July 22, 2011 Makeup Primer

The Basics of Makeup Primer

By Morgan Shuker on July 22, 2011

Do you use primer? Do you know what primer is? No not for your walls, for your face, but the same concept. The cosmetic world can be quite hard to navigate. There’s so many gadgets, gizmos, and product innovations that your head will spin. Primer is one of those innovations that has stood the test of time. Well it’s a makeup item that has lasted more than a season or two. In fact, primers are regularly the most anticipated product launch for brands. Even primer super-star Urban Decay continues to launch extensions to their primer product line.

Technically primer extends beyond what one would normal consider basic makeup. However, even if you’re wearing just the basics, you’ll want them to last. Adding this product to your daily routine can dramatically boost the efficiency of your other makeup products.

There are many types of primers that you can buy: foundation primer, eye primer, mascara primer, lip primer. The most common are foundation and eye. Actually many eye primers are double use, you can use them for the lips as well!

Eye primer is worn to make your eyeshadow and eyeliner last all day and remain smudge proof. It will help you avoid getting to lunch time only to find your shadow bunched up in the crease of your eye. There are a few types of eye primers but most people choose something basic. A basic eye primer will go on clear and dry in seconds. All you need to do is brush on your favourite eye shadow on top of it. Some advanced ones will be specially formulated for glitter eye shadow, have shimmery tones built in to them to enhance your eyeshadow, have colour correcting properties for pigmentation concerns, and some can be used under the eye for a concealer primer.

Foundation primer is where you can get real fancy if you should prefer fanciness. Just like for the eye, foundation primer goes on clear and dries quickly so that you can put your foundation on right away. When buying, make sure to choose one that’s made for your skin type. Just like moisturizers and foundations, primers also come in formulas for dry, combination, or oily skin.  Other features and benefits you can find in a foundation primer are:

• Radiance
• Hydration
• Oil control
• Creates a matte look for skin
• Pore refining
• Bronzing
• Self tanning
• Anti-aging
• Smoothing
• Anti-bacterial
• Color correcting
• Waterproof
• Natural
• Mineral based
• Sun protection (SPF)

The list isn’t to scare anyone.  It’s to help you know what the options so you can make an informed purchase. Different bells and whistles have different prices attached, but if you’re going for basic, rest assured that there are options in every price range from drugstore to department store.

Photo: © Adam Borkowski / PhotoXpress