep your skin and enhance application of additional makeup products, but different types can provide unique benefits.
Blurring
For that photo-filter effect, use a smoothing primer that creates a more blurred look and minimizes the look of fine lines, discoloration, and pores. “I personally have been using Benefit’s The POREfessional ($35, Sephora) and the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer ($58, Sephora) for years,” Murdick says.
Mattifying
If you’ve got oily skin, Murdick says there are mattifying primers that help reduce shine by absorbing excess oil throughout the day. Check out Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer with Niacinamide ($38, Sephora) or JOAH Super Sidekick Mattifying Primer ($11.99, Amazon).
Moisturizing
“For dry skin, there are hydrating primers that will keep the skin feeling plump,” Murdick says. “If you’re looking for an affordable option to try, get the Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Primer ($12, Ulta).
Glow-Boosting
Want an extra boost of glowy sheen? Murdick says to choose a product that not only boosts moisture, but offers an extra dose of radiance. We love Iconic London Underglow Blurring Primer ($30, Ulta) and Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Illuminating Primer ($28, Sephora).
How to Apply Makeup Primer
Application is the same no matter what type of makeup primer you use. Waitesmith says to gently cleanse your skin and complete your skincare routine, including application of your toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF. After the products have absorbed, follow up with a thin layer of your makeup primer and allow it to set a minute or two before going in with foundation and other makeup.
“Splashing or misting your skin with a little water first will usually help the primer formula glide onto the skin more easily and evenly,” Waitesmith notes. “Having that extra moisture underneath the primer helps it create a more plump and even skin texture, as well.”
If you experience makeup pilling, this is probably an indication that two products aren’t working well together. This often happens when you apply too much product, apply another product without waiting for the first to dry, and/or if you layer products that don’t “play nicely” with each other. For example, water-based and oil-based products repel each other, and some silicone-based products don’t agree with other silicone-based products.
FAQs
Makeup primers create a smooth and even canvas that helps your foundation, blush, and other products look more uniform and last longer. Many also boast additional benefits ranging from boosting moisture levels to minimizing the look of pores to absorbing excess oil throughout the day for a more matte look.
Is makeup primer really necessary? ›
A primer makes a huge difference in the look and wear of your makeup. If you're dealing with smudging, creasing, or disappearing foundation throughout the day, add a face primer to your morning product lineup and you'll notice the benefits instantly.
What happens if I don't use primer makeup? ›
Not to replace a moisturizer, a face primer is it's own, equally essential step. Underneath foundation, the right face primer should smooth away any unwanted texture, such as fine lines and open pores, and ultimately help give your makeup increased long wear.
What can be used instead of primer? ›
Aloe Vera Gel + Moisturizer
The best way to hold onto your makeup without using a primer is to use a mixture of aloe vera gel and a moisturizer along. This combination works best for creating a dewy finish that can help you with your further makeup application.
Can I use moisturizer as primer? ›
What's the difference between primer and moisturiser? While you can use a moisturiser instead of primer if you just want a hydrated base, I wouldn't suggest using makeup primer as a moisturiser. Hydrating primers are designed to be an additional step for dry skin, not a substitute for moisturiser.
What is the best face primer? ›
The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is the summation of all of these, earning the title of our best overall pick. The clear, gel-like liquid primer hydrated and smoothed our skin while leaving us with a radiant glow — a fantastic base for our makeup or a "skin, but better" look when worn on its own.
When should you not use a primer? ›
While primer is an important step, it's not always necessary. You don't need to use a primer if your paint project has all of these conditions: You're painting drywall surfaces that are smooth, clean, and don't need repair. Surfaces were previously painted with latex in a flat or eggshell finish.
Can I skip primer if I use moisturizer? ›
The truth is, you should always apply moisturizer before reaching for primer (seriously, always). As we mentioned above, the purpose of a moisturizer is to lock in moisture to keep dryness at bay. If you apply primer first, you run the risk of sporting dry, lackluster skin.
What type of makeup is best for older skin? ›
Use Moisturizing Makeup
With the daily application and removal of makeup, it can really take a toll on the skin and dry it out. To battle this, you can be proactive by using makeup that simultaneously covers and hydrates. Many different brands of foundation, blush, and highlighters offer moisturizing products.
What color primer for age spots? ›
Peach. The sun, irritation, hormones—they can all cause your skin to overproduce melanin and leave you with age spots, dark circles, and patches of melasma. Salmon-colored primers won't undo the damage, but they will do a brilliant job of hiding it.
Oil-based stain killers work the best on water stains and for spot-priming. Latex stain-blocking primers work better on large areas and hold up better on exterior surfaces. Pigmented shellac primer works well to block smoke and soot damage as well as to block animal urine smells.
Can Vaseline be used as a primer? ›
This helps protect the skin and aids in more effective healing. Makeup Primer: Opt for a budget-friendly option by using Vaseline as a makeup primer.
What can I use as a natural primer? ›
Mix the aloe vera gel, moisturizer, baby powder and witch hazel oil into a smooth paste. Dot it all over your face using your fingers. Use a make-up sponge to smoothen it out on the skin. And your done with your base make-up.
Can I use Aquaphor as primer? ›
Now, aside from using the blush on your cheeks, you can also use it on your lips as a hydrating stain and on your lids as a cream eye shadow. Ditch your usual makeup primer and use Aquaphor instead. The formula works just as well, if not better, to hydrate and prep your face for lipstick or eye shadow.
Do you really need to use primer? ›
Use a Primer
In fact, he says primer is absolutely necessary when dealing with bare or unusual surfaces. “If you're talking about bare sheetrock or bare wood, or something unusual like when there's been wallpaper on the wall and you're trying to paint over the old paste, then we're always going to recommend primer.”
What happens if you didn't use primer? ›
If the surface of the wall you are painting is extremely porous, you will likely need to use a primer before going in with your desired paint color. Porous surfaces, if not properly primed beforehand, can absorb a lot of paint.
Can makeup look good without primer? ›
Many also feel that it doesn't make a difference, and find that their foundation sits well on top of their skin without the need of a primer. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether or not you want to use primer in your makeup routine.
Is primer pointless? ›
To help achieve a consistent appearance with your final coat, when painting new drywall or over drywall patches it is always a good idea to first use a primer – and besides, using a quality drywall primer is typically much less expensive per gallon than using multiple coats of a quality interior latex paint.
