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How to Use Makeup Primers

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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:

Laura Geller Spackle Under Makeup Primer - a classic silicone-based primer that's oil-free and gives you a smooth surface.
Smashbox Photo Finish - a primer that's available in color-correcting shades to help even out blotch areas and skin tone.
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:

Jouer Anti-Blemish Matte Primer - a water-based primer that's like a lotion. It has salicylic acid that helps fight breakouts.
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.

What is the Purpose of a Makeup Primer?

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Before putting on makeup, preparing your skin for it usually involves just washing your face and moisturizing after. Primers however, might just be the most important step in having longer-lasting makeup and a more even application.

What is a Makeup Primer?

A makeup primer is an additional layer that you put on after your skincare and before your makeup. Primers are used to make foundation last longer and help even out the skin's surface.

Primers can be used for the face, eyes, lips, and eyelashes.

Why should you wear a face primer?

They give your makeup a great base to adhere to. Makeup primers give you an even surface, a smooth silky feel all over your skin, and most importantly--they keep your make up on longer. Primers prevent it from creasing and sliding off so you can keep your makeup looking nice all day.

Another very useful benefit is it helps fill out wrinkles and large pores. This is very important in creating a perfect base for your makeup.

Makeup primers also help in protecting the skin against harsh environmental aggressors and chemicals in makeup. Non-comedogenic primers for acne-prone skin does not clog pores.

The Benefits of Makeup Primers

Long Lasting Makeup

Primers help your makeup stay longer and keep it in place throughout the day.

Properly Blends Makeup

A primer prepares your skin for makeup. It helps to blend foundation on your skin so it looks more natural. People with uneven skin texture like acne scars and skin tone issues are evened out. Primers also leave a film that protect the skin from chemicals in your makeup.

For People with Oily Skin

Those with oily skin have issues applying makeup. Using primers can help control oil and leave a matte finish. Primers also help the makeup stay intact.

Less Re-application of Makeup

People with issues like patchy skin, acne scars, and large pores tend to reapply makeup throughout the day. Foundation and concealers wear off with time and re-application is necessary. Primers extends the wear of makeup and helps make it last longer. This avoid multiple re-applications.

Moisturizing and Hydrating

Some primers also doubles as a skincare product. Some primers have moisturizing and hydrating ingredients that help with your skin.The effects includes increased skin hydration and minimized pores.

Skin Health

Primers create a barrier between your skin and makeup. This reduces the chances of breakouts and protects your skin for chemicals from cosmetics and the environment.

The Best Makeup Primer for Pores

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Primers can give a host of benefits if you pick a product that's compatible with your skin. The best primer for large pores should also help extend your makeup wear and smooth out your complexion, not just successfully fill out your pores.

A primer that's specifically formulated to address big pores can dramatically change the way your makeup looks. To help you with your search, we've compiled the most popular primer for pores to give you that airbrush finish.

Makeup primers aren't usually cheap and can range to $30+ at Sephora, but there are drugstore alternatives as well. Brands like Maybelline, CoverGirl, and ELF Cosmetics offer affordable choices that can do the job.

The POREfessional Face Primer by Benefit Cosmetics

This balm helps minimize the appearance of deep pores and acne scarring. The primer dries quickly after application, and helps mattifies shine for hours. It's oil-free and has been a bestseller since it launched in 2011. This is best makeup primer for oily skin as well to control shine.

Veil Mineral Primer by HOURGLASS

This silky primer is a powerhouse: it repels water, helps hide redness, and protects from the sun with its mineral SPF. It applies to the skin with an airy texture while minimizing large pores and extending the wear of makeup.

Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer by SMASHBOX

This cult primer instantly minimizes pores and provides a smooth base for makeup. It also helps in controlling oil throughout the day. It has a loyal following and has various versions just to cater to demand. It gives the skin a silky texture with a soft-focus finish.

Poreless Mattifying Primer by Tarte

This mattifying primer is waterproof and lasts for 12 hours. It helps retexturize your complexion and its antioxidant botanical formula helps control free radicals on your skin. This vegan primer is for combination and oily skin.

Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector by Becca

This makeup primer can give your pores Instagram-perfect results. It creates a smooth and even finish with a soft-focus effect. Apply to your T-zone to absorb excess oil.

Pore Filler Primer by Nyx

This velvety-soft cream forms an invisible veil over the skin that makes pores less visible. It fills out lines and wrinkles without making it look cakey. This drugstore primer for large pores also help foundation glide on and last longer.

Mineral Face Primer by E.L.F.

This is one of Target's best selling drugstore primers. It comes in four difference colors: green, peach, purple, and clear. These are for color correcting any skin issues like dullness, redness, and hyperpigmentation. It is also hydrating, skin-smoothing, and gives oil-control.

These are some of the most popular primers for large pores. Prices range from high end to drugstore but the end result should always be smoother, softer skin that's make-up ready.