What is a make-up primer?

A make-up primer is applied under foundation to minimize the appearance of fine lines and large pores, providing a smooth canvas for flawless looking make-up.

Make-up primers assist foundation to spread smoothly and evenly, and the primer fills in any large pores and fine lines, providing the perfect ‘canvas’ for the rest of your make-up.  Primers instantly reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines and they can help keep oily skin looking shine-free and flawless for longer. You might even find that you end up using a little less foundation with the same amount of coverage as before, saving you both product and money.

Primer should be applied after moisturiser and sunscreen, but before concealer and foundation. It is best to wait a few minutes for each of the products to sink in, so apply your moisturiser and sunscreen after cleansing your face.  Maybe go have breakfast, or a cup of tea or coffee, and then apply the primer.  Wait a few more minutes for the primer to settle before applying your foundation and the rest of your make-up.

For example, I like to cleanse and moisturize my face as soon as I get up in the morning, before having breakfast.  After breakfast, I apply my primer and then brush my teeth.  By the time I’ve finished, the primer has had time to settle into my skin and I can start applying my make-up.

If you’re looking for affordable budget-friendly products, consider looking at these:  Innoxa Pure Silk Skin Primer, Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer, NYX Shine Killer and Nude by Nature.

There are a variety of different primers out there, including ones made specifically for the eyes and lips – these will help prevent eyeshadow from creasing and lipstick from feathering and fading.  If you’re looking to minimize pores and fine lines on your face be sure to look for a silicone-based primer if you’re not allergic to silicone.

As always, I would advise doing a patch test before using a new product, especially if you have sensitive skin and are unsure whether it would cause an allergic reaction or not. The best place to do this is either behind an ear, on the inside of the elbow, or on the underside of the wrist. Leave the product on overnight and see if your skin reacts.