How to Use Makeup Primers

Application Tips for Makeup Primers

Most primers are applied in the same way.
 
After cleansing and moisturizing, you want to take about a pea-sized amount and put it all over your face. You can use your fingers or a tool like a brush or a beauty blender.

Give special attention to areas that your know will be moving throughout the day like your mouth and your laugh lines. Finish off with your foundation or tinted moisturizer.

A very useful tip: if you're using a silicone-based primer and a water-based primer, those two are not naturally going to bind together. So you either want to use a primer and foundation that has the same base or use a setting powder to get them to stay all day long.

Take a good look at your ingredient list so you can determine which makeup products are most compatible.

Which makeup primer is right for you?

There are a million types of primers out there, but all of them falls into 2 main categories: silicone-based and water-based.

Silicone-Based Primers

Silicone-based primers are more heavy-duty. These are great for special occasions or you really want to even out your skin.

Here are few examples:

1. Laura Geller Spackle Under Makeup Primer - a classic silicone-based primer that's oil-free and gives you a smooth surface. 
2. Smashbox Photo Finish - a primer that's available in color-correcting shades to help even out blotch areas and skin tone.
3. Dr. Jart+ Pore Medic Pore Minish Primer - this primer is specifically targeting large pores, with mushroom extracts and hyaluronic acid to really tone and hydrate the skin.

Water-Based Primers

Great for everyday use. These are lightweight and great for acne-prone skin because it won't clog your pores.

Here are are few examples:

1. Jouer Anti-Blemish Matte Primer - a water-based primer that's like a lotion. It has salicylic acid that helps fight breakouts.
   
2. Jane Iredale Primer - this is ideal for dry and mature skin. It has a lot of anti-aging and hydrating ingredients.

Within these categories, there are also a wide variety of makeup primers that target a wide variety of skin concerns like large pores. Non-comedogenic primers that doesn't clog pores are best for acne-prone skin. People with oily skin should have primers that have oil-control, and those with dry skin should choose primers that has moisturizers.

What you ultimately choose should depend on your skin type and skin issues.

What tools can you use for application? 

There are several choices available to you. Makeup brushes are used by makeup artists, as well as Beauty blenders. Others use just their fingers. This technique also helps warm the product for better application.

Choose whatever tool you feel most comfortable in.