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Should you use a primer under your makeup?!
There are varying schools of thought on this subject. One side says if you have a solid skincare routine and you prep your skin prior to your makeup application, then there is no need for a primer. The other side? Says there are several reasons you’ll want to prime, so let’s dive in!
First of all, why consider using a primer?! Just like when you’re prepping a canvas to be painted, you want to prep your skin for application. Now a solid skincare routine is highly recommended, but priming would be my next suggestion. Here are some reasons you may want to prep your skin using a primer before applying your products.
Quick Primer Facts
~Using a primer will create a smoother surface. By helping to fill in texture like fine lines, wrinkles and creases, your makeup will apply better going on a prepared surface.
~It creates long-lasting makeup. By using a primer, you are creating a barrier between your skin and your products which helps protect your products from being absorbed by your skin. Also, since your makeup is sitting on a smoother surface it’s more likely to stay put aka less shifting, creasing, and overall product loss as the day progresses.
~Facial primers may give you a youthful appearance. Primers can help give off the appearance of improved skin quality and many contain elements that hydrate and plump the skin thus giving you a more youthful glow.
~Primers may help control oil and reduce shine. If you have oily skin/lids, this may be a step you don’t want to forget. Some primers can mattify the oil on your face/lids and reduce the shine you’re not a fan of.
~Primers can hydrate your skin. Some primers can moisturize your skin and create a more plump and soft base for makeup application. This is a great option for those with dry (and mature) skin to avoid the cakey, patchy makeup look.
~It can protect your skin. By using a primer, you are now adding a protective layer between your skin and your makeup which could help improve overall skin integrity by reducing breakouts and acne.
So where exactly are my top 3 places to prime?! I’m glad you asked!
1. Face
Using a facial primer can be a game changer for your makeup routine as long as you are using a formula that matches your makeup AND your skin type. Facial primers come in water-based and silicone-based formulas. You can easily identify which is which by looking at the ingredient list. If your product has water/aqua listed in the first 1-2 ingredients, then it is a water-based primer and will pair nicely with your water-based makeup products (make sure you check the ingredient list there too!) If your primer has silicone or an ingredient ending in “-cone,” “-siloxane,” “-conol,” or “-silane” listed then it is a silicone-based primer.
Ideally your makeup and your primer match but I know silicone primers do more in terms of helping camouflage texture, pores and fill in creases. If you choose to go against matching with your makeup, this may require additional products aka setting products to help your makeup stay in place (I can’t guarantee compatibility). That’ll be a conversation for a different day!
Also make sure the primer you select will pair well with your skin type. If you are shiny or oily throughout the day, a mattifying primer might be one you are interested in. If you are more dry throughout the day, one that adds moisture might help you retain hydration all day long. (Pro tip, my ladies with mature skin may want to select a primer with hyaluronic acid for an extra boost to create a smooth surface.) I’ve included some of my favorite primers and being fully transparent, my skin has shifted from oily to more combination/dry since really prioritizing skin care and working with quality products.
2. Eyelids
I never ever will apply eyeshadow without priming my eyelids! You can’t convince me to skip this step! Again aside from the benefits listed above, applying a primer to my lids helps me cancel out the discoloration on my lids (I have some veining on my lids). This is huge because it allows my eyeshadows to not have to compete with the underlying color and the true pigment is able to be seen. Plus primer usually is a bit tacky when you initially apply. Having a tacky surface to apply powder products to just helps with the hold factor. It helps keep my shadows in place all day long. I actually use my concealer shade to act as a primer because that is one less product I have to buy (I love when products pull double duty!) but I also love Nyx’s primer too.
3.Lashes
This is the best kept tip for my ladies with sparse lashes (like me!). Where coats and coats of mascara are applied to just give you some semblance of lashes. I love using a lash primer! First of all, when you prime your lashes you are going ahead and spreading those lashes apart and preparing them for mascara. By splaying them out, you're going to reduce clumping with your lashes, have a more even application AND more lashes actually get coated with mascara therefore your lashes will appear more full and voluminous. Like the eyelids, you can’t convince me that a lash primer is a waste of time. I consider it an impact product, meaning you’re going to get so much bang for your buck that you’ll instantly change your eyelash game.
I’ve tried a few lash primers and I keep coming back to the same one. I have it linked here!
Now that you’ve learned my top 3 places to prime, I’d love to hear from you if you're incorporating something new based off this post!
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