Does anyone else get intimidated by the sheer amount (pun intended) of products and information out there about makeup? If so, you are not alone.
With YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and countless other social platforms, there’s no shortage of information about makeup available at your fingertips. But where do you even begin? If you are like me, you may watch a video on social media about a makeup routine and wish that the influencer would break it down to the basics. Well, rest assured, we’ve got you covered!
The first step to any good makeup routine is to apply a makeup primer, and with the help of a few well-renowned makeup artists, we will teach you the different types of makeup primers and the benefits of each!
Different Types of Makeup Primers
Moisturizing Primer
Let’s start things off with the go-to primer – moisturizing primer! Moisturizing primer is a 2-in-1 type of product, designed to be good for your skin (especially if it is dry) while also prepping it for makeup application. You’ll notice the texture is similar to moisturizer (obviously) but a little more cakey to allow for your makeup to bond to the product to last longer. It works especially well in providing a smooth application for base products like blush, bronzer, and highlighter. And for low maintenance days where you don’t want to put on a full face of makeup, moisturizing primer can be worn alone!
Moisturizing primer is especially good for those with dry skin. You’ll sometimes also hear moisturizing primer referred to as hydrating primer. And most moisturizing primers are water-based (as opposed to silicone-based primers, which we will cover later).
Spray Primer
Good for all different skin types, primer sprays are designed to keep your makeup lasting longer. While it can be used for every day use, primer spray is especially great for special occasions to lock in your look for hours.
To use, simply spray generously all over your face (or where you plan to apply makeup). You’ll notice a tacky-like texture, which is there to make your face makeup (concealer, foundation, bronzer, etc.) last longer.
Skindinavia’s makeup primer spray has become a favorite among professional makeup artists because of its lightweight formula that helps maintain a healthy, natural makeup look. Plus there are two types to chose from – one with an original formula, and one oil control formula created with those with oily skin in mind.
Silicone-Based Primer
Silicone-based primer is a type of primer designed to give your face an even texture by diminishing the appearance of pores. It also helps with balancing redness and providing hydration to your skin. Silicone-based primers are especially good for those with oily skin.
Also known as matte primer, this type of primer is perfect for helping your foundation stay in place. And if you’ve ever heard of a “matte” lip? It achieves the same look for the makeup on your face.
Illuminating Primer
Illuminating primer is nearly identical to silicone-based primer, but with one added benefit: it gives an extra glow to your face! This is done by the use of luminescent particles. Similar to moisturizing primer, illuminating primer works great on your non-makeup days too for a “I just came from the beach” look. Some people choose to apply all over their face, while others tend to focus on the high points of the nose, cheekbones, and brow bones to highlight those areas and add an extra layer of dimension. If using multiple primers, this one works best when applied last.
Color-Correcting Primer
Color-correcting primer has a specific purpose – correcting or counteracting underlying skin tones. For example, if you have redness on your face or dark circles under your eyes, you could use green color-correcting primer or yellow color-correcting primer, respectively. Check out this full guide to color-correcting primer’s from Allure for a breakdown of the color-correcting primers and the uses of each.
Other Types of Primers: Eyeshadow Primer, Lip Primer, and Eyelash Primer
Eyeshadow primer is self-explanatory – it’s primer designed specifically to make your eye shadow and eyeliner lasts longer. It also helps in creating a mattifying look for your eyeshadow. For those with oily skin, we suggest using both a face primer and eyeshadow primer for optimal effects.
Lip primers are perfect for people with dry or chapped lips, especially for those who notice their lips getting crusty after applying lipstick. Applying lip primer makes lipstick go on smoother and makes it so it won’t fade away as easily. Lip primers are nice in that most contain moisturizing ingredients, but if you don’t want to add another product to your makeup bag, a lip balm applied to your lips before lipstick will work just fine.
Finally, eyelash primer is the perfect first step to add to your lashes before applying mascara. While it may look like a regular mascara tube, eyelash primer is white and is used to coat your lashes before mascara application. The purpose of eyelash primer is to give your lashes volume, length, and fullness.
Similar to a paint primer that you would apply on the walls of your house prior to painting the top coat, a makeup primer helps with the adhesion of the “coat” that follows it. It’s an easy first step to add to your makeup routine that can make a noticeable difference!
