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FAQ
A primer is a cosmetics product that you use as a base before applying your makeup. Not only does it make your foundation stick better, but it also helps to even out your skin. Different primers focus on different things, but in common, most tend to work to reduce pores, redness and even out skin. Some primers also add shimmer to give more glow to your look.
You apply primer after your moisturiser but before your make-up. In other words: moisturiser, primer and then foundation. Most primers come in a cream form.
Squeeze out about a pea-sized amount of the primer and apply to the face with your fingers. If you’d rather use a brush, a foundation brush works really well.
An eye primer is a product that makes your eye shadow stay put. You've probably experienced your eyeshadow slowly creeping away throughout the day. This is what an eye primer remedies.
You use an eye primer in the same way as a regular primer, ergo, it "primes" the skin for makeup, so you apply it before you apply anything else. In fact, eye primers also tend to enhance the pigment in the eye shadow a bit, creating a more prominent colour.
If you want your makeup to stay even and stay in place, a primer as a base is the way to go. If you're a person who doesn't use foundation, a primer can actually be enough to make your skin look brighter and smoother.
Depending on your skin type and what you want to achieve with your primer, different products are best suited. That's why there's not one primer that is the best fit for everyone. If you want some help comparing different products, check out our test where we test a number of selected primers
3 tips when shopping for a makeup primer
To make your makeup last all day and give you a flawless finish, apply a primer before your foundation. Not only does it help your makeup stay put, but it also has other benefits:
If you want a natural glow, look for a primer with illuminating properties. This will give you a radiant look and provide a great canvas for your makeup.
To blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, try a primer with blurring properties. It's smoothing and evening out your skin.
For color correction, look for a primer that evens out your skin tone, like reducing redness.
If you have oily skin and tend to get shiny throughout the day, try mattifying primers. These help control oil and keep your makeup in place for longer.
Don't forget to protect your skin from sun damage by using a primer with SPF. This will help prevent dark spots and keep your skin healthy.
When it comes to applying primer, using your fingers is usually the easiest method. Your body temperature helps the product to spread smoothly. But if you prefer to use tools, a brush is a great option. Simply brush the primer onto your face - there's no need to massage it in.
If you're having trouble with your primer pilling when you apply foundation, there are a few tricks you can try. First, use less primer. Just a pea-sized amount should be enough, and apply it gently to your skin.
You can also look for a silicone-free primer. Silicone-based products tend to pill because they don't absorb into the skin. Check the ingredient list and avoid silicones if you think they might be causing the issue. While most primers do contain silicone, there are silicone-free options available.
Check out some more useful tips from Marie Claire to keep your make-up last all day.