Primer: The unsung hero of a flawless makeup look. Let’s be real, primer doesn’t always get the hype it totally deserves! Most people think they don’t really “need” it, but trust me, it can change your whole makeup game faster than your favorite influencer can drop a sponsored post.
Now, before we jump into how to use primer, let’s get one thing straight: primer isn’t just for people with oily skin or huge pores. Nope, whether you’ve got a dry, combo, or sensitive af face, primer has your back (or your face, lol). The right primer can make your base go on smoother, stop your foundation from slipping around, and even keep your makeup looking fresher for longer. Goals, right?
So, here’s the tea: if you’re not already using primer before your makeup, you’re missing out. Let’s get into exactly how you start, what kind you should use for YOUR skin type, and some of my fave products that’ll lock your makeup in place ALL day.
So, What Even Is Primer?
Okay, think of primer as the very first thing you put on your face after your skincare. It’s almost like a bridge between your skin and your makeup. It creates a smooth canvas, filling in any fine lines, pores, or texture so your makeup just glides on like butter. And who doesn’t want that glass-skin, airbrushed look? Yeah… thought so.
Some primers, especially ones made for oily skin, can help control shininess. Others, for dry skin, will be loaded with hydrating ingredients that will keep your skin from flaking or looking cracked by noon. Oh, and then there’s color-correcting primers, but we’ll get into that in sec.
Primer = good skin day, no matter what’s ACTUALLY going on with your face
Alright, time to figure out which type is perfect for you. Spoiler: there’s a lot of options, but don’t stress! I gotchu.
Step One: Pick the Right Primer for Your Skin Type
We don’t just slap any ol’ primer on, okay? NOPE. There are different primers for different needs, so listen up and I’ll help you find the one for you.
For Oily Skin
If your T-zone’s always looking shiny or your makeup slides off like it’s on a slip-n-slide, you need a mattifying primer. These babies create like a velvety layer on your skin that absorbs oil and keeps the shininess under control. Mattifying primers often have ingredients like salicylic acid to prevent breakouts, which is great if you’re also acne-prone.
Some must-try oily skin primers:
– Benefit POREfessional
– Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control
For Dry Skin
If your skin feels like it’s straight-up begging for moisturizer 24/7, you’ll want a hydrating primer. Look for primers with ingredients that add moisture—like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These will help your foundation apply smoothly and stop it from clinging to dry patches. #DrySkinProblems, amirite?
Faves for dry skin:
– Too Faced Hangover Primer
– Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin bros and babes, we got you! Some primers can be too irritating or cause redness—which is the LAST thing we need when we’re trying to create a glam look. Go for calming, fragrance-free primers that are gentle but still do the job.
Sensitive skin safe options:
– Tatcha The Silk Canvas
– First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Primer
Combo Skin
This one’s for my combo skin peeps who get hella shine in certain spots but dry elsewhere! You’ll wanna use a primer that balances hydration and oil control. Basically, you’re looking for the best of both worlds, and trust, these exist.
Combo-skin-friendly products:
– Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
– NYX Shine Killer + Hydra Touch Primer
Color-Correcting Primers
Okay, if you’re dealing with redness, dullness, or hyperpigmentation, color-correcting primers are going to be your BFF. Basically, these primers have a slight tint which cancels out certain skin tones. Think of it like this:
– Green primer neutralizes redness
– Purple primer brightens dull skin
– Peach or orange primers correct dark spots for deeper skin tones
Some bomb color-correcting products:
– Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment (for redness)
– Becca First Light Primer (for dull skin)
Step Two: Apply Your Primer Properly
Alright, you’ve got your primer, what now? Sis, it’s super easy, I swear. But we’ve gotta do it right to make sure that foundation sits flawless all day. Time to break it down for you in 3 steps:
1. Make Sure Your Skin Is Clean & Prepped
Before you touch your primer tube, always (and I mean alllways) start with super clean skin. Wash your face, do your skincare routine, and then add your primer. There’s no point putting primer over dirt or leftover makeup from yesterday—gross lol.
Also, here’s a tip: wait a bit after putting on your moisturizer and sunscreen, so it’s all soaked in. If your face is still wet, the primer might get patchy, and UGH, that’s not cute.
Let your skincare MARINATE before priming your face
2. Use a Little, Not a Lot!
Less is more when it comes to primer. Don’t start with a big glob—because overapplying can make your makeup slide or feel greasy. Start with a little bit (like pea-size) and focus on the areas where you need it the most: usually, it’s the center of your face, aka your T-zone and cheeks.
3. Apply It Like a Pro
Use your fingertips or a damp beauty blender to apply! Fingers are great because they warm up the product, and it melts into your skin beautifully. Plus, who doesn’t love skipping the brush washing, am I right?
Pat (don’t rub) the primer in gently. Concentrate on the spots where you have the most texture, like the nose or chin if you’ve got large pores. Spread it evenly, blending outwards from the center of your face.
Finally? WAIT. Yeah, you need to give your primer a few minutes to settle into your skin before going in with foundation. We’re talking 1-2 minutes, max. Think of it like setting up the perfect canvas before going to town with your artistry skills. ✨
Step Three: Layering Your Foundation
Once your primer’s all set, it’s time to apply foundation. And fam, you’re gonna notice a world of difference. Your base will glide on so smoothly, and your skin’s gonna look sooo flawless, promise. Primer creates the perfect balance between your face’s natural oils and your foundation, meaning less patchiness and cakiness.
Stick To A Thin Layer
If you’re using full-coverage foundation, go light on the layers. When you have primer underneath, you don’t need to cake on foundation—it’s already sitting on a smoother canvas. Start light and build up where necessary!
Primer does the hard work; you don’t need six layers of foundation anymore
Bonus: Priming For Eyes, Lips, and Lashes!
Yep, there’s a primer for that too. Eye primers make your eyeshadow pop and last without creasing. Lip primers make your lipstick more pigmented and long-lasting. Even lash primers exist to beef up those lashes before mascara. It’s the trick people sleep on and then wonder why their makeup doesn’t last.
Eyeshadow Primer Hacks:
– Always prime before eyeshadow if you have oily lids or want maximum pigment
– Try Urban Decay Primer Potion—this one’s famous for a reason
– Milani Eyeshadow Primer is lowkey just as good and waaay more affordable
Lip Primer Hacks:
– If you haven’t tried a lip primer yet, start with MAC Prep + Prime Lip. Or just use a lip balm with a matte finish, and that can work too in a pinch.
Lash Primer:
– Want your lashes to look extra THICC? Use a lash primer (like L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Primer) before mascara. You’ll thank me later.
Final Thoughts: Is Primer Worth It?
Ummm, YES! While you can sometimes get away without primer, once you start using it properly, you’ll wonder why you EVER didn’t! The key to that long-lasting, flawless beat is getting your primer situation right. It’s like the secret sauce that holds everything together.
PSA: It’s not just for glam days either. Even for a light “no makeup” makeup look, primer will give your skin that next-level smoothness and sheen.
So, now you know how to use primer before makeup, what’s stopping you from picking one up and leveling UP your makeup routine? You’ve totally got this!
Feel free to DM me if you have more questions about which primer is right for you or if you try out one of my faves! 🖤
