Primer for the face - features, properties, types, application rules. How to properly apply primer to your face How to properly apply primer to your face

Makeup is not only beautifully shaded shadows and neat eyeliners, but also beautiful, glowing skin. Dry skin is often susceptible to various types of flaking and requires special care. To ensure an even complexion and at the same time minor imperfections do not stand out against the general background, there are bases for makeup. Today we will take a closer look at what a primer for dry skin should be.

A primer or makeup base helps smooth out unevenness on the face and thereby promotes even distribution and application of subsequent products. In addition, the primer prolongs the durability of makeup, and also performs a number of functions depending on the characteristics of a particular product: moisturizes, nourishes, adds radiance, mattifies, tightens pores, fights flaking or acne. In this article, we'll focus on the needs of dry skin and the primers to suit them.

Features of primer for dry skin

Dry skin, unlike oily skin, is more prone to facial wrinkles and age-related changes, and also needs constant hydration and nutrition to avoid the appearance of unsightly peeling and painful cracks.

If primers for oily skin are designed to absorb excess sebum and contain various absorbents that promote a mattifying effect, then bases for dry skin, on the contrary, are nourishing. In their composition you can see various oils (shea/karite, coconut, almond), vitamins (A, E), aloe extract, allantoin.

The main rule when choosing a primer is that it should match your foundation!

How to determine on what basis the product is made? Read the ingredients carefully: if water is listed first in the composition, then the product is water-based; if silicone, then it is silicone-based.

Why is it important? If the cream is water-based and the primer is silicone, then you will not have a high-quality application of the product: the primer will “repel” the cream. And vice versa: silicone cream will not be distributed evenly over a water-based primer - it will roll off. Therefore, carefully choose products for a harmonious combination and the best result!

In your daily makeup routine, using a makeup base is not a must unless you use foundation and powder every day.

There are several basic rules that will help you use the database correctly:

Always apply base after moisturizing or nourishing cream, allowing it to absorb first.
Remember the order: cleansing, toning, moisturizing/nourishing, makeup base, your usual tone-evening product (foundation, foundation, mineral powder), etc.
Do not apply a large amount of base to your face. This may cause your foundation to crease.
Before applying the silicone base to your face, apply it to the back of your hand and let it warm up a little: it will “melt” a little and will be easier and more evenly distributed over your face.
Use a scrub regularly to exfoliate dead cells.
After applying the product, wait a couple of minutes and only then proceed with further makeup.

Top 8 funds for different budgets

It’s not difficult to get confused when choosing a product, because there are a huge number of them on the beauty market. We have selected for you the top best primers that are perfect for dry skin.

Budget resources

This product does an excellent job of smoothing out the skin texture, helping to smooth out wrinkles and flaking. In addition, it contains hyaluronic acid, which helps moisturize the skin. There is a sun protection factor of SPF 15.

Luxury and professional

>Meteorites Perles from Guerlain

Absorbs perfectly, moisturizing, refreshing the skin and giving it radiance. In addition, it perfectly smooths out wrinkles and does not emphasize existing peeling.

>Photo Finish Primer Oil from Smashbox

If the idea of using a primer is new and unusual for you, then this makeup base is your option. Add a couple of drops to your usual moisturizer and apply to your face. This buttery primer perfectly moisturizes, smoothes out unevenness and prepares the face for makeup.

>Illuminating Perfecting Primer from Estee Lauder

The best primer if your choice is nude makeup. In addition to the fact that this product perfectly moisturizes and nourishes, it also gives the skin radiance and smoothes out flaking.

What is a face primer? What is it for? We tell you all the most important things about the product and offer a list of the best that you can rely on.

What is a face primer?

It doesn't matter whether you like full-coverage foundation or stick to a regular BB cream, a primer is a tool that will come in handy in both cases.

Many are sure: makeup base is an optional stage of makeup, only professional makeup artists use the product, but this is not so. If you are faced with the task of evening out your skin tone and extending the durability of your foundation, this product will definitely come in handy.

Alliance Perfect face primer, L’Oréal Paris

This can be used in three ways at once: firstly, apply it to the face as a base for makeup to create the effect of a slight radiance of the skin “from the inside”; secondly, mix with foundation; thirdly, apply to the prominent parts of the face as a highlighter.

The product has a light gel texture, a formula that is suitable for any skin type, and one universal (for fair skin) shade.

Elena(panther_em***@mail.ru)

I tried Alliance Perfect liquid highlighter from L’Oréal Paris and did not regret it. Very nice, a little pearly tint. I tried it using the strobing technique, it fits perfectly and immediately provides shine. It can be put richly and lightly. I apply it to my cheekbones like a regular dry highlighter. The effect is great!

Anastasia(SN-g***@mail.ru)

I've been using the Lumi Magique Primer Pure Light makeup base from L'Oréal for a long time. I bought it on the advice of a friend. The bottle, to be honest, is inconspicuous. But I'm so glad I took it. I have dry, dull skin. This base perfectly moisturizes it, preparing for further makeup. Gives a natural healthy glow and light blur. I usually apply it until the tone, but you can mix it. Doesn't even out the skin, but I don't need it. Super base!

Catherine(mimishe***@gmail.com)

Lumi Magique makeup base, L’Oréal Paris. This primer has a very light and delicate texture. When you apply it to your face, you notice that this primer refreshes the skin, giving it a natural glow. Also, thanks to this base, the foundation applies smoothly, does not crease and lasts quite a long time. Now using this primer, I can not worry about my makeup all day long. You should definitely buy this foundation!

Regina(garifyanov***@mail.ru)

Lumi Magique Primer Pure Light makeup base, L'Oréal Paris, is perhaps one of the best makeup products that every woman should have. The cost is low. The bottle is very convenient, which plays an important role for me. The product lasts me a long time, although I always carry it with me. The most important thing is its delicate and pleasant consistency. The base is easily distributed over the skin and can be mixed with other cosmetic products without problems. This product is widespread in retail outlets and online stores, and this makes me very happy.

master prime face primer, Maybelline

Maybelline New York has a new product: a collection of corrective facial primers Master Prime. Each of them prepares the skin for makeup application and corrects the tone: white smoothes the skin and minimizes pores, pink gives a healthy glow, green neutralizes redness, yellow corrects dark circles under the eyes and dull complexion, and blue hydrates and instantly refreshes the skin.

We tested moisturizing and pore minimizing. The first one has a rather dense texture, which nevertheless is practically not felt on the skin. The colorless product instantly improves complexion, softens and gives the skin a delicate glow. It can be used on its own, as a moisturizer, or paired with foundation.

The second has a flesh tint and adapts to the skin tone. It instantly softens and smoothes it out, and also makes pores visually less noticeable. Suitable for those with oily and combination skin as it provides a mattifying effect. It applies evenly and lasts longer than usual.

Sonya(sofi.doch***@gmail.com)

I recently purchased Maybelline Baby Skin foundation, but I have had enough time to appreciate all its advantages. Firstly, it has a pleasant smell and a complete absence of color, which makes it possible for even the most fastidious girls to use it. Secondly, a wonderful, almost velvety covering of the skin. Thirdly, this is undoubtedly the best makeup base I have used. The foundation goes on smoothly and without any smudging. The skin seems to glow from within. Fourthly, the base moisturizes and nourishes the skin, like all my favorite Mabylline products with the word Baby in the name. Thus, the foundation not only strengthens makeup, but also helps the facial skin recover. Well, I would like to mention the extreme durability of the product. The foundation helps your makeup stay on all day without creasing or leaving marks on the skin.

Julia(dolgovslava1***@mail.ru)

I really liked the Baby Skin makeup base, Maybelline, it really hides pores, there is no greasy shine, you spend less time on makeup to cover up all the imperfections, the main thing is that it doesn’t slide, it’s just super, I found my product, the consumption is small, it moisturizes, I recommend)) )

Anastasia ([email protected])

Baby Skin, Maybelline Foundation has been my go-to product in my makeup bag for the last couple of months. I used to have a serious problem with makeup; foundations and shadows of all brands would roll off or simply disappear from my face within a couple of hours. But when I started using Baby Skin foundation, I noticed two fantastic things. Firstly, my shiny, porous skin becomes matte and smooth (after the first use it was a shock =D), and secondly, the tone, shadows and even contouring on this basis last from evening to morning. Really cool stuff.

Shine killer face primer, NYX Professional Makeup

If you have oily or combination skin with visible pores, take a closer look at this NYX Professional Makeup base. It visually makes pores less noticeable, mattifies, evens out tone and prolongs the durability of makeup without weighing it down.

Apply with a synthetic brush or fingers - as a stand-alone product or before applying foundation. In the latter case, after applying the primer, you need to wait a few minutes for it to set - this way the foundation will fit better and last longer.

Primer born to glow, NYX Professional Makeup

If your goal is not to mattify the skin, but rather to give it a delicate glow and moisturize, use the Born To Glow base. It has a light texture, is instantly absorbed without leaving a sticky film on the skin, and evens out the tone.

The base can be used as a standalone product, mixed with foundation to highlight the skin, or applied as a highlighter to the prominent parts of the face for a subtle glow effect.

primer honey dew me up, NYX Professional Makeup

Are you looking for a primer that not only performs decorative functions, but also cares for your skin? Check out Honey Dew Me Up. The formula includes honey, fine gold particles and collagen, which is responsible for strengthening and smoothing the skin. Apply the product to cleansed skin - it will instantly neutralize redness (if any), moisturize and even out the tone. Wait a few minutes before applying foundation as the primer needs time to absorb.

Maria(maria_dobroskok***@mail.ru)

NYX Professional Makeup's Studio Perfect Primer is perfect for those with oily skin. The primer has a pleasant gel structure, is easy to apply and mattifies perfectly without a mask effect. Oily shine does not appear throughout the day, and the foundation applied to this base does not crease and does not leave stains. The product is available in three colors: clear, green (neutralizes redness) and violet (neutralizes unhealthy yellow or green skin tones). Contouring and strobing products also work well with this foundation.

Facial primer le base pro, Lancôme

This Lancôme base smoothes the skin, preparing it for applying makeup, and cares for it - softens, moisturizes, tightens pores. A pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face.

After using the base, the foundation will be distributed more evenly, and the makeup will last throughout the day. Suitable for any skin type.

Primer fluid master primer, Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani base will help prepare the skin for applying foundation and make makeup more durable. It fills the skin's unevenness - pores, small wrinkles and others, and also mattifies, maintaining a natural glow. The transparent base is completely invisible on the skin.

Primer maestro UV SPF 40, Giorgio Armani

The Maestro UV primer line includes three shades: beige, pink and lilac. Each is needed to correct the complexion (pink will help refresh an “earthy” complexion, and purple will cope with unhealthy yellowness and hyperpigmentation).

If there are no visible imperfections, it is better to use a beige primer - it will even out the skin tone, provide it with 12-hour hydration and protect it from UVA and UVB rays. Extends the durability of the foundation up to eight hours and copes with it “excellently”.

Primer Touche Éclat Blur Primer, YSL Beauté

A universal option for those who want to instantly “invigorate” the skin and prepare it for applying makeup. Touche Éclat primer tightens pores, evens out tone, gives skin radiance and softens it (contains four nourishing oils), without leaving a greasy film. Suitable for any skin tone and type, including sensitive.

How to properly apply primer in different ways, watch our video tutorial.

Today in our article we will talk about how to use facial primer correctly, what types of products there are, and why a mineral primer is preferable to a regular one.

How to use face primer?

First of all, you need to understand what this cosmetic product actually is. So, primer is a base for makeup. That is, this is a product that is applied before foundation or other product to even out the tone of the face.

Why should you use a primer?

Many girls do not consider it necessary to use a primer, starting from the idea that moisturizer and foundation will be enough. But this judgment is wrong. The product cannot be compared with any other product. In terms of its properties, it is strikingly different. Moisturizer gives your skin the moisture it needs. The foundation gives the face an even tone. The primer, in turn, has a complex effect.

What does using a primer give?

- Concealing skin imperfections
  Thanks to the application of the primer, various skin defects become less noticeable: acne, fine wrinkles, enlarged pores, redness, etc.
- Leveling the surface of the face
  The special texture of the product fills the smallest irregularities in the surface of the skin, making it smooth and the foundation lies more evenly.
- Increases the durability of makeup
  The primer regulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands, absorbing excess fatty secretions. Due to this, the makeup is not disturbed and remains durable throughout the day.
- Protecting skin from cosmetics
  Despite the fact that most of today's makeup products are hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, women still want to reduce their contact with the surface of the face. A great assistant in this endeavor is a primer. It creates a kind of barrier between the skin and makeup, minimizing the contact area.

Types of face primers

Makeup bases can be divided into several typologies. The first thing we will tell you is what consistencies the product has and what problems they are suitable for solving.

- - Liquid
    This look is suitable for girls with normal skin type, who rarely encounter the problem of imperfections on their face. The liquid foundation moisturizes the skin, gives it a matte texture, and also protects against the negative effects of environmental factors.
  - Cream
    It will be an excellent helper for girls with a small percentage of excess sebaceous gland secretion. Conceals minor imperfections such as freckles or minor redness.
  - Gel
    A resident of the cosmetic bag for ladies with oily skin types and problems with frequent breakouts. The consistency of the product is very light, so the face will not experience discomfort or additional weight.
  - Crumbly
    This product is most often presented in the line of mineral cosmetics. And it is worth highlighting separately, due to the large number of its positive properties. In appearance, the primer resembles powder - it has its structure and application technology. Due to the composition containing only components of processed natural minerals, the product has a weightless texture and excellent matte properties. Therefore, the product is great for girls with oily skin. In addition, components such as zinc oxide and kaolin have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.

The photo shows a mineral face primer.

Choosing a suitable primer

Professionals advise choosing a product based on the characteristics of the skin, the problems that need to be solved and the desired result. According to their composition and area of application, primers are divided into the following types:

- - - Silicone
      Most often found on store shelves. The product fills pores and fine wrinkles well, completely evens out the surface of the skin, smoothes out minor peeling, and also has a moisturizing function. Application is possible both for the entire face and for its individual zones.
    - Matting
      Most often applied to particularly oily areas of the skin: forehead, wings of the nose, chin. Able to mask the skin and regulate sebaceous gland deposits.
    - Shimmering
      In other words, a reflective primer containing particles capable of reflecting light falling on them. Most often used in evening make-up.
    - Mineral
      Mineral primers combine almost all the properties of all the above types. In addition, the components of the composition are processed particles of natural minerals. Such primers are absolutely hypoallergenic and have the ability to heal skin inflammation. Application can be applied to any area of the face. And in combination with other mineral products, you can create makeup that is in no way inferior to makeup using conventional cosmetics. However, mineral cosmetics do not contain harmful ingredients (fragrances, parabens, artificial dyes), which cannot be said about most decorative cosmetics.

How to properly apply primer to your face

There is nothing complicated in applying the product, the main thing is to follow the established algorithm of actions:

- - - - Skin cleansing
        The first step before applying any makeup is always cleansing your face. Wash or wipe your skin with your usual cleanser (foam, tonic, milk, gel, etc.). We advise you to avoid washing your face with regular soap, as it will tighten the skin quite strongly.
      - Applying cream
        Even after using a specialized product, our skin loses precious moisture. Therefore, it is important to restore fluid balance by using a moisturizer. Serums with a delicate, light texture work well. When using heavier creams, the problem of “floating” makeup may arise. After applying, give the cream a couple of minutes to completely absorb.
      - Primer application
        When applying liquid textures, start from the eye area, gradually moving to the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, applying the product with light dabbing movements. Do not rub the product into the skin. Check that the product is well distributed, paying special attention to the T-zone, inflammation, wrinkles, pimples and other skin defects. Give the primer a few minutes. After this, you can proceed to applying foundation and other products to achieve a complete makeup look.

How to use primer: do you need brushes?

Professional makeup artists advise applying the product with a special brush. It allows you to distribute the product evenly, while using it as sparingly as possible. The primer can also be applied with a damp sponge.

No matter how the product is applied with such a tool, it is important that it is individual and regularly cleaned. If you still do not trust tools and are a strong supporter of applying cosmetics with your fingers, then try to perform light patting movements. You should not diligently rub the primer into the skin; after all, it is not a moisturizer.

As for mineral primers, you need to use an artificial bristle brush. The application technique is quite simple: apply a thin layer of product with light movements. A small amount will be enough for the whole day. Mineral components have high levels of matteness and nourishment of the skin. With this product you will not need to adjust your makeup throughout the day.

In the video you will see how to apply mineral facial primer, as well as other products from the mineral cosmetics line.

Micro-Blur Skin Perfector, Kiehl’s, correcting and evening out skin texture

This foundation has not only an immediate, but also a cumulative effect. You can see it within four weeks after regular use: the skin becomes smoother and the pores are reduced. Responsible for this are lentil extract, which renews cells in the pore walls, strengthens them and narrows them, and eperua tree bark extract, which improves the barrier functions of the skin and smoothes its texture. Apply as a final skin care product.

Optical Illusion makeup base, Urban Decay

Extend the durability of your makeup and protect from the sun: a makeup base from Urban Decay will handle these tasks with a bang. Its texture is creamy, is not felt at all on the skin and does not leave a white “film”. Apply base to even out skin surface, minimize pores and provide care throughout the day. And the reflective particles in the composition guarantee a Photoshop effect.

Touche Éclat Blur Primer, YSL Beauté

The texture of this primer is transparent; you can see small shiny particles in the composition, which, however, “dissolve” on the skin and become almost invisible. This primer from YSL Beauté works like an eraser - it erases imperfections, tightens pores, making the skin texture even and smooth, and the complexion fresh and radiant. Its composition, by the way, is non-comedogenic, contains four nourishing oils that soften the skin. There is one shade - and it will suit any tone and skin type, including sensitive.

Moisturizing makeup base La Base Pro, Lancôme

Moisturize, add radiance, even out the surface of the skin and prepare for makeup: entrust any of these tasks to the Lancôme makeup base. It gives the skin a healthy appearance, deeply moisturizes and nourishes, and also adds radiance (the white pearlescent particles in the composition are responsible for this) and a delicate blush (all thanks to the same pearlescent particles, but now pink). Use it as a base or as a standalone product. But don't forget to lightly powder your face to give it a matte finish.

Primer for visual reduction of pores Pore Filler, NYX Professional Makeup

The primer has a delicate mousse-like texture. It has a light beige shade that adapts to the color of the skin and evens out its tone. In addition, the product smoothes out microrelief imperfections, masks enlarged pores and eliminates oily sheen. The finish of the primer is matte and velvety.

Infaillible Mattifying Primer, L’Oréal Paris

The product has a light creamy texture that spreads easily over the skin and remains almost imperceptible on it. After application, the skin becomes matte and becomes velvety to the touch. It stays like this for up to eight hours, even if you apply a thick foundation on top. By the way, in the same collection of primers there is also one for color correction of the face.

Mattifying makeup base Fluid Master Primer, Giorgio Armani

The primer from Giorgio Armani is gel, transparent, odorless and seems to be slightly “elastic”. The product has a convincing lifting effect and fills fine wrinkles and pores well. And, importantly, it does not leave a sticky film. The foundation spreads on top literally like butter and really lasts twice as long as usual.

A fresh product on the cosmetic market is primer. This is a makeup base, which will help disguise skin unevenness that appears after treatment, get rid of wrinkles and large pores, and make redness invisible.

Applied to face, primer Provides an even and long-lasting base for foundation, increasing its validity period. It is able to give blush and eye shadow lasting, rich shades.

Quality products prevent problem skin from producing too much oil, causing makeup lasts much longer.

You can learn how to use facial serum correctly from ours.

Types of means

Primers are divided into several types.

There are mineral and silicone makeup bases.

Products found for eyelashes, lips and eyelids, as well as for the face with a mattifying, toning or moisturizing effect. Based on their texture, primers are divided into solid, liquid and gel, as well as creamy.

The composition of primers also divides them into different categories. You can find reflective, silicone and mineral varieties on sale.

Silicone used to protect the skin and give it a velvety texture. The mineral base copes well with redness and is usually applied locally to problem areas.

Reflective Primers are good for highlighting the skin (warm shades for dark skin and cool shades for light skin).

Besides standard color There are white or transparent, yellow, orange, green, lilac and pink primers. The lilac color will cope with the yellowness of the face, and the green color will effectively remove redness and acne.

Orange is indispensable for bruises, and yellow will get rid of dark circles that appear under the eyes. Pink is recommended to be applied to obtain a natural, soft shade.

How to choose the best face primer?

Top best

How to properly apply bronzer to your face? find out right now.

Important advice from the editors

If you want to improve the condition of your skin, you should pay special attention to the creams you use. A frightening figure - 97% of creams from well-known brands contain substances that poison our body. The main components due to which all the troubles on the labels are designated as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, E214-E219. Parabens have a negative effect on the skin and can also cause hormonal imbalance. But the worst thing is that this nasty stuff gets into the liver, heart, lungs, accumulates in organs and can cause cancer. We advise you not to use products that contain these substances. Recently, experts from our editorial team conducted an analysis of natural creams, where first place was taken by products from Mulsan Сosmetic, a leader in the production of all-natural cosmetics. All products are manufactured under strict quality control and certification systems. We recommend visiting the official online store mulsan.ru. If you doubt the naturalness of your cosmetics, check the expiration date; it should not exceed one year of storage.

Budget with good characteristics

Inexpensive face primers:

Which one should you choose for yourself?

How to choose a face primer? When making a choice, you need to rely on data about your skin type:

moisturizing Skin with a dry texture will require the product. Such primers should attract the missing moisture and retain it for a long time;
product with components responsible for smoothness, softness and matteness, suitable for skin with high oil content. This makeup base will make the skin texture more uniform. Thanks to this, foundations will last longer and apply more evenly;
For problematic, oily skin models with extracts of quartz and algae, as well as rosemary, are well suited;
a primer that contains a component will suit everyone, protects against sun rays. It does not affect the final appearance of the makeup and does not spoil its structure;
if the complexion cannot be called uniform, you should use corrective foundations that contain glucose and vitamin C, which help hide age spots.

Typically, the composition of such primers also includes reflective particles that give the face a delicate glow.

What to look for when purchasing?

To avoid making a mistake when purchasing a database, you should test it. That's why You should not make purchases in online stores. Before purchasing, the product must be applied to the outer surface of the hand.

There are samples for this in special stores.

After applying the primer, you should wait until the composition dries and examine the resulting shade, which may differ from the original due to the oxidative reaction that occurs between the skin and the constituent elements of the product.

When choosing, you need to consider combine your natural skin tone with the tone of the primer. Therefore, before purchasing, you should get rid of the foundation on your face.

You should only use natural light, because it does not distort the color scheme, unlike electric light.

If your facial skin is white, you should not opt for a dark base. The shade of the primer should be one tone lighter than the main one.

In conclusion, it should be noted that in order to avoid problems, you should select a primer that suitable for your skin type. Oil bases are not suitable for oily faces, and dry skin will require prior application of moisturizer under the base.

A short overview of primers with a description of their characteristics in this video: