Proper makeup application is an art. It takes special skills, the right tools and a suitable selection of cosmetics to enhance your best features while downplaying flaws and blemishes. In the quest for perfection, makeup primer has emerged as one of the most useful products in preparing the skin for makeup application.

What is Makeup Primer?

Makeup primer is applied to prepare your skin’s surface to accept various layers and different types of makeup. Applying makeup primer is like preparing a blank canvass for the artwork. Primers are made with waxes, silicones and polymers enriched with various combinations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and emollients. It is applied after the moisturizer but before the foundation.

Benefits of Using Makeup Primer

The condition of your skin varies depending on the climate, your skincare regimen and your overall health. Fortunately, your skin’s condition can be transformed with the magic of skincare products and cosmetics. In this regard, applying makeup primer can have many benefits.

1. Skin Softener

Makeup primers that contain vitamin-enriched emollients have a moisturizing effect on skin, improving texture and providing a smoother surface for makeup application. Philosophy’s The Present Clear Makeup is a multitasking makeup primer that creates a velvety surface so that cosmetics glide on much better.

2. Pore Minimizer

Moisturizers are formulated for optimum skin absorption. When foundation is applied directly after the moisturizer, your pores may show through the foundation. An application of makeup primer such as the Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pure Oil-Free Skin Smoothing Face Primer will resolve this problem.

3. Non-comedogenic Pore Sealing

Effective makeup primers create a silken surface on your face because they seal the pores. However, stick with non-comedogenic formulations that will not clog pores and cause skin irritation such as Age Smart Skin Perfect Primer made by Dermalogica.

4. Anti-aging Effect

Some face primers may contain antioxidants and other anti-aging ingredients. However, the youthful glow that comes from including makeup primer in your regular routine comes from the skin polishing effect of primers. Although the effect is temporary, primer application will minimize fine lines upon application. However, products like Dermablend’s Skin Perfector Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Primer may help make the skin look and feel younger if used regularly.

5. Reduce Redness and the Evidence of Acne

Primers intended for sensitive skin contain soothing ingredients. While primers are not formulated for acne treatment, using some of this product under your foundation will cover up unsightly acne. Radiant skin is possible with the blend of cucumber, cactus extracts and antioxidants in Skin Calming Face Primer SPF 20 by Colorscience.

6. Mattifying and Anti-flaking

While some primers can moisturize the skin, others are formulated to reduce oiliness that can lead to streaks in your makeup. Primers will also prevent absorption of talc from makeup products.

7. More Polished Makeup

Staring your makeup routine with a velvety canvas means makeup is applied more easily, creating a professional finish on your face.

8. Makeup Stays on Longer

Sweating is minimized on your face as the primer acts as a temporary pore sealant. This keeps your makeup in place much longer than if you bypassed primer application. Primers such as Borghese’s Prima Viso Face Primer create a uniform surface for your foundation, preventing the dreaded makeup melt off.

9. Easy Application

If you dislike heavy makeup, makeup primers were created for you. Makeup primers are lightweight gel or cream formulations, colorless or lightly tinted, that dry easily after application, keeping your preparation time to a minimum.

10. A Primer for Everyone

Regardless of your skin type, tone and condition, there is a makeup primer formulated for your skin. With a diverse selection of makeup primers available, feel free to experiment until you find the right match.