Hey y’all!! Welcome back to my Makeup 101 series!! I need to write another post about skincare because I am constantly trying to figure out what’s best for my skin but since I’m still in the process, I’ll wait until another day. On to the subject at hand, primer. What is primer you say? Primer is something you apply after moisturizer and before foundation. This post will focus on the benefits of primer as well as the different types that might be best depending on your skin type and use.
Benefits of Primer
- Smooth Skin – our skin has texture and primer can help smooth out our skin so that our foundation looks more flawless. We may have large pores, acne, or fine lines (or if you’re like me, all three), and primer fills those holes so that our skin looks smoother and less textured.
- Longer lasting foundation – primer helps bond the foundation to our face so that it stays on longer
- Color correcting – certain brands, like smash box, have color correcting primers to help with skin conditions like redness
- Add glow – Some primers can help add that dewy look so your skin looks like it’s glowing
- Oil control – if you have oily skin, some primers will help keep the oil at bay
Types of Primer
I covered this above a little, but there are different types of primers based on your skin condition. Some primers are water based and some are silicone based. The formula you need will depend upon your skin type and what you’re trying to achieve.
Pore Minimizing
I use this primer sometimes and it does the trick for sure! It makes my skin feel smooth and it also helps control oil. My T zone tends to get oily, especially in the summer and so instead of my makeup moving all around my face and getting cakey, this primer helps it stay put. It makes your skin feel very matte. I don’t use it every day BECAUSE it makes my skin a little dull so I only use it when I’m trying to look super fancy or if I need my makeup to last a long time. Other mattifying primers that are good are:
- Benefit Cosmetics The Pore-fessional Primer – this one is also very good but I like the Smashbox better (pictured above)
- Cover Fx Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment – I’ve never used this but I really like this brand. I have two foundations from them that I love so I might try this next
- Make Up Forever Skin Equalizer Primer – I’ve heard good things about this one but have never used it
- Milani Prime Shield Mattifying & Pore-Minimizing Face Primer – I thought I’d throw in a drugstore brand. I haven’t used this but have heard a lot of good things about Milani
General Primer – all skin types
I use this primer a lot and it’s almost gone. It’s for all skin types and so it helps the makeup stay on. The Clinique description says it helps minimize imperfections, it’s oil free, an helps create a perfect makeup canvas. I like that it’s oil free, and I like that it doesn’t make my face too matte but does help with smoothing skin and making my makeup last. Some other primers for this would be
- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
- Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
- Urban Decay Complexion Primer Broad Spectrum 30 – this one has SPF which is nice if your foundation doesn’t.
- Pixi by Petra Flawless Beauty Primer
Hydrating/Glowy Primers
I will never really have a personal review for these because I do not need a hydrating primer. My skin struggles on the daily but I’ve heard some good things about these from the thousands of YouTubers that I watch.
- Becca Cosmetics First Light Filter Face Primer
- Cover Fx Illuminating Primer
- Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion
- NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up – I have never heard of this but it looked really interesting. This is my drug store pick.
Other Primers
In addition to face primers, you can also get primers for your eyes, your lips, your everything!!! When I get to eyes, I’ll talk more about things you can use to prime your eyes and while I’m sure my lips need priming, I don’t use it. I don’t want to overwhelm you all in one post, so let’s just focus on the face for today.
Do you use a primer now? If so, what brand?
As always, thanks for reading!!!
