If you don't own at least one makeup primer, then you're really missing out on the secret to a flawless and long-wearing base. Although we often try to reduce the amount of products we apply to our face, in the constant search for minimal beauty, sometimes adding a touch of something new can make the world of difference to your overall routine: primer is the perfect example. Many people skip this step because they're confused as to how to use a primer, what benefits it can bring or even if it's worth the investment - but it 100% definitely is. Integrating this quick and easy step into your morning routine can offer a world of difference; all you need to do is apply a thin layer over your skincare and beneath your foundation, focusing on the t-zone and chin in particular. I also like to apply a touch under my eye area to ensure fine lines are concealed as much as possible, as well as using on eyelids to enhance the performance of my eye makeup. Here are the five reasons you need to start using a primer today:
1. Helps Makeup To Last
The basic function of a primer is to aid the performance of a base; it both provides a surface on which your foundation can grip on to, as well as creating a barrier between skin and makeup that helps to reduce oiliness. If you need your makeup to last all day (and even all night,) then investing in a great primer is the first step towards foundation nirvana.
2. Blurs Fine Lines & Imperfections
The silicone nature of many primers helps to brush over fine lines and imperfections so they're not as prominent. The formula 'sits' in the gaps that would have been taken up by your base, helping foundation to look a lot smoother and reduce caking throughout the day. I personally love adding a touch of primer under my eyes to reduce the fine lines that are starting to appear and cause concealer to move about.
3. Reduces The Appearance Of Pores
One of the biggest concerns amongst women is the appearance of pores - particualrly around the nose area. Despite what many makeup or skincare products claim, you can't close pores; however, you can reduce the appearance and help them to shrink a little to give a much better overall appearance. A primer will help to conceal pores and again prevent makeup from sitting in them, which makes them even more visible.
4. Colour Corrects
If you're concerned about redness, dullness or uneven skintone, then a primer may be a great place to start. Many formulas contain colour correcting formulas or tints, including violet to reduce dullness and green to conceal redness; using a primer pre-foundation can help give skin a boost and ensure it's looking fabulous.
5. Enhances Performance
There's nothing worse than spending hours perfecting your smokey eye look, drawing in striking red lips or contouring yourself into a Kardashian, only for it all to fall apart a few hours later. Using a primer can enhance the performance of products and ensure they stay put so they can be as effective as possible; from long-lasting eyeshadows, to hydrating lipsticks and creamy blushers, adding a primer can help them perform as intended without the skin's natural oils messing things up.
Since I've been introduced to primers I've become a little bit addicted. Applying foundation straight onto skin now feels a little odd, while my base sans primer simply doesn't look or feel as good. The first primers I ever used included Benefit's Porefessional (£24.50) and Bare Minerals' Prime Time, both of which are still firm favourites years later - their silicone formula melts onto skin and is completely invisible, making them perfect for a first timer. When I want to inject some brightness into my look I always start with my primer; Clinique's Superprimers (£20.00) and YSL's CC Cream Forever Light (£30.50) formulas both provide colour correcting qualities that are great under foundation. The colours may look a little intimidating, but once applied and blended with foundation you'll see nothing but beautiful skin. If you're after a much lighter texture, then NARS (£26.00) and Laura Mercier (£29.00) offer lightweight creamy textures that are a lot less intimidating and easier to apply; both are oil free too, making them great for oilier complexions. However, if you're after a budget buy then Rimmel's Lasting Finish (£6.99) and MaxFactor's Facefinity (£10.99) are both equally as effective and much friendlier on the purse; I use both regularly and they really help my foundation to apply even more effectively.
Are you a fan of makeup primers? Do you have any favourites, or are you a fan of mine?
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1. Helps Makeup To Last
The basic function of a primer is to aid the performance of a base; it both provides a surface on which your foundation can grip on to, as well as creating a barrier between skin and makeup that helps to reduce oiliness. If you need your makeup to last all day (and even all night,) then investing in a great primer is the first step towards foundation nirvana.
2. Blurs Fine Lines & Imperfections
The silicone nature of many primers helps to brush over fine lines and imperfections so they're not as prominent. The formula 'sits' in the gaps that would have been taken up by your base, helping foundation to look a lot smoother and reduce caking throughout the day. I personally love adding a touch of primer under my eyes to reduce the fine lines that are starting to appear and cause concealer to move about.
3. Reduces The Appearance Of Pores
One of the biggest concerns amongst women is the appearance of pores - particualrly around the nose area. Despite what many makeup or skincare products claim, you can't close pores; however, you can reduce the appearance and help them to shrink a little to give a much better overall appearance. A primer will help to conceal pores and again prevent makeup from sitting in them, which makes them even more visible.
4. Colour Corrects
If you're concerned about redness, dullness or uneven skintone, then a primer may be a great place to start. Many formulas contain colour correcting formulas or tints, including violet to reduce dullness and green to conceal redness; using a primer pre-foundation can help give skin a boost and ensure it's looking fabulous.
5. Enhances Performance
There's nothing worse than spending hours perfecting your smokey eye look, drawing in striking red lips or contouring yourself into a Kardashian, only for it all to fall apart a few hours later. Using a primer can enhance the performance of products and ensure they stay put so they can be as effective as possible; from long-lasting eyeshadows, to hydrating lipsticks and creamy blushers, adding a primer can help them perform as intended without the skin's natural oils messing things up.
Since I've been introduced to primers I've become a little bit addicted. Applying foundation straight onto skin now feels a little odd, while my base sans primer simply doesn't look or feel as good. The first primers I ever used included Benefit's Porefessional (£24.50) and Bare Minerals' Prime Time, both of which are still firm favourites years later - their silicone formula melts onto skin and is completely invisible, making them perfect for a first timer. When I want to inject some brightness into my look I always start with my primer; Clinique's Superprimers (£20.00) and YSL's CC Cream Forever Light (£30.50) formulas both provide colour correcting qualities that are great under foundation. The colours may look a little intimidating, but once applied and blended with foundation you'll see nothing but beautiful skin. If you're after a much lighter texture, then NARS (£26.00) and Laura Mercier (£29.00) offer lightweight creamy textures that are a lot less intimidating and easier to apply; both are oil free too, making them great for oilier complexions. However, if you're after a budget buy then Rimmel's Lasting Finish (£6.99) and MaxFactor's Facefinity (£10.99) are both equally as effective and much friendlier on the purse; I use both regularly and they really help my foundation to apply even more effectively.
Are you a fan of makeup primers? Do you have any favourites, or are you a fan of mine?
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