How to Use a Primer

While many people skip the primer step because they don’t think it’s necessary, if you take a few minutes to add this step to your makeup routine, you can have a positive effect when you’re done. point. Primer smooths skin’s surface, blurs fine lines and pores, evens skin tone, and provides makeup grip to prevent drifting throughout the day. This article will help you choose the right primer and use it properly.

Table of Contents

Choose the right primer

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Determine the effect you want to achieve with your primer. Worried about wrinkles and lines the most? Or tan? Or want to reduce shine on oily skin? There are many types of primer on the market, so you need to take the time to test your skin and consider which product is best for you. ^{[1] X Research Resources} Check the packaging and research online to find the right primer for your special needs.

If you’re worried about enlarged pores or fine lines, you should look for a pore-minimizing and anti-aging primer.
You always have to use a primer if you want to do a misty makeup look. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Consider your skin type and determine if a color correcting primer is needed. If you have dark spots or dark circles under your eyes, redness or paleness, you can look for a tinted primer that helps neutralize discoloration. Complementary colors will neutralize each other, if you have a flushed area the color opposite red on the color wheel (i.e. green) will neutralize the red.

Remember that you don’t have to use a color correcting primer. You can use transparent primer.
Green primer can cover up severely reddened skin. This is especially helpful when you have sunburn streaks on your skin. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
Yellow primer is suitable for slightly red or pink skin. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
If your skin has birthmarks, dark spots or bruises, use an orange or peach-colored primer. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
If your skin is yellow or pale, you should try a purple primer. ^{[6] X Research Source}

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Determine your skin type – oily, dry or normal? Primers have different ingredients, concentrations and textures, so they will be suitable for different skin types. If you’re not sure what your skin type is, clean it with a gentle cleanser and let it dry naturally. How does your skin feel after 15-20 minutes?

If your skin is moist or oily, you have oily skin. ^{[7] X Source of Research} Choose a matte primer to reduce shine and absorb oil. ^{[8] X Source of Research} A primer with salicylic acid also helps absorb oil. ^{[9] X Research Source}
If your skin seems tight or dry, you have dry skin. ^{[10] X Source of Research} Choose a gel-based or skin-lightening primer that doesn’t dry out skin. ^{[11] X Research Source}
If the skin feels soft and clean, you have normal skin. ^{[12] X Research Source} Try different primers to see which is most comfortable and gives you the results you want.

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Check to see if the foundation you are using is water-based or oil-based. You’ll need to choose a primer that’s the same base as your foundation for the two products to work well together. ^{[13] X Research Sources} In addition, you should pay attention to whether your foundation contains silicone, as sometimes this ingredient reacts badly with oil-based foundations and creates mottled skin. ^{[14] X Research Source}

When testing a primer, you should apply the test sample to the skin of your hand. When the primer is dry, apply more of your foundation on it. If the foundation is smooth, it means that the foundation and primer go well together. ^{[15] X Research Source}
Test a silicone-based primer on an area of skin before using it on the entire face – some people with sensitive skin will be allergic to silicone.

Getting ready for makeup

Wash your face with a mild cleanser. It is very important to clean dust and dirt on the skin before applying makeup. It is equally important to wash your hands. You’ll be applying primer and other makeup products with your fingers, so don’t let dirt from your hands get on your skin.

Apply moisturizer. Primer is not a substitute for moisturizer and you should not skip the moisturizing step for fear that it will be too thick for your face. Moisturizing products help nourish the skin and keep it healthy, and primers also have the ability to moisturize, but the main purpose is to keep the foundation. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Make sure your moisturizer is fully absorbed and completely dry before you start applying your primer. If your skin still feels wet, wait a few more minutes for your skin to absorb the moisturizer. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Use primer

Squeeze a pea-sized amount of primer onto the back of your hand. Using too much primer can cause the foundation to clump; You really don’t need to take more cream than the size of a pea or the size of a raisin to use on your face and neck. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

Dot the primer in the center of the face and use your hands to gently rub in to spread the cream out. Do the same when you apply a moisturizer. ^{[19] X Research Source} Blend primer evenly over skin for a smooth, even finish. You need to make sure to spread the cream up to the hairline and down to the neck.

Don’t forget the skin around the eyes. If you’re not using a separate eyeshadow primer, gently dab the primer onto your lids, allowing your eye makeup to stick and highlighting your eyes throughout the day.
Use your ring and middle fingers to gently spread the primer over your face. You can use a makeup sponge or brush, but it’s not really necessary. ^{[20] X Research Sources}
Apply a thin layer of primer on dry lips to keep the lipstick looking pop and prevent it from sticking to the lines around your mouth. ^{[21] X Research Source}

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Wait for the primer to dry completely. This only takes a few minutes. Some people choose to skip foundation, especially when they just want to cover their pores and add luminosity to their skin. If not, then you continue to apply makeup with foundation as usual.

Apply a thin layer of foundation and add more layers if needed. By using a primer, you’ll use less foundation. ^{[22] X Research Source}
The foundation layer on the skin at this time will be very smooth and will not be left in lines or wrinkles like when not using primer.
Once you’ve applied your foundation, you’ll need to preserve it by applying a quick coat of colorless powder. If your primer and foundation are silicone- and oil-based, this will keep your makeup from slipping off. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

Steps

Choose the right primer

Getting ready for makeup

Use primer

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