There are a few tricks to flawless makeup, and they all start with acing your base. That’s where a primer comes in. This nifty product creates a silky-smooth canvas for your makeup so it looks smooth and lasts longer, but it has a host of other benefits, too.
Our experts explain how face primer works - and how to choose the right one for your skin type.
What is makeup primer?
A primer is a lightweight liquid, cream or gel that preps the skin for makeup products, like foundation, BB cream or concealer. Most primers are clear and absorb quickly, but you can also find tinted formulas.
The 4 major benefits of primer
These silky creams may not look like much, but they can do wonders in elevating your makeup look. These are just some of the ways primer can help you achieve a flawless finish.
#1 It evens out the skin
If you take a close look at your skin, you’ll probably notice small bumps, fine lines and enlarged pores — all of which are completely normal (and beautiful). You might also have rough or flaky spots. When you apply foundation or tinted moisturiser directly onto your skin, it may emphasise those uneven areas, cling to dry patches and settle into any lines.
Enter: Primer. The formula fills in those creases, blurs the appearance of pores and evens out any bumpy textures, leaving your skin looking soft and smooth. By doing that, it creates the perfect makeup base so your products glide onto the skin.
#2 It makes your makeup last longer
There’s nothing worse than meticulously applying your makeup, only to watch it slip and slide down your face as soon as you encounter warm weather or an overly heated room. You might be wondering how to make foundation last all day.
Think of primer as a barrier between your skincare and makeup, and the solution to oil slicks. It locks in your moisturiser, face oil or sunscreen and gives your foundation or BB cream something to “hold on” to so it doesn’t sink into your skin. The result? Makeup that lasts — and looks fresher — for longer.
As a bonus, it also reduces shine, making it a godsend for those with oily or combination skin.
#3 It improves the skin
Is primer good for your skin? The answer is yes! Since primer works as a barrier, it can prevent breakouts and clogged pores from making an appearance whenever you wear makeup. It also allows your skincare products to do their job, even if you’re rocking a full face of makeup.
Water-based primers hydrate the skin, too — and all of our primers fall into that category.
For example, our Certified Organic Pure Primer with Hyaluronic Acid essentially adds another layer of moisture to the skin on top of your skincare products. The INIKA Organic Pure Primer is packed with hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration into the deeper layers of the skin, leaving it looking healthy and plump. The hydrating primer is made up of 81% certified organic ingredients to soothe and nourish the skin, including a blend of jojoba, apricot, lavender and coconut essential oils.
#4 It’s suitable for all skin types
Anyone can use a primer and expect the same smooth, long-lasting results. The key is choosing a primer that contains targeted ingredients.
If you have oily, combination or congested skin, reach for the Certified Organic Matte Perfection Primer. Also the best primer for acne-prone skin, it’s infused with certified organic liquorice root extract and rice extract to regulate the skin’s oil production, and willow bark extract to calm redness and sensitivity. The mattifying primer works to minimise the appearance of pores to prep it for makeup application.
If your skin is dry, mature or normal, the Certified Organic Pure Perfection Primer is ideal. It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid and jojoba, apricot and lemon myrtle oil to boost hydration and nourish the skin, and clinically proven kangaroo paw extract to improve firmness. The best primer for dry skin, it helps the skin to look smoother and more luminous, and ensures your makeup doesn’t “stick” to any dry or flaky patches.
How to apply primer properly
Now you know this product is key to flawless-looking makeup, let’s talk about how to use makeup primer.
Follow these steps:
- Primer works best on clean, moisturised skin, so complete your skincare routine and wait a minute before moving on to the next step.
- Dot a pea-sized amount of primer on your forehead, cheeks and chin.
- Using your fingertips, blend the primer into your skin until a thin layer covers your entire face. Pay special attention to the nose and t-zone, as these areas tend to get oily first.
- Give the primer a minute to work its magic and absorb into the skin.
- Apply your makeup as usual.
Add a primer to your makeup kit
Along with creating a canvas for your foundation or BB cream, evens out skin tone and blurs imperfections — making it a must-have in any makeup kit.
To achieve long-lasting makeup, shop the best face primers made with certified organic and vegan ingredients.