PSA: You're Using Your Primer All Wrong. This Is The Only Way To Use The Product

The Internet is abounding with formulations that promise you an even-toned, second-skin-like finish — but the O.G? The one that started the trend? Primers! Primers are the hard-workers. The binders. They’re the foundation of the foundation, and they’re your very first step to acing any look. While you might have heard influencers and celebrities speak the praises of this crafty, skin-loving formulation, you’re possibly not acquainted with all of its wonders — but we’re changing that for you today. Here’s everything you need to know about the product, and how to use primers correctly!

What Is A Primer?

A primer is a product that goes on before your makeup. It excels at extending the longevity of your makeup by creating a barrier between your skin and your products and enhances the texture and tone of your skin as well — creating a smooth second-skin-like filter over your face. Lines? Gone. Unevenness? Don’t know her. Redness? Guzzled up. Think of it as photoshopping your skin IRL — it’s a lot like priming a surface or object before painting it to set the base for better application. 

Primers provide you with a crease-free canvas for application — and apart from doing all of this, some of them are multihyphenates in that they can blur pores, colour-correct, brighten, hydrate, sun-proof, and control oiliness. They can even tackle acne, and lift your face a little. Some can come to you  in the form of sunscreens and serums. Some are crafted for specific parts of the face — eyes and lips included. Just choose one that addresses your concern/s, and you’re good to go. 

If you’re wondering how to use primer on face, here’s how!

How Do You Use A Primer?

Now that you know what a primer is, and why it’s such a coveted product in beauty, the only thing that’s left is for you to learn how to tap into its potential accurately. It’s simple and effortless. Here’s how to apply primer on face.

1. Prep Your Skin:

How do you prep your skin for primer? All you have to do is cleanse your face thoroughly before rehydrating with a moisturiser. You can do your entire routine to further enhance your look. 

Use: MyGlamm GLOW Iridescent Brightening Moisturising Cream

Kickstart your routine with this rosehip oil-enriched cream. This cream is water-light, and it plunges into your skin right upon contact. It has a creamy-gel texture, and it excels at moisturising and nourishing the skin. Get it ASAP!

2. Prime Your Skin

Drop a pea-sized amount of primer onto the back of your hand. Dab some onto your fingertips, and apply the product in dots starting from the nose before moving outward. You can massage the product into your skin with a brush, blender or sponge but the warmth of your fingertips will make the application much more seamless. Blend away until the primer has melted into your skin, and left behind an airbrushed, fresh-faced effect. 

Use: MyGlamm Tinted Perfection Base Primer & Pore Minimiser

This skin-loving primer is a balm-based multihyphenate that targets pores, uneven skin texture, and oiliness. It’s lightweight, silky-smooth, and infused with a slight tint that endows your skin with a dewy-dumpling finish. This one excels at controlling shine and greasiness and has a mattifying effect on the skin.

3. Apply Your Makeup

Let the primer sit on your skin for a couple of minutes before proceeding with the rest of your routine.

Now you know how to apply primer. 

Tips For Applying Primer

Now that you know how to use makeup primer, here are some tips that’ll help you achieve the skin of your dreams. 

1. Make sure you’re using a small amount of product initially. You can build coverage later. 

2. Do apply your moisturiser before your primer. This makes the application of your primer seamless. That’s exactly how to use face primer.

3. Try looking for a primer that’s compatible with your foundation. If your primer is water-based, use a water-based foundation only. If it is silicone-based, make sure you’re using a silicon-based foundation. This will keep your base intact. 

4. Apply some around the eyes too. This smooths the area instantly and prevents snagging and smudging. 

5. Apply the primer with your fingers instead of sponges and blenders. This enables the product to absorb into the skin evenly — while the latter can drag the product around evenly, and pill-up in some places.

6. If you have a lightweight, non-stick primer, you can apply a little over your foundation to further play into the even-toned, second-skin-like finish.

How To Choose A Primer For Your Skin Type

The efficacy of your primer is largely contingent on whether it’s compatible with your skin type or not. That’s why choosing a primer that addresses your needs and concerns is important. Imagine picking an oil-controlling formula for someone with dry skin. Nope. Here are some tips and tricks for choosing the right primer.

1. If your skin is oily, you might want to use a mattifying primer to control shine and grease. Look for silicone-based ingredients like dimethicone — this one controls oil production effectively. 

2. If your skin is dry, a hydrating primer — one infused with ultra-hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or glycerin — can provide a shot of moisture to your skin, and endow your face with a dewy-dumpling, glazed-doughnut-like glow.  Make sure it’s lightweight and fast-absorbing. Now you know how to use makeup primer for dry skin.

3. If you want something that diminishes the visibility of lines and wrinkles, look for a formula infused with antioxidants. 

4. If your skin is acne-prone, adding a primer to your routine is non-negotiable. Remember that makeup — lots of layers — can lead to breakouts and irritation unless your skin is primed and protected. Do look for a primer that is oil-free, water-based, and non-comedogenic. Avoid silicones in general. Excessive oil can clog your pores and trigger flare-ups on the skin. 

So — what’s the verdict? Are we giving primers a chance?

FAQs

1. Does primer go on before or after moisturiser?

It always goes on after moisturiser. If you apply your primer pre-moisturising, you run the risk of sporting a dry, lacklustre complexion. 

2. How long will the makeup last if I use a primer?

You can expect it to last eight hours without your skin feeling patchy and blotchy. 

3. Are there separate primers available for eyes and lips?

Yes. A lip primer smoothes and evens out your lips and allows for better application in the process. It holds onto the lip colour for longer and prevents the pigment from bleeding or smudging at any point. An eye primer turns your lids into a smooth, crease-free canvas for eye makeup application. This prevents snagging and creasing. 

4. Can I mix primer with moisturiser?

It’s better to apply one after the other. Your moisturiser and primer serve a specific purpose, and mixing the two formulas could dilute their ability to do so. 

Also Read

1. Benefits Of Primer: While we’ve mentioned what a primer does, this guide deep-dives into every one of the product’s abilities, and how it does what it does. How does it blur pores? Mattify the skin? Take a look!

2. How To Choose A Primer: Primers are available in different variations and vehicles. Some mattify, some induce a glow, and others blur out lines and wrinkles. That’s why you need to know what your skin-type is to be able to choose a primer that best suits you. Ahead — a guide.

3. Debunking Primer Myths: What if I tell you you’ve got it all wrong about primers? Here are some long-held myths about primers that frequently dissuade people from investing in the product, and they’re not even true! Check ‘em out, and it might change your mind.