One of the most important parts of your skincare routine? Your primer. Let’s see why and then learn about the best makeup primers for each skin type.

October 11, 2021

You probably wouldn’t paint your blue walls green without priming them first. So, why treat your face differently? Some of the best makeup primers can give your face the blank (pore-less) canvas it needs to achieve an even complexion. Not to mention, they can also be the difference between a look that lasts minutes and one that takes you from morning to night. So, what’s the deal with primer, and which one is right for you? Let’s find out.

What Is the Purpose of Primer?

What Is Primer?

Think of primer as the bridge between your skincare and makeup routine. It helps to minimize large pores that might otherwise absorb too much makeup and create uneven coverage. Primer is available as a cream, gel, or liquid that creates a smooth base for your makeup application. It comes in a variety of finishes—like satin, matte, or dewy—each of which can complement your skin type.

Benefits of Using Primer

Some of the best makeup primers for oily skin can absorb excess sebum on the skin, and even out creases and flaky patches. The result? A look that may appear more natural and lasts through a full day of travel or a night of fun. But, that’s not all. Many primers contain botanicals—like orange, lavender, jasmine, rose, grape, and aloe—which can help leave your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. Some may even offer additional skincare benefits, such as anti-aging and sun protection.

You know those friends who always have your back? That’s what we look for in the best makeup primers on the market. They can help your foundation stay put in hot weather so you can look flawless. They may even help you use less foundation, so you can get more usage from each bottle (we can hear your wallet rejoicing from here). But, most importantly, they can help prevent your skin from absorbing the not-so-great ingredients hidden in your foundation—like talc, which can draw oil from the skin.

What’s the Best Makeup Primer for Your Skin?

If you’ve ever shopped for primers, you may have been overwhelmed by all the different types available. Lip primer—what’s that? Eyelash primer—is it necessary? While these products might be able to enhance your look, they’re not always needed. So, what about all those skin primers? They’re more likely to help you out, even below the surface. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best makeup primers for your skin:

• Blurring primers: Want an airbrushed look? Blurring primers may be able to help by creating an even appearance on the surface of the skin. 
• Green primers: Worried about that redness lingering on your skin? Green primers can help counteract the color and give your complexion an even tone.
• Blue primers: Maybe it’s the yellowness you’re more concerned about. Blue primers might be able to do the trick. 
• Color-correcting primers: Got a little bit of both colors going on? A color-correcting primer can help counteract most underlying skin tones.
• Illuminating primers: Help your skin achieve a healthy glow and appear less dull with an illuminating primer.
• Hydrating makeup primers: Face feeling dry from your flight? Help provide moisture with a hydrating primer, like the Hydro-Prime Light Hydrator + Primer from Artistry Studio™.  This feel-good formula can be an easy way to give your skin a pick-me-up while on-the-go. Not to mention, these makeup primers for dry skin can set the stage for a full face of makeup.
• Anti-aging primers: Help tone and protect your skin with anti-aging primers, most of which include SPF for even more coverage. 

You’ve got a lot of choices. But, a good starting point to help you decide on one is to take a look at the ingredients. Here’s the thing, all of those primers fall into one of two categories: water-based makeup primers or silicone-based makeup primers. They both have their benefits, but it all comes down to which ingredients better benefit your skin type.

Silicone-based primers can give your face a smooth, silky feeling​ that helps makeup glide on more easily without sinking into pores or creases. But, they can also act as a protective shield to help ward off environmental elements—like pesky air pollutants or invisible bacteria. How can you tell if a primer is silicone-based? Simple. If one of the first five ingredients ends in -cone or -siloxane. 

As for those water-based makeup primers, they’re a more lightweight option that can moisturize skin and leave it with a dewier finish. Hence the “water” name. Check the ingredient list for -cone or -siloxane in the first five ingredients. Don’t see it? Then it’s most likely a water-based makeup primer.

How To Apply Primer

Now that you have a better idea of which primer you may need, how do you apply it? Easy. Just make sure your skin is freshly cleansed and moisturized. We recommend waiting for at least three to five minutes for your moisturizer to work its magic. Then, grab your primer and evenly spread a pea-sized amount of formula over your face. When it comes to this product—be it water-based makeup primers or silicone ones, think less is more. That’s because too much can cause your makeup to slide around. When you’ve finished, wait at least one minute to let the primer set before applying your makeup.

Now that you’re primed for the task, say hello to brighter, longer-lasting makeup that can better withstand the test of day-long meetings and night-long adventures.