The Complete Primer Guide

If you've ever wondered how important it is to prep your skin before applying makeup, you're not alone. Makeup primers are one of those gray zone beauty products that some people swear by and others say you can skip. That being said, our beauty editors will never pass up the opportunity to share how makeup primers completely change the rules of the skincare-inspired game. From how to choose the right formula for your skin type to the right makeup primer application, we've put together a crash course on everything you ever wanted to know about makeup primers. Check out our comprehensive primer guide.

DON'T SKIP APPLICATION OF MOISTURIZER

While there are many makeup primers that can hydrate the skin, none of them compare to the moisturizer itself. Always apply a hydrating moisturizer (followed by a broad-spectrum sunscreen, of course) to your skin before applying primer to ensure your complexion is not only well-nourished and comfortable, but ready for primer application. Here we share some of our favorite primers. 

CHOOSE A PRIMER DESIGNED FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

In addition to nourishing your face with moisture, you need to make sure you choose a foundation that is formulated with your skin type in mind. Like skin care products, primers made for your specific skin type can make the difference between oily complexion and glowing skin, dehydrated complexion and supple skin, and more. Luckily, finding a primer for dry, oily, sensitive, and mature skin is doable, as there are many makeup primers that have been created with specific concerns in mind. Need help getting started? We share an overview of the best primers for your skin type here. 

TRY COLOR CORRECTION FORMULA

Take your makeup primer to the next level with color correcting formulas that can help cover up a host of skin problems like soreness, dullness, redness and more. Like color-correcting concealers, color-correcting makeup primers can be used to address a variety of visible issues and in turn help you achieve flawless makeup.

FIND THE PERFECT MATCH FOR YOUR FOUNDATION

In addition to finding the right primer for your skin type and concerns, you'll also want to consider the right formula for your favorite foundation. As a general rule, look for formulas that are the same or VERY similar to your fund's formula. This can help the two products work together to create the desired coverage, texture and appeal. To learn more about how to match your base with foundation, check out our step-by-step guide and product recommendations here.

LESS - MORE

When it comes to applying foundation – or any other product, for that matter – less is more. This mantra can not only help you avoid a lot of product on your face, which makes it difficult to apply makeup and other products, but also save product and, in turn, save money. When applying makeup primer, start with a dime-sized amount (or less) and add more if needed.

START IN THE CENTER AND CONTINUE YOUR WAY

Speaking of primer application, you need to make sure that you are not only using the right amount of product, but applying it in the right way. And just like serums, eye creams, foundations, and other beauty products, madness has a method. Luckily, our friends at Makeup.com have created a little cheat sheet—read: visual guide—to help us master the art of applying primer. They recommend applying makeup primer to the center of your face, i.e. nose, T-zone, and upper cheeks, and working out. You can use your fingers or even a damp blending sponge to blend the product up and out to create a thin layer of primer that will act as the base layer of your makeup.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE EYES (AND EYELASHES)

Think you only need to touch up your complexion? Think again! Priming your eyes and lashes can not only prepare your eyes for eye shadow and mascara, but also help you achieve long-wearing, flawless makeup.

SECURE YOUR LOOK WITH FIXING POWDER

Once you've primed your skin and applied your face makeup, you'll need to set your makeup with a layer of setting powder or even setting spray to keep your look in place. We love Dermablend Setting Powder.