learn about different kinds of makeup primers
If you've been looking to up your makeup game, a new primer may be just the thing you need!
Now, primers are not a "be all, fix all" remedy... but they can help with a variety of concerns.
There are a ton of different primers that you can use, ranging from a cream to a serum to a liquid; or a combination of these. You may even be able to find a "hybrid" or transition type primer, such as a gel to oil primer.
In addition to primers for your foundation, you can also find primers for your eyeshadow, your mascara and your lips. Some people love primers, and will use them consistently as part of their makeup routine. Others feel primers are unnecessary; typically they emphasis a good skincare routine is sufficient enough. However you view primers, understand that just like anything in life, some people love them and some people don't. Give it a try and see if it makes a difference for you, and make your decision about primers based on personal results and preference(s).
Face primers help with longer wear of your foundation, creating a smooth surface, and targeting specific skin concerns before applying additional makeup products. Think of your face as a blank canvas. You will want to prep and take care of the skin as much as possible to create the "flawless" look that we all try to achieve. Keep in mind that seeing texture and pores in your skin is normal. Social media does a really good job at hiding what real skin looks like. So if your makeup starts to fall apart at the end of the day, don't worry, you are completely normal.
No primer in the world will do for you what filters do...
This is why there are so many "long lasting" cosmetic concepts... it's because they typically can't last all day, yet that is what most people want. I don't know about you, but once I do my makeup, I don't want to have to keep reapplying throughout the day. Sure, you might have to do a touch up here and there, but that doesn't mean your products aren't working well. Give yourself some grace and understand that you are human. If you are active, out in the elements, touching your face frequently throughout the day, there will be some "wear and tear" of your makeup. This is completely normal and to be expected. The goal is to try and establish the best defenses possible from the start; enter, the wide range of primer and setting products.
Drink plenty of water, eat a healthy diet, use a great skincare routine consistently, use primers to set yourself up for success, use high quality makeup products, and use a setting spray (and/or setting powder) to encourage your look to last all day. By combining these concepts, you are more likely to experience a "flawless" appearance. Lets take a look at some common concerns and the primers you may want to test out.
If you have dry skin, you should try a primer that is moisturizing, hydrates the skin and/or has a serum infused in the product. Anytime you find a primer that combines skincare, it is a great option to try out. These primers will help combat the common issue of flakey-ness on the face and dry patches where foundation tends to build up and look "cakey."
If you have oily skin, you should try a primer that helps mattify and minimizes shine. Look for a primer that helps with muting the appearance while controlling oil production.
Mattifying the surface will encourage a solid bond between makeup and your face, and will help reduce the "sliding" of the makeup on top of the oils your skin naturally produces.
I would also suggest using a setting spray or setting powder to lock it in, or to touch up through out the day as needed.
If you have dry to normal skin, consider using a shimmering effect primer. These primers boost radiance and help provide a youthful, dewy glow underneath makeup or when worn alone. A shimmering primer will provide a subtle glow. The shimmer should not be large chunks of glitter, but rather a slight "sheen" when the light reflects off the skin; an effortless glow.
If you have acne-prone skin, try a cream based primer that will not only moisturize the skin but will help mattify any shine. Cream based primers tend to help even out the skin tone and can downplay any redness in the skin. When you have acne, our instinct is to "dry it out" to get the gunk out - but you actually still need to moisturize and hydrate the skin to prevent further irritation and prevent the dryness and flaking that typically comes with this habit. Toning down the redness will also help reduce the amount of concealer and foundation you may want to put on top of those acne spots, which will help prevent further clogging those pores.
If you have combination skin, you may need to play around to see what works best for you. I would recommend starting with a hydrating/moisturizing primer first and go from there. This will help quench the skin and help provide a smooth and even base. You could also try combining different primers on different parts of your face. Use a hydrating primer where skin is dry, a shimmery primer where skin is dull and a cream primer where skin is oily, uneven or red.
Cream or Gel based primers:
These can be great for normal to dry skin types. These primers tend to have a moisturizing element to them and will help prep the skin for a smoother foundation application. These are a great option for the "average" person with "typical" skin. It will reduce fine lines, wrinkles, pores and imperfections. Think of this kind of primer as a starting place, a makeup "staple."
Moisturizing Primers:
A moisturizing primer is a great option for those with dry skin. These primers tend to be a little thinner in consistency and may combine benefits of skincare such as an elixir or serum. These primers will help prevent "cakey-ness" of your foundation if you find your makeup tends to flake off or "bunch up" around the nose, chin, or forehead. In addition to a solid skincare routine, this extra step before your foundation application will help combat this common concern.
Shimmer-effect, Glowing Primers:
If you have dull skin or find that you lack that youthful glow, a shimmery primer would be a great option for you. This kind of primer has a very tiny amount of shine to it that will help boost the radiance of your skin. It will create a more youthful, glowing effect under your makeup or on its own.
I've been using Vic Beauty - Glowing Perfection Face Primer. This is a gel primer, but honestly reminds me of a cream primer. Plus the name says "glowing," so it's kind of an all-in-one primer. It is so smooth, and SO soft. It literally makes my skin feel like silky butter. I definitely recommend you give this one a try. Vic Beauty products are manufactured in the USA with good manufacturing practices. These products are cruelty free, gluten free, and paraben free. Click the button below to grab yours!
Mascara/Eyelash Primer:
A mascara primer (or eyelash primer) helps to do just that; prime the lashes for mascara. It is intended to boost your existing lashes by adding thickness and a slight length to it. This can especially help those who struggle with small lashes. Apply 1-2 coats and allow the primer to dry briefly before applying your mascara on top.
Lip Primers:
If you struggle with a seamless lipstick look, you might want to try a lip primer. This kind of product will minimize the fine lines on and around the lips. Typically they look similar to a Chapstick, but will have a thicker, more luxurious feel.
I have been using Vic Beauty - Extra Plump Lip Moisturizer. It has such a nice, thick and smooth consistency. I love the way it feels on my lips and how it creates a nice barrier before applying lipstick. It will help prevent "feathering" of lipstick past the lip line and helps fills in small fine lines. This product conditions the lips, plumps them and makes them appear fuller. Click the button below to grab yours!
These are the basics of primers, how to use them and what they are intended to do. I have grown to really enjoy using primers and consistently use them any time I do my makeup. Give them a try and let me know what you think! If you found this blog helpful, make sure you share it to your favorite social media platform. Let me know if I can help you with any shopping questions or help you with earning VIC product credits!
Love and kisses 💞
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