What exactly is a Primer? Just like when painting a wall, a portrait, or even your nails, a base coat helps the colour stay on and appear smooth and flawless. Whether it's your foundation, eyeshadow, liner or lipstick, pairing any of these up with the right primer will not only give you better looking results, but it will also make it last longer. I know what you are thinking; once I'm done with my skincare routine and about to start my make up application, the last thing I need is an extra step. I felt the same way when I first heard about a primer but once I used one I never skipped this step again!
Let's start with the face. We are all on the endless quest for the flawless complexion. You may already have your favorite foundation figured out but pairing it with a primer is a great way to take it to the next level. Smashbox first introduced their primers in their studios so the photographer wouldn't have to stop for touch ups. They also customized the primers for different needs, making each one a different color. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light is my favourite, only because it is 60% water based. What does that mean? Well, many primers do a great job but sometimes contain ingredients that can also make you break out. Maybe save those for a special event like a wedding, but for every day use, stick to something super light. This weightless primer is great for sensitive or oily skin.
A silicon based primer really looks amazing and fills in pores and wrinkles. The Giorgio Armani Fluid Master is one of my favorite primers when I want my skin to look picture perfect. Although it is silicon based, it doesn't make me break out. Try out a few different primers and see how your skin reacts to them. It's also important to pair the right foundation with the right primer. It's simple, use a silicon primer with a silicon foundation. Mixing a water based foundation with an oil based foundation is the worst combination. The key is for the ingredients to work together. It doesn't necessarily have to be the same brand, just similar ingredients. Oil with oil, silicon with silicon and water with water. Ever wear a foundation with a primer and it looks like the products are basically falling apart? It's just like oil and water: no matter what you do they won't mix! Find the primer that is compatible with your foundation. Not sure which primer is oil based? Most aren't, but hints like "hydrating" or "radiant" let you know that these are for more mature or dry skin.
Now that we know how to find the right primer for you, how and when do you apply the primer? Once you are done applying your moisturizer wait a few minutes for it to settle in. I like to put a small amount of primer on the back of my hand and pick it up with a foundation brush. Just like a painter, paint on your primer everywhere you plan on applying foundation. You will love how smooth your skin will look!
Aline Agopian
