What Does Makeup Primer Do? The Secret to a Perfect Base
, by Lewkin Unnie, 7 min reading time
Have you ever looked in the mirror halfway through the day and wondered, “Where did my makeup go?” Every beauty babe has been there!
The secret to keeping your face looking flawless from sunrise to sunset? Makeup primer. Yep, this little beauty hack is the game-changer that will level up every YouTube tutorial you try.
Lewkin is spilling the tea on what makeup primer actually does, why it’s a must-have in your routine, and how to pick the perfect one for your skin. Ready to unlock the secret to a flawless base? Get all primed up!
What Is Makeup Primer?
So, what exactly is makeup primer? Think of it as the BFF your skin never knew it needed. Makeup primer is like that first swipe of a filter on your selfie — it smooths, blurs, and preps your skin for everything that comes next — whether that’s all-natural sweetness or full glam vibes.
Makeup primer is a magical potion that creates a smooth canvas for your makeup. It's designed to fill fine lines and pores, giving your skin that airbrushed look.
But it doesn't stop there. Primer also helps your makeup stick around longer, so you’re not reapplying your foundation by midday, because you’ve got more important things to do!
What Are the Types of Primers?
Different types of primers do different things — you wouldn’t wear a black belt with a navy skirt, after all!
Here’s the lowdown on the main types you’ll come across:
- Silicone-Based Primers: These are like Instagram filters IRL. They create a silky-smooth base and are perfect for filling in pores and fine lines.
- Water-Based Primer: Water-based primers are lightweight and hydrating. They’re great for giving your skin a natural glow.
- Color-Correcting Primers: Got redness or dullness? These primers come in different shades to even out your skin tone before you even think about foundation.
- Hydrating Primers: Perfect for dry skin, these keep your face feeling moisturized and dewy all day. Girlies who love the no-makeup makeup vibes are sure to love, love, love the hydrating primer pick.
- Mattifying Primers: Say goodbye to shine with these bad boys. Ideal for oily skin, they keep you looking fresh and matte — glow on, baby.
What Are the Benefits of Using Makeup Primer?
There are all sorts of benefits to adding a primer to your beauty routine! Spoiler alert: It's a total game-changer.
These are just a few of the reasons to join the primer squad:
Smooth Application
Primer is your skin’s BFF when it comes to creating a smooth base. No more battling uneven texture or rough patches. With primer, your foundation glides on like butter, giving you that flawless finish every time.
Makeup That Lasts
Ever looked in the mirror halfway through the day and wondered where your makeup went? Yeah, same. Primer acts like glue for your makeup, helping it stay put from your morning coffee to your late-night scroll through TikTok.
Pore Minimization
If pores are your arch-nemesis, primer is here to save the day. Silicone-based primers, in particular, are masters at filling in the look of pores, making them appear practically invisible. Say hello to smoother-looking skin that totally sticks.
Oil Control
For our oily-skin babes, mattifying primers are a must. They keep the shine at bay and help your makeup stay matte and fresh, even during those sweaty summer days. You need a great shot for the ‘gram, of course!
Hydration Station
Dry skin can make makeup look cakey and patchy. Hydrating primers add an extra layer of moisture, keeping your skin dewy and radiant all day long.
Color Correction
Struggling with redness, dullness, or sallowness? Color-correcting primers can help even out your skin tone, so you start with a more uniform base. It’s like a magic eraser for your complexion.
How Do I Choose the Right Primer for My Skin Type?
Choosing the right primer is like finding the perfect match on a dating app. You need to know what you're looking for to swipe right.
Here’s how to find your primer soulmate:
Skin Type
First things first, you gotta know what type of skin you’re working with. If you have oily skin, you’re always shiny and prone to breakouts. Dry skin? Your skin feels tight and can look flaky. Combination skin means you’re oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) but dry elsewhere. Sensitive skin reacts to everything and gets red easily.
Primer Type
Once you’ve figured out your skin type, it’s time to find your primer match. For oily skin, go for a mattifying primer. These primers control oil and keep your face shine-free. If your skin is dry, hydrating primers are your BFF for life. Look for ones with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep your skin moisturized.
Combination skin? Look for balancing primers that hydrate dry areas while controlling oil in the T-zone. Sensitive skin folks should opt for gentle, fragrance-free primers that won’t irritate your skin. Look for calming ingredients like chamomile or green tea.
Added Bonus
Some primers come with extra perks, like SPF, anti-aging ingredients, or color-correcting properties. Think about what else your skin needs and choose accordingly.
How Do I Apply Makeup Primer for Best Results?
Applying primer is super easy, but a few tips can make all the difference. First, start with a clean face. Wash up and apply your usual moisturizer because primer isn’t a replacement for it. Don’t skip this step!
You only need a pea-sized amount of primer. Too much, and your makeup might slide right off. Use your fingers to apply primer — this helps it melt into your skin perfectly.
Dab a little on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, then blend outwards gently. Got trouble spots like your T-zone or visible pores? Focus more of the product there.
Finally, give your primer a minute or two to set before going in with your foundation. This helps create a smooth, flawless base for your makeup. Now you're ready to slay all day!
Slay Your Flawless Base With Lewkin
And there you have it, beauties! Makeup primer might just be the MVP of your beauty routine, giving you that flawless, long-lasting base we all crave. Whether you're fighting oil, battling dryness, or just want your makeup to stay put from dawn till dusk, there's a primer out there for you.
Ready to elevate your beauty routine? Dive into the Lewkin collection of beauty products and find your perfect primer match. Because when it comes to makeup, it’s all about that base. Keep it minimal, keep it real, and let your flawless base do the talking.
Happy priming, beauty babe!
Sources:
Wrinkles & Fine Lines: Types, Causes & Prevention | Cleveland Clinic
How to control oily skin | American Academy of Dermatology Association
Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, Benefits, How To Use & Side Effects | Cleveland Clinic
Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine | Johns Hopkins Medicine
