Foundation primer - what are primers for and are they necessary?
I get asked this a lot – what are primers for and are they necessary? What products are best for my skin type? When should I use it?
Primer is a product used to prepare skin prior to the application of foundation; it usually has a silicone base which fills in pores, fine lines and creates a smooth base for makeup to be applied over. The main reason we as makeup artists use it is because not only does it smooth the surface of skin, it also helps the makeup last longer. With the invention of high definition cameras for film and television, the amount of makeup worn by presenters and actors needs to be more natural as every detail of the makeup can be picked up now – less is definitely more in this realm. Here we tend to use mattifying primers – this prevents shine as well as decreasing the need for powder and touch ups.
In terms of makeup for everyday wear – I personally feel (strongly feel!) that skin must look like skin. Here primers can be of great help, the foundation will glide more smoothly and evenly over the surface, but also if you tend to be shiny, rather than using a lot of powder (which can look cakey if you have to keep applying it), or using blotting papers (which can pull the makeup off), an application of a mattifying primer will greatly reduce the amount of shine on the skin. There are a number of types available for different skin types.
I am also not adverse to using a good moisturiser as primer as well, depending on the skin type I’m working on. In my kit I favour Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturiser.
I get asked this a lot – what are primers for and are they necessary? What products are best for my skin type? When should I use it?
Primer is a product used to prepare skin prior to the application of foundation; it usually has a silicone base which fills in pores, fine lines and creates a smooth base for makeup to be applied over. The main reason we as makeup artists use it is because not only does it smooth the surface of skin, it also helps the makeup last longer. With the invention of high definition cameras for film and television, the amount of makeup worn by presenters and actors needs to be more natural as every detail of the makeup can be picked up now – less is definitely more in this realm. Here we tend to use mattifying primers – this prevents shine as well as decreasing the need for powder and touch ups.
In terms of makeup for everyday wear – I personally feel (strongly feel!) that skin must look like skin. Here primers can be of great help, the foundation will glide more smoothly and evenly over the surface, but also if you tend to be shiny, rather than using a lot of powder (which can look cakey if you have to keep applying it), or using blotting papers (which can pull the makeup off), an application of a mattifying primer will greatly reduce the amount of shine on the skin. There are a number of types available for different skin types.
I am also not adverse to using a good moisturiser as primer as well, depending on the skin type I’m working on. In my kit I favour Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturiser.
OILY SKIN:
DIOR – Pore Minimizer Skin Refining Matte Primer
Laden with silicone as well as mattifying agents, really good on reducing the appearance of large pores.
BECCA – Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
Lightweight, water based product
Immediately mattifies skin
Excellent for preventing shine, keeping skin matte for 6+ hours
PAULA’S CHOICE – SHINE STOPPER
This oil control primer gives you a silky, powder-like finish that lasts 6 hours.
It controls oil, minimises pores.
NORMAL AND NORMAL TO DRY SKIN:
MARC JACOBS Under (cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer
Fluid formula that makes skin feel noticeably softer, moisturised with a slightly dewy finish
Good for normal to dry skin
KRYOLAN – HD PRIMER
The HD Micro Primer helps to smooth fine lines and minimize the appearance of pores. It hydrates the skin and provides a smooth surface in preparation for make-up. It gives a lovely matte velvety feel to the skin.