If you’re into makeup, you’ve probably heard of primer, but you might be wondering if it’s really necessary. Primer is like the unsung hero of makeup—it makes everything look better and last longer. So, what exactly does primer do? Let’s break it down!

What is Makeup Primer?

Primer is a product you apply before your foundation and other makeup. It’s kind of like putting on moisturizer before foundation or undercoat before painting a wall. It preps your skin, smoothing it out so that your makeup goes on easier and lasts longer. Primers come in all sorts of textures like gels, creams, and sprays, and they can tackle different skin needs.

What Does Primer Do?

1. Smooths Out Your Skin

Primers fill in those little lines and pores, giving you a smooth base for your makeup. This helps your foundation glide on evenly and keeps it from settling into any fine lines or uneven spots.

2. Makes Your Makeup Last

One of the biggest perks of primer is its ability to make your makeup last longer. It acts as a barrier between your skin and makeup, helping to stop oils and sweat from messing with your look throughout the day.

3. Controls Shine

If you have oily skin, a mattifying primer can be a game changer. It soaks up extra oil and keeps your face looking matte and fresh for hours.

4. Boosts Color Vibrancy

Primers can make your makeup colors pop. They provide a nice neutral base that helps eyeshadows and blushes look more vibrant and true to their color.

5. Adds Hydration

Some primers are designed to give your skin an extra boost of moisture. If you have dry skin, a hydrating primer can keep your skin from looking flaky or patchy under makeup.

6. Blurs Imperfections

Many primers have blurring effects, which help soften the look of imperfections like fine lines and redness. They give your skin a smooth, soft-focus finish that makes it look better even before you put on any makeup.

Types of Primers and Their Uses

• Mattifying Primers: Great for oily skin to keep shine under control and make pores look smaller.
• Hydrating Primers: Perfect for dry skin, adding moisture and preventing flaky makeup.
• Color-Correcting Primers: Come in various shades to help balance out redness or dullness.
• Illuminating Primers: Give your skin a subtle glow and make it look brighter.
• Pore-Minimizing Primers: Help make large pores look smaller for a smoother appearance.

Application and Usage

1. Start Fresh: Make sure your face is clean and moisturized before applying primer.
2. Use Sparingly: You don’t need much—just a pea-sized amount is enough.
3. Apply Evenly: Gently spread the primer over your face, focusing on areas where makeup tends to wear off, like your forehead and nose.
4. Let It Set: Give the primer a minute to settle before moving on to foundation for the best

Recommended Products

Here are some highly recommended primer products across different needs and skin types:

1. Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

2. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

3. Benefit POREfessional Face Primer

4. Tatcha The Silk Canvas

5. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer

Pros

• Smooths skin and blurs imperfections
• Works well with various foundations
• Suitable for most skin types

Cons

• Silicone-based formula may not suit all skin types
• Can be pricey

Frequently Asked Questions on What Does Primer Do

1. What’s the deal with primer, and why should I use it?

Primer is like a prep step for your makeup. It smooths out your skin and helps your foundation stick better, so your makeup looks even and stays put longer. Think of it as a base layer that makes everything else look and feel better.

2. How does primer make my makeup look better?

Primer helps by filling in tiny lines and pores, giving you a smoother surface to work with. This means your foundation goes on more evenly and doesn’t settle into wrinkles or uneven spots.

3. Can primer help control oil?

Definitely! There are primers that are great for controlling oil and shine. They help soak up excess oil, so your face stays matte and your makeup stays in place longer.

4. What about primer for dry skin?

For dry skin, a hydrating primer can be a game-changer. It adds extra moisture and prevents your foundation from looking flaky or uneven. It helps give your skin a smooth, dewy finish.

5. Are there different primers for different skin issues?

Yes, there are! Whether you’re dealing with oiliness, dryness, or uneven texture, there’s a primer for you. Some even help with color-correcting issues like redness or dullness.

6. How long does primer make my makeup last?

While it varies, primer generally helps your makeup last longer by giving it a better surface to stick to. It can keep your makeup looking fresh for several extra hours.

7. Do I need to use primer every day?

It’s up to you. If you want a flawless finish and longer-lasting makeup, primer is a good choice. But if you’re going for a more natural look or just in a rush, you might skip it.

8. How do I apply primer the right way?

After your skincare routine, apply a small amount of primer all over your face, focusing on areas where you need extra smoothing or oil control. Let it sit for a few minutes before applying your foundation.

9. Can I use primer by itself?

Yes! Some people use primer alone for a smoother skin texture or a bit of glow, even if they’re not wearing foundation.

10. Are there primers with added skincare benefits?

Absolutely! Many primers come with extra perks like hydration, anti-aging ingredients, or SPF. Check the labels to see what additional benefits they offer.